Nobody appeared for State
HC decides criminal case after 28 years

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov , 13: Justice Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain of the State High Court decided a criminal case after 28 years which was registered on June 17, 1978 and Court below awarded sentence in 1986.

According to the prosecution case nine accused namely Ghulam Mustafa alias Musa, Mukhtiar Ahmed, Abdul Latif, Abdul Qayoom, Abdul Kabir, Mod Akbar, Shamas Din, Lassa Bhat and Sattar Sheikh were charge-sheeted by the Bhaderwah police in case of robbery with serious injury, attempt to murder and personating to be Govt a employee.

It is said that one Ghulam Mohd lodged a report in the P/S Gandoh on June 17, 1978 stating there in that during the night intervening 14/15 June 1978 while he was sleeping with his family in his house at Village Nagni Batota Gandoh, accused Ghulam Mustafa, Lassa Bhat, Sattar Sheikh, Dulla Tantary and Shamas Din entered his house assaulted his parents and inflicted injuries with sharp edged weapons with an intention to kill them. They wrapped his father in a blanket and threw him the field with the intention to kill him. He raised alarm due to which the assailants ran away from the spot.

It was further stated that accused committed robbery as they took away hand-bag containing currency notes, Pashmina Shawls, Blankets, radio, gold ornaments and some utensils from his house. Some neighbour reached the spot and due to their intervention they were saved. His parents were taken to Doda hospital where medical treatment was given to them. After eight years trial Sessions Judge Bhaderwah on October 30, 1986 awarded sentence to accused to undergo nine years imprisonment.

The accused against the judgment filed appeal in the High Court in 1986 which was decided in the month of November 2006.

During trial accused Sattar Sheikh had died whereas accused Ghulam Mustafa, Mukhtiar Ahmed and Lassa Bhat died during the proceedings of this appeal.

Justice Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain after hearing counsel appearing for the accused whereas nobody appeared for the State to argue the case, and after going through the statement of the prosecution witnesses, observed that on consideration of the matter Court find sufficient evidence on file to establish the offence u/s 307/323 RPC against the accused Shamas Din. Prosecution witnesses have in one voice deposed that accused Ghulam Mustafa, Sattar Shiekh, Shamas Din and Lassa Bhat committed the act as they trespassed into the house of complainant and assaulted and injured the parents of the complainant. Thus the trial Court has rightly found these accused guilty of the offence. Since out of these, only accused Shamas Din is alive, so Court need not to go to the evidence of the witnesses against other three accused persons. So far rest of the accused are concerned, admittedly they have not trespassed into the house of the complainant and have not actually participated into the act of assault and alleged theft.

The witnesses have stated that they were standing outside the house. On appreciation of the evidence, Court doubts whether the witnesses were stating the truth while speaking about the presence of these accused persons at the scene of occurrence as it most improbable that at the dead of night and in the circumstances the injured were assaulted.

It was possible for the witnesses to see the accused standing outside the house. Even the FIR, which is first in time about the occurrence, does not give the names of these accused persons. On careful consideration of the matter, the Court is of the view that the name of other accused persons has been added just to falsely implicate them. The finding of the Trial Court about their guilt is not based on proper appreciation of the evidence.

In the circumstances the findings of the Trial Court convicting other accused and sentencing them to various imprisonments cannot stand. In case of Shamas Din, only offences U/Ss 307/323 RPC is made out against him. On the question of sentence Court find in view of the proved allegations, one month simple imprisonment u/s 307 RPC and 7 days Simple Imprisonment u/s 323 RPC will meet the ends of justice. The period of detention if any be adjusted towards the present sentence.

With these observations and orders the High Court partly allowed the appeal.

One killed, 7 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 13: One person was killed and seven others received injuries in separate road accidents while one person allegedly committed suicide.

Police spokesman said that one Rajiv Rishi of Sainik Colony was killed in road accident at Asia crossing. He was rushed to Government Medical College Hospital in critical condition where he was pronounced as brought dead.

A case has been registered in this connection.

Meanwhile, six persons were injured in separate road accidents as 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 the reports last came in.

They have been identified as Rakesh Kumar, son of Hans Raj of Batote, Bholi Devi, wife of Pawan Kumar of Kalyana, Man Singh, son of Manohar Lal of Bari Brahamana, Rajinder Kumar, son of Malu Ram of Resham Ghar, Rohit Sharma, son of Yog Raj Sharma of Kathua, Garo Devi, wife of Prem Lal of Kalyana and Ishar Dass, son of Ganga Ram of Billawar.

The spokesman said that one Mishri Ram, son of Kaka Ram of Raipur Satwari allegedly committed suicide by consuming poisonous substance at his residence.

He was rushed to hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors immediately provided him stomach wash treatment but he could not fight for his life and died.

One Surinder of Channi Himmat fell from roof top of a house. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition where doctors declared him as brought dead.

Governor honours 11-year old Bharatnatyam exponent

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 13: Impressed by the grand Bharatnatyam performance by 11-year old Sonali Sharma before enthusiastic Jammu audience, Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha invited her to Raj Bhavan this evening and felicitated the young exponent of traditional dance.

"Art needs to be appreciated and the artist encouraged", the Governor told the budding dancer while complimenting her for her performance in the Abhinav Theatre the other day.

General Sinha and Lady Governor, Mrs Premini Sinha presented memento to the child artist. Sonali, accompanied by her parents Mrs and Lt Col. Sham Sharma, apprised the Governor about her stage performances around the country and said that her great moment was when President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam watched herdance. Sonali had won accolades from Jammu audience for performing Pushpanjalim Nattai Aaadhi followed by traditional Thisra Alarippu, an invocatory rendition wherein the danseur worships the Supreme Being by the form of Aanqika Abhinava. She continued the odyssey by presenting Jathiswaram Saveri Rupakam, a composition based on Nritta, pure dance, Kauthvam Hamsadvani Aadhi, Shiva Stuthi Hamsanandhi Aadhi Meera Bhajan Hindolam Chatushra Eka. She gave vivid account of Meera visiting Mathura in search of Lord Krishna.

Sonali Sharma took to dancing at five and is credited with numerous honours at scintillating performances around the country.

Restructuring of Directorate of Statistics in offing: Qarra

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 13 : Evaluation is an important agent of change and plays a critical and credible role in supporting accountability, said the Minister for Finance Planning and Law Affairs Tariq Hameed Qarra here today while inaugurating a three day workshop on evaluation and monitoring. The workshop was organized by Directorate of Economics and Statistics in collaboration with Planning Commission of India.

The Minister said that role of evaluation in ensuring sound governance has been recognized in the planning process and, a large number of evaluation institutions have been established at the Centre and in States to aid planning and policy making, which needs to be strengthened now.

The Minister said that to serve the basic purpose of bringing improvement and efficiency in the development programmes there is a need to make the evaluation studies for the concerned implementing agencies with regular follow-up at a very senior level.

The findings may even go to the cabinet for an over all view. Some mechanism needs to be evolved that could in some way link the evaluation findings with the funding of the programme/scheme evaluated, he said.

Mr. Qarra said that the monitoring mechanism of State Government needs to be strengthened with a view to ensure regular monitoring of developmental schemes/programmes/projects in the state. He said size of plan outlay allocations for centrally sponsored schemes and institutional finances has increased considerably over the period.

The Minister said that the state government is considering to re-structure and re-organize the Directorate of Economics and Statistics and to meet the emerging challenges on account of development evaluation and field monitoring. By strengthening Directorate the statistical and evaluation mechanism can be made more effective to shoulder the responsibilities of physical monitoring of the works in a systematic manner and on scientific basis.

Later, the Minister released Rs. 25 lakh for strengthening of the infrastructure of the department. He said government is contemplated to reorganize the Economics and Statistics Department to make it more effective in its functioning.

Mr. Qarra also released three publications of the department on the occasion. A deputation of Jammu and Kashmir Statistical Non-Gazetted Employees Association also called on the Minister and presented a charter of demands. The Minister after hearing them assured for sympathetical consideration.

On the occasion the Director Economics and Statistics Department G. A. Qureshi highlighted the functioning of the department.

V K Bhatia, Advisor (Evaluation), Planning Commission, Government of India and Prof. Nisar Ali, Dean Faculty Social Sciences, Kashmir University also spoke on the occasion.

All POJK Displaced Persons Front formed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 13: Various organisations and prominent persons of displaced community of Pakistan occupied part of Jammu and Kashmir have resolved to constitute an umbrella organisation with the name of All POJK Displaced Persons Front and submit a joint memorandum to the Chief Minister and the Union Government regarding their demand.

In a meeting of the organisations held here on Sunday under the chairmanship of Prof Virender Gupta, president Jammu Mukti Morcha, it was decided that issues of the displaced persons of 1947 refugees and those displaced in 1965 and 1971 from Chhamb, will be raised before the Government for the amicable settlement and resolution.

The members of the Front decided to observe November 25 as Sahidi Diwas jointly by all displaced persons from Pak occupied Jammu and Kashmir. On this day, a protest rally will be organised which will culminate at Shahidi Samark in front Medical College, Jammu. It was decided to fight the cultural identity of the displaced community and stressed the need of asserting for the political identity of the community.

Leaders from various organisations like- JK Sharnarthi Action Committee, Kissan Mazdoor Refugee Dal, Muzaffarabad Displaced Persons Committee, Mirpur Displaced Persons Association, Chhamb Displaced Persons and Kotli Refugee Committees attended the meet. Prominent among those present in the meeting include-Capt R K Raina, Capt Yudhvir Singh, R K Sharma, Rachpal Singh, V K Tandon, Capt G L Sharma, Gurmeet Singh, Bharat Bhushan, Dr Sriniwas, Yash Paul Gupta, Suchwant Singh, Sudesh Gupt'a J L Amla, S K Gupta and J P Raina.

JAC demands tehsil status for Jandrah

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 13: Joint Action Committee Jandrah in block Dansal has demanded to declare Jandrah as tehsil in Jammu district.

In a meeting of the JAC held at Kahpotha Panchayat Ghar today various leaders including Sarpanch and other panchayat members strongly putforth the demand of general public to provide tehsil status to Jandrah Niabat. It was pointed out that Jandrah continued to remain as Niabat for the last 31 years and it deserves to be tehsil as per its area and population.

The JAC has been constituted by involving Panchayts of Manwal, Korga, Kishanpur, Kahpotha, Kamyala, Jandrah, Dhan, Saruinsar, Chilla, Pounthal and Sangone. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Pritam Singh Jamwal, president of the committee.

He pointed out that Jandrah has remained neglected by the previous governments and it deserves to enjoy tehsil status. He said Jandrah is nearly 60 kms from Jammu but comes under district Jammu whereas tehsils like R S Pura, Bishnah, Samba are only 20, 25 or 38 kms from Jammu. The people of this area have to suffer and come to Jammu for petty revenue works. Mr Jamwal pointed out that declaring Jandra as model village will not sufice the burning demand of the people here. They expressed full faith in the leadership of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and expected justice.

Prominent among those present include-Sarpanchs Mohan Lal, Mohan Lal Verma, Janak Singh, Subhash Singh, Dewan Chand, Haji Mohd Rafiq, Khursheed Ali, and Ganga Dutt Sharma.

Romesh for speedy development of rural areas

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 13 : Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Dr Romesh Chander Sharma today said that Government is committed to the development of rural areas particular those along the Line of Control.

He asked the people to keep an eye on all developmental works being carried out in their villages by Rural Development Department and ensure they receive benefits of the schemes. He said, two modern villages one each in Nowshera and Sunderbani are being developed in first phase.

He distributed cheques of Rs 5.20 lakhs, among 40 beneficiaries of Sunderbani and Nowshera under IAY scheme for construction and repair of houses. Minister also distributed pension cheques among widows. He stressed upon the village level workers to survey their respective areas and see that no genuine case is left.

Minister asked the social welfare department to prepare list of all such widows who have died, so that fresh widow cases, which are pending would be incorporated in the list. He said that the department must train women folk in different skills, so that they can earn their livelihood even at their homes.

A deputation of handicapped person met the Minister and demanded artificial limbs for the children particularly those who have lost their limbs during last 15 years of turmoil.

He also inspected some works being executed by rural development department at Sunderbani and Nowshera.

World Diabetes Day observed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 13: In connection with the World Diabetes Day, 6th annual on the spot painting cum-poster competition was held at Kamla Palace here today.

The contest was organised by Janta Diabetes Care Centre Talab Tilloo and JKFAS. The World Diabetes day is observed to mark the birthday of Dr Feddrick Banting, a Nobel Prize winner. Dr Banting discovered Insulin in 1921, which has saved the changed life of millions of diabetics.

Dr Raj Kumar Sharma senior Diabetologist Govt Medical College Jammu has been contributing to create awareness among the people here about the disease. He stressed for regular monitoring of blood sugar and taking well care of body organs like heart, kidneys, eyes, brain etc.

In connection with creating awareness about disease the painting contest was held here in which 12 prestigious schools of Jammu participated with more than 100 students putting their thoughts and concepts with the help of paint and brush on paper.

In Group Ist, Shiva Nagri of KC Public school bagged Ist prize, Sakshi from Coop Public School —2nd while Sakshi Sharma from S D Tarapuri school 3rd. From Group II, Surinder Jamwal (DBN) was adjudged Ist, Vanessa Jenny from St Xavier as 2nd while Saurabh Chalotra from KC Public school as 3rd.

Self rule concept duplicate copy of autonomy: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 13: Senior Vice President of PEC Ab. Gani Vakil has said that dropping of demilitarization slogan by those main-stream parties who were earlier trying to follow Musharraf's concept and have now openly changed stand after realizing their mistakes would be appreciated if found sincere in their change of concept.

Addressing a day long Congress workers convention at Bandipora today, Mr. Vakil said that the self rule concept means duplicate copy of the autonomy slogan and advised both the parties to evolve a consensus on autonomy document under the Constitution of India and discuss the same in working groups constituted by the Prime Minister for the purpose. He hoped that now people could not be befooled through false propaganda and was optimistic and all the parties will jointly strengthen Gandhian concept of self rule existing in the constitution of the country.

Mr. Vakil described demilitarization slogan as political mileage of some vested interests and recent killings of innocent people in Pulwama and Rafiabad should be an eye opener for those people who were earlier blindly following the Musharaff’s concept trying to meet their selfish interests, challenged those people to walk a distance without security under the prevailing circumstances. He appealed them not to try to befool people again and again on one pretext or the other.

Hailing Chief Minister Gh. Nabi Azad’s recruitment policy wherein 15 new Armed Police battalions are being raised in J&K, vakil said itwould create new avenues of employment and go a long way to deal with the problem of unemployment in the State. Mr. Vakil also welcomed the historical decision of the Chief Minister while convincing Prime Minister and Union Finance and Planning departments for presentation of the annual budget of the State in January itself which he said would be the only state in the whole country where the budget presentation would be effected from January month and this step he said would in future witness the development scenario touching the skies. Besides others MLA Sangrama Shoaib Nabi Lone, General Secretaries JKPCC Anwar Ahmad Bhat and Rafiq Sadiq also addressed the party convention.

Tributes paid to Ashai

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 13 : On the occasion of birth anniversary of renowned educationists of Kashmir, Ghulam Ahmad Ashai, a galaxy of intellectuals, writers and historians remembered him for his extraordinary contributions in the field of education immediately after the end of autocratic rule.

The Speakers in the meeting included renowned historian Fida Hassnain, Director Information Farooq Ahmad, chief organizer CROKSY Prof. Siraj-u-din, Ali Mohammed Kenu of Bulbulshah Trust, the office bearers of Kashmir Society, prominent members of CROKSY and other respectable citizens. On the occasion rich tributes were paid to Late Ghulam Mohammed Ashai. It was pointed out unanimously by all the speakers that when Kashmir University was launched by the then Prime Minister of Kashmir, Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, it was Ghulam Ahmad Ashai who was not only the first Registrar of it but his role in achieving its overall progress was of great significant .

When first convocation of the University was held at Sher-e- Kashmir Park, Ghulam Ahamd Ashasi led the convocation as the first Registrar of the University while in absence of any permanent Vice Chancellor, a High Court Judge Qazi Muhammad Hussain was acting as Vice Chancellor. The history of contributions in the field of education clearly indicates the role of Ghulam Ahmad Ashai in establishing the first University of the state. The speakers were of the opinion that Kashmir University should not only acknowledge his role but start giving proper importance to all those who have played vital role in its establishment.

Speakers on the occasion also referred to the contribution made by Mr Ashai in establishing a reading room at Fateh Kadal which according to history became epitome of launching movement not only against autocratic rule but for restoration of all democratic rights of people in general.

The contribution of Mr. Ashai in establishing chain of schools in Sheri-Khas from 1931 till his life time are of high importance while enumerating educational history of the state. Later all those who attended the function maintained two minutes silence in the memory of the great visionary of the State.

Take strict action against absentees: Manjit

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 13 : Minister of State for Education and Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Manjit Singh, who was on one day tour of Kathua district, inspected various institutions including Government High School, Diani, Middle School, Dhalli and Higher Secondary School, Sallan and reviewed their functioning.

At Government High School, Diani Ms Ritu Sharma and Ms Kanta Devi teachers were found absent. Singh directed the Chief Education Officer, Kathua to take action and seek explanations from the absentees. Regarding the reported attachment of Kuldeep Singh and Tirath Ram, teachers of Government Middle School Dhalli, the Minister asked the CEO to look into the matter and submit report.

The Minister convened a meeting of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution officers of the district and reviewed the functioning of the department. He directed the Assistant Director CAPD and TSOs to conduct frequent checks of the market to verify the rates of essential commodities. He directed the K. Oil dealers and gas agencies to display balance as well as stock position on the board on day-to-day basis. He also asked the fair price shop owners to display their rate lists.

He asked the officers to ensure BPL ration to the BPL population and ensure supply of quality ration to the consumers.

World Diabetes Day observed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 13: In connection with observance of World Diabetes Day falling tomorrow a function was organized at Model Institute of Education and Research (MIER), B C Road, here, today.

Dr Jitendra Singh a renowned Diabetologist and author was the chief guest on the occasion. The function was jointly organized by MIER, Diabetes Care Foundation, Pir Panchal and Lions Club Jammu, Tawi.

A diabetic detection camp was also organized in collaboration with USV Limited and 100 people were tested.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh cautioned that in next 20 years there is going to be 120 percent increase in the incidence of the Diabetes world over and about 80 percent of the entire world’s diabetic population will belong to developing countries including India.

He said increasing population, increasing lifespan, reduced physical activity and heightened stress has made diabetes a major health challenge for 21 st century with India being described as "diabetes capital of the world".

Dr Jitendra Singh said even in J&K the Diabetes had recorded a sudden unprecedented growth in recent few years and also affected the hitherto unaffected ethnic groups like the Kashmiri migrants.

In his welcome address, Director MIER, Dr Arun K Gupta highlighted the role of MIER in spreading awareness campaign to fight diabetes. He said education institutions can play a great role in this regard and MIER will take a lead.

Prof. Rita Jitender, while stressing on preventive measures said the diabetes can be kept at bay with the joint efforts of all.

President Pir Panchal, Ramesh Hangloo highlighted the role of Dr Jitendra Singh in launching an awareness campaign against this life style disorder.

Ashok Chaturvedi, convenor of the Diabetic Foundation highlighted the role of his organization while Jaspal Singh of Lions Club Jammu proposed the vote of thanks.

The function among others was attended by Dr Renu Nanda, Dr Sudan, Prof. Vinod Pathania and Rajesh Khar. Power point slides on diabetic education were also shown on the occasion. The USV Limited was represented by Mr Deepak.

Display Your Talent contest held at JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 13: Ridhima Mahajan from Women College Parade Ground secured first position while Sulbha Gupta from the same college second in the ‘flower arrangement’ contest as a part of " Display Your Contest" programme being organised by the Department of Students Welfare, Jammu University.

In this contest held today, Rishi Kumar of the GGM Science College, Jammu secured third place. Certificates of merit were awarded to Suhani Kotwal from Law School, Balwinder Kour from R K College of Education, Himani Jain of Psychology Deptt of JU, Rajni from Institute of Music & Fine Arts and Kanwar Iqbal from Govt Medical College, Jammu. Prof Rajni Dhingra, R K Wali and Satish Koul were among the adjudicators. Prof Devinder Singh, Dean (AA) was the chief guest.

In college contest, Shveta Pandita from Deptt of Zoology was adjudged as best whereas, Ravinder Kour and Sakshi Sharma, both from Gandhinagar College for Women as second and third, respectively. Saraish Sharma from Institute of Fine Arts and Music and Kamal Deep from Women Degree College, Udhampur were awarded certificates of merit. The topic for the contest was ‘ A dream’ , ‘Morning Glory’ , ‘ Violence’ and ‘Festival’. S T S Batra, Mohd Amer Almansoor and Surpal Singh Slathia were the adjudicators.

Edu Deptt ministerial staff body discusses demands

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Nov 13: A meeting of ministerial staff of Education Department, Poonch held under the presidentship of Mohd Bashir Malik discussed their burning demands.

The demands included creation of posts of ministerial staff in 43 Non-NES zone which are without staff since 1991; Lifting of Secretariat Training Bar for promotion Senior Assistant aged Plus 50 to the post of Head Assistant; 50% posts of ZEPO be filled up by promoting SOs of Education Department etc.

A district body was constituted with Mohd Bashir as president, Sardool Singh as vice president, Mohd Farooq as general secretary, Mrs Kamlesh Kumari as secretary, Khazan Singh as organizer etc.

Central body committee office bearers included Rajinder Singh as senior vice president, Mushtaq Hussain as vice president, Ravinder Kumar as secretary and Sham Parshad as joint secretary.

The advisory board comprised of Subash Sharma, Maqbool Hussain Shah, Mushtaq Ahmed, Harbax Singh, Harcharan Singh, Mohd Mubaraz, Mohd Sharief, Mrs Shama Kumari etc.

CIWF continues its march despite various hurdles

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 13: Child and Infirm Welfare Foundation which has achieved a land mark of providing learning material to over 1.05 lakh children of various slums and Government schools under the leadership of its founder executive director Kanwal Nath Wangu has continued its march ahead.

Founded in the year 1982, the CIWF has been striving hard for spread of education amongst the school drop outs and poor students of slum area schools by distributing stationery and other articles to encourage the students towards studies.

There would have been no educational institution in even far flung areas where Mr Wangu did not reach to distribute study material including pictorial charts, note books, pencils, erasers, pencil sharpners etc.

Despite in knowledge of all the authorities the works of Wangu have gone un-noticed by the authorities at the helm of affairs. Mr Wangu says that brain behind all the activities of Foundation has been Rajesh Bhardwaj of Punjab National Bank, whom death snatched away leaving all in astray.

Leh highway closed for 2nd day

SRINAGAR, Nov 13: The entire Ladakh region remained cut off from the rest of Jammu and Kashmir via land route for the second consecutive day today due to heavy snowfall at various places along the 434-km-long Srinagar-Leh National Highway since last evening.

The road would be officially closed for vehicular traffic for six winter months from November 15.

About 8-10 inches snow has been recorded at Zojilla Pass and other places along highway since yesterday morning. Heavy snow triggered landslides at many places along the highway forcing its closure at the India Gate near the Zojilla Pass.

About 50 vehicles were stranded between India Gate and Baltal along the highway. However, the light motor vehicles, including passenger taxis, were turned back to Srinagar from Sonamarg.

The project beacon of the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) had pressed men and machinery into service to clear the highway.

"If the weather conditions improve and there is no further snowfall, the highway would be thrown open for vehicular traffic later in the day or tomorrow morning," a BRO official said. (UNI)