Daily Excelsior.........State

Drive against misuse of LPG in vehicles launched...

World Heritage Week at Ramnagar..

Stranded passengers taken back to Kargil..

Working group on good-governance holds discussion...

Prize distribution function of Co-operative School held...

Construction on agriculture, saffron land banned..

Public Sector employees’ demands highlighted ....

NDS holds programme to promote Dogri ...

WEJAC campaign for Nov 22 convention concludes...

SAD leaders meet Governor...

Transporters meet CM...

Rajputana Rifles holds function in Dalhori School....

Displaced persons constitute POJK .....

SOS children take out rally to observe Child Rights Day.....

President, Vice-President of Udhampur Council resign

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: President and Vice-President of the Udhampur Municipal Council today resigned from their respective posts before the no-confidence motion was tabled in a special meeting called today.

According to the Executive Officer of the Council, Satpaul Saini, President Pawan Khajuria and Vice-President Rakesh Gupta, both of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) approached him before the scheduled time of a special meeting called to discuss the no-confidence motion moved by 10 out of total 17 Councilors against them and desired to resign from their posts.

President Pawan Khajuria first accepted the resignation of Vice-President and then tendered his resignation before Executive Officer. With an intention to stay away from the voting on no-confidence, both left the house soon after submitting their resignations letters.

However, in the scheduled meeting, Congress candidate for the post of President Ashok Gupta alongwith six Councillors of the party, two of the Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) and one Independent appeared before the Executive Officer.

With all those, who had signed no-confidence motion against BJP President, appearing before the EO, the latter had to pass the no-confidence motion as per the rules.

BJP, which has strength of seven Councillors in the Council of 17 members, won the post of President and Vice-President on March 16, 2005 with the support of JKNPP having two Councillors and one Independent.

Now, the JKNPP and Independent Councillors have decided to support Congress on the ground that BJP’s President and Vice-President discriminated with the wards represented by other parties.

Later, Executive Officer (EO) informed Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, O P Kalandria, who is also District Election Officer and Director Local Bodies Gulzar Ahmed Qureshi about the outcome of the special meeting on no-confidence motion.

Governor compliments Jammu-born pilot for world-acclaimed rescue mission

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today complimented President’s Kiriti Chakra awardee, Group Captain, Sudhir Kumar Sharma, a native of Jammu, for his internationally acclaimed mission of saving a group of mountaineers by making impossible possible.

‘You have brought laurels to the State of Jammu and Kashmir’, the Governor told Mr Sharma when he called on him at Raj Bhavan this morning and hoped that such acts of bravery would inspire youth of the State.

Born in Raghunathpura Jammu, grandson of illustrious Pandit Basant Ram Sharma, accomplished almost impossible mission of landing helicopter beyond the laid down operation limit to rescue a 3-member mountaineering group from Mt. Kamet at an altitude of 23,260 feet on Himalayas in 2004. The members of the group were critically injured due to inclement weather and Sharma, then a wing commander, made 32 attempts and ultimately succeeded by flying his helicopter beyond the service ceiling of 23,000 feet of Cheetah helicopter.

Despite the placement limit, Sharma flew in his helicopter to the site and on locating the survivors, realized that the only option was to land on sloping, un-prepared small tabletop area located on an exposed snow covered ridge. Such landing demanded extraordinary courage and exceptional flying skills as a slight mishandling could have led to a catastrophe, endangering the life of the pilot.

Credited with 1500 landings, Mr Sharma rescued the expedition team in a rare act of bravery, which earned him international acclaim. Apart from being honoured by the second highest gallantry award in the peace time by President, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, his name also figures in Limica Book of World Records, which is soon to be endorsed in Guinness Book of Records. A qualified flying instructor having flown more than 1800 hours as instructor varying from Jet Aircraft, HJT-16 to helicopters, Group Captain Sharma was also felicitated in Smith Sonian Air & Space Museum Washington DC USA. He has 6200 hours of accident and incident free flying to his credit.

Group Captain Sharma has recently been awarded with a Certificate of Commendation by Maj Gen. Patrick Cammaert, Eastern Divisional Commander of United Nation’s Organisation Mission for his established competence and proven ground experience.

Azad approves construction of Ganpat bridge

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad reviewed at a meeting here today the construction of Ganpat bridge over Chenab at Doda.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Power Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for Roads and Buildings Gulchain Singh Charak, Principal Secretary to Chief Minster Anil Goswami, Principal Secretary Power Development Madhav Lal, Commissioner/Secretary R&B Atal Dulloo, Secretary to Chief Minister Shailendra Kumar, Managing Director and General Manager Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation.

The meeting was informed that in August 2007 sub-merging of some area of Pul Doda will take place as a result of pondage of Baglihar hydel project, therefore, appropriate steps are required to be taken for construction of bridge for reliable connectivity to Doda from the National Highway I-B.

Chief Minister advised JKPCC to take urgent measures for construction of the bridge. He emphasized that with the laying of foundation stone the full-fledged work for construction of bridge should take place and it should be completed within targeted period.

Mr. Azad said in the meeting that keeping in view the government’s policy of completion of all works within targeted period the ritual of laying foundation stones without resuming actual work should be abandoned. He said laying foundation should be presumed that the actual work has been started and on the same day targeted period of completion of the works should be made public.

Chief Minister advised the officers that provision of penalty clauses should be invoked wherever delay is caused in completion of work without any valid reason.

The meeting approved construction plan of the prestigious Ganpat bridge at a cost of Rs. 29.32 crore with a length of 263 metres.

The officers of JKPCC have been deputed today to create necessary infrastructure for starting uninterrupted work on the bridge from the day foundation stone is laid.

Only central jails to have mobile jammers

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Nov 20: As each jammer will cost Rs 10 lakh to the State exchequer, the Government has decided to install mobile jammers only in central jails—one each in Jammu and Srinagar to prevent cellular service from becoming tool to breach prisons’ security in future.

Authoritative sources told the EXCELSIOR that earlier there was a proposal to install mobile jammers in all the prisons of the State but keeping in view the expenditure and fact that hardcore detenues are mostly lodged in the central jails, only two prisons would now be equipped with jammers.

"Several public sector and private companies filled up the tenders called for the installation of mobile jammers in the prisons but the minimum bid was received around Rs 10 lakh each jammer", they disclosed and said that Prison Department of the State has also sought information about the jammers from other States where they have been functional for the past quite long time.

Though mobile jammers have been installed in prisons of several states of the country yet those installed in prisons of Gujarat are more effective, these sources said and didn’t rule out the possibility of J&K Government adopting Gujarat pattern of installing mobile jammers in central jails of Jammu and Srinagar.

They further said that one mobile jammer of 40 watts will cover about 500 square metre area and added that jammers would be installed in such a way that no communication system could work in areas other than in administrative blocks of the prisons.

When contacted, Financial Commissioner Home B R Kundal confirmed that only Jammu and Srinagar central jails have been chosen for installation of mobile jammers and added that by the end of current month all sorts of formalities would be completed.

About the inquiry into the smuggling of mobile phones and SIM cards into central jail of Jammu at Kot Bhalwal, he said "the enquiry has been completed by the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Prisons Sahibzada Rafiq, who will submit the report to Home Department within next two or three days".

He made it clear that those found guilty will not be spared and strict action would be taken against them.

Allocations to be made before beginning of working season
Govt to present economic survey report on eve
of this year’s budget

By Dinesh Manhotra

JAMMU, Nov 20: Following the foot steps of the Centre, the coalition regime of the State has decided to present pre-budget economic survey report on the eve of the presentation of annual budget in the Assembly. Apart from pre-poning the annual budget this will be the another step which would be taken first time in the history of the State.

This was disclosed by Minister of Finance, Planning, Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Tariq Hamid Qarra, who has been holding hectic pre-budget discussions with the economic experts and trading community.

Talking to the EXCELSIOR, Mr Qarra said that on the lines of Union Finance Ministry, his Department has decided to present economic survey report a day earlier the presentation of the annual budget as it will help in assessing the over all economic situation of the State. He assured the forthcoming budget will be realistic and pro-people.

Mr Qarra, admitted that although dates for the coming sessions have yet to be finalized, half of the pre-budget departmental discussions have already been completed. "After completing departmental budget discussions, I will hold discussions with trading community of the State to inquire about their problems’’, he said.

He admitted that it was really a challenge to pre-pone the annual budget. "The whole Finance Ministry is working over time to meet this challenge’’, he said and sounded confidence that he will get support of all sections of the society..

"On November 27 and 28, I will hold discussions with the trading and business fraternity of the Kashmir Valley as well as University teachers of summer capital’’, he said and further added that similar types of meetings will be held in Jammu on November 29, and 30 with traders and University teachers. "I have already convened meetings with some traders associations of Jammu and Kashmir and held pre-budget discussions with them’’.

Giving further details about preparations , Mr Qarra said that pre-budget review meeting of the Excise Department has already been done while as meeting of the Commercial Tax department will be held on November 23.

He informed that half a dozens important meetings have been already been held with economic advisors, experts as part of the pre-budget discussions. He said that first time representatives of all political parties will be consulted as part of pre-budget discussions so as to accommodate aspirations and wishes of all sections of the society.

Buoyed over encouraging response given by the Centre in streamlining developmental activities in the State, Mr Qarra was confident that budget allocations will be made much before beginning of the working season in the State.

"Earlier budget allocations were made usually in the first week of the June which led to lapse of huge amount of money meant for developmental activities every year’’, he said and informed that this year lean working period will be used to pass budgetary allocations.

Old Jammu city to get regular water supply from today

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 20: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Mohammad Dilawar Mir today commissioned a battery of ten bore-wells which will provide 30 lac gallons of water to the existing water supply system old Jammu city. These bore-wells were taken up in hand just after the damage caused to one of the in-take structures at Sitlee causing acute shortage of water supply in Jammu city.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the newly constructed bore-wells, the Minister said that from tomorrow the people living in the old city would get regular water supply for one hour. He said Government employees residing various Government quarters at B. C. Road, Top Sherkhania, Poonch House will also get regular water supply from tomorrow.

Mayor of Jammu Municipal Corporation, Manmohan Singh, Chief Engineer PHE Jammu, senior engineers and field staff was present on the occasion.

Dilawar said a major dug-well on the right bank of river Tawi is nearing completion and is expected to give a yield of one lakh gallon of water per hour within a month. This dug-well would go a long way in overcoming the shortage of drinking water supply in the Jammu city, he added.

The Minister said that to further augment the water supply system in Jammu, work has been initiated to lift 40 lakh gallons of raw water from river Tawi at Sitlee with the help of KRTE pumps. This raw water will be filtered at the existing filtration plant at Sitlee and its commissioning will not only compensate deficiency created due to flood damages but will also augment the existing water supply system, the Minister added.

The Minister lauded the efforts of Public Health Engineering department for its quick response to restore water supply system in the Jammu city and other area after the havoc caused by the floods.

Love or forcible marriage!
HC rejects teacher's bail

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 20: The State High Court has rejected the bail application of a teacher and others in an interesting case of love-marriage between Mohd Alyas and Uzra Parveen both working as teachers in a middle school Achher, Tehsil Gandoh District Doda.

The bail was rejected following the statement of Uzra Parveen, recorded u/s 164 of CrPC who indicate that she was compelled by the petitioner and their family members with the help of armed masked men to accompany them and was shifted from one place to another and ultimately taken to Srinagar where Mohd Alyaz allegedly raped her repeatedly and thereafter compelled her to marry him.

On this statement, a case u/s 366 (kidnapping) and 376 (rape) RPC was registered at P/S Gandoh.

Petitioner Mohd Alyaz and others had filed bail application seeking anticipatory bail in which it was submitted that the petitioner and Uzra Parveen, working as teachers in Govt Middle School Achher, decided to marry out of their free-will. They accordingly entered the wedlock. This marriage was not acceptable to the father of lady who with the help of some police men detained her in illegal custody. The petitioner produced a marriage agreement registered with Sub-Registrar (Munsiff) Pampore of December 19, 2005 to support their application.

Justice JP Singh of J&K High Court Jammu wing after hearing Advocate RS Kotwal appearing for the petitioners and DyAG AS Dogra appearing for the State observed that the documents produced by the petitioners including marriage of Mohd Alyaz with Uzra Parveen, are the documents of post registration of FIR. The statement of Uzra Parveen before Judicial Magistrate Thatri was recorded on April 21, 2006 stated that the documents were got executed under threat to her life as also to the life of her family members. Considering the severity of the offence and statement of Uzra Parveen recorded by Judicial Magistrate Thatri u/s 164 CrPC, the Court is of the opinion that the petitioners have not succeeded in making out a case for admitting them to bail in FIR registered at P/S Gandoh. As such the bail application is rejected.

Medical Certificate issued by CEO Rajouri in contempt case
HC issues notice to Doctor to show cause
as to why FIR be not registered

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 20: Justice YP Nargotra of J&K High Court Jammu wing today in a contempt petition has issued notice to Dr. Abdul Rashid Choudhary, to show cause as to why FIR for his prosecution be not ordered to be registered in a Police Station.

This direction was issued in contempt petition initiated against Chief Education Officer Rajouri Qazi Nazir Ahmed who was directed to appear in person but instead of causing his personal appearance a medical certificate issued by Dr. A R Choudhary Phy. Spl District Hospital Rajouri was filed by Deputy Advocate General showing that he was admitted in the Hospital on November 4, 2006 so he was unable to appear in person.

On the filling of this certificate, one of the petitioners, Jameel Ahmed made a categorical statement in the Court that certificate issued by Dr. A R Choudhary was false. Taking note of the submission made by the petitioner, the Court directed Chief Judicial Magistrate Rajouri to hold an enquiry to find out whether CEO Rajouri had been admitted in the District Hospital on November 4, 2004 and if admitted on which date he was discharged.

CJM was also directed to collect the relevant record from the District Hospital Rajouri and submit to this Court along with his report.

Justice YP Nargotra observed that pursuant to the order of the High Court; CJM Rajouri conducted the enquiry and has submitted his report. In his report he submitted that as per enquiry Qazi Nazir Ahmed, CEO, Rajouri was not found physically admitted in the District Hospital Rajouri from November 4, 2006 to November 7, 2006. On this report, the Court took serious note of the matter and further observed that if the finding of CJM Rajouri is to be accepted, it would mean that the Medical Certificate issued by Dr. A R Choudhary was false. But the fact remains that certificate was not filed by the Doctor in the Court, therefore, he cannot be made liable for contempt of this Court, even if the same is presumed to be false. However, at the same time his act makes a criminal offence exposing him to criminal prosecution. Before an appropriate order is passed in this behalf, it would be necessary that Dr. AR Choudhary is put on notice to show cause as to why against him an FIR for his prosecution be not ordered to be registered in a Police Station. Court ordered Registry to issue notice against doctor.

As regard the question of criminal contempt against CEO Rajouri, the Court further took serious note of the act of the CEO and observed that he can be hauled up for contempt on account of filling of the the medical certificate only after the said certificate is proved to be a false certificate. This question can be dealt into after the liability of Dr. Choudhary is determined. As regards liability of CEO Rajouri for contempt on account of his dis-obedience of the Court order Advocate D S Chouhan appearing for the petitioners sought time for making submissions.

The case was adjourned at the request of the Adv D S Chouhan appearing for the petitioner and ordered the case be listed after two weeks along with all main writ petitions. The Court also directed petitioner Jameel Ahmed who objected to the genuineness of medical certificate issued by Dr. AR Choudhary that he shall file his personal affidavit. The CEO Rajouri Qazi Nazir Ahmed who was present in the Court ordered that he shall remain present on the next date of hearing and also directed Registry to furnish copy of report of CJM Rajouri to Mrs. Neeru Goswami Dy. AG appearing for the respondent State.

Drive against misuse of LPG in vehicles launched

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CAPD) with the assistance of Traffic Police and officers of the Hindustan Petroleum Corporation (HPC) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation (BPC) today launched a maiden special drive against the misuse of domestic LPG cylinders in the vehicles.

The joint team comprised Assistant Director CAPD Narinder Singh, Executive Sales Officer HPC A K Singh and Assistant Sales Manager BPC Dogra laid a naka at Asia Crossing and a total of 87 vehicles were subjected to random checking.

The drive was launched following the detailed story carried by this newspaper on November 18, wherein attention of the authorities was drawn towards the blatant misuse of LPG cylinders in vehicles.

Of the 87 vehicles taken for random checking, to the astonishment of the authorities, 10 were found using domestic LPG cylinders illegally.

The cylinders were seized on the spot under LPG Control Act and defaulters challaned. The seized LPG cylinders were handed over to officers of HPC and BPC for their necessary action.

World Heritage Week at Ramnagar

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 20: Like other parts of the country, the World Heritage Week celebration function was launched by the Department of Archaeological Survey of India at Ramnagar with large participation of students of various schools and locals were present on the occasion.

Main objective of holding week long celebrations is to make the younger generation aware about the ancient art, culture and traditions.

The Archaeological Survey of India is maintaining 69 sites of cultural, religious and historical importance in Jammu and Kashmir State which include 41 in Kashmir, 15 in Jammu region and 13 in Ladakh.

Master Vipil and Mohan Lal both students of Emanuel Mission School, Ramnagar bagged first and second positions in painting contest organized on he occasion..

The students of various schools presented a mesmerizing cultural programme highlighting Dogra culture and traditions, national integration, illiteracy and valour and courage.

Photo exhibition depicting places of historical, religious and natural interest by the Archaeological Survey of India in Sheesh Mahal, Ramnagar also attracted the attention of students and locals to a great extent. Photographic chronology of Dogra rulers of the State from 1792 to 1947 was also displayed.

Stranded passengers taken back to Kargil

Excelsior Correspondent

KARGIL, Nov 20: All the 77 stranded persons mostly labourer have been rescued from Gumri on Srinagar-Kargil National Highway and taken back to Kargil town today.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kargil Garib Dass said that with the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) clearing Drass to Kargil stretch of Srinagar-Leh National Highway today, all the stranded persons mostly labourers were taken back to Kargil.

Though the Srinagar-Leh is officially closed now, we will not allow these labourers to move towards Srinagar untill there are instructions from the civil administration, Mr Dass said.

About the status of Srinagar-Kargil National Highway, he said that barring some portion of highway at Sonamarg the other portion was got cleared by the BRO today. "We are not going to take another chance of allowing stranded passenger without the instructions of civil administration", he made it clear.

It is pertinent to mention here that all the 77 persons got stranded at Gumri after they were allowed to move on highway following some improvement in the weather conditions. However, the weather changed all of a sudden and two feet of snowfall was experienced thereby blocking the highway and trapping seven trucks carrying labourers.

Working group on good-governance holds discussion

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Nov 20 : The working group on good-governance met under the chairmanship of N. C. Sexana here today.

The meeting was attended by Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma, Ex-Minister S Rangil Singh, BJP Vice President Hari Om, Member State Committee of CPI(M) Abdul Gani Hafiz, MLC P, Namgiyal, MLC Nizam-ud-Din, Chairman Public Service Commission M. S. Pandit, Kuldeep Singh Jamwal,Amarnath Vashnavi and B. A. Dar.

Five working groups to address the various issues pertaining to the people of Jammu and Kashmir have been announced by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on the conclusion of second Round table Conference at Srinagar last May and so far these groups have held eight meetings in Srinagar and Jammu.

The groups on Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) is meeting here on 25th November at 4 pm which will be the 9th meeting of the working groups.

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh after chairing second Roundtable Conference at Srinagar in last week of May 2006 announced five working groups on confidence building measures, strengthening relations across LoC, economic development in the state, good-governance and strengthening of centre-state relations.

Prize distribution function of Co-operative School held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Co-operative Public Higher Secondary School, Deeli branch, organised an impressive prize distribution function in the school premises, here today.

The programme started with Saraswati Vandana which was followed by presentation of various cultural items which included regional dances, songs and skits. Little kids of Nursery, LKG and Upper KG presented a fancy dress show in which prominent characters of Indian history were depicted.

Rajinder Arora, Additional Managing Director of JK Channel Jammu, and Rajesh Sharma, who were chief guest and guest of honour, respectively, on the occasion, gave away prizes to the meritorious students and those who had excelled in extra-curricular activities. Acting president of the institution, Ajay Jamwal, secretary Suresh Kumar Abrol, Principal Sarita Sharma, and Headmaster Ravi Khajuria also accompanied the chief guest during the prize distribution ceremony.

Earlier, Headmaster Ravi Khajuria, presented a formal welcome address while Suresh Kumar Abrol, secretary Board of Directors, highlighted the targets achieved by the school.

The function was attended by Headmasters of all the branches, besides directors Pushpinder Malhotra and Vikram Shridhar.

Construction on agriculture, saffron land banned

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Nov 20: District Magistrate (DM) Doda Dr Pawan Kotwal, in exercise of powers vested to him under section 133 A&133-C of land Revenue Act 1999 BK and also in compliance to the direction of High Court of J&K, has imposed ban on construction of residential and commercial structures in the agriculture and saffron land on either side of the national highway as well as other roads in the whole district with immediate effect.

Under the proclamation issued from the office of the DM today, no person is allowed to raise any commercial or residential structure on either side of the highway as well on all roads falling in the Doda district.

The ban also include the land under shalli crops and vegetables. The violators shall be dealt under law as per the proclamation issued.

Public Sector employees’ demands highlighted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: A meeting of All Public Sector Employees Joint Action Committee was held under the chairmanship of Suresh Sharma wherein the grievances and long pending demands of the PSU employees were highlighted.

The meet expressed serious concern over the alleged step motherly treatment to PSU employees who have not been given COLA for the last three years while their salary is also not being released timely. No step has been taken to improve the working of PSUs while the CP fund contributed by the employees is also being misappropriated, alleged Suresh Sharma.

Mr Sharma cautioned that setting up of committees of bureaucrats and Managing Directors by the Government without the participation of representation of trade union leader will not yield any result but only harm the employees. He also appealed the PSU workers to remain united for a struggle if any adverse decision is taken by the Government committee on PSUs.

During the meeting, Mr Sharma highlighted the demands such as conversion of COLA into DA, pensionary benefits and adjustment of surplus staff in other Government departments.

The meeting was attended by Anchal Bakshi, C K Sudan, Nar Singh, Ikhlaq Shah, Surjit Singh, Ram Pal, Jai Kishan, Madam Basanti, Surinder Gupta, Manjit Singh and others.

NDS holds programme to promote Dogri

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Nov 20: A " Dogri Geeta De Karykram" was organized by Nami Dogri Sanstha- Art Foundation in collaboration with Government Girls High School Katra to promote Dogri language.

The programme was inaugurated with the lighting of a lamp by Minister for Rural Development, Jugal Kishore Sharma, while’s Advocate SS Anand Lehar was the chief guest.

On the occasion, the welcome song was presented by the students of the host school and welcome address presented by Headmaster, Harish Dubey.

In his speech, Dubey stressed upon the students to speak the mother-tongue, which he said, is the identity of Dogras.

On the occasion, the Minister appreciated the role of Nami Dogri Sanstha and its president Harish Kaila in promoting Dogra culture and traditions.

WEJAC campaign for Nov 22 convention concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Last phase of campaign for one day convention to be held on November 22 by All J&K Workers and Employees Joint Associations Committee (WEJAC) at Guru Ravi Dass Sabha, Krishna Nagar, Jammu, concluded today.

The representatives of various organizations had decided to participate in the day long convention and discussed the agenda for socio-economic and trade union scenario as also how to build a better society etc.

The convenor and organizing secretaries of Joint Associations Committee including Ram Kumar Sharma, Mohd Saleem Wani, Balwinder Singh, Ravi Singh, Mohan Lal Sharma, Ganesh Khajuria, Parveen Kesar, Parhlad Singh, Sham Lal and Sushil Kumar expressed in detail about the need of the convention because present policies of Central and State Governments were anti-working class as whole burden of economy was being shifted to the fixed income group, particularly the salaried class.

They said Central Government has miserably failed to constitute 6th National Pay Commission well in time which has led to erosion of the wages of working class and also failed to grant interim relief.

Besides, the meeting held the State Government has miserably failed to implement the agreement regarding uniformity of wages of temporary workers and employees, non-restoration of LTC; transparent transfer policy, 10% displacement allowance, full pension benefits after 21 years qualifying service rather than 33 years, provision of proper medical schemes and regularization of temporary workers and employees who have completed five to seven years before and after 1994.

SAD leaders meet Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: A delegation of Shiromani Akali Dal, Jammu and Kashmir led by S Gurbachan Singh Dutta met the Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha and apprised him of the long pending demands of the Sikh community.

S Gurdev Singh, vice president and spokesman of Dal explained the Governor in detail about the problems facing the Sikh community and requested him for resolution of all problems and steps to be taken for meeting their long pending demands.

The demands of the community included employment of Sikh Youth in Police and other departments, reservation for Sikhs in professional institutions, general amnesty to Sikhs emotionally exploited by vested interests during Operation Blue Star of 1984 and bring them all back to the national main-stream.

The Governor listened to the deputation with patience and assured the delegates that all the points raised by them would be taken up with the Government for an early decision.

Others in the delegation included S Jagjit Singh Sudan, S Tarlochan Singh Bijral, Paramjit Singh Sudan, Master Jagbir Singh, Avtar Singh and Barkat Singh.

Transporters meet CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: A high level delegation of J&K Transport Associations met the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad under the leadership of T S Wazir and Anil Chopra.

Mr Wazir explained to the CM in detail about the problems being faced by transporters vis-a-vis attitude of the State Government and all concerned officers who failed to provide entire information regarding 25 year and 15 year old vehicles before the High Court.

Mr Wazir criticized the attitude of the Transport Commissioner and Commissioner Secretary to the Government and demanded removal of both the officers. He also alleged that corruption was at peak under SSP Traffic Police at present.

T S Wazir and Anil Chopra demanded that entire set up of Traffic Police should be changed and the genuine demands of the transporters conceded at an earliest.

The Chief Minister assured the transporters to look into the matter for himself and remove corruption and corrupt officers and officials within days.

On the assurance of the Chief Minister, the transporters decided to suspend their strike call which was to be held tomorrow till its next meeting.

Presidents of the Valley Transport Unions were also in the delegation besides presidents and general secretaries of different passenger routes buses and mini buses of the entire State.

Rajputana Rifles holds function in Dalhori School

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Nov 20: Rajputana Rifles 16th Bn organized a function in Government High School Dalhori today in which Brig. of 87 Bn Brig Vivek Sohal was the chief guest.

The function besides the school children, their parents was also attended by local Sarpanch and Panches of the area.

The children also presented a colorful cultural programme which was appreciated by army officers including Brig Sohal.

In his speech Brig Sohal, while appreciating the talent of the children living in this remote and far-flung area assured them all help and support.

He said army is for the security of the people and defence of the nation but in the remote and far flung areas where the Government departments can not reach to undertake the developmental works , army comes to the help of people by launching the developmental projects under Operation Sadhbhavna.

He said army wants that the people in the far flung areas of the State get better and quality education for the overall progress of the area.

He expressed the hope that the day will not be far away when peace will be restored in J&K.

While pointing towards the peoples demand for construction of additional class rooms in the school, he assured them that army will take the construction of room in hand soon.

He also congratulated the School staff for attaining best results in Class Tenth this year.

Lt. Col. Dipen Kar stressed on good public army liaison. He highlighted the various projects undertaken by army in the area.

The people also appreciated the role of army saying that by maintaining a good liaison with the people army has won the hearts of the people in this remote area.

Displaced persons constitute POJK

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: Various organizations of displaced persons from Pakistan Occupied Part of Jammu and Kashmir (POJK) constituted an umbrella organization with the name All POJK Displaced Persons Front.

This was stated at a press conference here today by the convenor of the Front Prof. Virender Gupta. He said the new Front will fight for the cause of all sections of the displaced persons and it will try to seek the cooperation of all the political parties to get justice for these hapless people.

He said the POJK will work for creation of a separate and distinct political, social and cultural unit to influence the political scenario of J&K and work to establish a healthy political system in which aspirations of all regions, all sections and all groups are fulfilled.

He said being the sufferers of two nation theory, the displaced persons should be made the main party to any solution on Kashmir. He however expressed concern that the Government has all together ignored them.

Prof. Gupta said though the displaced persons issue figured in the Round Table Conference (RTC) and despite the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh’s instructions to the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to look into the issue, he (Mr Azad) was trying to avoid them.

He demanded reservation for displaced persons and compensation for their left out properties in POJK.

Announcing the members of the Front presidium, Prof Gupta said besides him it includes Capt. (retd) R K Raina, president JKSAC, Capt. (retd) Yudhvir Singh, president Kisan Mazdor Refugee Dal, Joginder Singh Raina, president Muzaffarabad Displaced Persons Committee, Raj Kumar Kohli, president JKSAC, S Harjinder Singh, president SAD, Badal, Karam Veer, J L Amla, R K Sharma,secretary general, JKSAC, Rachpal Singh, secretary Kisan Mazdor Refugee Dal, Arun Khanna, Corporator JMC, Virender Kumar Tandon and Dr Arun Verma.

In addition to them 25 members have also been added to Working Committee of the Front, he added.

SOS children take out rally to observe Child Rights Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 20: The Children of SOS Children’s Village Gole Gujral, Jammu organized a rally in connection with Child Rights Day today.

The rally started from Mubarak Mandi Jammu and it was flagged off by H K Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu. Eighty children of the village participated in the rally.

The children carrying pla-cards and banners in their hands were raising slogans in support of rights of a Child.

According to Sudesh Malla, Director SOS Children’s Village , the objective of the rally is to create awareness among the people about the rights of a child.

He said the message through these children who have been themselves the victims of militancy at one stage carries more importance, as today these children are grooming up in family home atmosphere of the Children’s Village.

The rally which passed through the different markets of Jammu later culminated at Press Club here.