Niaz demands relief for Doda farmers

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 18: Former minister and senior Congress leader from Bhadarwah, Mohd Sharief Niaz has urged upon the Chief Minister to sanction relief in favour of the farmers of district Doda whose crop was damaged due to rains and hail storm recently.

A deputation of the Congress led by Mr Niaz and Javed Azad, president Bhadarwah Municipal Committee met the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad here today and apprised him of the problems being faced by the people of district Doda. They demanded relief for damaged crop of Doda farmers and release of compensation in favour of farmers whose land has been acquired for construction of Jammu University campus at Bhadarwah.

Mr Niaz demanded that the work on Thathri-Kilotran road which has been stopped for want of funds be resumed soon. Both the leaders demanded release of funds for construction of Bus Stand, road widening project in the town and other civic related projects in Bhadarwah. They said the major demand of the locals to have a stadium at Bhadarwah should also be redressed. Besides, several works already resolved to be undertaken for tourism infrastructure building in Bhadarwah be launched.

The Chief Minister gave patient hearing and issued instructions to the Deputy Commissioner Doda and heads of other agencies to take up the works on priority basis.

Provide all service facilities to PSU workers: Bhim

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party Prof Bhim Singh has urged upon the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to provide all service facilities to State public sector undertaking employees as available at the Centre and also in other states.

In a press statement issued here today, the NPP leader said that he was aware of the problems of the Public Sector Undertaking employees in the State. They have waged a long struggle for their genuine and legitimate demands but it is unfortunate that the concerned authorities have failed to redress the same, Singh said.

Earlier, a deputation of Public Sector Officers Association led by state president H S Jasrotia and general secretary Kuldip Sharma met Prof Bhim Singh and apprised him of the demands and problems of the employees. Jasrotia pointed out that two viable industrial units run by Government namely Himalayan Wool Chambers and Kashmir Willow Sports factory, Miran Sahib stand closed despite the fact that State Government got Rs 200 cr to update all sick units. He pointed out that a large number of workers of PSUs were at the verge of starvation. Two have committed suicide while Government remains unmoved over the issue.

They demanded that budgetary support should not be curtailed to the PSUs moreover. It was alleged that PF deducted out of the regular monthly salary of the employees was not deposited in the Fund. An inquiry into this grave irregularity was demanded immediately.

Gupta blames Cong for Kashmir problem

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former Union Minister of State for Defence, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta today alleged that New Delhi itself has been a bigger problem than Pakistan or separatists in Jammu and Kashmir as the pseudo secular leadership of the Congress was always guided by communal considerations which in fact was the cause of painful partition of India.

In a statement issued here today, he said even after bitter experiences of the past over 58 years, the Congress has not learnt any lesson.

While commenting on the assertions of PDP and some other political leaders of Kashmir that New Delhi has given them a green signal to evolve a consensus on self rule and autonomy in Jammu and Kashmir, he said J&K is an irrevocable part of India after the Maharaja Hari Singh had signed the instrument of accession which was signed by 558 other princes and Nawabs of British India. But it was unfortunate that Congress leadership guided by communal considerations opted for different approach for Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

He said instead of clear cut approach to deal with the theoretic state of Pakistan and defend J&K as an integral part of India, the Congress leadership in New Delhi went for a cease-fire with Pakistan.

Cong, BJP taking Jammu for granted: NC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Provincial president of National Conference Ajay Sadhotra today alleged that coalition regime has been neglecting Jammu region.

While addressing party workers at Shiv Nagar, Mr Sadhotra flayed coalition regime for not upgrading Government Medical College Hospital Jammu upto the standard of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He said that BJP and Congress have taken Jammu for granted and both the parties playing with the genuine urges and aspirations of the people of Jammu by making false promises. He pointed out that first it was BJP and now it was Congress who had made these promises.

He expressed concern over non release of DA installments to the employees of the State which is due to them. He said that there may be differences among the coalition alliance but these differences should not reflect the common man.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Rattan Lal Gupta, Ghulam Mohammed Jan, Chander Mohan Sharma, Pardeep Bali, Surinder Singh Sanghari and others.

Mir offers Govt support to IT Cos

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 18: Minister of State for Science and Technology, Javeed Mustafa Mir has underlined the need for creating employment opportunities by involving reputed public sector companies to establish their units here.

The Minister was addressing a high level meeting of Information Technology and allied agencies.

Seminar on Regional Cultural Preservation concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Oct 18: Two-day Regional Cultural Preservation and Religious Harmony Seminar at Leh, concluded today.

Conducted by Ladakh Cultural Forum, Leh, the religious seminar was attended by the Executive Councilors of LAHDC Leh and LAHDC Kargil. Besides, 40 scholars from Leh as well as Ladakh districts, MLA P Namgail and heads of various social, political and religious organisations took part in the seminar.

The scholars threw light in preservation of cultural artifacts, monuments, languages and script in Leh and Kargil not only for tourism promotion but also for preserving the regional identity.

Speaking at the valedictory function, CEO LAHDC Kargil, Haji Karbalaie, announced that in next year, the seminar would be organised in Kargil. He stressed the need for communal brotherhood and appealed people to remain vigilant from the mischief mongers.

CEC Leh, Tsering Dorje said that conduct of the seminar would go a long way in removing misunderstanding among the people of the area and strengthen brotherhood. During the seminar, a poetic symposium highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Ladakh was also held.

JJSF’s 3-day fast in memory of student martyrs ends

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Three-day long fast at Shahidi-smarak near GGM Science College, being observed by JJSF activists in memory of the student martyrs who were killed in police firing during an agitation in 1966, ended today.

Jammu University Registrar Prof Ghyan Singh Sambyal offered juice to the JJSF volunteers and broke their fast.

The four volunteers, who were observing fast, included Bhanu Partap Singh, Navdeep Singh, Ranjit Sharma and Partap Singh.

Besides students of Government Higher Secondary School, Domana, Government HSS Jhiri and other institutions, JJSF president Pushvinder Singh and PRM chairman Rajinder Singh Jamwal were also present on the occasion.

Later, the JJSF activists and Prof Sambyal paid tributes at the Shahidi-sthal and observed a two-minute silence in memory of the student martyrs.

Some close relatives of martyr Gurcharan Singh also visited the memorial and paid tributes.

NSUI constitutes its BGSBU unit

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Oct 18: National Students Union of India (NSUI) has constituted its unit for Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri and nominated Zahoor Ahmed Choudhary as the president,

Awais Yusuf was nominated as the chairman while Sharaz Mirza, Farooq Choudhary, Mohd Farooq and Shahzad Mughal were appointed as vice-chairman, senior vice-president, vice-president and general secretary, respectively.

Tariq Khan, Vikrant Sharma, Shafqat Azaz, Sonia Suri, Nigat Malik and Deenish Shameem have been given the responsibilities as additional general secretary, joint secretary, treasurer, convenor, spokesperson and advisor, respectively.

The unit was constituted by Iftikhar Ahmed, NSUI State secretary, with the consent of Rajiv Saraf.

Dilawar seeks complimentary role of
hotel industry to revive tourism

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 18: Expressing optimism about a big tourism boom in J&K, the Minister for Tourism, Horticulture and PHE, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, today said that the two important surveys conducted by CNBC and Thomas Cook, a travel agency of International repute that Kashmir has placed Kashmir at No. 1 dream destination and most preferred domestic destination for travellers even now was very which is encouraging for state’s tourism industry.

Interacting with the members of Kashmir Hotel and Restaurant owner’s Federation at Sheri-Kashmir International Convention Complex.(SKICC) here this morning, the Minister called for complimentary role of the Hotel Industry and members of the tour and travel sector for reviving tourism which form a very vital component of states economy. He called for a joint effort to off-set damages caused to tourism sector by negative reporting about the J&K Situation outside the State.

The Minister said that an intensive and vigorous motivational campaign is being launched in the country and abroad to attract maximum tourists to the State adding that services of new marketing Channels of Cable and electronic media including Prasar Bharti are being engaged into showcase tourism Potential of J&K. In addition, some new initiatives to promote winter tourism and adventure tourism are being taken to promote tourism in the State.

The Minister disclosed that Tourist Trade Act, 1978 is being modified and broad- based to make it more relevant and tourist friendly. The Minister assured the members of Hotel Industry that their genuine problems and the matter would be taken up with the Chief Minister, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad, Prime Minister of India and Tourism Minister’s of concerned states.

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary Tourism Mr. Najeem informed that environment and ecology consciousness is being made as a basic parameter for registration of a tourism unit. He said a High Level Committee has been formulate by the government to work out a viable and realistic revival package for the tourism sector. He said Gulmarg is being developed as a major winter sports destination. Likewise, places of monumental and heritage Importance are being preserved to market these as rare tourist attractions. Documentation and preservation of Pahalgam and Kargil bazars is being undertake to show case these as ancient bazaars of this part of the world. He said that Gujjar Kothas of Yusmarg, and Sonamarg and log houses of Gurez and Lolab areas are also being brought under the ambit of tourism revial package.

The members of the Hotel and Restaurant owner’s Association demanded certain relaxations for making Jammu and Kashmir a tax free tourist state.

Cong, BJP taking Jammu for granted: NC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Provincial president of National Conference Ajay Sadhotra today alleged that coalition regime has been neglecting Jammu region.

While addressing party workers at Shiv Nagar, Mr Sadhotra flayed coalition regime for not upgrading Government Medical College Hospital Jammu upto the standard of All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). He said that BJP and Congress have taken Jammu for granted and both the parties playing with the genuine urges and aspirations of the people of Jammu by making false promises. He pointed out that first it was BJP and now it was Congress who had made these promises.

He expressed concern over non release of DA installments to the employees of the State which is due to them. He said that there may be differences among the coalition alliance but these differences should not reflect the common man.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Rattan Lal Gupta, Ghulam Mohammed Jan, Chander Mohan Sharma, Pardeep Bali, Surinder Singh Sanghari and others.

Nationalist Muslim Movement demands
death sentence for Afzal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Demanding death sentence for Parliament attack plotter, Mohammed Afzal Guru, Nationalist Muslim Movement warned that clemency to this dreaded terrorist will weaken nationalist forces.

Addressing a press conference, national convenor of Movement Mohammed Afzal strongly condemned mainstream politicians as well as separatists for demanding mercy for dreaded terrorist who was involved in attacking Parliament-the highest institution of the world’s largest democracy.

The Muslim leader was of the opinion that intellectuals, who have been demanding mercy for Mohammed Afzal, are raising this demand only to get publicity. He strongly condemned statement of former Chief Minister, Dr Farooq Abdullah who had aired apprehension that judges will be murdered if Mohammed Afzal will be hanged.

Calling upon all nationalist forces to launch joint struggle against those self-styled intellectuals, who have been demanding clemency for dreaded terrorists, the Muslim leader said that Indian Government should not succumb before the threats and warning of anti-national forces.

Drawing attention of the self-styled intellectuals towards evil designs of terrorists, Mr Afzal pointed out that had attackers on Parliament managed to enter into the House what would happen then ? He asked the politicians to desist from demanding mercy for those terrorist who was conspirator to storm Indian Parliament.

Govt asked to create infrastructure for Dental College

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 18: The Estimates Committee of legislature has directed the Health & Medical Education Department to take immediate measures to create necessary infrastructure for Government Dental College, now known as Indira Gandhi Dental College, Jammu and clear all other bottlenecks for ensuring its early recognition from the Dental Council of India. General public as well as student community have shown great concern for early recognition of this college as the future of students undergoing BDS Course is at stake, the Committee observed.

The Estimates Committee expressed this while reviewing the functioning of Health and Medical Education and Government Dental College, Jammu specifically at a meeting held here today. MLA, Ghulam Hassan Khan, chaired the meeting.

The Committee directed the Health & Medical Education Department to take up the matter with the Public Service Commission (PSC) to complete the selection process of advertised posts of various faculties and other categories expeditiously. To meet the emergency requirements of students, the Department should make adhoc arrangements by appointing the faculty on contractual basis adding that if need be the department should relax the norms and ensure the recognition on priority.

While viewing the shortage of doctors in the State, the Committee asked the Principal Secretary, Health and Medical Education to identify the vacancies and refer them to the PSC for early selection so that the functioning in government hospitals especially in rural areas could be over come.

The Committee also asked the Department for streamlining the purchase of equipment and medicines and stress should be laid for ensuring the standard of products. To ensure the quality of drugs, the department should strengthen its research laboratories or to take services from other institutions like RRL, universities etc

While replying to various queries raised by the Committee, the Principal Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Anil Goswami, present in the meeting said that the Department has already taken various measures to ensure the recognition of Government Dental College, Jammu. He said that major problem being faced by the college is the paucity of specialized faculty, for this purpose the Government has referred vacant posts to PSC for making selection. He said that such problems are normal process while establishing the new institutions and government has to follow the set procedure. However, he assured the Committee that all bottlenecks would be cleared very soon and recognition of Indira Gandhi Dental College, Jammu would be ensured.

Mr. Goswami further said that to safeguard the interests of the students pursing the BDS Courses in the College, the Government has made the adhoc arrangements for teaching by appointing the faculty on contractual basis. He hoped that within a couple of months, the selection of senior faculty would be made by the PSC. To over come the general shortage of doctors in the State, he said that the Department has already referred 244 posts to the PSC and vacancy position would be monitored regularly and efforts would be made to fill them on priority, the Principal Secretary added.

On the issue of strengthening of research laboratories, Mr. Goswami apprised the Committee that presently the post of Public Analyst in Kashmir is vacant, with the result the department is facing difficulty. He said that efforts are afoot to fill up the post of Public Analyst. In the meanwhile, the Government has taken up the issue of testing the samples of medicines etc. with the Jammu/Kashmir Universities and RRL. If they agree the request of the government, the department would be able to ensure speedy testing of these samples.

Those present in the meeting include, legislators Ms. Shanti Devi, Molvi Abdul Rashid, Mubarak Gul, Brij Mohan Sharma, Basharat Bukhari, Director Accounts & Treasuries, M.I.Khandey, Principal Government Dental College, Jammu, Dr. M.R.Sharma, Principal GMC, Srinagar, Director Health Services, Jammu, Dr. Jasvir Singh, Director Health Services, Kashmir, Dr. Muzaffar Ahmed, Chief Engineer, Mechanical, Jammu B.B.Gupta, Additional Secretary, Assembly G.N.Mir and others.

Flying squads book defaulters

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 18: Flying squads to check monitor the market in view of forthcoming festivals of Diwali and Id with regard to quality and price control under Essential Commodities Act, made a surprise check of the various markets and establishments within Municipal limits of Jammu.

These squads found a number of irregularities in various establishments during the inspection and booked 36 establishments under Essential Commodities Act, PFA/Weights & Measures Act.

While conducting the inspection, the flying squads also apprised the general public to purchase good quality of material and on the specified fixed rates and bring to the notice of the department about the malpractice occurring if any.

Meanwhile at Doda Deputy Commissioner, Doda alongwith Assistant Director CA&PD Doda, TSO and Naib Tehsildar inspected the market and booked 17 shopkeepers and recovered Rs.1600 as compound fine for violation of various provisions of Essential Commodities Act.

About one quintals unhygienic fruits and vegetables were destroyed on the spot. The shopkeepers were asked to display the rate lists and not to indulge in undue profiteering.

Flying squad comprising BMO, SHO and TSO also inspected market at Gandoh and Guwari and imposed a fine of Rs. 3130 on spot and about 150 kgs of rotten vegetables and fruits were also destroyed.