Salesman acquitted after 16 yrs

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 28: Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu , JR Kotwal today acquitted Abdul Kabir, the then Sales Man Food and Supplies Department Massoo Tehsil Paddar District Doda who was facing trial and investigation from 1990 for his alleged involvement in misappropriation of food-grains valuing Rs more than four laces.

In the 21 page acquittal judgment, Mr Kotwal after hearing Senior Prosecuting Officer appearing for the VOJ and Advocate R K Kachroo appearing for the accused observed that between, June 1989 to April 1990 it was recorded in the audit report receipts have been verified from the dispatches of Food store Galhar (Gulab Garh) and remittances have already been verified from the Treasury up to April 1990 and afterwards the remittance have been verified from the original treasury receipts.

In the statement of Shiban Krishan Kak, who with the assistance of Abdul Qayoom had conducted the audit reported in the audit report that they had audit the accounts from the record of the accused had submitted the audit report in is office. The Court took serious note of the investigation conducted and said that the investigation in this case have failed to collect the available direct evidence to prove the delivery and entrustment of actual quantity of food-grains to the accused during his tenure as sales man. Such evidence could have been easily collected by scrutinizing, seizing and producing before this court the record of Galhar Store from where food-grains was supplied to Massoo Depot and examining store-keeper in proof thereof, in particular by proving before this court the receipts which were issued by the accused the challans after receipt of the consignments at the depot.

This would have been taken as direct and primary evidence of entrustment. Statement of Sewa Ram store-keeper of Gulhar Store in support of the record would have to clinch the matter and proved as to how much food-grains were supplied to the accused, such evidence, if duly collected and adduced before this court read with audit report may have enabled the prosecution to discharge the onus of proving the factum of entrustment and in that case burden of showing due disposal of the entrusted food-grains would have shifted to the accused.

Court further took serious note of the investigation and further observed that it appears the investigating officer in this case had resolved to the shortest cut of collecting the audit report and available record from the office of Director Food and Supplies without even explaining as to whether the audit conducted was a report of investigation of the case and ascertaining the source of record examined by them. Though Sewa Ram store-keeper of Gulhar Store has been examined as prosecution witness but his statements is confined only to the fact that supply to the depot in question was made from the said store and to the procedure involved in the supply. When asked in the court, he refused to knowledge as to how much ration he had supplied to Massoo Depot as rightly so, nothing in this regard could have been expected from him in the witness box unless the record of Store was examined by the IO in his presence and produced before this court for perusal.

In the acquittal judgment, Mr Kotwal further observed that the charge report neither can be relied upon nor was sufficient to prove the charge against the accused, Accordingly prosecution has failed to prove the factum of entrustment of a particular quantity of food-grains to the accused in his capacity as Store-Keeper of the depot much less the misappropriation by him. The offence of criminal breach of trust or criminal mis-conduct was not made out and the accused is acquitted from the charges.

Charak inaugurates Shivalik Hostel at SMVD University

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: Minister for R&B Thakur Gulchain Singh Charak has underscored the importance of producing responsible engineers as their role is very important in the building of the nation.

Mr.Charak inaugurated the Shivalik Hostel here today, Speaking on this occasion he expressed his satisfaction on progress achieved in such a short span of time. He said that being the head of a big department involved in construction of building and roads I has experience that Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVD) has developed one of the best campuses fully self sufficient in terms of infrastructure and associated facilities. He said that the addition of the cancer hospital is going to be a landmark event in the healthcare aspect in the State. On this occasion he thanked Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd.) S. K. Sinha and Chancellor of the University for his efforts in the development of the University and the upcoming Cancer Hospital.

Vice Chancellor Prof. N. K. Bansal in his welcome address highlighted about the progress achieved by the University in various departments. He said that lack of double lane road connectivity to the campus from N. H. Aand to Katra railway station is an impediment in the growth of the University.

Media Cell, SMVD University screened a short documentary "SMVD University marching ahead in the pursuit of excellence" depicting the growth achieved by the University since its inception. After inaugurating the Hostel building the Minister visited the University workshop, laboratories in the various colleges and the administrative office and interacted with some of the faculty and staff members. He expressed his satisfaction over the achievements made by the University so far. He also gave his assurance that he would take up the issue of better road connectivity both at the State and central levels and would do his best in ensuring the development of wider roads and a bridge from the highway leading to the University.

On this occasion Dean’s of various colleges, Directors of various schools, senior officers of the University including PWD and Police officer, Faculty Members, Staff and students were present.

Ladakh to get hydropower in 4 yrs

JAMMU, Oct 28: A hydroelectric project of 45 mw capacity will be installed in Ladakh at an anticipated completion cost of Rs 761 crore within four years.

The Centre has assigned the 45 mw Nimoo Bazgo Hydroelectric Project to the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd (NHRC) which aims to electrify the ‘rooftop of India’ — Ladakh — within a period of four years, official sources said.

The Nimoo Bazgo Hydroelectric Project is a run of the river scheme to harness the hydropower potential of river Indus in Leh district of the State.

The project site is located near village Alchi, about 70 kms from Leh by road, the sources said.

The project envisages to utilise a gross head of 37.25 m to generate 239.33 mu in a 90 per cent dependable year with an installed capacity of 45 mw, they added.

The NHRC conducted detailed investigation and prepared a detailed project report for an installed capacity of 45 mw.

The project has already received clearance under the Indus Water Treaty from Union Ministry of Water Resources, defence clearance from the Ministry of Defence and Environment clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests.

The plant would generate 239.33 mu in a year and is designed to provide a minimum of 14 mw during winter continuously.

The cost of generation from DG sets works out to be approximately Rs 15 per unit. The power from this hydropower project would be cheaper when compared to diesel power.

Moreover, locating this project near the consumption center will result in reduction in transmission losses and would result in saving of natural resources including energy and transmission cost, they added. (UNI)

HC asks Govt to submit list of under-trials
not produced in trial courts

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 28: Three writ petitions have been filed in the State High Court at Srinagar wing one after another in respect of different persons with allegations that they are lodged in different jails outside the State and had not been brought before trial courts to face trial for long periods due to which they were languishing in jails.

In these petitions, titled J&K High Court Bar Associations versus State, Justice Bashir A Kirmani after hearing Advocate M A Qayoom (President KBA) appearing for the petitioners and Additional Advocate General M A Rathore appearing for the State admitted the petitions to hearing treated them as Public Interest Litigation (PIL) and directed the Registrar Judicial to list it the same accordingly.

The High Court also passed interim directions, directing the State to file counter/reply indicating the up-to-date position regarding number of undertrial prisoners who have not been produced in the Trial Courts for proceedings six months, one year and more one year category-wise with their placement of lodgment. Since the list already furnished covers only Kashmir Province, the judge further directed a similar list of under trials from Jammu Province be also furnished for a comprehensive consideration of the matter. Since lack of transport and police escort, VIP security and inclement weather have been quoted as main causes for non-production of under-trails before Trial courts the Court directed the Govt to take steps for lodging them in jails nearest to Trial Courts for assuring observance of section 48 of Prisoners Act. A compliance report regarding such steps be furnished when the matter comes up before the appropriate bench, it was ordered.

District Committees consisting of District and Sessions Judge, District Magistrates, SSPs and CMOs reported to have been constituted under orders of the court passed in habeas corpus petition in 1994, Justice BA Kirmani directed these committees that they shall assure visiting the jails within their respective jurisdictions at least once in a month and report on the condition of under Trials and other in-mates. Reports be submitted to this court before November 30, 2006.

In the petition it has been submitted that number of under-trial prisoners have not been produced before Trial Courts for considerably long period of time and accordingly seek a direction for lodging them within the State and regular presence before Trial Courts so as to assure speedy trial of their cases.

Justice BA Kirmani while issuing directions observed that after hearing counsel and considered the matter before proceeding ahead it would be appropriate to put the matter in perspective vide order dated December 21, 2005 passed by quo-ordinate bench of the High Court among others the following directions was passed that the respondents are also directed to give details of each detenue who has not been produced in the courts for the last six months and the reasons thereof. Pursuant to order the State counsel on March 20, 2006 furnished the affidavit of the DGP, in pursuant to directions of the State High Court passed in habeas corpus petition and confirmed in LPA and District Level Committees were constituted.

The State has also furnished the list of under-trials not produced in the court for the last six months. According to the affidavit a list of 93 persons of whom three are detained under PSA while others are under-trial facing trial in different Courts of the State. It was mentioned that around 53 out of listed under-trials are residents of Kashmir Province while as the rest belong either to Pakistan or PoK and few are from Bihar, UP and Tajikistan.

DGP inaugurates Central Stores Building in Zewan Complex

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Oct 28: Director General of Police, Gopal Sharma inaugurated Central Stores building at J&K Armed Police Complex, Zewan here today. The building constructed for appropriate storage of various equipments, uniforms and other logistics has been completed at a cost of Rs. 41.88 lakh in a record period of four months time by J&K Police Housing Corporation.

The Director General of Police also inspected various development works under execution in Zewan Complex and issued on spot instructions for completion of these in a time bound manner. These include prestigious Rs. 1 Crore auditorium which has been scheduled to be completed by August next year by the Police Housing Corporation. He said that it is earnest effort to ensure best possible facilities and accommodation to the officers and jawans of the police force to ensure better working conditions for them to serve the people better.

Later, Addl. Director General of Police, HQRS, R.V. Raju also commissioned the newly installed electric line to ensure better power supply to more than 300 police families putting up in the residential quarters in the complex.

Among others, present on the occasion were Addl. Director General of Police (Armed) P. S. Gill, Dy. Insp. General of Police (Armed) Zahoor Hussain Chisti, Commandants of Armed police B. A. Kenu, Mustaq Sadiq, B. A.. Ittoo, AIG (Personnel) A. Q. Manhas, AIG(Prov/Welfare) Aftab Kakroo and DySP (Trgs) B. A. Shah.

Army jawan dies under suspicious circumstances

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: An Army jawan died under suspicious circumstances inside his regiment at Poonch.

Police spokesman said that blood soaked body of Sepoy P John of First Bihar Regiment Poonch was found inside his barrack. He was immediately rushed to 425 FD Ambulance where he was declared as brought dead.

He had reportedly sustained severe bullet injuries from his service weapon and died due to blood loss.

Police have initiated inquest proceedings in this regard.

Meanwhile, six persons were injured in separate road accidents. All have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger.

They have been identified as Raj Kumar, son of Munshi Ram of Paloura, Stephen Massih, son of Nazia Massih of Supwal, Mohd Aslam, son of Mohd Ismail of Nowshera, Deepak Misra, son of Parveen Misra of Samba, Poonam Kapoor, wife of Rakesh Kapoor of Trikuta Nagar and Updesh, son of Pyare Lal of Bharat Nagar.

The spokesman said that four persons allegedly consumed poisonous substances at their respective residences. They were rushed to Government Medical College 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.

They have been identified as Naresh Kumar of Vijaypur, Durgawati of Top Sherkhania, Kamal Kumar of Bishnah and Yash Paul of Gharota.

Fine of Rs 8000 imposed on 2 fruit sellers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: Legal Metrology Department today penalized two fruit sellers and imposed Rs 8000 fine on them.

An official spokesman said that a team of Legal Metrology Department conducted raids on different fruit sellers at Shiv Market near Railway Station on the complaint that all the fruit sellers in the area were cheating tourists.

The team on spot checked the weight of apple boxes being sold to three tourists and found them 6 to 8 kg less than the mentioned 20 kg weight. The fruit sellers had manipulated the weighing scales to cheat the consumers.

Both the shopkeepers were booked under Weight and Measures Act, 1997 under Section 39(2) and fine of Rs 8000 was imposed on them.

2-day seminar on gender studies in Dogri Literature begins

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: "Gender Studies in Dogri Literature" was theme of two-day seminar, organised by the Sahitya Akademi, which commenced at Seminar Hall of Department of Computer Sciences Department, Jammu University campus, here this morning.

Mrs Renu Mohan Bhan, Deputy Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, New Delhi, in her welcome address, said the objective of the seminar is to analyse the status and depiction of women in the Dogri literature. This is first-ever attempt by the Akademi to organise such type of study in any regional language.

Dr Ved Gahai, in her keynote address, surveyed the Dogri literature for treatment and portrayal of womenfolk in writings of leading Dogri writers. Women’s problems, plight and future prospects need to be projected in the literature, she said and added that in Dogri literature women have had fair share and got portrayed in true perspective. Despite handicaps, women have marched forward, she stressed.

Distinguished Dogri writer, Padma Sachdev, inaugurated the seminar. She said today everybody talks about man-woman equality but I feel woman is at much higher position in strength and status. She further said that one should thank the man because it is he who lets the women to unite and forge ahead.

Prof Lalit Magotra, Convener, Dogri Advisory Board of Sahitya Akademi, in his presidential address said that when we talk about a writer, his or her gender is not important, as most sensitive women characters are penned by men writers in Dogri; in fact, most of the works are on women characters.

Four books published by the Sahitya Akademi were released on the occasion. These books are: A Selection of Contemporary Dogri Poetry translated by Shivnath; Jawar Hans, Japanese classic translated by Krishna Premi; Dehri Da Deeva, award winning Punjabi novel translated by Prakash Premi and Dogri Ekanki Da Safarnama edited by Jitendra Udhampuri.

First session, chaired by Prof Champa Sharma, had two papers on "Image of Women in Dogri Plays" read by eminent writers Mohan Singh and Archana Kesar.

After-noon session, presided over by Darshan Darshi, papers by Shashi Pathania and Neerja Sharma were presented.

Shri Muddh Devi Bhagwat Katha begins at Parade

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: A large number of devotees drawn from different parts of Jammu region thronged the Parade Ground this afternoon to participate in nine day long Shri Muddh Devi Bhagwat Katha being recited by Swami Hardayanand Giri Ji Mahraj.

The Katha, which started with Saraswati Vandana will culminate on November 5. As Swami Ji came to the dais he was given a standing ovation by the devotees who also showered flowers on him.

Earlier, an impressive Shoba Yatra with full religious fervour and enthusiasm was taken out from historic Raghunath Bazar to Parade Ground. The Yatra was led by Swami Ji and a large number of devotees including a sizeable number of women participated in it. The people enroute greeted the Yatris.

Later, the "Kalash" Sathapana was made at the venue of the Katha with chanting of religious hymns.

Among the prominent personalities the MLA Gandhi Nagar, Raman Bhalla also took part in the Shoba Yatra.

Swami Ji, while delivering the sermons described the Shakti and its importance as per Hindu philosophy. He said the universe is incomplete without Shakti.

BSP pleads cause of OBCs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: State general secretary of Bahujan Samaj Party, Krishan Basotra has stated that Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are the worst sufferers at the hands of the ruling elite in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Basotra while addressing enlightened the audience about the Reservation Act 2004 and SRO 294, which has done the work of massacring the OBCs.

He appealed the OBCs of the State to fight their battle under the banner of BSP which is only political party in the State and the country which is committed to fight for the rights of SC, ST, OBCs and Religious Minorities..

Basotra demanded that Government should modify Reservation Act 2004 as also the SRO 294 at an earliest and implement Mandal Commission recommendations in J&K in toto viz give 27 percent reservation to real OBCs, in recruitment, admission in professional colleges, promotions and PG Courses.

He demanded that RBA and ALC categories should be deleted from the reservation list and OBC certificates issued on caste basis and not on professional basis.

There should not be renewal of OBC certificates after five years and income should not be made a bar. The age relaxation toOBC candidates should be given in recruitment as is being given to SC and ST cases.

Madan Lal highlights problems of farmers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: Member of Parliament Madan Lal Sharma has said that Congress party has always maintained consistency on its approach towards Jammu and Kashmir achieving ever-lasting peace.

Mr Sharma was speaking at a Congress rally organised by MLA Suman Bhagat at R S Pura. He said coalition Government in the State has been making progress on all fronts including accelerating equitable and all round development in different parts of the State. he added that State has witnessed a sea change since Ghulam Nabi Azad took reins of the State.

Highlighting the lcoal problems Mr Sharma said farming community has suffered huge loss to their crop due to recent hail storm and rains and urged the State Government, which is wellversed with the situation, to assess the loss on war footing and provide compensation to the affected farmers.

Others who addressed the rally included DCC Jammu (Rural) president Th Balwan Singh and MLA Raman Bhalla.

Seminar on development of medicinal plants organised

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 28: A day long seminar on "Conservation, Sustainability and Development of Medicinal Plants Sector" was organized today at Auditorium Hall of IMPA.

Speaking on this occasion, Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma dwelt on the scope of medicinal plants sector in strengthening the economy of the State and its potential in generating employment opportunities for the unemployed youth of the state given the favorable agro-climatic conditions of the State.

Mangat Ram Sharma also distributed cheques to the farmers whose projects have been sanctioned by National Medicinal Plants Board under commercial cultivation scheme of National Medicinal Plants Board.

Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Peer Mohammad Hussain was present on the valedictory session as chief guest.

The Minister distributed planting material, free of cost, among the farmers attending the seminar to encourage large scale cultivation of medicinal plants.

Kashmir more beautiful than Switzerland: Malaysia tourists

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 28: Kashmir is much more beautiful and fascinating than Switzerland was the general impression expressed by a group of 43 Malaysian tourists while interacting with Tourism Minister, Mohammad Dilawal Mir at a breakfast meeting at Royal springs Golf Course this morning.

This was the 6th group of Malaysian tourists who visited the valley so far this year, A. Baharuuddin, group leader apprised the Minister adding that one more group of 78 Malaysian tourists would arrive on 29th November to enjoy winter tourism. The tourists said that they were very much impressed by the hospitality of Kashmiri’s and mesmerized by the enchanting scenic splendour of the valley.

The tourists also vowed to act as ambassadors for promotion of Kashmir tourism on their return to their country. "We will tell and motivate our fellow countrymen that Kashmir is very calm, soothing and peaceful and offers much more entertainment as compared to Switzerland" the tourist maintained.

The Minister while welcoming the Malaysian tourist said that the state and central government are in the process of building tourist infrastructure of international standard and a whopping sum of Rs. 500 crore is being incurred for this purpose during next five years through various Tourism Development Authorities.

The group leader of the Malaysian tourists also informed that about 20,000 CDs on Kashmir tourism will be distributed free of cost in Malaysia to attract tourists for Kashmir. He said J&K provides much more tourist attractions like Golf Course of International standard, snow skiing, worlds highest Gandola and river rafting as compared to Switzerland. He also expressed satisfaction on facilities provided by the Altaf Group of House boats.

NC workers protest against water scarcity

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: To lodge protest against acute shortage of drinking water in Jammu city, National Conference organised a protest rally. The rally started from Indira Chowk and turned into a demonstration in front of the office of the Chief Engineer, PHE, B C road.

The agitating NC workers gharoed Chief Engineer and shouted slogans against failure of the authorities in providing drinking water in the city.

Addressing the workers, Chander Mohan Sharma, said that water supply has badly been affected in Jammu West area after last month’s heavy rain.

Sucha Singh, Surinder Singh Sanghari, Ravi Dogra, Hilal Beig, Ashanand, Rashpal Singh, Shyam Mehra, Mohan Lal and K L Tak also addressed the rally.

Later, a deputation of NC workers met Chief Engineer and Superintendent Engineer of PHE, to apprise them of problem.

UTA for enhancement of honorarium

Excelsior Correspondent

NOWSHERA, Oct 28: United Teachers Association (UTA) in its general body meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of Ashok Mehta discussed the various problems of teachers and RET teachers. Addressing the meeting, Suresh Gujral president of the Association expressed concern over Governments apathy towards the RET teachers.

He said there is no logic in denying the hike in pay perks to RET teachers when their nature of job is same that of the regular teachers.

He said the Government has made commitment in the state Legislature regarding the enhancement in honorarium of RETs from 1500 to Rs 3000 per month but the same was not done till date.

Tejpal Singh, general secretary of the Association stressed upon the DPCs of Education Department to fill up the vacant posts of teachers masters and lecturers immediately. He also demanded that norms be strictly followed in transfers.

Zargar lays foundation of Corporate Office
of State Coop Bank

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 28: Minister for Agriculture, Cooperatives, Fisheries and Sericulture, Abdul Aziz Zargar today laid foundation stone of prestigious Corporate Office for State Cooperative Bank at Raj Bagh here today.

The building would be constructed on the modern lines with Central heating system at a cost of Rs.4.40 crore on the spacious piece of land near State Pollution Control Board Office.

Addressing senior functionaries of the Government and officers of the bank, the Minister expressed satisfaction on the functioning of the bank in respect of ensuring profitability by strategic planning and creating awareness among the people. Mr. Zargar stressed for lending in the priority sectors, Kissan Credit Cards, Self Help Groups, SGSY, Poultry Farming, Rural Cottage Industry etc.

He impressed for extending loans to small and medium farmers on short and long term basis for ensuring economic stability of the State. He said the earning of a record profit of Rs.1568.41 lakh during last four years is an encouraging trend and this trend must get more boost in the years to come.

The Minister said that State Cooperative Bank has been functioning since 1917 in the State and has been given status of an apex bank in 1954. He said that the bank functions as a Central financing agency for four districts as well. He said that the branches of the bank undertake all the banking activities under one roof by way of mobilising deposits and providing loans of various kinds both in agriculture and other sectors. Besides, it also functions as an apex bank for three district Central Cooperative banks of Baramulla, Anantnag and Jammu and four urban cooperative banks of the state, he added.

The function was also addressed by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Basharat Ahmed, Secretary Cooperatives, Dalip Singh, Registrar Cooperative Societies, G. N. Qasba, Special Secretary Cooperatives, Abdul Hamid and Managing Director, JKSCB, Mohd Ashraf Bhat.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, who is also Chairman of the bank on this occasion asked the bank management to take new initiatives for its revival. He said that the functioning of the bank should be helpful in providing benefit to all the sections of the society especially the deprived and deserving ones.

Jora for streamlining power supply in winter

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Oct 28: The electricity supply during winter would be streamlined with minimum power curtailment hours so that the consumer do not face any hardship during harsh winter.

This was stated by Minister for Power Navang Rigzin Jora during a meeting of officers of electricity departments at Baramulla today. The Minister also took stock of the works being executed under Prime Ministers reconstruction programme, APDRP and BADP schemes and called for expeditious completion of these schemes.

MLA Shoaib Nabi Lone, MLC Abdul Gani Vakil, Power Development Commissioner Showkat Rashid Wani, Chief Engineer M&RE Nissar Hussain Khoja, Chief Engineer System and Operations Abdul Rashid Guroo, S.E Baramulla and Kupwara Noor Din Teli, Executive Engineers AEE’s of the department were also present.

Speaking on the occasion the Minister disclosed that the consumer bills are being computerized to enable consumers to know their bills on website and also to check their accounts. He said that 50 MVA grid station at Sheeri in Baramulla tehsil has been commissioned at a total cost of Rs. 1365.12 lakh.

The Minister was informed that out of a total Rs. 45.20 crores fixed for revenue collection, Rs. 8.24 crores have been collected so far. Expressing dissatisfaction on the poor revenue collection Mr. Jora said that Executive Engineers and their subordinate officers would be held responsible for poor tariff recovery and asked them to expedite the revenue collection.

MLA Sangarama Shoaib Lone asked executing agencies to speed up the implementation of centrally sponsored schemes so that people in large numbers are benefited adding that expedition completion of works under various schemes and achieving the targets within stipulated time would yield good results.

BSP leaders conduct tour of Kishtwar, Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Oct 28: State president of Bahujan Samaj Party, Yash Pal Bhagat conducted a tour of Kishtwar and Doda and addressed a series of public meetings there.

During his public meetings, he explained the policies and programmes of BSP. He exhorted the people to wake up and work for strengthening BSP in the State since this was the only party which can take care of their welfare, irrespective of caste and religion.

The BSP leader also charged the State Government with scumbing to cross border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir. He alleged that the demand of clemency for Afzal Guru, who was involved in terrorist attack on Indian Parliament, shows soft policy of Azad Government towards militancy while Farooq Abdullah has proved his mental bankruptcy by siding with Afzal Guru.

Mr Bhagat alleged that the successive State Governments have always done injustice with SCs, OBCs and tribes. The latest example in this regard is SRO 294 which deprives the SCs, OBCs and STs of their due right in Government jobs and promotions, he added. During the tour, Mr Bhagat was accompanied by Sarpanch Tilak Raj and some other leaders of BSP.

District level Yuva Quiz competition held

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Oct 28: District Level Yuva Quiz competition on the topic "Adolescent Health" organized by the Programming officer NSS Unit Katra Mr Ajay Sharma and NSS volunteers was held at Higher Secondary School Katra.

The competition was sponsored by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports & Programme Coordinator University of Jammu NSS Unit. The Additional SP Katra M L Mehra was chief guest where as Principal HSS Katra presided.

In all, 9 teams which include GGHSS Reasi, GHSS Pouni, GHSS Katra, GHS Agarjittoo, GHSS Boys Reasi, GHSS Garhi-Trikuta Public School Katra, Lawrence Public School Reasi and Pine Land Public School Katra participated in the competition.

The team of Government Higher Secondary School Reasi comprising Miss Neha Sharma and Surita Antal was adjudged first, whereas team of Government Higher Secondary School Katra comprising of Heena Sharma and Shvani Sharma was declared second and team of Government Higher Secondary School Pouni which include Monik Raina and Yasser Arfat third respectively.

The winner teams were given cash prize of Rs.1000, Rs.600 and Rs.400 trophies and certificates to all the participant teams were given by the chief guest who also advised the students to take part in the extra curricular activities.

Prof Jasbir Singh Coordinator NSS University Jammu and Principal HSS Katra also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the objective of these programme.

NCC Officer Rattan Singh Manhas conducted the proceedings.