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

Nehru Market traders flay unwarranted raids by JMC officials.....

KP Youth delegation meets RC.....

HC dismisses appeal against acquittal of KZF activists ....

World AIDS Day observed in entire Jammu province....

Taj lays foundation of PHC .....

PHE employees hold grand workers’ rally at Ramban.....

ZSWO Samba tours Ramgarh area.....

Yuva Prabhandak Committee Upper Shiv Nagar constituted.....

KCS College students take out rally....

Progress on NH widening reviewed.....

Rally taken out on ‘Computer Literacy day’.....

Seminar on ‘Study Abroad Education’ held ......

BJP leader for settlement of demands of Pak PoK refugees.....

Zargar bestowed with Rashtriya Gaurav Award.....

Over 67.49 lakh pilgrims visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine .....

Sankalap yatra reaches Delhi

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Dec 1: The Sankalap yatra of Panun Kashmir Movement (PKM) reached New Delhi today. The Yatra in the Union Capital was received by the Delhi Unit of PKM.

The yatra, which left the Jammu on November 25 has so far covered the States of J&K Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. It is being led by PKM president, Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo.

The 50 member PKM delegation has already visited the Jalaianwalan Bagh, Darbar Sahib and Durgiana Temple at Amritsar in Punjab. The yatra at Amritsar was received by K P Sabha of Amritsar. Mr Chrungo was presented a Saropa by Head Granthi at the Darbar Sahib who also organised a special ‘Ardas’ for the success of the yatra. This was stated in a PKM handout issued here, today.

The members of Kashmiri Sikh Displaced Forum who also accompany the yatra were felicitated by the Head Granthi and office bearers of Darbar Sahib.

At Chandigarh the yatra was received by Kashmiri Sahik Samiti Chandigarh. The yatra visited the important ashrams and temples at Chandigarh and other places.

Mr Chrungo said the Sankalap yatra is political pilgrimage and it is aimed at to rekindle the homeland thought, process and struggle in the Kashmiri Pandit community, give a fresh momentum to the political movement of Kashmiri Pandits and to bring at fore the issues about the ethnic cleansing and exodus of the community in a forceful and practical manner and to make masses aware about the human rights violations and issues pertaining to genocidal action against the Pandits and the other minorities of the J&K State.

Radio Kashmir, Jammu celebrates
its sixty glorious years

By Ravinder Kaul

The voices that one hears day in and day out, on various frequencies on which Radio Kashmir, Jammu is broadcast, came alive here today before an invited audience in Abhinav Theatre, when all the announcers, artistes, singers and musicians, who normally remain confined to their small cubicles behind inanimate microphones, faced the limelight, to celebrate sixty years of the existence of Radio Kashmir, Jammu.

For the first time, one realised that Ravi Kant Sharma is not only a good broadcaster, he is a good actor too. That Master Ji of Kisan Vani programme is actually Soujanya Sharma, CEO of Mansar Surinsar Development Authority. That both the characters of Dhunda Ram and Titroo in programme Dareeche are enacted by the same person, K.C.Manhas. That Sunita Bhagat is even more vivacious in person than behind the microphone. That Tota Ram of Dareeche programme is actually Surinder Sagar, a fellow journalist. That Madhavi Sharma is as charming as her voice. That Rita Yusuf has discovered some age defying potion. That Naina Saproo Trisal is not only a good singer, she is a good broadcaster too.

Radio Kashmir, Jammu has had a glorious past. Beginning its journey on December 1, 1947 as the first part of Radio Kashmir (the other part, Radio Kashmir, Srinagar came much later), the station has come a long way from a single 1KW Medium Wave transmitter to four transmitters for Primary, Yuv Vani and Commercial services covering an area of 30,400 sq.kms. for its medium wave transmission alone. The station has had the distinction of having eminent writer Rajinder Singh Bedi as its Station Director when it was still in its infancy. The programmes of the station are broadcast in 12 languages and are quite popular on the other side of the international border and the line of control. I have personally met a number of people in various cities and towns of Pakistan, during my three visits to that country, who have told me that they were avid listeners of Radio Kashmir, Jammu.

Today’s programme was unique in many ways. The entire programme was broadcast live on Yuv Vani Service on the FM transmitter. It contained a number of popular programmes of Radio Kashmir, Jammu like Dareeche, Minjaraan, Pamposh, Bhene Aaste, Kisan Vani, Punjabi Programme, Bhaderwahi Programme and Gojri Programme. The audience, for the first time, got a feel of what goes on behind the scenes in producing of their favorite programmes.

The programme began with the welcome address by Dr. K.C.Dubey, Station Director. It was followed by a Dogri chorus specially written and composed by Brij Mohan and sung by by Vishal Gupta and Rita Rani for the occasion. The lyrics Sacho sach aakhe te ghar ghar bole, Radio kanne ich misri ghole truly encapsulated the essence and the import of radio even in this age of television and internet. It was presented quite melodiously by the singing duo. Next came a Bhaint by Rita Rani. Sitar recital by Surinder Saproo, who presented Raag Charu Keshi, was also received well by the audience. Suraj Singh’s ghazal Rukhsat hua to baat meri maan kar gaya, Apne tamaam dard mujhe daan kar gaya was loudly appreciated by the audience. He also presented a Dogri folk song later in the programme. Bhaderwahi folk song by Jagdish Chander Anjana, Gojri folk song by Shabnam Akhtar Bano & Party and Punjabi song by Surpal were also quite impressive. Naina Saproo Trisal and Deepali Wattal won many hearts with their rendition of Rasul Mir’s all time favourite Haariye Thavakh na kan te lo lo. Asha Kanwar and Sharda Chauhan presented two Himachali folk songs in the programme and enlivened the atmosphere with their unique voice and dancing steps.

Radio has played a great role in the hilly and underdeveloped areas of J&K state in almost every sphere of human activity. Be it helping the agriculturists with modern techniques of farming, spreading health awareness, providing meaningful entertainment, countering enemy propaganda and encouraging literary and creative activities in local vernaculars of the region, radio has made a significant contribution in these and many other areas.

Yet, there is lot more to do. The occasion of sixtieth anniversary must be utilised for some serious introspection over the areas where the great institution of radio has been found lacking in recent times in this region. Why is it so that some private upstart radio stations are ruling the airwaves at least in urban areas even with their frivolous programmes lacking any substance whatsoever? Why is the sheen and gloss missing from the programmes of radio? When did Radio Kashmir, Jammu last win an All India Award for one of its plays? Why is the technical quality of songs recorded on the costly equipment in Radio lacking finesse when scores of recording studios in every lane of the city are producing high quality music programmes? Is radio still attracting the best talent in town? If not, then why not? All these are questions that must be addressed in order to restore the richly deserved pride of place to the radio that it once enjoyed. This reviewer, who still cherishes his first Rs.15 contract for presenting a Mehfil programme on the Yuv Vani service as a prized possession, and many more like him would be only too pleased if Radio Kashmir, Jammu rules the airwaves once again.

Gen Singh visits MIER, interacts with students

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Former Chief of Army Staff Gen J J Singh, who was once a student of the Model Academy Model Institute of Education and Research visited his alma-mater today to interact with the students and staff of the Institute.

The General, on his arrival was accorded a warm reception by Director, MIER Dr Arun K Gupta and Joint Director, Dr Renu Gupta. This was followed by a Guard of Honour by the smartly turned out NCC Naval Cadets and the Scouts and Guides Unit of Model Academy.

Gen Singh paid rich Homage to the founders of MIER late Prof H L Gupta and Prof Shanti Gupta by laying floral wreaths at their portrait.

In his address, Gen Singh, recalled the sweet memories of his school days at Model Academy and said that the credit for his achievements goes to the late Prof H L Gupta and Prof Shanti Gupta, who instilled a sense of discipline, strong work ethics, morals and a missionary zeal in him.

He credited the excellent education received at Model Academy in shaping his personality and equipping him with the skills needed to succeed in life. He expressed delight at the stupendous progress achieved by the Institute.

Earlier, Dr Arun K Gupta, in his address, described General Singh as a true son of the soil and lauded his exemplary achievements, which he felt would continue to inspire generations of modelites to believe in their dreams and reach the zenith in their chosen professions.

Prof Adit Gupta, Principal, Model Academy, presented a formal introduction to the Chief Guest, listing his dazzling accomplishments, acts of heroic bravery and his immense contribution in shaping the Indian Army into one of the best armed forces in the World.

Later, the General had a friendly interaction with the staff and students of the Institute.

An expression of gratitude on behalf of the students was presented by Harleen Kour, while Prof Ankur Gupta, Member, Board of Directors, MIER presented the formal vote of thanks.

Other distinguished alumni present on the occasion included General (retd) J S Jamwal, General (retd) Anoop Singh Jamwal, Tejinder Manocha, Virvarshal Singh, Nirmal Kapoor, Karan Dev Singh, Vijay Grover, Sarvbeer Singh and Roshan Lal.

Amendment in recruitment rules of Stationery
& Office Supplies Deptt demanded

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: National Trade Union Front (NTUF) has demanded amendment in recently issued recruitment rules for Stationery and Office Supplies Department.

This demand was made at a joint press conference by Mohammed Gafoor Dar, president NTUF and Babu Hussain Malik, president Stationary and Office Supplies Department Employees Union at a joint press conference here, this afternoon.

They said these rules are totally against the non -gazetted employees of Stationery Department and there is a lot of resentment among the employees of the Department against these rules.

He also announced that NTUF will organise a rally on December 27 in support of the employees demands including enhancement of retirement age to 60 years, regularisation of dailywagers and release of Interim Relief at the rate of Rs 1000 per month.

Mr Dar said in a recently held meeting of Stationary and Office Supplies Employees Union reconstituted its body and Babu Hussain Malik was re-elected its president.

The other office bearers elected include Farooq Ahmed Lone as vice president, S S Pathania, general secretary, Shivinder Kumar Raina, secretary, Amarjeet Singh, chief organizer, Kuldeep Kumar, organizer, Pardeep Kumar, cashier, Mohammed Hussain, advisor and Jaswant Singh publicity secretary.

Court acquits accused as SVO fails to prove case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Kartar Singh today acquitted Mohd Imbrahim, the then Clerk in Tehsil Office Thanamandi, district Rajouri as State Vigilance Organization (SVO) has miserably failed to prove its case against the accused beyond reasonable shadow of doubt.

According to the Vigilance Organization, on February 28, 2001, one Abdul Majeed lodged a written complaint with SVO alleging that his two brothers were selected for IRP and he approached accused Mohd Imbrahim, Clerk in Tehsil Office to get certificates of Backward Area residents in favour of his two brothers.

The Clerk demanded illegal gratification for issuance of certificates and accordingly Rs 4000 were paid to him on February 14, 2001 and remaining Rs 2000 were settled to be paid to him on March 1, 2001.

Upon this, a case under Section 5(2) of Prevention of Corruption Act 2006 was registered and investigation was entrusted to B L Garyali, DySP. The DySP laid a trap on March 1, 2001 and recovered tainted amount of Rs 2000 from the possession of Clerk in the presence of independent witnesses.

After hearing SPO for the Vigilance Organization and Advocates SC Bali and BR Gupta appearing for the accused, Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Kartar Singh referred the various judgments of the Supreme Court including the judgement of 5 Judges Bench of the Supreme Court in a case of State of Bihar Vs Basawan Singh regarding the trap case and also judgement on presenting FIR to the Court in delay.

The Court observed "the law laid down by the Supreme Court squarely applies to the facts of the present case. The complainant is an accomplice whereas the shadow witnesses is an interested witness as such there statements cannot be believed without corroboration which is lacking in the present case".

The Court further observed that the prosecution has put forth highly contradictory divergent and irreconcilable version about the recovery of the tainted money from the accused which makes the prosecution story doubtful and unbelievable. In other words, it has failed to reconcile the different version propounded by it regarding the recovery of the tainted money of the accused.

Regarding the question raised by the accused for submitting FIR in the Court after two days of registration, the Court referred judgement of the Supreme Court regarding the FIR and observed " in view of the material facts, it is held that Vigilance Organization has miserably failed to prove its case against the accused beyond reasonable shadow of the doubt and the accused is acquitted from the charges against him".

Jammu Frontier BSF celebrates Raising Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Border Security Force (BSF) Jammu Frontier, organised several programmes in connection with the 43rd Raising Day of the Force at its Ploura headquarters and other locations in the region.

Raised on December 1, 1965 with the primary role of guarding borders with the Pakistan and Bangladesh, this force has the distinction of being the largest border guarding force, comprising of over two lakhs officers and jawans. It has the responsibility to guard nearly 7000 kms of India’s borders.

In connection with the celebrations, Ploura Frontier headquarters, organised a blood donation camp, an impressive cultural programme at BSF School and a ‘Bada Khana’ for the Force men. Sweets were also distributed at the unit level. On this occasion, the BSF widows and the retired personnel were also felicitated.

The BSF Jammu frontier has the distinction of completing fencing along nearly 160 kms of international border in Jammu sector besides killing 175 militants in various independent and joint operations. It has earned 75 Gallantry Medals, recovered 303 weapons and seized a large number of arms and explosives. The BSF deployed in this sector has also nabbed 2699 Bangladeshis and 469 Mayanmar nationals in last five years while they were crossing over to Pakistan.

At BSF School Ploura, the students presented an impressive programme. IG BSF, A K Surollia who was the chief guest on the occasion, presented gifts and shawls to the widows of BSF men and the retired BSF personnel. The participating students were also given prizes. The IG also listened to the problems of BSF widows and retired men.

Gang of car lifters busted

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 1: The StatePolice today claimed to have busted a gang of car lifters by arresting two kingpins and recovering several stolen motorcycles and cars from them.

They said police had received various complaints regarding vehicle theft in Sumbal area of North Kashmir.

Following sustained investigations, police busted a gang of car lifters by arresting two kingpins Reyaz Ahmed Hajam and Fayaz Ahmed.

Two stolen cars and four motorcycles were also seized at their instance, police added.

They said, a case has been registered in this regard and investigations taken up. The questioning of the accused was on and further recoveries were expected, police added.

Reservation should be based on
economic basis, not caste: AIBF

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: All India Brahmin Federation has demanded reservation on the basis on class ( economic status) and not on the consideration of caste.

Addressing a press conference here today, Prof Devendra Sharma, president, All India Brahmin Federation said the reservations on caste basis was dividing the society and argued that reservations should be on economic condition without consideration of caste factor.

Blaming the politicians for vote bank politics, he charged that they were working for their narrow interests only without caring for the broader social harmony, cohesion and growth.

While Gurjars are demanding ST status in Rajasthan, the Meenas community opposing it. In other parts, there is strife and tension on the issue of reservarvations on caste basis.

Serious distortions and division are being perpetuated with political parties exploiting both the ST, SC, OBCs and the upper castes for their own petty electoral gains, he alleged.

"Though Brahmins are worst sufferers of reservation policy, still we consider all weaker sections should be provided socio-economic justice", he added.

He pointed out that UP has presented a glaring example of shift from caste consideration to help deserving and weaker sections belonging to any caste. In this largest state of the country, it was Brahmin and others’ support which brought political change in elections. Economic status should be the only consideration for reservation, he added.

Prof Sharma said the Federation will review the situation at its special session to be held at Rourkela in Chattisgarh on December 21 and take policy decisions.

He said formation of a co-ordinating committee of Brahmins, backward classes and ST/ SCs is being planned at Hyderabad at a meeting to beld on December 5.

The Federation was critical of the way a legisaltion was enacted at the instance of one individual against another individual. We feel this was done to satisfy ego of an individual, Union Health Minister had termed it as "disappointing’’.

All India Brahmin Federation stands for declaring Ramsetu as a national monument and delay in this regard would result in grave situation, he stressed.

Other office-bearers of the Federation, who were present included: VP Balotra, chief co-ordinator; and executive council members I. J Khajuria, VP Sharma, Vijay Sharma, Ram Pal Sharma and M L Sharma.

Nehru Market traders flay unwarranted
raids by JMC officials

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: The Traders Federation of Nehru Market / Ware House has lashed out at the officials of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) for conducting unwarranted raids in the market and tarnishing the image of traders through baseless statements against them in media.

Addressing a press conference, Romesh Chander Gupta, president of the Federation alleged that the self-styled working of JMC officials was fringing the rights of the trading community of Nehru Market (only grainery of J&K), as they were conducting the surprise raids on the godowns with big unit of people just to harass them.

"Here we sell only packed goods brought from the other states and there is no need to do sample tests here, if any, then it should be done by the municipal staff of health department and not by JMC administrators, as they have no rights to do the same", he added.

He suggested to State Government that if it thinks mandatory to check the quality of packed goods, then same should be done at the entry point of the State itself i.e. Lakhanpur. He alleged that JMC officials were carrying these raids either under political pressure or just to show their work abilties and please their mentors.

While criticising JMC for its complete failure to address the problems of the area, Gupta remarked that its officials were eager to launch crusade against the adulteration in a big and unwarranted way but bothered least about the sanitation and other related problems prevailing in the area.

Meanwhile, he assured full cooperation to Government from Federation in crusade against adulteration but demanded transparent way of quality check, which would in no way hurt the sentiments of trading community here.

He also threatened to stop the trading at a very short notice if their problems would not be listened in proper manner. Among others present during the occasion were Kirti Kumar (senior vice president), Anil Gupta ( general secretary) and Naresh Gupta etc.

KP Youth delegation meets RC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: A delegation of Unemployed Kashmiri Migrant Youth Forum led by Pt. Moti Koul a prominent KP leader met Relief Commissioner, Vinod Koul here, today and discussed the problems of displaced unemployed youth with him.

Mr Koul urged the Relief Commissioner that immediate steps should be taken for the payment of relief to the bifurcated ration card holders as the issue is pending for a long time and has resulted into the starvation of a number of families.

He also demanded soft loans for the unemployed youth who are interested in setting up their own establishments and business. He alleged that the displaced youth have to go from one office to another office to take the benefit of different rozgar schemes launched by the Government. He alleged even the bankers are denying them loans.

He demanded that Relief Organization should work as a nodal agency and the benefit of all those schemes which have been announced by Government should be extended to the KP youth both in Valley as well as Jammu.

Besides other issues confronting the displaced community were also discussed. The Relief Commissioner assured the delegation that due attention will be given by the Relief Organization in mitigating the sufferings of the displaced community. The other members of the delegation were Sunil Fotedar, Vikram Razdhan, Ashok Bhat, Surinder Kumar and M K Pandita.

HC dismisses appeal against acquittal of KZF activists

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Justice Nirmal Singh of J&K High Court, Jammu Wing, dismissed an appeal filed by the State against the acquittal of Amarpreet Singh and others allegedly one time terrorists of Khalistan Zindabad Force (KZF), who were acquitted by 2nd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu on May 26, 2007 from the charges leveled against them.

According to the prosecution case, on June 27, 1996 when SHO Bahu-Fort was at Gadigarh in connection with investigation of a case, recovery of 50 live cartridges of AK-47 rifle, one tiffin shaped time-bomb and 3 kg of RDX was affected at the instance of respondents, who were in custody in a connection with FIR No 107/96.

However, the Trial Court acquitted the respondents which was challenged by the State in the present appeal.

During the hearing, Justice Nirmal Singh pointed out to Additional Advocate General B S Salathia as to whether the Court can take cognizance of the matter when the sanction as envisaged under Section 39 of the Arms Act has not been obtained. The AAG candidly made a statement that without a proper sanction under the said section, Court cannot take cognizance of the offence under Section 3/25 of Arms Act.

Upon this, Court clarified that under Section 39, previous sanction of the District Magistrate is necessary in certain cases. In the present case no sanction was taken therefore, the Trial Court has rightly observed that cognizance as well as trial of the respondents/accused under Section 3/25 of Arms Act vitiates the case.

After persuing the evidence on record, the Court also observed that the prosecution has miserably failed to prove that respondents had entered into a criminal conspiracy to wage a war against the State.

Justice Nirmal Singh further observed "the recovery in the case is set to have been effected from a Mohalla. A number of persons were available but the investigator in his statement has not given any reason as to why independent witnesses have not been joined. Even, the official witnesses are materially discrepant in their statement".

With these observations, the Court dismissed the appeal filed by the State against the acquittal of the respondents.

World AIDS Day observed in entire Jammu province

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Various functions were held across Jammu region to observe World AIDS Day with enthusiasm to do away with this dreaded disease and higher educational institution remained in the fore-front to send a message of prevention amongst masses against the said killing ailment.

The J&K State AIDS Prevention and Control Society in collaboration with NGOs, Health Authorities and Educational Institutions observed the day in entire J&K State. In Jammu, the day started with observance of the Day at KC Public School, wherein the chief guest was Health and Medical Education Minister Mangat Ram Sharma, who stressed the need for highlighting the preventive measures and awareness about the dreaded disease at all levels. Dr M A Wani, Project Director, State AIDS Prevention and Control Society also spoke on the occasion.

NSM College of Education held a symposium on the subject under the chairmanship of Dr Suman Thusoo and programme attended among others by chairman of the college T R Mahajan.

Chenab College of Education held a seminar on the topic to observe the day. Students presented skits on the theme of the day and took pledge for spreading awareness among masses about this dreadful epidemic.

The NSS unit of Bhartiya College of Education organized an Awareness Programme under which different competitions were held on the topic "AIDS myths and reality" on slogan writing, poster making and symposium.

Ramisht College of Education held a symposium which was organized by "Population Club", wherein the students took an oath to spread awareness about the dreaded disease amongst the masses.

Dogra College of Education also held a symposium in which the chief guest was Kr Samar Dev Singh Charak. The judges in the panel were S L Kotwal, Shefali Sharma and Dipti Dogra.

BEACON College of Education organized a debate in the premises of college at Kot Bhalwal. A lecture on AIDS was delivered by Institute Director Rajan Sharma.

Sai Shyam College of Education organized a lecture on the topic in which a large number of students participated. The programme was held under the supervision of chairman of the college C L Tickoo.

The NSS unit of Luthra College of Education held a poster making competition to observe the Day in which Meena got first prize, second position was secured by Poja and Vivek respectively while Gulab Chand was placed at third position and consolation prizes were given to Jyoti and Pokhan Giri Naimuddin.

The World AIDS Day was also observed by Directorate of Field Publicity unit at GHSS Channi Himmat, at Udhampur Station under the aegis of AWWA, at Friends Club India (Jammu), Viraj Kala Kendra, All India Mahatma Gandhi National Foundation, SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, at GDC Ramnagar, at Government Degree College Poonch, at GDC Thanna Mandi, a seminar at Kargil auditorium in which about 350 students participated.

At Leh the day was jointly observed by Health Department, LNP and RDY organizations today with enthusiasm against the dreaded disease.

The J&K Society for Promotion of Youth and masses carried out an Awareness Yatra on the streets of Jammu city.

World AIDS Day was observed like elsewhere in the entire world at 66 Military Hospital under the guidance of Brig KR Salgotra, VSM, with technical assistance from the local 36 Station Health Organization.

Taj lays foundation of PHC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Minister for Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din today laid the foundation stone of a Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Sultan Dhaki in Uri.

The Centre will be beneficial to atleast 30000 people of Dachi, Basgan, Sultan-Daki, Kanalikote sharda and Dugam villages of Uri division.

The Minister also inaugurated the recently upgraded Higher Secondary School in the area. He said that this educational institute will come a long way in making education available to people from this area.

Reiterating the resolve of Azad led Government to provide essential services to the people at their very door steps, the Minister said that more and more infrastructural development would be made in future also.

He also stressed upon the people particularly the youth to make optimum benefit of the opportunities provided by the Government through its various schemes.

PHE employees hold grand workers’ rally at Ramban

Excelsior Correspondent

RAMBAN, Dec 1: A largely attended rally of PHE Employees Association was taken out in which employees from Ramban, Banihal, Ramsoo, Chamble Ball, Mohu Mangat, Kharri, Powgal Paristan, Gool Sandle, Batote, Raj Garh, Chanderkot and Dharmkund as also from far flung areas of the district participated.

The rally was led by Shiv Kumar Sharma, association provincial president and State president of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC).

The processionist shouting slogans in favour of their demands passed through different markets of Ramban. Shiv Kumar Sharma in his address stated that discrimination with Jammu workers was due to negligence of the PHE authorities and warned the Government to stop this discrimination or else the PHEEA would be constrained to take drastic action.

Regarding statement of the PHE Department, Chief Engineer in the State High Court that PHE CPWs perform duty for only 2 to 3 hours, Mr Sharma appealed the workers only to perform for two hours a day till their demands were met with and they were paid Rs 70 per day.

Others who spoke in the rally were Som Nath, Mohd Akram Malik, Ghulam Ahmed Rajput, Chowdhary farooq, Ghulam Rasool, Pt Bhushan Lal, Krishan Lal, Abdul Hamid etc. Later, a charter of demands was handed over to District Development Commissioner Ramban.

The demands in the charter included payment to all community participation workers at the rate of Rs 70 per day at par with their Valley counter-parts, benefit of one and a half day remaining extra pay benefit to all assistant linemen, assistant motor men off cadre covered under SRO 43, clarification of SRO 149 of 1973 from the Finance Department for non-ITI workers, Release of pending pay of all CPWs and ITI employees and regularization of all daily wagers who have completed 7 years regular service under SRO 64.

District president of PHEEA Chain Singh also spoke on the occasion and asked the workers to remain united and be ready for further struggle.

ZSWO Samba tours Ramgarh area

Excelsior Correspondent

SAMBA, Dec 1: The Zila Sainik Welfare Officer (ZSWO) Samba, Col (retd) K B Gupta today visited the Ramgarh area to educate and motivate Ex-Servicemen (ES) to complete mandatory documentations for availing benefits of schemes offered by Centre and State Governments.

Interacting with a gathering of ES and widows, he stressed on the need for early publication of Part-II orders regarding marriage and birth of children, joint notification of marriage in case of those retired before 1986, membership of ECHS before March 31, 2008, as after that non-membes cease to get benefit from Army Hospitals.

He offered to nominate his staff to accompany widows and elderly ES to the concerned officials during the process of documentation. He requested young ES to help out the elderly ones. Col Gupta also explained in detail about various schemes being offered by Centre and State Governments.

Later, he listend to their problems and even solved soem on the spot.

Yuva Prabhandak Committee Upper Shiv Nagar constituted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1:- The Yuva Prabhandak Committee Upper Shiv Nagar was constituted today with Davinder Singh Jamwal as its chairman and Nanak Chib alias Bawa as its president.

As per a release the other office bearers included Rajesh Anand, senior vice president, Karan Singh as vice president, Ravi Bhandari, general secretary, Sanjeev Jamwal, joint secretary, Balbir Singh Jamwal and Sanjeshwar Singh Sambyal, joint secretaries, Joginder Gupta (Funny) chief organizing secretary, Deepak Gupta, organizing secretary, Dr Sudesh Kumar, cashier, Manu and Vijay Goswami office secretaries, Sanjay Uppal, coordinator and Samat Chopra, advertising secretary.

KCS College students take out rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Students of KCS College of Education (women) took out a rally as a part of ‘communal harmony week’ celebration here today.

Chairperson of the College Mrs P. Choudhary and Dr K L Bharti, principal flagged off the rally. Nearly 300 students participated in it. The rally started from the college moved towards Roop Nagar, JDA Colony and after passing through the main road it reached Ban Talab.

The students were carrying banners and placards in hands depicting slogans of unity and communal harmony. The rally culminated in the college premises and the students later presented cultural items. The programme was coordinated by Sneh Khanna, Programme Officer NSS Unit of the College.

Progress on NH widening reviewed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: District Development Commissioner Samba B.S.Jamwal has reviewed the progress of ongoing road widening of National Highway Project in Samba district at a meeting of officers held in Samba today.

It was informed in the meeting that work on various project is in full swing and efforts are being made to complete the project as per the target. The officers of National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) sought cooperation from the authorities for clearing the encroachments at some places on the National Highway which are creating bottlenecks in the way of speedy progress of this ambitious project.

The District Development Commissioner issued instructions to the revenue officers to remove the encroachment, if any on the National Highway and extend full cooperations to the NHAI in execution of work. Mr. Jamwal urged the officers of NHAI to deploy crane at Bari Brahamna to avoid any traffic congestion.

He said that SSP Traffic Jammu would be requested to deploy adequate number of traffic personnel at Bari Brahamna at vulnerable spots.

Project Director NHAI, M.K. Jain, Manager (Tech) NHAI and other officers of district administration were also present in the meeting.

Rally taken out on ‘Computer Literacy day’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: On the occasion of "World Computer Literacy Day", the students of Kawa Institute of Management and Technology (KIMT) today took out a rally through city bazaars to emphasise on the need to acquire computer knowledge.

The rally which commenced from Jambu Lochan Hall, Ambphalla finally concluded at Bikram Chowk after covering a distance of few kilometers and passing through the bazaars of Kachi Chhawni, Parade, Indira Chowk and Jewel Chowk. Over hundered students took part in the rally and enthusiastically propagated the message to learn about computers among the public.

Seminar on ‘Study Abroad Education’ held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Career Infotech in collaboration with Overseas Consultancy conducted a seminar on ‘Study Abroad Education’ at GCW Gandhi Nagar.

The panel of experts including Tasos Anastasiouh, College Director of Americans College Cyprus made the participants aware about the abroad education for securing their futures. It was said during the seminar that it has become easy to go to the countries like Cyprus, which has been providing different courses to the students without passing IELTS/TOEFLS teast.

It was further said that students going for this study abroad education would be benefitted a great deal for future challenges.

BJP leader for settlement of demands of Pak PoK refugees

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Dec 1: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader Kuldeep Raj Gupta has demanded settlement of the demands of the Pak and PoK refugees.

In a statement issued here, today, he also demanded economic assistance for the migrants from Rajouri and Poonch on the same pattern as has been given to migrants of Talwara.

Expressing concern over growing unemployment Mr Gupta urged the Government to announce an employment package for the unemployed youth.

Zargar bestowed with Rashtriya Gaurav Award

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 1: Zargar Mohd Bashir, chairman, Faridia Razakar Tanzeem, Doda and chief patron, Joint Enviro-Education and Health Organization (NGO) has been awarded Rashtriya Gaurav Award.

The memento and a certificate of excellence were presented to Mr Zargar by Governors Dr Bhishma Narain Singh and J N Chaturvedi at a function organized by India International Friendship Society.

Over 67.49 lakh pilgrims visit Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Dec 1 :A record number of over 67.49 lakh pilgrims from various parts of the country have visited the holy cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji upto ending November since January first this year. During the corresponding period of last year 63.81 lakh pilgrims had darshan at the holy cave shrine. Thus, an increase of about 3.68 lakh pilgrims has been registered.

Alone in the month of November 2007 as many as 5,48,696 pilgrims have paid their obeisance at the holy cave shrine against 4,56,801 pilgrims in Nov.

Presently, 12,000 to 13,000 pilgrims are daily reaching at the base camp Katra town for their onward journey to the holy cave shrine.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Shrine Board to provide maximum facilities to the visiting pilgrims at Katra and enroute to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.