Cong to organise rally against LUTF’s anti-Ladakh policies

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Dec 4: District Congress Committee, Leh will hold a public rally on December 7 at Polo Ground, here against the anti-people and anti-Ladakh policies of Ladakh Union Territory Front (LUTF) and its leaders. The day will also be observed as black day in protest against the hooliganism of the LUTF activists.

The decision was unanimously taken during the central working committee meeting of the District Congress Committee held under the chairmanship of DCC president Rigzin Spalbar. The meeting was also attended by Minister for Power Nawang Rigzin Jora and Councillors of the party.

The meeting strongly condemned the illegal and immoral direct interference of LUTF and its leaders into the non-political religious organisation-LBA by thrusting Dr Dawa as its president and misuse of LBA as LUTF’s branch to carryout political activities to counter and discredit Congress and its leadership.

It was decided in the meeting to fight tooth and nail against politicisation of any non-political organisation by politicians for their vested interests. The participants alleged that LUTF leadership has utterly failed to fulfill their promises made during last LAHDC Leh elections and misleading the people to cover its failures.

They appealed the general public to be beware of directionless, short-sighted and undemocratic political dynamics of LUTF leadership.

The participants appreciated Minister for Power for arranging another 4.5 megawatt DG set at Leh and improving the transmission lines in Leh besides allotting DG sets for Tiskshi, Kyagar, Wanla, Mangyu, Lamayuru and Rumbak. They further praised the Minister for getting approval from the Central Government and sending a team led by Planning Commission to Puga Valley for exploring generation of power through geo-thermal source.

In the meeting, Norbu Gyalson was appointed as working president of DCC Leh, Tsultim Phunchok as general secretary incharge Nubra, Rinchen Tondup as general secretary incharge Sham area, Gyurmar Dorje as general secretary incharge Nyoma block, Rigzin Motup as general secretary incharge Nurbuk block, Tashi Norbu as general secretary incharge Kharu Block and Ali Akbar as general secretary incharge minorities affairs.

AITUC, AIKS take out protest march against price hike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: The activists of All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) and All India Kissan Sabha (J&K Circle) today took out a protest march in the City, demanding am immediate check over price rise and exploitation of labour class at the hands of Government as well as private sector.

It was for the first time that activists of AITUC, J&K National Trade Union Front (JKNTUF), All India Students Federation (AISF), Jammu Province Bank Employees Federation (JPBEF) and the AIKS from different areas had gathered in large number and took out a march. The march was commenced from Town Hall and concluded at New Secretariat.

The gathering was addressed by number of speakers including Com Kanwal Dev, veteran trade unionist AITUC, Com N K Dogra, president AITUC (J&K), Com Mohd Gafoor Dar, president J&K NTUF, Com Arun Kumar Gupta, president JPBEF, Com Vimal Manhas, president AISF and Dr. G S Charak, president AIKS.

All the speakers lambasted the Government for turning blind eye towards the burning problems of the common man including price rise, violation of labour laws, lack of reforms in agricultural sector etc. They said the rally was organised in the State Capital to make the Government realize about the sufferings of common man, who is perturbed over the rise in prices of basic commodities.

SFC holds officers, public meet at Kathua

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Dec 4: The State Finance Commission (SFC) headed by its Chairman, Dr. Mehmood-ul-Rehman along with its member, Swami Raj Sharma, Secretary Mohammad Den and other members today held a district officers and public meet at Kathua.

Additional District Development Commissioner, Anal Kumar Gupta, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Laj Ram, SE Hydraulic, OP Dubbey, other District officers, XEns of all departments and representatives of public from Lohai Malhar, Machhadi, Billawar, Basohli, Hiranagar, Kathua and Bani representatives of various political parties, Panches and Sarpanches, committee members and councilors were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mehmood-ul-Rehma sought cooperation of the people in ensuring equal development of all areas.

Dr. Rehaman said Kathua has vast potential of Horticulture, agriculture and tourism which can be harnessed for betterment of the people living Below Poverty Line.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Swami Raj Sharma stressed the need for formulation of tourism plan in every district. He said that far flung and hilly areas of Kathua district like Lohai-Malhar, Machhadi, Bani need special attention of the Government for development.

The public representative from Lohai Malhar Basohli, Hiranagar and Kathua projected many demands and grievances before the Commissioner including potable drinking water, road connectivity and lift irrigation system for Kandi belts of the district, filling up of vacant posts of doctors and infrastructure at Mahatna Gandhi hospital, Kathua, district status to Billawar.

The people also brought to the attention of the officers that the daily wages of Jammu are getting Rs. 500/- per month where as the daily wagers at Kashmir are getting Rs. 2100/- per month and frequent issuing of pollution certificates to industrial units.

The chairman of SFC and other members listened to the public representatives patiently and directed the district officers to submit the detailed report in this regard to the commission.

J&K Film producers discuss demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: Executive body meeting of J&K Film Producers, Directors, Writers and Artists Action Association was held under the chairmanship of K D Koul Mehboob, senior film director.

The meeting held satisfaction over issuance of Notification by Prasar Bharti Broad-Casting Corporation for the re-empanelment of the producers for Kashir Channel and requested the authorities at the helm of affairs to finalize the issue as early as early possible enabling the producers to start their ventures when allotted.

The Director DD Jammu was also requested to start In-House productions in the languages spoken in Jammu. Those who participated in the meeting included Bharti Zaroo, Jaya Kishori, O N Koul Budgami, P L Sudeshi, A S Jamwal, Ajay Safaya, Neeraj Zutshi, Pardeep Pandita, Sandeep Kaw and Kuldeep Sudeshi.

Girl dies in mishap, 2 make suicide attempts

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Dec 4: A minor girl was crushed to death by a tractor near Rajbagh while two persons including a house wife made suicide attempts in the district today.

Reports said 5-year-old Sonia, daughter of Puran Chand, a resident of Jagatpur was hit by a speeding tractor on Mareen link road. She was just crossing the road when a tractor hit the girl. She was killed on the spot. While a youth driving tractor, escaped apprehending a good thrash from the villagers, the tractor was later seized by Rajbagh police. A case was registered in this connection against the driver.

Young Nirmala Devi, wife of Jantu Ram, hailing from Dhanni-Bhakhta became serious after she consumed some poisonous stuff at her home today. She was immediately shifted to Kathua hospital. His condition was improving. The police has registered a case in this connection. The cause behind this extreme step was not known as yet.

In yet another similar case, 25-year-old Kulwiner Singh, son of Amrik Singh, a resident of Jasrota made suicide bid by consuming some poisonous substance. The youth was struggling for life in Kathua hospital. The police was investiging the cause behind this act.

Retrenched Class-IV employees of E&CT Deptt to hold rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: Retrenched Class IV employees of Excise and Commercial Taxes Department continued their peaceful protest dharna on the 307th day today.

They are demanding re-absorption and regularisation in the E&CT Department as they were ousted on February 10, 2007, after putting in 9 to 12 years continuous services in the department.

State president of their Association Adil Rashid Khan said undue resentment and harassment was brewing amongst the oustees, as the Government continue to adopt delaying tactics for the past 10 months even when the Chief Minister himself had on February 21 this year assured to concede their demand and even Finance Minister had held similar assurance but till date nothing has materialized on the ground.

Adil Rashid said ther association members have decided to hold one day protest rally on December 6 from E&CT Department, Panama Chowk to Secretariat via University Campus to awaken the Government to come alive and concede the long pending genuine demands of their cadre.

Association has accordingly informed all the concerned authorities to act on their demands timely before it was too late. It appealed the concerned cadre employees to assemble at Panama Chowk at 10 am sharp on December 6.

Students gherao DAA Office in JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: The Office of the Dean Academic Affairs (DAA), University of Jammu (JU) was gheraoed in the day by a group of students, who were protesting against the denial of admission to some of their fellow students into the third semester of PG Mathematics.

A total of four students were denied admission by the university authorities, as they fulfilled the eligibility conditions after a considerable period of delay. On this, the students seized the office of DAA.

"We were not eligible for admission earlier, as we couldn’t pass the required percentage of credits in first semester examination. But, last week we were declared pass in the required number of credits after the declaration of re-evaluation results and become eligible but authorities denied our claim for admission on the pretext that considerable period of time has been lapsed between this period", one of the sufferers said..

The protesting students led by Amit Sharma, a reseach scholar said the delay was caused on the part of university and these students should be given admission to the subsequent semester without any further delay. The students continued the seizure of the office for quite some time. Later, Prof B P S Sehgal, DAA conceded the demand of the students and the seizure was lifted by the students.

Matador driver’s murder
HC rejects bail applications of SSP’s wife, driver

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: Justice Virender Singh of J&K High Court has rejected two bail applications filed by Ratno Devi, wife of then SSP Karnail Singh and his driver Suresh Kumar, who have been facing trial in a much publicized murder of matador driver Nitin Sharma.

The matador driver was killed at the behest of SSP and his wife as the deceased had developed relations with their daughter and ultimately entered into wed-lock on March 31, 2005.

During the course of argument, Advocate Sunil Sethi appearing for Ratno Devi submitted that she has been charged for the main offence with aid of Section 120-B and 109 RPC. According to him, Section 109 RPC overlaps Section 120-B RPC and the evidence collected by the prosecution for proving it.

He further submitted that the prosecution has not traveled any distance to connect the petitioner with the commission of alleged offence with the aid of Section 120-B RPC.

However, Additional Advocate General B S Slathia appearing for the State opposed the bail applications and submitted that husband of the petitioner was posted at Rajouri and the official car allotted to him (used in the crime) was virtually under the control of the petitioner, who was staying at Jammu.

He further submitted that SSP Karnail Singh, husband of the petitioner, was enjoying bail under the grab of interim orders, which he availed from time to time on the basis of his ailment. "This is by itself is very important fact that he was pressurizing the witnesses not to depose against them and he was successful also", he added.

"Not only this fact alone can be considered sufficient for the rejection of bail application of Ratno Devi, even the Trial Court be directed to reconsider the case of her husband, who is on bail", the AAG further submitted.

After considering both the sides, the Court observed "keeping in view the totality of facts and circumstances the Court is of the considered view that she does not deserve the concession of the bail".

The Court also declined to grant bail to Suresh Kumar and directed the Trial Court to make all sincere efforts to conclude the trial at the earliest. "So far as the interim bail of Karnail Singh is concerned, it would not be proper for the Court to comment upon the order vide which he has been given this concession. However, the State is at liberty to ask for the cancellation of the bail", the Court observed.

"In case such application is moved the same would be decided by the Trial Court on any material placed before it by the State", the Court added.

Accused in rape case acquitted as prosecutrix turns hostile

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: 2nd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu A K Koul acquitted the accused Ravinder Kumar, Bodh Raj and Vinod Kumar facing trial in a case of kidnapping and committing rape upon prosecutrix as the latter turned hostile.

According to the prosecution case, father of the prosecutrix lodged a written report with Channi Himmat Police that the prosecutrix was forcibly taken by Ravinder Kumar, a resident of Friends Colony alongwith other accused.

Subsequently, a case was registered under Section 363/109 RPC. After the recovery of the prosecutrix, the case was converted into Section 366/376/109 RPC and after completion of the investigation challan was presented in the Court of law.

In her statement before the court, the prosecutrix submitted that she knows only Ravinder Kumar and she was not kidnapped but she went with him on her own to Uttar Pradesh and back to Punjab. She also stated that she was not subjected to any ill-treatment by anyone and infact it was she who compelled accused to accompany here.

After hearing APP appearing for the State and Advocate R S Thakur appearing for the accused, 2nd Additional Sessions Judge A K Koul observed "cumulative effect of all what has been stated in the case is that this case fails miserably. None of the charges has been proved against the accused. Although there is a lot of evidence on record still the case fails because prosecutrix has not supported the allegations as such the case is dismissed and accused acquitted from the charges".

FCI employees hold day long protest fast

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: Food Corporation of India (FCI) Employees Executive Staff Union, FCI Class-IV Employees Union supported by FCI Staff Union held a day long fast in front of FCI regional office today in support of their demands.

The FCI employees have been agitating over undue harassment meted out to them at the hands of management on the pretext of storage and transit losses, release of IR against wage revision due from January 1, 2007, merger of 50% DA in basic pay, enhancing ceiling from Rs 3500 to Rs 10,000 for computation of PLI.

Meanwhile, a huge rally was also organized during lunch hour which was addressed among others by Sukhdev Singh, Surinder Singh, P N Koul and Prem Nath and heads of different FCI trade unions.

The speakers strongly criticized FCI management for ignoring genuine demands of FCI employees and urged to fulfill the same at an earliest, failing which the Corporation employees unions would be left with no other alternative than to intensify a sustained struggle including total strike throughout the country.

AWWA president visits Akhnoor welfare projects

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: President Army Wives Welfare Association, White Knight Corps, Gita Karwal visited several welfare projects and an Army school falling under Cross Swords division area of Akhnoor sector today.

Accompanied by Sunita Malik, president local Army Division, she first paid a visit to the Nursery school at Jaurian being run with the initiative of AWWA. She interacted with the teachers and children there and inquired about the routine activity.

AWWA chief then visited the socks project at Pallanwalla and an AWWA project for rural employment generation scheme, registered as a co-operative society named ‘ Nari Vikas Cooperative Ltd’. Seven women including daughters and wives of deceased soldiers, have been employed there. This project has helped these women to live a life of dignity through earnings.

Chhamb displaced persons demand ownership rights

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: Chhamb Displaced Persons Association-1971 has urged the State Government to grant ownership rights of the property/land they are occupying since long.

In a meeting of the Association members held here today under the chairmanship of Capt S R Nagial, the members discussed their issues and demands which are pending since long. The members also recalled the sacrifices of the refugee families from Chhamb who were forced to leave their homes, property and land in 1965 and 1971.

The Association also discussed the points and demands recommended by the Wadhwa Committee in respect of displaced persons of 1971 and 1965. Mr Nagial while speaking in the meeting claimed that many vital demands raised by the refugees have been recommended by the Wadhwa Committee.

Some of demands raised are- grant of occupancy/ tenancy rights on EP land allotted in favour of Chhamb displaced persons of 1965/1971, mutation of residential plots allotted to refugees, development of ‘Refugee Bastis’, establishment of an Anganwari centre and a SSA school in each Basti, grant of ALC certificate to these DPs, shifting of DP Basti Kartholi (Samba) to some safer place away from Industrial area, compensation to 14 DP families whose land has been acquired by SIDCO at Samba and payment of cash compensation at the rate of Rs 7 lakhs per family to the 70 landless families of 1971 who have not been allotted any land.

SAD (A) expresses full faith in Mann

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: Expressing full faith and confidence in the leadership of Simranjeet Singh Mann, senior leaders of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) (A), J&K termed the present crisis created in the organization by some vested interests at the behest of baiters of the Sikh cause.

At a press conference here, today, the Party leaders including S. Jaspal Singh Mangal its national vice president, Bhai Gurdev Singh its national general secretary, Bhai Ram Singh, national executive member, S Ranjit Singh, state vice president and others said Mr Mann has always fought for the Sikh cause and he never sold the community for the personnel ends.

They said the entire Sikh community of J&K has expressed its serious concern over the nefarious and negative moves of certain short sighted elements who were hell bent to damage the cause and aspirations of Sikh community and playing in the hands of anti Sikh elements.

Maintaining that S Daljit Singh Bittu stands expelled from Akali Dal (A) for his anti- party activities and his role in the Kathu Nangal episode, blamed him for harming the cause of the community.

Hailing the installation of portrait of Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindran Wale at Darbar Sahib complex in Amritsar, he said SGPC and Sikh clergy has this way rectified its past mistake of removing the portrait.

Mr Mangal also expressed his gratitude to Government of Pakistan for recognizing the Anand Marriage Act for Sikhs in Pakistan. He expressed the hope that the demand of Mr. Mann would also be accepted by the Indian Government in this regard.

He has also reiterated the demand regarding handing over of the murder case of Jathedar Harnam Singh to CBI for proper investigation. He also demanded a CBI probe into the mysterious death of a Sikh lady whose dead body was found in River Chenab at Akhnoor some time back.

All habitations in Baramulla to be
provided potable water by 2010

Excelsior Correspondent

BARAMULLA, Dec 4: All the habitations in Baramulla district would be provided potable drinking water upto ending 2010. Out of 839 habitations in the district, 308 are fully covered, 340 partially covered and efforts are on to cover remaining habitations.

This was given out today by Minister for PHE, Horticulture and Tourism Mohammad Dilawar Mir while speaking at an Awami darbar held at Baramulla which was attended by a large number of people from Rafiabad, Baramulla, Sangrama and Sopore areas. Senior engineers and officers including Chief Engineers PHE Kashmir G.M. Dar, Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Ghulam Nabi Sheikh, Director Tourism Kashmir Farooq Ahmad Shah and SE Hydraulic Baramulla Zahoor Ahmad were also present.

The Minister took a detailed review of various developmental schemes in the district and issued on the spot directions to solve the problems of the people.

While reviewing the Execution of new works, the Minister asked the engineers to pool all resources for providing drinking water facility to the people in view of continued dry spell. He made a fervent appeal to the people to use water judiciously as the water tank has lowered. He directed the engineers to prepare water supply schemes which have a dependable and perennial sources so that these run without any impediment.

The Minister warned the field workers of the PHE, not to provide individual drinking water connection from the main water supply pipes.

Budhal migrant families demand ration, relief

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Dec 4: Migrant families from Gubbar and Dhar Morha which are putting up at Budhal town for the last over two years now have demanded relief and ration at par with the migrants of Talwara.

At least sixty members of these 19 families from the minority community had migrated to Budhal town after the massacre at Gabbar on October 10, 2005. Since then they are without any relief or assistance from the State Government.

In a meeting with the DySP (Ops) Rajouri, Farooq Qaisar at Budhal today, these families raised their problems. SHO Budhal was also present in the meeting. The militancy victims who are nearly 60 in number at Budhal, demanded the status and relief at par with the migrants residing at Talwara in Reasi. Most of those families are from parts of Budhal and Mahore besides some parts of Reasi district.

The migrants pointed out that they should also be given cash relief at the rate of Rs 1600 besides ration and kerosene oil. They also projected problems like lack of accommodation, education facilities, financial assistance for the marriages of daughters of massacre widows, pending cases of recruitment as assured by top Government officials/ leaders. They also expressed concern over non-payment of old age and widow pension by the Social Welfare Department.

The DySP and SHO also visited their accommodation and took stock of the situation. They also raised the issue of their adequate security.

Mr Farooq assured them to take up their issues with the concerned authorities.

Tributes paid to Sheikh Abdullah

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 4: A galaxy of intellectuals, writers, scouts and social workers assembled in Tagore Hall here today to pay tributes to late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah on his 102nd birth anniversary. MLA, Dr. Mustafa Kamal was the chief guest on the occasion.

Mayor SMC, Abdul Rashid Pandith MLA and Chairman Rural Development Society, Mubarak Gul and Chief Training Scouts Nazir Ahmad were also present at the function.

While paying rich tributes to late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, it was said that the day is being observed throughout the State by J&K Scouts and Rural Development Society to make people aware about the development approach of Shiekh Abdullah. The late leader had been quite active during his life as first line scout and had always patronized education and scouting in the State.

On the occasion, special memento was presented to Member Parliament and Natio-nal Conference President Umer Abdullah as Chief Patron of JK Scouts which was received by his Advisor Mr. Nasir.

Dr. Mustafa Kamal while paying tributes to late leader said that he was the epitome of communal harmony, religious tolerance, amity and national integration. He steered the State out of morass of ignorance, poverty, diseases forced labour and starvation.

In his address, Mubarak Gul said that Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah was a symbol of Kashmirayat who throughout his life fought for the socio-economic and educational upliftment of the people. He said Sheikh Abdullah was the founder of Kashmir University, SKIMS and other leading institutions in the State.

Petitions Committee examines compensation case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: The Peti-tions Committee of Legislative Assembly met here today under the chairmanship of MLA A. R.Veeri and examined a petition filed by one Shuban Krishan Kachroo resident of Khand-iphari Anantnag at present Pamposh Colony, Janipur Jam-mu regarding compensation of land allegedly acquired by Flood Control Department at Anantnag.

Legislators Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Sofi, Ashwani Sharma, Nazir Ahmed Gurezi and Molvi Abdul Rashid besides Comm-issioner/Secretary, PHE/Irrigation and Flood Control A.K An-gurana, Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control V. K. Abrol and officers of Assembly Secre-tariat were also present in the meeting.

The Committee discussed the matter with the officers and asked to provide precise details in the next meeting. The Comm-ittee directed the Assembly Secretariat to call the senior officers of Revenue Department along with relevant record pertaining to the instant case in the next meeting.

MLA Ashwani Kumar raised the issue of pending liabilities of various contractors who have executed the de-silting work in canal and various distributaries. Mr. Veeri also expressed the similar views and said that some contractors of Anantnag have approached him for clearing their liabilities on account of works done in Irrigation & Flood Control Dep-artment.

Over 4.25 lakh devotees visit Shiv Khori Shrine

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Dec 4: Over 4.25 lakh pilgrims from with in and various parts of the country paid obeisance at the historic Shiv Khori Shrine Cave during 11 months of the current calendar year.

This was disclosed by the Deputy Commissioner Reasi Sanjeev Verma, who is also the chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board during a meeting here at Reasi today.

Last year, over 3.47 lakh pilgrims had darshan of Lord Shiva existing in the Shiv Khori Cave but the same record was surpassed during September 2007 and so far an increase of over 72,000 devotees has been registered upto ending November this year.

The historic Shiv Khori Shrine Cave exists in the hills of village Sanger near Ransoo of the Pouni block of the Reasi district which is attracting thousands of devotees every month to have a darshan of the holy Shivlingam and other deities existing in the cave.

The Shiv Khori Shrine Board is also making all out efforts to provide all facilities to the visiting pilgrims from the base camp Ransoo to Shiv Khori Shrine Cave.

SDP demands relief for fire victims of Ganderbal villages

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Dec 4: Socialistic Democratic Party (SDP) has appealed the Government to pay relief to the fire sufferers of Wakura, Fathepur and Wadura villages in Ganderbal district.

Addressing public meeting in these villages today, Dr Darkshan Andrabi, president of the Party said the dozens of families have lost their shelter in these villages after their houses were damaged by the devastating fire incidents. She said the delay in paying the relief to these hapless people coupled with shivering winter cold has added to their problems.

Dr Andrabi also apprised the people about the policies and programmes of SDP and said her Party stood for the upliftment of the people of the state especially the poor and down-trodden.

She said the State suffered a lot during last 18 years of turmoil and those who were trusted by masses to be their saviors turned their worst enemies.

She also blamed the politicians for exploiting the people for their vested interests since 1947 and said it is time for them (people) to chose between right and wrong.

Dr Andrabi also distributed blankets and other relief material among the fire sufferers in all the three affected villages.
She was accompanied by Sheikh Abdul Rashid, Abdul Qayoom and Bashir Ahmed.

J&K security situation improves, violence up in North-east

NEW DELHI, Dec 4: The overall security situation in Jammu and Kashmir has shown definite improvement during the last few years, while terrorist incidents have shown an upward trend in the North- Eastern region during this year upto October 31, the Lok Sabha was informed today.

The number of incidents in the Naxal-affected states continue to be the same during this year up to October 31 as compared to the corresponding period last year, Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal said in a written reply.

He said there have been some terrorist incidents in the hinterland, which was a matter of concern.

The Government’s policy is to counter the challenge posed by terrorism by way of a multi-pronged strategy which focuses on political, security and developmental fronts, the Minister said adding that the Government is willing to talk to all those groups who abjure violence.

Regarding the developmental front, a variety of sops have been taken to accelerate developmental activities in the areas affected by (UNI)

Prof Sahi delivers lecture in GCW Parade

Excelsior Correspondent

AMMU, Dec 4: Prof D N Sahi from Department of Zoo-logy, University of Jammu, (JU) today delivered a special lecture on the topic “Snakes As We Know Them” in Government College for Women Parade.

In his lecture, Prof. Sahi explained the physical, chemical and behavioural aspects of snakes in a systematic manner. The lecture was organised by the ‘Science Club’ of the college with an aim to help students to develop scientific outlook and skills. Prof. Usha Jayee, Principal of the college also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier, Prof. Ravinder Chadha, convener of the club presented the welcome address and expalined the aims and objectives of Science Club. Prof. Sudhir Vaid, Prof. Gayatri Langer, Prof. Neeraj Gupta and Prof. Shelly Gupta all members of the club were also present during the lecture.

At the conclusion, Prof. Rita Bhagat, HoD Zoology presented vote of thanks.

Hakeem for accessible public transport to disabled

Excelsior Correspondent

BUDGAM, Dec 4: Sincere efforts would be made by the Government for making the public transport service accessible to the disabled in the State. This was stated by Minister for Transport, Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen at a function organized by the Social Welfare Depar-tment to mark the ‘‘World Dis-abled Day’’ here today.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister while calling for a holistic approach from all the concerned to deal with the issue said that to provide support and assistance to the disabled is not to give any preferential treatment to them but to give them their due rights.

Hakim Yaseen said that the people should be made aware about preventable measures through which disability can be checked as in the developing societies. It is only ignorance and malnutrition that are the major cause of disability. The Minister called upon the Officers and the field functionaries to work with zeal and dedication so that betterment of the physically challenged is ensured.

Hakeem Yaseen endorsed the need for organizing awareness camp at the tehsil and block level so that the disable people become aware about their right. He called upon their respective agencies to ensure full participation of disabled in education and employment activities for their empowerment.

AMCCC felicitates Moti Koul

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: Chairman R N Koul Memorial Trust and K P leader, Moti Koul was today felicitated by Kashmiri Pandits for his services to the community at a function held at Mish-riwala camp .

The function was organised by All Migrants Camp Coordi-nation Committee (AMCCC) and youth of the Camp. A large number of youth and camp inmates attended the function.

On the occasion problems of the displaced people in general and youth in particular were highlighted.

Vir Ji Billo, chairman, AMCCC urged the displaced youth to be ready for a protracted struggle for their rights. He urged the youth to come forward and lead the community.

AMCCC president Desh Rattan, while expressing concern over the grabbing of KPs land and religious places in Valley held the administration responsible for the same.

Bhushan Lal president of the Camp alleged that the youth whose condition was pitable were being exploited by certain leaders for their vested interests, while Mr Subash representing the camp youth urged the community leadership to take immediate measures to save the youth.

Expressing his shock over the plight and apathy of the camp youth, Moti Koul said measures will be taken to provide good opportunity to community youth within State.

He also announced that R N Memorial Trust will set up a Gym and a Sports Club for the camp youth of Mishriwala so that their energy is channelised for betterment.

Seminar held on Guru Nanak Dev at JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4: A day long seminar on the topic "Guru Nanak Dev Ji di Sarvpakhi Vichardhara" was organized by the Department of Punjabi, University of Jammu (JU), here today.

On the occasion, students presented papers on the philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev and the social status of the woman in the society. The programme was dedicated to Guru Nanak Dev Ji on his 538th birth anniversary.

Earlier, Dr. Updesh Kour, HoD presented the keynote address and highlighted the importance and relevance of the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev and other spiritual personalities in the present scenario.

Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. BPS Sehgal was the chief guest while Dr Meenakshi Kilam, Director Colleges Development Council presided over the occasion. The vote of thanks was expressed by Dr. Baljeet Kour, Sr Lecturer of the department.

3 employees suspended

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 4:Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din during his surprise visit to various offices of far-flung and border areas of Namla, Balkot and Sadipora of tehsil Uri today suspended three officials which include Head Master Government Middle School Dara-Gutlian Mohd. Ramzan Joo, who is involved in contract of construction of school building, Abdul Rahim, Sr. Asstt. Zonal Education office Chandanwari for misplacing the records of ReT of the area and Wazir Mohd. Khan supervisor CAPD who was absent from duty.

Besides on the complaint of locals for irregularities in providing mid day meals to the students, the Minister ordered the concerned authorities to look into the matter and action under rules be initiated against those found involved.