Shiv Khori

Sir,

A news report about Shiv Khori was published in this paper (Mar 24).

In this regard I would like to say that Shiv Khori has a great future as far as the pilgrim tourism of the Jammu Division in particular and the State in general is concerned. Already thousands of pilgrims are visiting the Shrine which has reached to almost one thousand per day as per the newsreport. For a cave shrine which was heretofore more or less unknown in a decade or so to attract such a heavy rush of pilgrims is indeed a matter of satisfaction.

The Government has already decided to constitute Shiv Khori Shrine Board (SSKSB) which has been entrusted with all the responsibilities of looking after the development of Shiv Khori. In this regard Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board should serve as a model for the development and working of SSKSB. Although early shrine has its own peculiarities and challenges still the board has to ensure that the Shiv Khori shrine is developed in such a way so that it attracts the attention of the potential visitors. This age is the age of marketing. In addition to faith which normally acts as a basic ingredient to drawn visitors; The Board needs to market the Shiv Khori as a place which has the potential of both pilgrim and normal tourism local. People too have a right to be involved in the development of the Shrine Board being locals they are fully conversant with the cave shrine. It is also natural that the developmental advantages should reach the people who are in close proximaty to the Shrine. In order to remove unemployment of the local youths the cave shrine should play a prominent role. Over all it is hoped that Shiv Khori will attract even larger number of people in the coming days.

Yours etc...
R L Puri
Reasi

Release of COLA

Sir,

As per the Rajan Wage Committee it is mandatory on the part of the Government to issue notification for release of COLA, as per the All India Price Index, in the month of April each year. But it is very unfortunate that at the one hand the Government is spending crores of rupees in other sectors, but at the same time it is unable to even release the basic wages to their employees. Nov any steps are being taken to streamline the working in the Corporate sector, do not they reveal the cause of their inaction. The helplessness of the Government has badly effected the working condition of the PSUs, as well as it is the Human Right Violation that inspite of getting full time work from the workers, they are not being paid due wages, as per the rules made by the Government itself.

Under these circumstances, the PSU employees of the State feel very insecure, as their pleas carry no weight in the State Administration. Every day, every where there are strikes and demonstrations, but the Government ruler seem to have no time time to listen and think over the plight of these workers. Due to negative attitude of the authorities the PSU employees feel themselves between the devil and the deep sea. The authorities are requested to awake from the slumber and take action/decision whatsoever will be in the interest of the employees are the State.

Yours etc...
Irshad Masoom
Gujjar Nagar
Jammu

Flowers bloom

Sir,

The State is in the news. This time for good cause. Otherwise we have had scarce moments to our fate to enjoy. Due to the militancy much blood has been wasted. Now we are perhaps heading for a change.

Flowers bloom in the State. The State is showcasing its flower power. Some days back the famous Tulip garden has been thrown open. Built on the foothills of Zabarwan the Tulip garden is one of the largest in the world. Leave aside the controversy of naming it. Some darkage men have raised a hue a cry on the naming of the garden on Indira Gandhi. These men have a poor vision of history. They forget that she was born to parents who prided themselves on being Kashmiris. And she too was one. But for people who have an agenda which is anti history and which is run from across the border such noises do not cut much ice.

Flowers are a bloom. In Kashmir and in Jammu two beautiful garden have been laid. In Jammu a huge garden is coming up to Bhour Camp spread over hundreds of Kanals of land. The garden will have different flowers in addition to Tulips too. Tulips will have a problem here. They are creatures of cold climes so they may not bloom here with success. But in any way the garden will have different flowers which will continue to bloom even after Tulip season is gone. A flower garden should not dedicate itself to a single flower especially in Jammu. The flower garden at Bhor Camp and at Srinagar will attract tourists in large numbers. We need to maintain them professionally and put capable men to man these gardens.

Flower power is being showcased. It is hoped that flowers will remove mistrust and acrimony. For the moment let us rejoice and 'Say it with flowers'.

Yours etc...
Hira Lal Bhat
Tomal, Bohri
Jammu