Amarnath yatra from June 18

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: With the holy Ice Lingam having formed fully this year, stage is set for annual two months Shri Amarnathji yatra in Kashmir beginning on Vrat Purnima, the June 18. 

Sharing news about  magnificent formation of Shiv Lingam after three years with the members of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) during its 14th meeting here this morning, Governor, Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha, said this has set at rest the fears about Lingam not forming due to global warming and shifting of glaciers.

"We feel encouraged by this development, which is a good omen for this year's pilgrimage", he said, adding that the Board has geared up for making elaborate arrangements for conduct of the smooth yatra.

After detailed discussions, the Board unanimously decided to start the yatra simultaneously from Pahalgam and Baltal routes from June 18, which will conclude on Sravana Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) on August 16.

Chief Executive Officer, SASB, Dr Arun Kumar gave a presentation about the arrangements planned for this year's yatra.

Dwelling on outcome of the Board Meeting, a spokesman of SASB said that several decisions were taken for raising temporary infrastructure and ensuring smooth yatra from both the routes subject to weather. Jammu will continue to be advance base camp, he said.

"Every effort is being made to provide all basic amenities to the pilgrims keeping in view the environmental requirements of the area", the spokesman said, adding that the Board has been taking elaborate measures to preserve ecology of the area by having in place environmental friendly shelter sheds and toilets that have been acclaimed year after year by the visiting pilgrims and environmentalists. 'This effort will continue", he stressed.

He said that clearance of track up to the cave shrine will be ensured by June 10. Similarly, re-erection of 213 pre-fab rooms will also be completed by this date. Hot water supply will be arranged at the camping sites and efforts would be redoubled to maintain hygienic conditions there. In all, 2080 prefab portable toilets and baths are being erected for providing facility to five lakh pilgrims. As per past practice, special microbial culture is being used to remove foul odour from toilets and to ensure decomposition of human excreta to manure. No outflow of any sewage from the camps shall be allowed to take place and any pollution of Sindh and Lidder rivers shall be prevented at all costs.

Giving an overview of the facilities being worked out during the yatra, the spokesman said that each camp will have accommodation for 1400 pilgrims with filtered water for drinking and hot water facilities. At various points on the route over 45 shelter sheds are being raised while adequate arrangements are in the pipeline by various Government agencies besides the Shrine Board for the conduct of smooth yatra. These include supply of power, transport, drinking water and maintenance of health and hygiene.

Work paralysed in offices as clerks’ strike goes on

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Normal work in various Government offices remained paralysed due to ongoing strike of the clerical cadre employees which entered the 9th consecutive day today.

Employees of clerical cadre from different Government departments observed pen down strike and held dharnas in their respective offices.

In the premises of Directorates of Health, Revenue, Agriculture and several other departments, the employees held demonstrations and raised slogans against the Government for causing delay in redressal of the pending demands of the employees.

The agitating employees are demanding removal of anomalies in their pay grades. They alleged that pay grades of junior assistants, senior and head assistants remained untouched for the last so many years while grades of other cadres were given hike. They alleged discrimination and demanded that hike in their grades be given as done in case of other grades like teachers, accountants etc.

They are demanding Rs 4000-6000 grade for junior assistants, care takers and other equivalent grade holders, Rs 4500-7000 grade for senior assistants. JSAs/ Steno typists etc. and Rs 5500-9000 grade head assistants, junior stenographers, SAs etc.

It was also demanded that for the next promotion to the cadre of Head Assistants, SAs be given exemption in the Secretariat training as over 90 per cent posts were lying vacant.

Meanwhile, several central body leaders of All Departments Clerical Staff Association including Rehmat Ullah Malik, Ram Kumar, Ravi Singh, A K Mehta, C L Koul, Bashir Malik, Sukhbir Singh and R P Sharma visited several offices and addressed the striking employees. They said that their struggle will go on till their long pending demand is redressed.

The strike continued in all the regions including Ladakh and Kashmir and all other district and tehsil headquarters. The general public was suffering due to strike.

Beneficiaries of remote areas to get pension in cash: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Beneficiaries living in remote areas of the State would be given social security assistance henceforth in cash. Tehsil level functionaries of Social Welfare Department will distribute the financial assistance among the beneficiaries in their respective block headquarters on bi-monthly basis.

This was announced by Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil while addressing a public meeting at Gandhi Nagar here today.

The order, he said would be applicable in all those villages and areas where no J&K Bank branch existed within the radius of 5 kms, adding that the step aimed at removing inconvenience faced by the widows, old, destitute and handicapped in reaching banks for obtaining pension.

Mr Vakil said Government was also contemplating to empower corporators, councilors and ward members for verifying beneficiaries with no BPL cards in cities and towns. "Till order in this regard is formally issued, tehsildars will issue certificates for such beneficiaries", he added. Among others, MLA Gandhinagar Raman Bhalla spoke on the occasion and highlighted the achievements of the Government.

TJAC expresses anguish over step motherly treatment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: The Teachers Joint Action Committee (TJAC) today expressed anguish over step motherly treatment to the teaching community by State Government.

Addressing a press conference, TJAC leaders Balwan Singh Jamwal, S. Kulwant Singh and Darshan Lal said that teaching community has been raising several of its just and genuine demands but, Government instead of addressing the issues, has adopted delaying tactics in resolving their demands.

"The teaching community is continuously proceeding on the path of struggle, as we are being provoked by the not extending notional and financial benefits at par with accounts employees", they said.

It is to mention here that teachers have been demanding benefits of earned leave, masters grade at par with section officers and notional and financial benefits. They are also demanding reduction in qualifying service for retirement, enhancement in the wages of ReT teachers, 15 percent dislocation allowance, separate Directorates for primary, middle and high schools on the pattern of neighbouring states.

Meanwhile, it was apprised by the TJAC leaders that venue of their proposed demonstration on April 7 has been shifted from Mubarak Mandi to Press Club near Exhibition Ground due to ongoing Jammu Festival.

Among others also present at the occasion included Bharat Kumar, Jai Kumar, Babu Ram, Maheshwar Prasad, Hari Singh, Ravinder Verma, Ranjit Singh, Kulesh Kumar etc.

Muftis bereaved

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Begum Shah Zainab Madni, mother-in-law of former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and grand-mother of Member Parliament and People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti passed away today after prolonged illness.

Begum Shah Zainab, who is mother of MLA Devsar, Sartaz Madni, breathed her last in Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS). Her body was later shifted to her ancestral house at Nowpora.

Mufti Mohammad Sayeed will be visiting Nowpora tomorrow to take part in the last rites of Begum Shah Zainab.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad condoled the demise of Mufti’s mother-in-law and conveyed the heartfelt condolences to the Muftis and expressed deep sympathy with them.

The Chief Minister prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul and patient to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

Fire in Army unit, probe ordered

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: A fire incident in the Army unit near Digiana caused panic as dense smoke coming out of fuel containers drew the attention of many people of the area here today.

Defence spokesman Lt Col S D Goswami said at least four barrels, containing about 800 litres of kerosene oil caught fire at 20 JAKRIF (Jammu and Kashmir Rifles) unit in Digiana area this afternoon.

The army jawans swung into action immediately after the incident. The matter was reported to J&K Fire Service authorities which pressed two tenders into service from Gangyal Station.

The army jawans and J&K firemen launched joint operation and controlled the fire within 45 minutes. Short circuit was said to be the reason behind the incident. No much loss of property was reported. Col Goswami ruled out any sabotage behind the incident but maintained that a court of inquiry has been ordered in this connection.

Reports said two mediapersons from private news channels, who were covering the incident, were detained by the Army in the unit. However, they were released after sometime.

Nursing Association stages demonstration, warns Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Nurses owing allegiance to Jammu and Kashmir Nursing Association staged a demonstration at SMGS Hospital here , this afternoon where from a procession was taken out by them towards the Government Medical College (GMC) to submit a memorandum to Principal highlighting their demands.

The demonstration was led by Pawanjit Kour, president of the Association and besides the GMC and SMGS hospitals, the nurses of other associated hospitals of Medical College and district hospitals participated in it.

With banners in their hands the demonstrators shouted slogans in support of their demands and against the authorities.

Addressing the demonstrators Pawanjit Kour warned the authorities that in case the demands were not settled the Association will be constrained to launch agitation and the Government will be responsible for all the consequences.

She blamed the authorities for dilly dallying on the genuine demands of the Association. She said today’s demonstration was only to alarm the authorities to change their attitude towards the demands of nurses.

The Association is demanding upgradation of pay scales of junior staff nurses, senior grade nurses, supervisors, matrons, enhancement of uniform allowance to Rs 500 per month, payment of Risk Allowance @ of Rs 500, grant of promotion after every five years and regularisation of contractual, consolidated and adhoc staff nurses.

Others who addressed the demonstration included Surishta Jamwal general secretary, Koushal Kumari chairperson, Sunita Hashia, Indu Kurti, Krishna Devi and Rama.

Court frames charges against ZEO

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Kartar Singh today framed corruption charges against Shaheen Akhter, the then ZEO Rajouri who was caught red-handed while accepting Rs 6000 as bribe money from the contractor.

According to the case, Shaheen Akhter was posted as ZEO Rajouri on September 4, 2006 when she in misuse of her official position demanded Rs 10,000 as illegal gratification from the complainant Mohd Hussain for releasing of payments in his favour for execution of work of Middle School Nambla, Rajouri.

It was submitted by the Vigilance Organisation that the accused ZEO had already received an amount of Rs 30,000 from the complainant as illegal gratification for the release of funds for the work already executed up to second stage.

After negotiation, the demand of illegal gratification reduced from Rs 10,000 to Rs 6000. The complainant lodged a written complaint with the SSP Rajouri on September 4, 2006, which was sent to DySP Vigilance Organisation stationed at Rajouri on September 5, 2006.

Subsequently a case was registered and trap laid during which the ZEO Shaheen Akhter was caught while accepting bribe of Rs 6000 from the complainant.

Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu after considering the facts of the case framed charges against the accused ZEO under different sections of Prevention of Corruption Act and directed the prosecution to lead the evidence.

Lecture on Malaria held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: An awareness lecture and Continuing Medical Education (CME) programme on "Behavioural change and communication activities for the control of Malaria and other vector born diseases" was held at CHC Katra by State Malariologist Society DHS, Jammu. DC Reasi, Sanjeev Verma was the chief guest in the function.

In his key note address, the chief guest stressed upon coordination between the local municipal committee and other government departments for the integrated implementation of the Malaria and Dengue control programme.

Meanwhile, CHC Katra, Dr Vishal R Tandon highlighted morbidity as well as moratality rates amongst patients of Dengue and Malaria. He also suggested several preventive measures for the check of dreaded diseases. He also recommended the State Government to use eco-friendly sprays other than DDT for the check of Malaria spreading mosquitoes.

Prominent among others who also spoke on the occassion were additional DC, BA Saraf the guest of, BMO Katra, RP Singh and Dr Kewal Samotra.

The lecture was well attended by people from all walks of life, prominent citizens as well as officials from differennt Government departments.

Mangat inaugurates upgraded educational institutions

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma today inaugurated three upgraded educational institutions in Jammu west constituency. These included boys higher secondary school Nowabad, boys high school Gole Panjpeer and girls high school Bhagwati Nagar.

The Minister said that State’s rich human resources needed to be exploited and properly put in place to excel in all fields of development. He said properly education and well qualified youth could give new dimensions to the development and nation building process.

Mr Sharma said "today’s children are the future of the nation and it is the duty of all of us to nurture them and make them capable of shouldering all responsibilities with capacity". He asked the parents to focus their full attention towards the education of their wards and enroll them in educational institutions adding Government schools were present with good labs, teaching and other facility.

The Minister called upon the teaching community to work with dedication and missionary spirit for importing quality education in the State.

He announced Rs. 5 lakh for construction of community hall and repair of land in Gole Panjpeer. He also inaugurated four room additional accommodations building which was constructed at a cost of Rs. 6.60 lakhs and assured the inhabitants that their other genuine demands would be also fulfilled in a phased manner.

Referring to the construction of additional accommodation for Government higher secondary school Nowabad, the Minister said that Rs. 5 lakh have been released for the purpose and Director School Education has been asked to ensure completion of the building. He also instructed him to initiate the process for repairs of various class rooms of the institutions.

During the tour Director School Education Jammu A. K. Raina, Chief Education Officer Jammu, senior political and social leaders also accompanied the Minister.

Jammu & Kashmir National Democratic Party launched

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: To bring like minded political persons and other right thinking people under one umbrella and to restore peoples confidence in governance, eliminate the scourge of terrorism from the State, a new political party under the name of Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Party (JKNDP) was launched here, today.

Colonel (Retd) Mohammed Maqbool Shah will be the president of the Party , while Mohammed Iqbal Mir will be its vice president. Rakesh Kumar Pardesi and Bashir Ahmed Beig will be its general secretaries, Khurshid Ahmed Malik is the chief co-ordinator and treasurer, Mrs Shabina Giri is the president of Women’s Wing while Mrs Razia Begum is the vice president of Women’s Wing.

Ashok Gupta will be the spokesperson of the new organization, Mohammed Shafiq as district president and Mohammed Ayub will head its youth wing.

Disclosing this at a press conference, here, this afternoon, Col (Retd) Mohammed Maqbool Shah said the main objective of the new political party is to bring about political, social and economic equality among all classes of people, foster a sense of nationalism, amity and co-existence among various communities and faiths and inculcate respect for diversity, gender equality and restore the pristine glory of the State.

Holding the successive governments responsible for the plight of the people in the State and present mess, Col. (Retd) Shah alleged had the rulers redressed the problems of the people, the State would have not been facing insurgency for last 20 years.

Shiv Sena Hindustan holds rally against Edu Deptt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Shiv Sena Hindustan organised a rally against education department and its ministry for its failure in dealing with private institutions, who have been extracting money from parents of students on one pretext or the other.

Sena activists burnt the effigies of Education Minister Jammu and Kashmir as also private schools of the State. Sena president Dimpee Kohli while addressing stated that private schools have turned into business centres, as school managements were pressurizing the students to purchase uniforms from the school along with other stationery items while the rates fixed for the items being sold in school are very high as compared with rates being charged in the market.

Dimpee Kohli said though being a student of the same school every year admission fee is charged from them, besides other charges like Library Fund, Laboratory Fund, School Development Fund, Building Fund etc. which is not prescribed under rules framed by Education Department.

He urged the Education Minister to intervene and order formulation of proper norms in private schools. He also appealed the parents of the children to come forward and fight out draconian attitude of private schools.

Others who spoke on the meeting included Vikas Dewan, Rajan Gupta, Shiv Kumar, Yash Paul, Deepak Chowdhary, Rajkumar etc.

Victims of 1989 riots demand relief

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Victims of 1989 communal riots under the banner of Joint Forum of Victims of 1989 Riots, today staged a protest demonstration in front of Divisional Commissioner’s office. The protest demonstration was led by forum’s president, Balwinder Singh.

The protestors including riot victims and their family members raised anti Government slogans and demanded compensation against the life and property loss in the wake of communal strife.

While speaking the media persons, Mr Singh allged that the Congress led State coalition Government is ignoring the plight of riot victims. "We have been trying to reach out to the Chief Minister to plead our case, but the latter is avoiding the poor lot for the last over one month," he alleged.

While highlighting their demands, Mr Singh sought relief to the poor victims and compensation against all the bussiness establishments which got damaged during the communal frenzy.

Among other who spoke on the occasion were Jaswinder Singh, Manmohan Singh and Sukhbinder Singh.

Misuse of ration for BPL will not be tolerated: Taj

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 3: Measures initiated to further streamline and rationalize public distribution system to make essentials available to the people on subsidized cost in far flung areas of the Valley were reviewed at a high level meeting chaired by Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din here today.

The meeting dwelt upon the preparation of ration cards, their distribution, availability of essentials like foodgrains, kerosene oil, cooking gas and monitoring of ration distribution under Below Poverty Line and Antodeya Schemes.

Director, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution, Kashmir Abdul Majeed Mir, Joint Director, Deputy Directors, all Valley Assistant Directors besides senior officers of Legal Metrology and representatives of five oil companies attended.

Reviewing stock and supply position of essentials, it was informed that 3.06 lakh quintals of rice, 51,800 quintals of atta and 23,490 quintals of sugar are presently stocked in go-downs of Food Corporation of India. Likewise, 63,975 quintals of rice, 24,000 quintals of atta and 16,800 quintals of sugar are available in various sale outlets of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution department. As many as 25.24 lakh litres of kerosene oil and over one lakh gas cylinders are also in stock to cater to the requirements of people for next three months.

The Minister asked the officers to conduct periodical inspection of the sale centres under their jurisdiction and submit monthly report to him about their functioning. He directed the Deputy Director Supplies to ensure distribution of kerosene oil against ration tickets. The officers were asked to personally verify the photographs, family strength and the category of the ration cards of the households to check misuse of distribution of ration meant for Below Poverty Line and poor of the poorest.

He made it amply clear that anybody found indulged in misuse of ration meant for poor and needy would be taken to task. He asked the functionaries of the department to display price lists prominently at the ration depots.

VHP condemns role of Pugwash,
terms it interference in India

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Strongly condemning the role of Pugwash and blaming it for interfering in the internal affairs of India, Vishaw Hindu Parishad (VHP) J&K Unit has challenged the locus standi of the leaders from the State who attended it.

By attending the Pugwash these leaders have given a boost to sagging morale of Pakistani leadership as their nation is on the brink of disintegration, said VHP State chief, Dr Rama Kant Dubey while talking to reporters here, today.

"What role these leaders played in the Pugwash meeting and have they been successful in closing the terrorist camps in Pak and stalling the activities of terrorists in J&K", he questioned?

He said no state leader has any right to deliberate on issues concerning to nation on a foreign soil as this is the task of External Affairs Ministry.

While criticizing the Vice Chancellor of Jammu University, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo and BJP senior leader, Dr Nirmal Singh for participating in the conference, Dr Dubey said that mooting up of idea of granting admission to students from PoK and Pakistan is fraught with serious consequences and VHP will not allow this to happen.

He also opposed the opening of new routes with PoK saying this will increase militancy, drug trafficking and arms smuggling into India. Demanding immediate abrogation of Article 370, the VHP leader said all this is being done under the garb of special constitutional powers to J&K.

Maintaining that holding the dialogue with Pakistan is the affair of the Foreign Ministry, Dr Dubey demanded that Centre should frame joint working group for holding dialogue with Pakistan.

The VHP leader also appealed the people to boycott those leaders who visited Pakistan and participated in Pugwash and added that his organization will launch a campaign to educate the people in this regard.

Others who were present in press conference included Dharni Dhar Sharma and Santosh Nath senior leaders of the organization.

Jammu Festival at Samba, Ramban attracting crowds

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma today inaugurated Sham-e-Samba being celebrated for the Ist time in the newly carved out district Samba.

Some of the main attractions of this mega festival will be grand cultural bonanza, ethnic food stall, rural sport, industrial and departmental stalls and display of martial art.

Highlighting the relevance of rich cultural ethos of the country particularly of Jammu and Kashmir, the Minister said that J&K has age old traditions having more relevance even in today’s era. He said that exhibiting culture in celebrations would not be enough to combat prevailing social evils but we all have to adopt these high ethical values in our daily life.

Dismaying the growing western influence on Indian civilization, the Minister exhorted upon the young generation to contribute to the maximum to save our eroding cultural values. He said that if we will apply these in our own families then it will bring a transformation in the society.

District Development Commissioner Samba Bhagat, Ex-MLA Shiv Dev Singh, a large galaxy of audience and prominent citizens attended the Sham-e-Samba.

Meanwhile, amidst beating of drums, folk songs and dances by local artists, maiden Ramban Festival-2008 was formally inaugurated by Minister for Roads and Brdiges, Jugal Kishore Sharma at an impressive function organized by Ramban District Administration, today.

The 3-day festival is being celebrated at District Headquarter as a part of Divisional level Jammu festival. During the celebrations top music items by the artists from Batote, Kandhari and Banihal are being presented to highlight rich cultural heritage of the district.

The District Development Commissioner, Ramban, A.D. Shanas, Chief Engineer PMGSY Batote, Imtiaz Ahmed, Additional Deputy Commissioner, A.K. Sahu, Ex-MLA Bharat Gandhi, SP Ramban, Basant Rath, IRP Commandant, Col. 11-RR, Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner, Development, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, students and people in large number were present on the occasion.

The Minister also inspected stalls of various departments which were installed for general awareness of the people about various State and centrally sponsored schemes. Local Army had also put up stalls for the awareness of youth to motivate them to join the Army besides holding a medical camp.

Later, the Minister laid foundation stone of 29 KM road from Karole to Kamet to be constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.38 crore under Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) which after completion would generate economic activity in eight habitations comprising over 12,000 souls residing in these habitations.

In both the districts, the festival has been attracting large number of people.

Speaker reviews rehabilitation of border migrants

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand reviewed the progress of rehabilitation of Khour border migrants at a high level meeting of officers held here today. He directed the officers to immediately provide the power, PHE supply and drainage in the proposed migrant colony at Gurah Jagir Akhnoor so that the affected people could start the construction activities on the allotted land.

Mr. Tara Chand asked the officers to handover the physical possession of plots to the affected family immediately with proper demarcation. He said that first installment of Rs. 25000 to each family has already been provided and second installment would be released only after the utilization of first installment.

Speaker rubbished the rumors spread by some mischievous elements that land allotment is temporary. He clarified that allotment is on lease basis, which is extendable. Technicalities mentioned in the allotment are just to avoid misuse of land and its further trading. He asked the authorities to create proper awareness among the allottees and remove their doubts.

It may be mentioned that 6072 families, which migrated from border areas of Khour and were kept in makeshift camps in Akhnoor tehsil. The Central Government sanctioned a rehabilitation package of Rs. 59 crore and major portion of that package has been implemented. As a part of this package, the Chief Minister Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad distributed allotment orders of 5 marla plots and Rs. 25000 cash assistance to each family for construction of alternate shelters to meet the future eventualities.

Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Sudhanshu Panday and Deputy Commissioner, Jammu Hardesh Kumar Singh briefed the Speaker about the progress of rehabilitation package.

Among others the meeting was attended by Chief Engineer, PHE Jammu Vinod Goswami, Chief Engineer Irrigation & Flood Control, Jammu V.K.Abrol, Chief Engineer M&RE Jammu D.S.Pawar.

People’s participation imperative for
implementation of schemes: Aijaz

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Describing people’s participation a potent tool in effective implementation of developmental programmes through Government agencies, Minister of State for Finance and Revenue Aijaz Ahmad Khan today necessitated the need of strict monitoring of various projects by the people of their respective areas for yielding tangible results.

The Minister was addressing a large public gathering at remotest and hilly village of Kathi Mahore constituency today.

He said that Government was committed to provide all basic amenities to the people, adding that road connectivity to all unconnected habitations is the top priority of the coalition.

Mr Aijaz said that several welfare schemes have been launched in the State to promote living standard of rural people. He appealed the people to come forward and take benefit of schemes launched by State and Centre Government.

He said that unemployment is a big challenge to the Government but efforts are being made continuously to recruit unemployed youth in a transparent manner. In this regard, more than 50,000 vacancies have been identified, he added.

Abdul Gani Malik and Naseeb Singh of National Conference alongwith their workers joined the Indian National Congress party.

Hindus be allowed to visit Sharada Shrine
without permit: Shankaracharya

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Jagadguru Shankaracharya, Kashyapmeru Peeth, Swami Amrita Nand Dev Teerath has opposed granting of visa to the Hindus of India for visiting the Sharda Temple in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Shankaracharya Ji, who is on his way to pilgrimage of Mata Viashno Devi Shrine, while talking to reporters here, today said that PoK belongs to India and Hindus of this nation be allowed to visit the world famous Sharda temple without visa or permit.

He said Sharda Tirath should not be linked to India and Pakistan but it belongs to humanity. There is a resolution of Indian Parliament that PoK is integral part of India and Pakistan should vacate it as it has forcibly occupied that part of J&K . So we should strictly stick to this resolution, he added.

Shankaracharya Ji who is the disciple of Shrimad Jagadguru Shankaracharya Niranjan Dev Tirath of Goverdhan Peeth said his abhishek was done on May 16, 2003 at Banaras as Jagadguru Shankaracharya of Kashyapmeru Peeth by Banarsi Vidhvat Parishad and Kashi Vishvanath Dandi Sanyasi Seva Samiti.

He said the main task before him is to safeguard the temples and the Vedic learning centres in Kashmir, to restore the status of religious centres, to promote the institutions of learning and research including science, technology, health, trade and social security.

Giving further details about his mission, Shankaracharya Ji said it is to re-establish the Pandrethan temple situated in the outskirts of Srinagar, to revive the oldest temple monuments at Harwan in Kashmir, to make world known about the temples built by King Awanti Varman, temples of Martand and those of Pattan.

Shankaracharya Ji said he also established a Trust on the name of Kashyameru Shankaracharya Amritanand Vedic Vishav Kalyana Trust on September 26, 2003.

He said the objective of the Trust is secular and charitable causes to promote education, grant of endowments at universities, research institutions and other educational and scientific institutions, awarding scholarships and fellowships to the students etc.

Sewa Samiti criticises demolition of Shishu Samadhian

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: The J&K Sewa Samiti, Jammu has strongly criticised demolition of Shishu Samadhian and a temple at Shamshan Ghat, Jogi Gate and termed this act of Government as an assault on the sentiments of the community. The Samiti has also urged Chief Minister to intervene into the matter.

According to a press note issued by the Samiti, the place has been in use for the burial of infants since long and decades back a shiv temple was also raised at the site by the Samiti. "Despite the fact that there is sufficient land aside the site of burial, the concerned authorities have intentionally demolished the temple and other structures at the site," it added.

The Samiti maintained that it had brought the entire issue into the notice of the then R&B Minister Gulchain Singh Charak and the present Minister, Jugal Kishore well in time and added that both the Ministers at different points of time had assured them that the samadhies would not be touched for any kind of construction in the near future.

Meanwhile, the Samiti urged the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to personally look into the matter and put a ban on the construction of any structure at the site.

R S Pura Bus Operators Union flays RTO Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: R S Pura Bus Operators Union (Jammu) has strongly criticised the Regional Transport Officer Jammu for allegedly issuing new permits to mini-buses, mini-door autos from Jammu to Finder, Badyal, Deblehar and other small routes following political influence.

In an emergency meeting of the members of Jammu-R S Pura Bus Operators Union held here today under the chairmanship of Kuldip Singh, president of the Union, the members strongly condemned the attitude of the RTO Jammu for issuing permits to different routes, causing extensive damage to the buses already operating on various routes.

They alleged that the these permits are being issued in violation of standing rules and regulations just with the political interference and without public requirement. They said that with the plying of such a higher number of vehicles on these routes, the bus operators will be much affected.

Mr Kuldip Singh sought the intervention of Transport Minister in this regard and demanded that directions be issued to RTO Jammu not to issue any more permits on these routes to the light vehicles/ Matadors as already sufficient number of buses are plying on these routes.

Mir for full utilization of State resources

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Former Minister and MLA Tangmarg, Ghulam Hassan Mir today said that no attention was being paid towards the utilization of available resources in the State.

Addressing a meeting of intellectuals and youth leaders here at Jammu, the MLA said, time has come when the State must become ‘self reliant’ in terms of socio-economic development, so that youth could be given a right direction aimed at development of all the three regions of the State.

He said, being self reliant, the State will be able to create more job opportunities for the youth. He appreciated the industrialists for creating some job opportunities for the youth working in most hostile conditions and urged upon the Central Government to withdraw its order stopping excise concession to the industries.

Referring to the formation of Third Front, Mir said restoring democracy in the political system and empowerment of local bodies including panchayats will be the main agenda during next polls, as successive Governments haven’t decentralized the powers.

Others also spoke at the occasion included Kuldeep Wahi, Narinder Singh Raina, Maj Gen (Retd) B N Dhar, Sajjad Hussain, Romesh Chander, Ajay Sharma etc.

National Sikh Front demands reservations for Sikhs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: National Sikh Front (NSF) has appealed to the members of Sikh community to only vote for the candidates of that political party in ensuing Assembly elections which will guarantee 10 percent reservation to members of Sikh community in Government jobs in all sectors after coming to power.

The members of Sikh Front will go door to door, display posters and hoardings and appeal the community people to vote for only political party which will ensure reservations to the community, said Virenderjeet Singh, chairman, of the Front, while talking to mediapersons along with Kulwant Singh Bhatti, its president and Harbinder Singh, general secretary.

He warned that his organization will also oppose those Sikh candidates fielded by political parties which will not promise reservation to Sikhs. The Sikh candidates fighting the elections on the ticket of political parties should ask them to make an announcement regarding the reservations, he added.

Mr Singh demanded that Sikhs be given benefits of reservations in those states where they are not in majority. He also demanded that the Minority Commission which is going to be constituted in J&K should have a Sikh as its chairman.

Expressing concern over the discrimination being meted out to the members of Sikh community especially from J&K State, Mr Singh said that in 2000 a member of the Community was nominated as a member of National Minority Commission (NMC) but his membership was rejected on the ground that J&K does not fall under the NMC. But the present chairman of the Commission Mohammed Shafi Qureshi is also a State subject of J&K, he added.

Mr Singh said that National Sikh Front has also submitted a memorandum to President of India demanding that the definition of minorities with respect to states and country be redefined.

Deputations call on Jaiswal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Various deputations led by M.P.Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Ch Lal Singh today met Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriparkash Jaiswal and apprised him about their problems.The charter of demands was presented to the minister which include release of honorarium in favour of VDC members. ST Status for pahari speaking people and citizenship right to the people of west Pakistan refugees.

The delegation of Kishtwar led by Pradeep Singh Parihar -demanded recruitment rally for youth in paramilitary forces for the areas of Paddar,Nagseni, Dachhan,Palmar and Kishtwar.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Sriprakash Jaiswal listened the problems and assured the delegation that he will visit the area in future and on spot directing will be given to the police and paramilitary authorities to start the process .

Chhari Mubarak to leave tomorrow

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak has said that as per past practice, traditional Chhari Mubarak Chaiter Choudhas will be taken out from Shri Ranbireshwar Temple at Shalamar Jammu and proceed to Shri Raghunath Ji temple and later to historical temples of Purmandal and Utterbani on April 5, 08 at 9 a. m sharp after performing Puja Archana.

Addressing press conference, he said that yatra would pass through tawi bridge, Bikram Chowk, University, Narwal Bye-pass, Kaluchak, Ratnochak, Birpur, Purmandal and Uttervani. He said devotees can also have darshan from Vijaypur, Gurah Slathai, Uttervani and Purmandal.

Minta arrested; Shallu, Bunty still at large

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 3: Police today arrested a criminal and was searching two others in connection with double murder of two Jammu youths in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh recently.

Deepak Dogra alias Minta Langra R/o Upper Mastgarh was arrested from Nanak Nagar during a raid conducted by police. One Chinese pistol and three rounds were recovered from him.

Addressing a press conference, DIG Jammu range Farooq Khan accompanied by SSP Jammu Parminder Singh and SP City (South) Zahid Manhas, said Minta Langra was arrested on a specific information by police from a house at Nanak Nagar where he had taken shelter after committing the crime.

Arrest was made by a Gandhi Nagar police station party led by SHO Mohd Rafiq.

Mr Khan said two more accused, who were also involved in the twin murders, were evading arrest and a search operation has been launched to apprehend them. They have been identified as Vivek Sandhu alias Bunty, originally a resident of Sarwal and presently settled at Shimla and Jatinder Singh alias Shallu R/o Gurha Salathian.

Reports, however, said that Bunty surrendered before Shimla police this afternoon.

The DIG Jammu said Bunty had taken both the victims Rajeev alias Raju and Ashu in a car from Jammu to Shimla where Shallu and Minta had already reached in another car. Both were murdered in the dose of excessive liquor and their bodies thrown in Kufri from where they were recovered by police.

Further investigations in the case were being conducted jointly by Jammu and Shimla police.