Tourism adds new dimensions to socio-
economic development: Baig

Excelsior Correspondent

New Delhi, Apr 4: Describing tourism as a means of cultural and civilization contacts, Deputy Chief Minister Mr. Muzaffar Hussain Baig today said that the industry brings people of different hues and cultures together and adds new dimensions to socio-economic development.

Inaugurating a day-long convention of tour operators here this morning, Mr. Baig said that the tourist trade was likely to become the country’s second highest job providing industry after the Information Technology sector in the coming years. "The industry has a employment generating potential seven times more than any other industry/ industrial sector for a any given slab of investment", he maintained.

Referring to the tourist potential of the Jammu and Kashmir and the efforts of the Government in this regard, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the State has a long history of tourism and the sector was on the top most priority of the government. He said that in order to push forward the sector, the government has set up a 19 tourist development authorities with Chief Minister heading them. He said the primary idea of this was to develop the unique features of each tourist destination.

He further added that under Prime Minister Reconstruction Plan (PMRP) a record number of 50 tourist villages have been sanctioned to be developed in the State. While referring to the tremendous potential of Golf Tourism in the state, the Deputy Chief Minister said "India’s oldest and best declared golf courses are in the state of Jammu and Kashmir".

While commenting on the domestic tourism, Mr. Baig said "it forms a key component in over all growth of the industry" adding that "India is a country of diverse cultures, cuisines and climatic diversity with every area offering a bewildering scenario", he asserted.

Asking the tour operators to inculcate professionalism in their business, Mr. Baig said they should impart regular training to their staff so that the visiting tourist return back fully satisfied and with a favourable feedback for the prospective tourists.

In his address, Union Secretary Tourism S Banerjee said that there has been a 16 percent increase in the arrival of foreign tourists to India. This, he said, has brought the country for an exchange worth 12 billion US dollars.

Earlier, Director Tourism Kashmir, Farooq Shah gave a power point presentation about the efforts of State Government to uplift the tourism industry.

JKPCC DGM in Vigilance net

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) caught red-handed Mohammad Abbas Lone, Deputy General Manager, JKPCC Kulgam while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 15000 for releasing pending bills.

An official spokesman said that one Zahoor Ahmad Banday, son of Ghulam Mohammad Banday of Gousia Colony, Kulgam lodged a written report with Vigilance Organisation, Kashmir alleging that the accused Deputy General Manager (DGM) was demanding Rs 15000 for release of his pending bills pertaining to work done by him in the construction of hospital building, Kulgam.

Acting on the receipt of complaint, SVO sleuths laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting the bribe money of Rs 15,000 from the complainant in the presence of independent witnesses near Iqbal Park.

The tainted money was recovered from the possession of accused in the presence of independent witnesses and the accused was arrested on the spot.

Meanwhile, Vigilance Organi sation produced challan against Mohd Yousuf Gilkar, then Deputy Custodian Poonch, Arvind Kumar, then Naib Tehsildar Haveli, Kabir Hussain and Khazan Singh, then Girdawar Circle-I Haveli, Kulwant Singh, then Patwari Halqa Manjnar, Mohd Yousaf Khan, son of Hakim Din of village Kaanuian and Sanjeev Kumar, son of Jagdish Lal of village Golad for manipulation of records to facilitate the drawal and subsequent misappropriation of compensation of evacuee land acquired by the Government in 1992.

HC directive against cancellation of 645
Anganwari workers’ selection

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: In 120 writ petitions filed by the candidates, Justice Y P Nargotra of State High Court today directed that the selection of Anganwari workers made in the districts of Rajouri and Poonch shall not be cancelled by the Government.

The petitions were filed by candidates apprehending cancellation of selections and while seeking directions to the respondents in this regard they also pleaded that directions be also given for release of the honorarium in their favour.

Advocate General A H Naik submitted that following selection of 645 Anganwari workers in Poonch and Rajouri districts the Government received complaints alleging that criteria fixed for selection was not adhered to and the selection was made on pick and choose basis.

Upon this, the Government constituted committees to go into the allegations made in the complaints and Deputy Commissioners of Poonch and Rajouri were asked to enquire into the entire selection process. The Deputy Commissioners on finding that selection criteria had not been adhered made recommendation for scraping of the entire selection.

He further submitted that out of 292 candidates selected in Poonch, discrepancies have been detected in only 18 candidates while documents of 11 candidates require verification. Similarly, out of 353 candidates selected in Rajouri district, discrepancies have been detected in the selection of only 16 candidates who have been identified.

Upon this, the counsel for the petitioners submitted "the discrepancies have been found only in respect of a small number of candidates who have been identified and there is no material to show that entire selection process was vitiated by vide spread infirmities of all pervasive nature", adding "the Govt would not be legally justified in annulling entire process and scrapping the selection in whole".

He further submitted that services of those candidates in respect of whom discrepancies have been detected and have joined pursuant to the engagement orders, cannot be dispensed without observing the rule of natural justice.

The AG said that Government would not be canceling the entire selection, but would re-examine the cases of those candidates alone in respect of whom discrepancies have been detected. He added that the services of those candidates in respect of whom the discrepancies have been detected shall not be terminated without following the due course of law and observance of the rules of principle of natural justice.

However, the cases in respect of those candidates for whom the engagement orders have not been issued shall be re-examined and appropriate action would be taken because mere selection does not confer a right of appointment upon a candidate.

After hearing battery of lawyers appearing for the petitioners and Advocate General A H Naik with AAG AH Qazi appearing for the State, Justice Nargotra observed "Court is agreed with the counsel of petitioners that wholesale cancellation of selection would not be justified in view of the fact that only in few cases discrepancies have been found".

In view of the statement of Advocate General, Justice Nargotra disposed of 120 petitions with the directions that the selection of Anganwari workers made in the districts of Poonch and Rajouri as a whole shall not be cancelled.

The services of selected candidates in respect of whom discrepancies have been found but the engagement orders stand issued shall not be terminated by the competent authority, without following due course of law and observance of principles of natural justice.

The selected candidates in respect of whom discrepancies in their selection have been found but engagement orders have not been issued, competent Authority shall re-examine their cases and pass appropriate orders. The candidates who have joined pursuant to the engagement orders shall be paid honorarium due with effect from the date of joining, the Court ordered.

2 killed, 11 injured in road accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: Two persons were killed and 11 others received injuries in separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that one person was killed when a truck bearing registration number JK02C-6225 met with an accident near Dehri Ralyote under the jurisdiction of Manjakote Police Station.

The deceased has been identified as Kishore, son of Jagan Nath of Lamberi.

In another road accident, one Man Singh of Supwal was killed in head on collision between two motorcycles at Vijaypur. He was immediately rushed to Government Medical College Hospital where doctors pronounced him as brought dead.

Meanwhile, 11 persons were injured when a bus bearing registration number JK02F-7205 met with an accident near Katarmal under the jurisdiction of Manjakote Police Station.

The ill-fated vehicle was on its way from Manjakote to Rajouri when met with accident.

All the injured have been hospitalised and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Avalon Aviation Academy launches Jammu chapter
Former Miss World keen to do charity for militancy victims

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: Former Miss World (1997) Diana Hayden today expressed keenness to extend sphere of her social service to the State of Jammu and Kashmir, which is flooded with militancy victims.

Ms Diana was here in the city to launch Jammu centre of Avalon Academy, the aviation-training arm of Aptech Limited, at Gandhi Nagar. She is the brand ambassador of the academy. Later, addressing the mediapersons, Ms Hayden said, "I would be most happy to do some kind of charity for militancy victims but, provided some body should approach me with some idea".

The Hyderabadi lass, who was in ‘city of temples’ for the first time, enjoyed the beauty and pleasant weather (caused due to rain spell in valley) in the city and also expressed keenness to pay obeisance at Mata Vaishno Devi and Bahu Fort temple in her next visit, as she was here for a brief visit this time but promised to visit again soon.

she is signed by the Avalon Aviation Academy as the face of the academy, wherein she is also a celebrity guest lecturer for training airlines personnel in various aspects, including poise and grace.

She apprised that currently she was busy with academy assignments and also hosting TV shows (she hosts History Channel’s popular show "Biography") for which she used to frequently United States.

The self made perfectionist, describes herself as a very steady person, doing what she loves most in the world. She, however, disapproved acting in movies and apprised that number of offers came into her way soon after success at Miss World pageant, but she declined the offers, as she was interested only in hosting TV shows and doing charity works.

Speaking about the academy, she said, "Avalon specializes in providing high quality training to aspirants interested in making career in aviation, travel & tourism industry, as well as preparing students for corporate world", she further said, "This is the overall 51st branch of the academy across the country and first here and from the next year it will move to international level".

Earlier, Diana along with team of the academy took a round of the newly inaugurated centre. Roopesh Magotra, centre head was also present at the occasion.

PSU employees seek CM’s intervention

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: All Public Sector Employees and Workers Federation has sought the intervention of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to redress their grievances.

In a executive body meeting of the federation held today under the chairmanship of Jag Mohan Sadhotra, chairman, the hardships and problems being faced by the PSU employees were discussed at length.

The federation also made an appeal to the chief minister to redress the grievances of the employees in the light of agreement made by State Government with leadership of Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) led by Abdul Qayyum Wani.

It was said that the Government had agreed in principle to fulfill the chartered demands within 15 days, but except for releasing two months salary of PSUs all agreed demands were still pending even after a gap of two months.

S. Amrik Singh Sasan, president of the federation, assured full support to the proposed programme of EJAC including demonstration and rally on April 15.

Among others who also spoke in the meeting included Abdul Manan Bhat, Nar Singh, P P Singh, Mohd Yaseen, Abdul Qayyum Bhat, Jagjit Singh, Karan Singh, Mulkh Raj, Onkar Sharma, Rakesh Ram Pal and others.

EEJAC chalks out strategy for protest

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: The leaders of J&K Electrical Employees Joint Action Forum (EEJAC) today convened a meeting to chalk out strategy of protest in concern with their long pending demands.

In the meeting, which was convened by P C Sharma and chaired by T C Choudhary, resentment was expressed against the State Government for not considering the genuine demands of the PDD employees despite of their democratic approach to highlight the demands.

It was said that the forum had submitted a ten point charter of demands before the Government but till date no demands except welfare scheme has been considered.

Now, the forum is focussing on four demands including retrospective effect to regularized daily wagers, technical grade to entire executive staff, risk allowance to all categories and regularization policy for daily wagers engaged after 1994, the leaders apprised.

Meanwhile, the forum leaders stressed upon the Government to consider all the four demands within a week time otherwise 31 members committee of the forum will launch day-long dharna in the office of Chief Engineer at Canal Road on April 11.

Those who participated in the meeting included Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Rajan Singh, Suresh Antal, Ajit Singh, Bishan Singh, Kamlesh Kumar, Kuldeep Singh, Mohan Singh Jamwal, Sanjay Singh, Surjeet Singh and Krishan Singh.

Governor visits Tulip Garden

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 4 : If Tulip Garden in Srinagar has become a rage with the people of Kashmir and incoming tourists from rest of the country, it has caught the imagination of Bollywood too. Already, film makers have started making enquiries about the garden, to be possible location for silver screen movies, in the serene and magnificent environs of Zabarwan Hills overlooking world famous Dal Lake. 

Over 10,000 visitors have visited the wonder garden during the past five days, said a top official of floriculture department during the visit of Governor Lt General (Retd) S K Sinha this morning. General Sinha took his time off from the official function being held in observance of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Jammu & Light Kashmir Light Infantry at the Regimental Centre here and had a round of the garden. "It is yet another and significant addition to the garden enrich city of Srinagar" observed General Sinha. 

He was briefed about the varieties of tulips planted in the Garden and perspective planning drawn up to develop it in coming months by covering the remaining area.

At least two prominent film makers from Mumbai have been making enquiries about the possible shoot in the garden, Director Floriculture Dr G Q Naqash said.    

The Governor and the First Lady, Premini Sinha were impressed by the rainbow effect of the 600 kanal garden, the home for 12 lakh tulips of 60 families (varieties)- red, orange, purple, white, pink, parrot and yellow. The scene must be beyond the imagination of poets and artists, as one feels a unique heart beat while roaming around the lanes and by-lanes in the midst of nature's benevolent bounty. A couple of hundred school children, in their smart school attires, walking through the garden, seemed to be merging with the mesmerizing splendour.  

Principal Secretary to Governor, Dr Arun Kumar, Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Sonali Kumar, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Eijaz Iqbal were among the senior officers present on the occasion.

PRM flays PDP, NC over Pugwash comments

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: People’s Revolutionary Movement (PRM) today strongly criticized the statements made by the leaders of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and National Conference in Pugwash Conference held a Islamabad.

Addressing a press conference here today, president of the PRM, Rajinder Jamwal said that utterances of self rule as well as autonomy made by Mehboba Mufti and Omar Abdullah respectively, in Pugwash conference were against the sovergnity and national interest of the country.

Apprehending that such things would be detrimental to the integrity of nation, Mr Jamwal urged the Government of India to take strong notice of such anti-national propaganda being launched by regional parties at international level.

He further suggested that reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir state was the only and viable solution to the existing turmoil in the area.

ASKPC discusses problems of displaced Pandits

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) in a meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of its president Mr A N Vaishnavi discussed the various problems being faced by the community.

As per a release, the meeting expressed grave concern over the grabbing of land belonging to Kashmiri Pandits by anti social elements in the Valley.

Addressing the meeting general secretary of the organization H L Chatta alleged that land of one A K Shangloo at Ghanderbal and other places in Kashmir Valley has been forcibly occupied by land grabbers.

He demanded that all the properties of the KPs which have been grabbed be immediately restored. Mr Chatta alleged that Government was not interested in the return of properties of displaced Pandits to Valley and urged it to stop occupying migrants land for construction of offices in Kulgam and Pulwama districts.

Bharat Bhushan and P L Sudeshi demanded increase in relief to 7000 per month while Manmohan Koul demanded a probe to find out that who was responsible for the mass exodus of seven lakh Pandits. B K Wantoo demanded accommodation for non camp people.

Govt to pursue ST status for Paharis with Centre: Vakil
Workshop on reservation for Paharis at JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4 : State Government would use its full influence for granting ST status to Pahari community of the state. The poor ethno-lingual community inhabiting mostly along border belts of Rajouri, Poonch, Uri and Kupwara deserves genuinely scheduled tribe for its speedy socio-economic upliftment.

This was stated by Social Welfare Minister, Abdul Gani Vakil while speaking at a workshop on ‘Reservation for Paharis in Jammu and Kashmir’ organized by Dr. Ambedakar Studies Centre, Department of Sociology University of Jammu today.

Vice Chairman Pahari Advisory Board Shabir Khan, MLC M. R. Qureshi, Prof. J. R. Panda, lecturers and students were present on the occasion.

Mr. Vakil advised Pahari youth to strive hard to excel in academic, industrial and economic pursuits for which host of incentives were already available to them. "You need not waste your intelligence, time and energy till you get your due", he said.

The Minister said that Pahari Advisory Board has been directed to come up with proposal for opening vocational institutions like ITIs wherein youth of the community would be trained in market oriented trades to make them enterprising and productive. He said that the budget of Pahari Advisory Board has been increased to Rs 10 crore for accelerating its welfare activities.

In his speech, Shabir Khan underlined the urgent need for giving scheduled tribe status to Pahari community. He said Pahari Advisory Board has taken up construction of 6 Pahari hostels in the State besides increasing the strength of twin Pahari hostels in Poonch and Rajouri districts from 30 to 100 each.

This apart, he said a divisional level Pahari hostel is being constructed in Jammu for facilitating University going students. He said three girls hostels have also been sanctioned for Rajouri, Poonch and Kupwara besides enhancing scholarship grant from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 2 crore over the years.

Prof. Panda in his speech called for reviewing reservation policy. He said that after sixty years of independence reservation policy needs to be changed and new criterion fixed for granting reservation so that most deserving are benefited.

M. R. Qureshi presented a detailed presentation on the occasion justifying reservation for Paharis in constitutional perspective. Earlier, Dr. Abha Chouhan gave a detailed resume of activities of the Ambedakar studies centre. She said the centre provides a platform for eminent scholars, leaders and civil society for discussing vision, ideas and thought of architect of constitution Dr. Ambedakar besides other social issues.

Gifts distributed at Mother Teresa Home

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: The Gospel Mission of India and Samaritan Purse today organized a programme at Mother Teresa Home in Janipur, wherein gifts were distributed among the inmates of the home.

Former Power minister and MLC, Mohd Sharif Niaz was the chief guest at the function and he distributed the gifts among the children. These gifts were donated by the children of several European countries, on the eve of Christmas, from the saving of their pocket money for children in India as a token of love.

Sister Simira, Featus Sotra, state coordinator, Gospel Mission of India, Camres David, M K Koul and Deedar Singh from JKTUC were also present at the occasion.

Minta makes more disclosures Shimla
Police reaches Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: Police today said Vivek Sandhu alias Bunty, a businessmen of Sarwal, presently settled at Shimla, had paid Rs 1 lakh to Deepak Dogra alias Minta Langra for the killing of Rajeev alias Raju and Ashu.

Minta has admitted having received Rs 40,000 payment from Bunty during his questioning by Gandhi Nagar police headed by SHO Inspector Mohd Rafiq and joined by a four member team of Shimla police today.

Minta said he had passed on entire Rs 40,000 sum to Jatinder Singh alias Shallu of Gurha Salathian, a co-accused in the murder. He had to receive balance payment of Rs 60,000 from Bunty after the killing, which was his share in the ‘supari’.

Bunty, who had surrendered before Shimla Police yesterday, has also confessed the crime, Shimla police told their Gandhi Nagar counterparts today.

Both accused were likely to be cross-questioned shortly.

Police continued a search to apprehend Shallu.

Sources said police have also recovered seat cover of the car where the youths were shot dead with a Chinese pistol. Minta had changed seat covers of the car after committing the crime.

Joint investigations in double murder were on by Jammu and Shimla police.

Pen down strike of clerks enters 10th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: The pen down strike of the clerical staff of various government departments entered the 10th consecutive day today.

On the call of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association, the employees of different departments observed complete strike and held demonstration in their respective offices in Jammu region. The work in many government departments were affected with the ongoing strike.

These agitating employees are demanding removal of pay anomalies. Several leaders of the association including Rehmatullah Malik, Ravi Singh Bhau, Anil Kumar Mehta, K A Dewani, Sukhbir Singh, R P Sharma, C L Koul, Bashir Malik and other visited several government offices here and addressed the employees.

While speaking, they criticised the state government for its alleged failure to mitigate the demands of striking employees. They alleged that junior, senior and head assistants have been discriminated while the pay grades of several other cadres were given hike in the past. These leaders alleged that government has forced the employees to resume strike as it failed to honour its commitment during meetings with the negotiation committee.

It was again urged upon the state government to drop the bar of secretariat training for according promotion to the senior assistants for the next grade of head assistants. The reports of strike also came in from Ladakh and Srinagar besides other districts in the state. The association has extended the strike in view of no response from the government and resolved to take it to the logical conclusion.

Cultural Academy remembers K L Saigal
on his birth anniversary

By Ravinder Kaul

In a programme organized by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in the K.L.Saigal Hall, rich musical tributes were paid to the legendry son of soil after whom the hall, in which the programme was held, is named.

K.L.Saigal was born in Jammu on April 4, 1904 in a house near Jain Bazar in the old city. His father, Amar Chand Saigal, was a Tehsildar in the court of Maharaja Pratap Singh, the then ruler of the state. His mother was a deeply religious woman and it was she who introduced Saigal to music.

The specialty of today's programme was that all the performers in it were staff members of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and the Institute of Music and Fine Arts.

The programme began with screening of a film on the life and works of K.L.Saigal made by Oshin Entertainment Inc. and written and directed by well known film maker Ashwini Gadoo. The film was highly appreciated by the audience in the jam-packed auditorium.

In the colourful musical programme that followed screening of the film, a number of songs of Saigal were presented by various singers. At the outset, Suraj Singh presented Ghalib's ghazal "Phir mujhe dida-e-tar yaad aaya" originally sung by Saigal in his soulful voice. It was followed by a masterly rendering of the immortal song "Jab dil hi toot gaya" by Anil Tikoo. He was donning costumes and make-up to look like Saigal and earned high appreciation from each one in the audience.

Sanjeev Gupta presented another timeless classic of Saigal "Gham diye mustaqil, kitna nazuk hai dil". Well known flute player Rakesh Anand presented "Ae dil-e-bekaraar jhoom". Both the songs were liked by the audience.

After this, Deepali Wattal, Bishan Dass, Rohit Verma, Sudhir Mahajan, Rita Khadyal, Chanchal Sharma, Lokesh Chander, Prashant Dev Singh and Balbir Singh presented songs of their choice in the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Zahur-ud-Din said that he had, for the first time, realized the immense talent of the staff members of the Academy. He also paid rich tributes to the legendary singer in whose memory the programme had been organized. Prof. Lalit Magotra showered high praise on the quality of the programme and felt that such programmes should be repeated every year. Earlier, while welcoming the guests, Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages lamented the fact that a section of the media had reported that Saigal's birthday had been ignored by the official agencies while this programme had been conceived long ago and could only have been organized the April 4, and not earlier. He also remembered the musical genius of K.L.Saigal and paid tributes to him.

Shamim Akhtar compered the programme in an admirable manner.

Young Panthers appoint district president

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: The Young Panthers Wing has promoted its Bhaderwah tehsil president Neeraj Manhas to the level of Doda district president.

Mr Neeraj Manhas has replaced Mohammad Abbas who was not taking part in the party activities for quite some time. With the elevation of Neeraj Manhas the body of Young Panthers for Bhaderwah tehsil includes Neeraj Sharma as president, Sachin Samyal as vice president, Vipin Kumar as general secretary and Farooq Ahmed as secretary.

The office bearer would be authorized to nominate other members of the working committee in consultation with the parent body of the district.

PSU pays musical tributes to martyrs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: The Panthers Student Union (PSU) today organized a musical programme in University of Jammu (JU) to pay tributes to the martyr trio of Bhagat Singh, Sukh Dev and Raj Guru.

Panthers MLA from Udhampur, Balwant Singh Mankotia was the chief guest in the programme while, Dean Students Welfare JU, Dr P S Pathania was also present.

On the occasion patriotic songs were sung Narinder Singh Wazir, Anu Bharti, Ankush Manhas, Shubanker, Ranjeet, Harmeet Singh, Sourav, Sushant and Jaswinder Singh.

Earlier, while speaking, the MLA recalled the sacrifices of the trio and appealed the youth to follow their foot steps and fight against the social evils. Dr Pathania also spoke on the occasion.

Among others who were also present included Vijay Atri, Assistant Dean, Mohinder Pal Pandu, Suresh Kumar and Vikrant Sharma.

Rafi sworn in as MLC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4 : Rafi Ahmad Mir was sworn in as Member of Legislative Council by the Chairman, Legislative Council Ghulam Nabi Lone Hanjoura at a function here today.

Former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar, Minister for PHE Mohammad Dilwar Mir, Member Legislative Assembly Shanti Devi, Member Legislative Council Ved Mahajan, Daman Baseen, Sardar Rangil Singh, Niza-mu-Din Khatana, Secretary, Tourism Naeem Akhtar, Secretary, Law, Secretary, Legislative Council and other officers present on the occasion.

Restoration of Shishu Samadhis, temple demanded

Excelsior Corespondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: A deputation of J&K Sewa Samiti, Jammu led by its president Surender Saharan called on Deputy Commissioner, Jammu and apprised the latter of situation brewing up in the aftermath of demolition of temple as well as Shishu Samadhis at Shamshan Ghat, near Jogi Gate.

According to a press note, Mr Saharan while taking up the matter with official revealed that the community is very critical of the action taken by Government. He further said that the Government did not take Samiti or the community into confidence before doing the alleged shameful act.

He further said that the act depicts discriminative attitude of Government towards their community. He also demanded for the restoration of Shishu Samadhis and reconstruction of Shiv Temple at the site where they were demolished.

Those who were present in the delegation were Rakesh Sharma, Krishan Lal Gupta, Pawan Kapoor, Ramesh Gupta and VA Sabarwal.

BSNL employees frame body

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: BSNL Employees Union in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Susheel Kumar Sharma constituted a body for CTSD (BSNL) branch.

The newly elected body comprised of Bal Krishan as president, Munshi Ram, Chaman Lal and Kamal Nain as vice president, MS Reen as secretary, Harnam Singh, Kasturi Lal and Pritam Lal as assistant secretary, Pritam Lal as organization secretary, Om Prakash, Chaman Lal and Gangi Masih as assistant organization secretary, BK Bhat as treasurer and Satpal as assistant treasurer.

BJP for action against Mehbooba

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: Taking serious exception to the statements of PDP supremo, Ms Mehbooba Mufti in Pugwash meeting at Islamabad recently, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has reiterated its demand that PDP leader be booked under the charge of sedition so that none in future can dare to indulge in anti-India activities in and outside the country.

The PDP president has committed a serious crime by demanding in Pakistan "dual power sharing arrangement", which should be subsequently "combined with India and Pakistan polity", said BJP senior vice president and Spokesman, Prof. Hari Om while talking to reporters, here, today.

The BJP leader urged the president of India and the Speaker of Lok Sabha to immediately initiate criminal proceedings against the PDP president.

He said no nation with any self respect and no state which considers its sovereignty as paramount can ever let the likes of Mehbooba Mufti go scot free. He took serious exception of using the provocative terms like by the PDP chief.

Taking the state and Central governments led by Congress to task, he alleged that the failure on their part to act against Mehbooba Mufti and others like her would only help the forces of destruction. This would further vitiate the already vitiated sociao-religious and political scene in trouble -torn state, he added.

He said it would further establish that the Congress led governments at the Centre and in the state approve of what the PDP president preached in Pakistan and that they share the PDP’s view that both India and Pakistan should share the sovereignty in J&K.

Prof. Hari Om made it clear that only thing that remains to be resolved between India and Pakistan is PoK and Gilgit Baltistan. This entire area undoubtly belongs to India and Indian Parliament has adopted a unanimous resolution to this effect on February 22, 1994, he added.

Non camp migrants constitute Sidhrah Unit

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: Non Camp Displaced Union constituted its Sidhrah Unit in a meeting today. The meeting was held under the chairmanship of D N Kissu, chairman of the organization.

B N Kak was elected as president of the Unit while K D Koul was elected as vice president and M K Koul as general secretary. Veer Saraf was elected publicity secretary.

The meeting demanded that Kashmiri Pandits who are leading an exiled life for over 18 years be declared as internally displaced people. It also sought equal treatment for non camp migrants with camp dwellers.

It appealed the Government that an ordinance be issued regarding constitution of Board for protection of temples and shrines in Kashmir valley till the formal legislation is made by State Government.

Bhagwan Gopinath Trust's plea to authorities

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: Bhagwan Gopinath Trust Udaywala Bohri in a meeting here, today has appealed the authorities to make elaborate arrangements regarding supply of drinking water, electricity during the nine- day long Navratra festival which is being celebrated in the Ashram from tomorrow evening.

The meeting, while taking stock of the arrangements also demanded that special arrangements for transport etc be made in the Ashram during the Navratra festival.

It said as routine a nine day long Havan will be performed in the Ashram for world peace and amity. The havan will start tomorrow evening and Puranahuti will be performed on Ram Navmi falling on April 14.

Jammu Festival at Reasi inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4 : Minister for Road & Buildings Jugal Kishore Sharma inaugurated the Reasi festival amidst of dances, folk songs, cultural programmes and rural sports with the lighting of traditional lamp here at sports stadium today.

During the celebrations top musical cultural items by the artists from Reasi, Udhampur and other local areas of the district presented scintillating cultural programmes based on eradication of social evils, communal harmony, national patriotism and mutual brotherhood.

The Deputy Commissioner Reasi Sanjeev Verma,Addl. Deputy Commissioner B.A. Saraf, SSP Reasi, J L. Sharma, President MC Reasi, Yash Verma, district officers, councilors, prominent citizens and huge gathering of general public were also present on the occasion.

The Minister also inspected 4-kms long link road from Kalmuan to Kanka Dabbar under construction at an estimated cost of Rs 78 lakh, Suketar to Panada road and Tunnel point to Kalara road under construction at a cost of Rs 130 lakh. So far over Rs 18 lakh have been incurred so far. On completion of these roads over 3500 people of different areas will be benefited.

Meanwhile, Jammu Festival programme which was organized by the district administration as a part of divisional level celebration concluded at Doda.

During the festival, 15 stalls were put up by various departments exhibiting their products to the visitors who thronged the venue in large number and showed keen interest during the period of festival celebration.

In addition, a variety of cultural programmes were organized in the evenings by the administration in collaboration with Cultural Sub Office of Jammu and Kashmir Cultural Academy, Doda in which local as well as non-local artists displayed their talents which evoked thundering applause from audience. Besides, Rural Sports meet were also part of the festival at district headquarter organized by the District Youth and Sports Office, Doda.

Arrangements for the conduct of Jammu Festival at Udhampur were discussed at a meeting of officers and prominent citizens under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, O.P. Kalandria, here today.

It was decided that the Jammu Festival at Udhampur would be observed for three days from April 12 to 14, 2008 and the inauguration of the fest would be made by a VIP at Shri Goverdhan Palace, Udhampur.

Other highlights of the programme would include rural sports meet, Dogra ethnic food stall, Healthy Baby Show and cultural procession.

Road roller catches fire

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 4: A road roller of a private company caught fire on New Plots road here late this evening.

Police spokesman said that a road roller was on its way from Janipur towards city when it caught fire at New Plots all of a sudden. Soon after noticing the fire, the driver jumped from the vehicle and approached some people to douse the fire.

A large number of people immediately swung into action and started dousing the fire. A message was also flashed to the Fire and Emergency Services Department about the incident.

After about half an hour, a fire tender reached the spot and doused the fire.