Karan Singh unveils bust of Gulab Singh at SMGS Hospital

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: Dr Karan Singh, MP and Chairman Trustee of Dharmarth Trust, unveiled the new bust of Maharaja Gulab Singh, founder of Jammu and Kashmir State, in the SMGS Hospital premises, here this evening.

After unveiling the bust at simple but impressive ceremony, Dr Singh garlanded it amidst chanting of Vedic mantras by learned pandits of Raghunath temple.

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma, was the chief guest.

Present on the occasion were Minister for Higher Education, Gulchain Singh Charak, Thakur Divakar Singh, president, Dharmarth Trust, Secretary, Vijay Gandotra, members of Dharmarth Council, Prof Hari Om and DC Raina, Mayor, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Kavinder Gupta, leaders of various political parties, social and cultural organisation and a large number of prominent citizens, traders and businessmen.

Addressing the audience, Dr Karan Singh paid rich tributes to Maharaja Gulab Singh, in mid-19th century for extending the nation’s boundaries upto to Tibet, China, Afghanistan, and Russia. This was a profound historical event, he stated.

Emphasising the role of Maharaja Gulab Singh, the former Union Minister said Jammu University should be named after this " great national hero".

Dr Karan Singh said the restoration of glory of Mubarak Mandi by the present regime was an attempt to preserve our heritage which is praise worthy. He also said that Jammu’s temples are very magnificent and unique in the country.

The Health Minister, in his speech, stated that founder of the strategic J&K State has made a significant contribution to the nation. He ridiculed the voices of division of this State or any talk of self-rule or joint control and firmly asserted that the unity and territorial integrity of Jammu and Kashmir will be maintained at all costs.

He said India is fast developing as a force to reckon with in the world affairs with its economy rapidly growing and its democratic institutions thriving.

The Minister for Higher Education, Gulchain Singh Charak also spoke on the occasion.

The president, Dharmarth Trust, Divakar Singh, said the responsibility entrust for installation of Maharaja Gulab Singh’s bust has been accomplished through co-operation of various agencies including Health and Medical Education department to the satisfaction of all.

Constructing a canopy and placement of large sized bust of Maharaja Gulab Singh was taken up at Delhi during the Dharmarth Trust Council meeting chaired by Dr Karan Singh and the trustees- Vikramaditya Singh and Ajatshatru Singh.

Later, Dr Karan Singh released the cassette " Shri Kaliveerji Ki Katha" containing devotional songs, a production of Kaliveer Charitable Trust. Chairman of the trust, D C Raina also spoke about the teachings of Kaliveerji.

Governor, CM greet people on Ramnavmi, Ambedkar Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: Governor Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today greeted people on Ramanavmi, the birthday of Lord Rama and Ambedkar Day.

In a message, the Governor said that life and teaching of Marayda Parshotam Ram will continue to inspire generations for leading harmonious life. He hoped that the day would be celebrated with religious fervour in true spirit of composite culture.

The Governor also paid rich tribute to Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary and recalled his contribution towards the nation and uplift of weaker section of society.

In a message of felicitation on Ramnavmi, the Chief Minister said that religious festivals are an occasion to reaffirm one’s faith and belief and share the joy with others. He said historically the festivals have strengthened the bonds of harmony and brotherhood among people and reinforced the pluralistic ethos of the country.

Mr Azad wished people a very happy Ramanavmi, joy and happiness in their lives.

The Chief Minister also felicitated people on the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar and asked them to imbibe his teachings to ensure a society based on complete equality and justice.

CS flags off Baisakhi Run

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: As a part of Jammu festival, Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal today morning flagged off Baisakhi Run/Heritage Walk from Mubarak Mandi complex.

The "Run" organized by department of Tourism in collaboration with "Extreme Himalayan Adventure" after passing through various places of old city culminated at Rajinder Park. Students from about 17 schools participated in the run.

Highlighting the significance of events like Heritage walk, Kundal said that they help in getting through the message of social harmony, national integration and mutual camaraderie.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary Tourism Nayeem Akhtar and Director Tourism Ajay Khajuria were also present on the occasion.

Later, J&K Police arranged breakfast to the students who participated in the Baisakhi Run. The Inspector General of Police K. Rajindera personally interacted with the children.

Ragunath Bazar Association installed the water stalls for the participants.

GM, Tehsildar among 7 discharged in
corruption case after 17 yrs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Kartar Singh has discharged the then General Manager Co-operative Society Bishnah, Tehsildar, Assistant Registrar Co-operative and four private accused after 17 years long trial as State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) has failed to establish corruption case against them.

According to the Vigilance case, in 1991 the rate of Rattna rice was fixed at Rs 440 per quintal by JAKFED but the Bishnah Cooperative sold 1500 quintals of Rattna rice to a favourite firm at the rate of Rs 330 per quintal and the difference of Rs 1.50 lakh was allegedly shared between the firm and the delinquent officers.

During the course of investigation, it was found that the officers including General Manager of Society procured 2236.43 quintals of paddy during the year 1990-91 at the rate of Rs 215 per quintal for an amount of Rs 4,80,032.45 and sold the Basmati at lower rates.

After hearing both the sides, Special Judge Anticorruption observed that the meeting of the members of the Society convened on May 2, 1991 and it was decided that there was fall of the sale price and no body was ready to purchase the rice at the rate of Rs 380 per quintal as wholesale rate.

As the rainy season was about to start and there were chances of damage to the rice stored in the godown, it was unanimously decided to sell the rice at the rate of Rs 360 per quintal. However, retail of Rs 400 per quintal was continued.

"The minutes of the meeting of May 2, 1991 have proved that the officials took all the factors into consideration while increasing and decreasing the rates of selling the rice", the Court further observed.

After considering all the facts, the Court discharged the accused namely Rajinder Singh Jamwal, then GM, Kuldeep Kumar, then Assistant Registrar Co-operative, Tehsildar, Harbans Lal then Chairman of the society now retired as Settlement Commissioner and private accused Vijay Kumar Gupta, Vishwanath, Arun Kumar Gupta and Kuldeep Chander Gupta, all the residents of Bishnah as the Vigilance Organisation failed to established its case against the accused persons.

Historic Devika Baisakhi Mela gets underway

Excelsior Correspondent

Udhampur, Apr 13: District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, O.P.Kalandria inaugurated the 3-day historic Devika Baisakhi Mela on the holy Devika rivulet in Udhampur town this morning.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kalandria hoped that the festival would be celebrated with fervour and gaiety which would further help in strengthening the communal harmony and brotherhood. He also threw light on the religious sanctity of Devika rivulet as well as importance of this mela which is being celebrated at the bank of Devika from time immemorial. He also apprised about the facilities being extended on the mela site to the visiting devotees by the district administration.

Huge rush of visitors was also seen at the photo exhibition on developmental activities and folk dances organised by the Department of Information and Public Relations, Udhampur at mela site.

The members of Heritage Trek Expedition along with district administration went round the Baisakhi mela and enjoyed the festivity.

Number of temporary sweet shops, toy shops and other eatable corners by the locals as well as out side vendors are the main attraction for the general public visiting the mela site. Out numbered children were seen enjoying the courageous act of motor cyclist, driving bikes in the death well.

The 3-day Baisakhi Mela would culminate with free style wrestling match in which number of wrestlers from with in and out side the State are expected to participate.

Pen down strike by clerical staff enters 18th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: The pen down and work down strike of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association in support of their oft repeated demands entered 18th day today.

Today a meeting of central executive committee members was held here which chalked out a programme of dharma and demonstration in front of Office of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu on April 16 and a rally to be taken taken from there to the Civil secretariat the same day.

The meeting held under the chairmanship of Rehmat Ullah Malik expressed that Government has miserably failed to honour its agreement reached with agitating employees on March 10 this year. It also expressed gratitude to all those organizations who have extended their support to the just cause of clerical cadre, presently on path of strike.

Others present in the meeting included Ravi Singh Bhau, Anil Mehta, Bashir Malik, Sukhbir Singh, Ravi Razdan, Ravi Kumar, K A Dewani, Sayeeda Bano, Anoop Sharma, C L Koul and Sushil Gupta.

Meanwhile All J&K Non-Gazetted Forest Officers Association has extended unconditional support to work down strike by All J&K Ladakh Clerical Staff Association in support of their genuine demands.

The meeting convened under the chairmanship of S Jaswant Singh was attended among others by R S Jasrotia, B S Baloria, Ravi Kumar, R D Singh, S Narvair Singh, Rajesh Bakshi besides others.

Prof Mattoo welcomes setting up of new
think-tank on foreign, defence policy

Excelsior Correspondent

Thiruvananthapuram, Apr 13: The Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu Padamshree Professor Amitabh Mattoo today welcomed the setting up of a new think-tank on foreign and defence policy at the V.K. Krishna Menon Centre for International Relations, University of Kerala.

The think-tank was inaugurated by the Union Defence Minister AK Antony and the key-note address was delivered by Professor Amitabh Mattoo.

Professor Mattoo talked about the need to establish think-tanks outside Delhi on critical issues of policy. "The Himalayas and the Indian Ocean have geo-strategically always defined India, and yet in contemporary times, the strategic elite of Lutyens' Delhi have virtually monopolized discussion and decisions on our national security. It is most important that there is a real decentring of issues related to our national security and foreign policy if we have to develop a holistic and inclusive vision for our country and its future. Hopefully, in the foreseeable future, the peripheries will become the centre; those apparently on the margins today will help to define the text of our policies on foreign policy, strategy and security," said Professor Mattoo

Professor Mattoo, in his speech, referred to the great thinkers on international relations that this State has produced, including Sardar Pannikar and V.K. Krishna Menon. He said "Who can forget the contribution of Sardar Panikkar to Indian strategic thinking? His books Asia and Western Dominance and India and Indian Ocean are pioneering works on international relations and strategic thinking. On a more personal note, Sardar Pannikar was the Vice-Chancellor of Jammu and Kashmir University and wrote a biography of the founder of the J&K State, Maharaja Gulab Singh. He had earlier served in Maharaja Hari Singh's Government.

The former Defence Minister, Krishna Menon, I believe – and I know this is not a popular view – was probably one of the most incisive and brilliant thinkers that India has produced. He may have been difficult as a person, but I have personally been overwhelmed by his intellect. I have read, several times, his marathon speech on Kashmir in the UN and I cannot think of a more powerful defence, both in substantive terms and polemically, of India's position on Kashmir."

Professor Mattoo complimented the Malyalis for the wide outlook. He said "Malayalis are, of course, imbued with a strong sense of international relations, not only because of the location of the State, but also due to their tryst with anti-imperial and anti-colonial struggles. I am reminded of the unanimous Malayali reaction to the then all powerful Diwan of Travancore, Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyer's declaration of independence of the erstwhile princely state. Malayalis of all political shades rejected it and unanimously demanded complete integration with India. The famous slogan "American Model Arabikadalil" (let the American model go to the Arabian Sea) raised by the Malayali patriots led to the unceremonious exit of Sir CP Ramaswamy Iyer.

In conclusion, Professor Mattoo said that the Malyalis today seem to have replaced the Kashmiri Pandit as the new managers of the county's security and foreign policy. If in the past, D.P. Dhar, P.N. Haksar, T.N. Kaul and P.N. Dhar dominated the Delhi discourse today it is A.K. Antony, M.K. Narayanan and Shiv Shankar Menon.

Hunger strike by medical employees enters 7th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: The hunger strike by all consolidated/contractual and adhoc employees of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, entered into seventh consecutive day. The protesting employees went for hunger strike on April 7, for stressing the authorities concerned to fulfill their demands.

The striking employees alleged that Goverment is evading its own commitment wherein it had agreed to award basic pay to all consolidated/contractual employees, two and half day extra pay against extra duties besides proposing their case for regularization to the cabinet sub-committee.

The chain hunger strike of protesting employees is slated to conclude on April 14. The new batch, which replaced the other today, included Vikram, Shaista, Radha, Shakeel, Raju, Mohammad Hussain, Mohammad Shafiq, Ajay, Pawan, Vijay, Parmood, Suraj Din, Parvinder, Surinder, Mohammad Khalid and Deepu.

Jammu fest at Udhampur receives rousing applause
Mangat for promotion of Dogra culture

Excelsior Correspondent

Udhampur, Apr 13: Amalgamation of cultural programme depicting the rich Dogra heritage and ethos marked the inaugural ceremony of Jammu festival at Udhampur. It all started with the pompous cultural walks through out the main city and then culminated with the colourful folk dances at Shree Goverdhan palace, in the heart of the city.

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma formally commenced the celebrations at a jam packed hall wherein cultural troupes from Assam, West Bengal, Daman and Diu and other north eastern states shared their rich diversity alongwith the Dogra Artists.

MLA, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Councillors, Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur, O.P. Kalandria, DIG, Udhampur-Reasi range, Alok Puri, President YHAI, J&K State, Sat Paul Verma, Project Director Heritage Trek Expedition, K.K. Nargotra, Cultural Activist, Anand Khajuria, participants of heritage trek expedition and prominent citizens were also present.

Impressed by the fabulous presentation during the inaugural show which lasted till late night, the Minister said that Dogra heritage and culture received a revitalisation during the Jammu festival. He said Udhampur district has unique distinction in the contribution of cultural diversity of the State as region has a rich talent ranging from Pahari to the modern day tech savvy culture.

The Minister said that Government is trying to promote the culture especially the Dogras in its right earnest by continuously improvising on the Jammu festival.

Giving the details of success, the festival has received, the Minister said that not only in the State but across the country Jammu festival is gaining prominence as another interest watching event in the land of Dogras and temples. This becomes evident from the huge rush of tourists and pilgrims who are thronging the State to have the glimpses of the festival.

The Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur while speaking on the occasion, presented a brief over view of the Jammu festival at Udhampur and added that Cultural programme, Heritage trek expedition, Cricket match, Healthy Baby show, Photo exhibition and Film show would be main attractions during the festival. Meanwhile, in Jammu,the Tourism Department in collaboration with Municipal Committee, Jammu organized Baisakhi cultural show at Chanderbaga Community Hall. The Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma was the Chief guest on the occasion. Mayor Kavinder Gupta and Director tourism were among present on the occasion.

Vijay Divas celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Apr 13: Vijay Divas which is being observed in connection with freedom of Rajouri from Pakistan was celebrated with great enthusiasm in the Rajouri township today.

Various functions were organised in different parts of the district in which the speakers paid rich tributes to the martyrs of the district who laid down their lives against the Pakistan which annexed Rajouri for six months from October 1947 to April 14, 1948.

Addressing the function organised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior Party leader, Tilak Raj Gupta paid rich tributes to the martyrs of Rajouri.

He said over 20, 000 people including 5000 women attained martyrdom in this period to free themselves from clutches of Pakistani raiders.

H said the Pakistani army created a mayhem in the district and it did not even spare the children and old men. But with the sacrifices and struggle launched by the bold people of the area, the Pakistan was forced to free Rajouri on April 14, 1948.

He said when entire India celebrates Independence Day on August 15, but for Rajouri April 14 is the Independence Day.

He demanded issuance of Dak ticket on the name of Rajouri martyrs’ and a statue be also raised in their memory at Rajouri township.

Other BJP leaders who paid tributes to martyrs included Vivod Gupta and Kuldeep Raj BA.

Shodh Sansthan demands passage of Shrines Bill

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: Pt. Prem Nath Shastri Sanaskritik Shodh Sansthan in a meeting here, today has expressed grave concern over the encroachment of land of various KP shrines and temples in Valley either by the Government agencies or vested elements.

The meeting, which was chaired by the chairman of the Sanstha, Pt. Omkar Nath Shastri demanded that this land be immediately restored and all the damaged shrines and temples be renovated in Kashmir Valley.

The meeting demanded that an Ordinance be passed till the passage of the Bill.

The meeting said that over two years back the Government had sought applications from the Shodh Sansthan and other organizations whose members intended to have the holy pilgrimage of Sharda temple but till date no clearance has been given in this regard.

The meeting has sought attention of the Prime Minister of India and Governor of J&K in this regard.

Workshop on Behaviour Management held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: A one day workshop on behaviour management under the banner, "Secret of True Living" was held at Brahman Sabha by Akhand Yoga. Chief patron of the organization and Director, Vasishth Ayurveda Centre, Brijbala Vasistha presided over the workshop which was largely attended by people from all walks of life.

Speaking on the occasion, founder of the organization, Dr Sunil Vasishth elaborated on behaviour management and suggested several tipps to deal with different sort of eventualities occuring in different environments.

He also laid equal emphasis on righteousness in actions and check on emotions as a way to avoid unpleasant situations in life. "Upholding truthfulness and honesty in relations as well as tolerance towards others make the life meaningful" he prophessed.

Prominent among others who participated in the workshop were organizer, Pawanesh Abrol, convener, Anuradha Puri, Dr Rashi Abrol, Anu Kohli, Dr Vinod Sharma, Dr Shashvita Abrol and Pawan Verma.

LPG safety awareness programme held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: A LPG safety awareness programme was organized in Thakur Anant Singh College of Education, Sainik Colony, in collaboration with Jammu area office of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), here today.

In the programme, detailed lectures on LPG safety and conservation were delivered by officers from LPG wing of IOC. Besides explaining different parameters related to LPG safety in kitchen, stress was laid on the use of proper quality gas pipe. The students were made aware about the use of thermal efficient Green Label stoves through authorized distributors.

Speaking on the occasion, Bharat Bhushan, assistant manager IOC, said the programme was aimed at increasing awareness amongst the LPG consumers. A quiz competition was also organized in this regard.

Later, a live demonstration of putting off the fire with portable fire fighting equipment was given. The equipment can be placed in the kitchen for immediate use in case of any emergency.

Earlier, Diwakar Singh, Principal of the college, presented the welcome address.

3-day long spiritual function concludes at Ramnagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: The three day long spiritual programme organised at Shri Krishna Akshar Dham, Shiv Shakti Guffa, Ramnagar by Akshar Dham Smiti Ramnagar concluded today.

The programme started on April 11 morning with Jaap and Havan. A large number of devotees drawn from different parts of the country in general and surrounding villages of Ramnagar in particular participated in the Yagya, the puranahuti of which was performed today.

Today’s function started with the unfurling of the spiritual flag and Murti Sthapana of Rajrajeshwari/ Tripursundari on either side of the Mata Laxmi and Mata Saraswati in Shree Vidya Temple, in front of these deities there is Shree Yantra.

Adjoining the temple there is a Sarowar and in the centre of it stands the idol of Shree Mahamritunjaya Bhagwan. The religious discourses and parvochan were given by Swami Krishna Nand Saraswati Ji Mahraj.

Swami Ji threw light on religious significance and importance of Shri Yantra. It was followed by Murti Sthapana. The devotees were served Prashad after Puranahuti. Many scholars and saints also participated in the function.

This Shree Yantra Temple is first of its kind in India. The religious function was organised mainly to enlighten the people of surrounding villages of Ramnagar spiritually.

Bollywood films, a rage in Europe
In the footsteps of Alexander the Great

From Ravinder Kaul

Thessaloniki (Greece), Apr 13: "In the month of June 326 BC, the Himalayan snows had melted, the rivers of Punjab had swollen and the monsoon season was beginning. Crossing the rivers was difficult, but nonetheless, the army of Alexander the Great was ferried across the Acesines (River Chenab). A town called Sangala (Sialkot) was besieged and taken. The army (after passing through the outskirts of present day Jammu) reached the banks of Hyphasis (River Beas) at the end of July. Alexander ordered his men to cross the river. The army, having been away from home for such a long time and tired of marching through continuous rains in the full heat of summer, mutinied. Alexander was furious. He had imagined a different way to celebrate his thirtieth birthday. But he finally allowed himself to be persuaded by the gods, who were also sending evil omens. He decided to return. He arrived in Babylon in the spring of 323 BC, contracted a fever and died."

Standing against the backdrop of the magnificent statue of Alexander the Great in Thessaloniki in Greece, this small excerpt from the pages of his life comes suddenly alive before ones eyes. Alexander was born in Pella in Macedonia, less than 50 kilometers away from Thessaloníki. In fact the town is named after Thessaloníki, the half sister of Alexander, who was married to Kassandros, who founded the city in 315 BC. Kassandros was the son of General Antipatros who was appointed as supervisor of Macedonia by Alexander while the latter attempted his great expedition to Asia."

Well, so much for history. All of us theatre critics, actors, directors from around the world have assembled in Thessaloníki to attend the 12th Europe Theatre Prize. The Prize began in 1986, as a pilot program of the European Committee. It is held on an annual basis by the Europe Theatre Prize company, which has been recognized by the European Parliament as a "European cultural interest organization".The prize is awarded to individuals or theatrical institutions whose work has contributed to the mutual understanding and collaboration between people throughout the world.

Another award, "New Theatrical Realities", which was added subsequently, aims to encourage new artistic trends and initiatives in the European theatre scene. This year the XII Europe Theatre Prize is being awarded to French director Patrice Chereau, who has been honored in the past with many distinctions and awards, while the X Europe Prize for "New Theatrical Realities", is being presented to German choreographer Sasha Waltz, founder of the group Sasha Waltz and Guests, which has invigorated the development of contemporary dance, Polish director Krzysztof Warlikowski, one of the leading directors from Poland and the group Rimini Protokoll, which experiments with theatrical conventions. Following a recommendation by Harold Pinter, Tom Stoppard and Vaclav Havel, a special award is being given to the Belarus Free Theatre, a theatre group committed to "the opposition against the oppression of Belarussian Government". The first of the many performances of the Festival has a very strong Bollywood connection. The play, "Mnemopark" presented by Rimini Protokoll and directed by Stefan Kaegi contains two songs from Bollywood films. One is "Chal Chhaiya Chhaiya" from the film 'Dil Se' and the other is the title song of the film 'Chori Chori Chupke Chupke'. The play takes Switzerland as a model and, based on an actual miniature train set, analyses the falseness of the beautiful landscape. The group is based in Switzerland and has performed another play that revolves around a Call Centre in Kolkata. The director of the play Stefan Kaegi, revealed in a conversation that he visited the State of Jammu and Kashmir in the year 1992 but could not enjoy the trip because of terrorism. He would love to come again though, he says. Imagine, just before coming here, this reviewer chided a production by veteran theatre director Kavi Rattan for using a Hindi film song in the play 'Bhagwad Ajyukam'. Well, life takes its own revenges and one never ceases to learn. In a press briefing after the performance, when Stefan Kaegi was asked about the reaction of the European audience to the Bollywood songs and sequences in the play, before Kaegi could reply, a German Theatre Critic stood up and said loudly, "We all love Bollywood films, They are a rage in Germany and all over Europe". The entire gathering endorsed her statement by clapping lustily. The scribe had got her reply.

Natrang stages "Teen Apaahij" in Sunday Theatre

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: The Hindi play "Teen Apaahij" was staged by Natrang under its Sunday Theatre Series, here today.

The play, written by Vipin Kumar Aggarwal and directed by Balwant Thakur, exposed the directionless system prevailing in the contemporary society.

The story of "Teen Apaahij" (three handicapped) revolved around three young men suffering from physical and mental disabilities. They were shown sitting under a lamp post at a cross road and passing comments on everything.

The playwright intended to unveil the degeneration of the society, paralysis of establishment and denouncement of excellence through the three characters.

The roles of handicapped young men were performed by Gaurav Jamwal, Rahul Singh and Rohit Verma. They were supported by Mohd Yaseen and Ankush Lakhnotra. Pankush Verma designed the lights, while Mohit Sharma created the sound effects.

Earlier, Balwant Thakur, in his introductory address, emphasized upon the need to encourage theatre by all means to create healthy literary and cultural environment in the city. -

‘Disclose properties’; Ashok Sharma to all politicians

Excelsior Correspondent

KALAKOTE, Apr 13: Keeping an eye on the State Assembly election drawing near and to rejuvenate people’s faith in politics, the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary and MLC, Ashok Sharma today asked all the politicial leaders to declare their moveable as well as immoveable properties for public scrutiny.

He was addressing a day long convention of party functionaries at Soulki in Rajouri district today. The convention was well attended by halqa, ward and block level party leaders as well as workers.

Stressing upon value based politics, Mr Sharma said that such a step was necessary to restore confidence of people in the political system for strenghtening democracy.

Meanwhile several resolutions were passed at the convention including creation of sub division and opening of degree college at Kalakote besides tehsil status to Teryath and Khawas, Niabad at Panjah, Dhangri and Dharamsal.

Among others who expressed their view in the convention included former Minister and MLC, Lal Mohammad Saber, MLA Poonch, Jhangir Mir, Choudhary Qamar Hussain, MY Mughal, Som Raj Khajuria, Dr Hazuri Lal, Saber Hussain, Ram Lal and Ram Prakash.

3 criminals arrested, 3 pistols seized

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 13: Gandhi Nagar police tonight arrested three miscreants and recovered three country made pistols from their possession.

They have been identified as Dinesh Sharma alias DC Raja S/o Sohan Lal and Wasim Raja S/o Sher Mohd, both residents of Narwal Pain and Surinder Pal Singh alias Sunny Pontra S/o Ravinder Singh R/o Pandorian, Mishriwalla.

Three pistols and three rounds were recovered from them, police said.

Accused belonged to Kashu and Sunny Group of criminals and were involved in several criminal activities. A case against them has been registered at Gandhi Nagar police station.

Arrests were made by a Gandhi Nagar police station party led by SHO Inspector Mohd Rafiq under the supervision of SDPO Gandhi Nagar Sukhdev Raj.