BSP, others pay tributes to Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: A large number of activists of Bahujan Samaj Party and others paid rich tributes to architect of Indian Constitution Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar on his 117th birth anniversary here today.

State unit of BSP organised a function in this connection at Party headquarters, Satwari. National general secretary of the party Narender Kashyap was the chief guest while B S Chowhan, J&K state coordinator was the guest of honour. State president of the BSP, Yash Pal Bhagat presided over.

A large number of party activists attended the programme and paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar. Several leaders spoke on this occasion and highlighted the contributions of Dr Ambedkar.

Mr Kashyap while speaking on the occasion, described Dr Ambedkar as great visionary, architect of Indian constitution and Massiha of poor and down trodden. He said his teachings are not only being followed in India but also in Asian continent. He pointed out that nearly 79 % youth of the state were under-matriculates and now raising education qualification for the posts of Class-IV employees, was great injustice to them. He said by taking such decisions Congress was inviting trouble for it and it will be last nail to its coffin.

B S Chowhan and Yash Pal Bhagat while paying tributes to Dr Ambedkar said that real tributes to this great personality will be to follow his foot steps and work for the welfare of the people.

Earlier, the BSP leaders moved to Ambedkar Chowk and profusely garlanded the statue of Dr Ambedkar. They were accompanied by a large number of party activists.

BJP Anusuchit Jati unit also paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar in a function organised at party office here today. State BJP unit president, Ashok Khajuria presided over while national secretary from Bihar, Kiran Ghai (MLC) was the chief guest. She described Dr Ambedkar as an outstanding leader who used to advocate for the issues pertaining to all who were exploited, depressed and economically and socially backward.

Mr Khajuria and other leaders, Bansi Lal Bharti, Narsingh Dass and Adarsh Kumar also spoke on the occasion and paid floral tributes to Dr Ambedkar. They described him as great visionary leader.

Guru Ravi Dass Sabha unit Bahu Fort also organised a function to pay tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar. The function was held under the leadership of Mulakh Raj. A procession was taken out by the Sabha members from Guru Ravi Dass temple Bahu Fort up to Ambedkar Chowk, Gandhinagar where floral tributes were paid to the statue of the great leader. School children also participated in the function there.

Dr B R Ambedkar Memorial Committee, Reasi paid tributes to Bharat Rattan Dr Ambedkar in a function organised at Parade Ground, Reasi today. The function was presided over by former minister Jagjivan Lal. Prominent among those present included-Tariq Bhat, Murad Ali, Raj Kumar, Dina Nath and Hem Raj.

Guru Gyagi Foundation performed a ‘Yagya’ for the world peace to mark the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar on his birth anniversary at village Channuchak near Jhiri today. The foundation members- R L Kaith, Dr R K Kaith and others highlighted the achievements and services of Dr Ambedkar and described him as Massiha of the poor and down trodden.

Baisakhi Festival concludes at Dera Baba Banda Bhadaur

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Apr 14: A 3-Day historic Baisakhi Festival at the holy shrine of Dera Baba Banda Bhadaur in Reasi district concluded today.

The Minister for Road and Buildings, Jugal Kishore Sharma also participated in the celebrations and attended the Kirtan Darbar as chief guest. Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Sharma remembered the sacrifices of Dera Baba Banda Bhadaur and paid respectful homage to the great Saint, Warrior and Martyer who scarified his whole life for the well being of common man.

Mr. Sharma further said that Dera Baba Banda Bhadaur is now also emerging as good tourist destination and a number of development works have also been taken in hand by the tourism as well other departments for the development of this area besides the execution of Krishi Vigyan Kendra has since been started near the shrine which will further boost the economy of this area.

The District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Sanjeev Verma, Senior Superintendent of Police, J.L.Sharma, Sub Divisional Police Officer, Vijay Singh Choudhary, Tehsildar Reasi, prominent people of the Dera Baba Management Committee including Gaddinisheen of Dera Baba, Sardar Jatinder Paul Sodhi and thousands of devotees were also present in the Kirtan Darbar.

Over 10,000 devotees of Dera Baba Banda Bhadaur hailing from different parts of Jammu province including Jammu, Udhampur, Reasi, Rajouri, Poonch, Katra, Punjab Haryana and Delhi participated in the celebrations of historic Baisakhi Festival at the shrine and paid obeisance at the holy shrine of Dera Baba Banda Bhadaur to seek blessings for their well being.

From depression he carved out space for lively paintings

By Mohinder Verma

JAMMU, Apr 14: Unlike others, who allow their depression to cast shadow on their rest of lives, a Jammuite used his recession period not only to earn livelihood for his family but to contribute in generating awareness about the need to preserve heritage of the State particularly of Jammu through his childhood interest in paintings.

Though he has a very short stint in the art of paintings in comparison to other bigwigs in the field yet his work is being widely appreciated by all and attracting art lovers not only from within the State but from the international level.

With no degree or professional training in the field of paintings, he has been carving a niche not only for himself but for the Jammu region as well through his passion for the art. The three dimensional effects of his paintings create depth in his subjects with imaginative use of colours and shades making his paintings look real and alive.

The works of this artist—K K Gandhi, a resident of Malhotra Lane, City Chowk, have been on display at Kala Kendra for three days from April 13 to April 16, as a part of Jammu Festival and attracting large number of art lovers and admirers.

Talking to the EXCELSIOR, this artist K K Gandhi, whose work is an inspiration to young and upcoming artists to use their creativity in expressing themselves through brush and colours, disclosed that his business of manufacturing ‘Gulmarg’ brand Air-Conditioner suffered huge set-back following the arrival of reputed Multi National Companies in Jammu some years back and he came under extreme depression.

"But instead of allowing depression to caste shadow on my rest of life and putting lives of my family members at stake, I gave direction to the childhood passion and started making paintings with heritage and scenic beauty of the State at its centre-stage", he disclosed.

"The plunder of our rich heritage guided me to work for its conservation and preservation and my works are directed towards the same", he said, adding "I will continue to contribute in guiding and inspiring the people to the necessity of protecting our heritage which is unique the world over".

His paintings depicting "shades of Kashmir", "life of nomads", "scenic landscape" and "restored Mubarak Mandi complex" have been acclaimed worldwide and some of his collections have been demanded by the art lovers in foreign countries especially after Mr Gandhi’s visit to Bahrain in the recent past.

Mr Gandhi, whose life has once again started moving in right direction due to his childhood passion, is ready to leave his business.

His 10 feet long painting about restored Mubarak Mandi is on display at Kala Kendra and inspiring the visitors about the restoration of this historic complex besides guiding the youngsters about this historic chapter of State’s history.

It is worthwhile to mention here that K K Gandhi has participated in several solo shows, camps, group shows and received several awards for his quality work.

Wool workers urge Govt to settle their demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: All J&K Sheep and Wool Workers Association (JKSWWA) today urged the State Government to settle all their demands at an earliest.

Addressing a press conference, Mohd Gafoor Dar, State president of the Association, highlighted several demands including two and a half day extra pay for farm staff, 10 per cent promotion quota for inservice BVSc graduates and creation of various posts in head office and all new districts.

Dar stressed the State Government to settle all these demands at an earliest. He, however, added that the next phase of their struggle would start with provincial convention at Srinagar in the month of June.

On the occasion, he announced that Kewal Krishan Sharma was unanimously elected as the provincial president of the association. The said post had fallen vacant due to the demise of incumbent Om Prakash.

Meanwhile, the Association has extended its support to the ongoing strike of clerical cadre and impressed upon the Government to concede their demands.

Among other members of the Association who were also present included Hem Raj, Rajinder Singh, Shamasdin Malik, Abdul Majid Bichoo and Dheeraj Sharma.

Swami Paul’s centre holds Purnahuti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: The Navratra festival organized by Swami Paul’s Meditation Home concluded with the ‘Purnahuti’ of Maha Gayatri Yagya on Maha Ramnavmi, here today.

During festival of nine days, apart from Gyatri Yagnas, Dhyan sessions and Kirtan and devotional songs and discourses by spiritual head of meditation Home, Swami Paul, were organized.

While addressing Swami Paul said Shri Ram’s great renunciation in the interest of Dharma marked the new beginning as Ramayan lifts men from their narrow, self centred grooves to a higher and more ethearal plane where the individual learns to subordinate selfish aims to the collective good and to find happiness in the happiness of fellow men.

Swami Paul said the spirit of Dharma casts a magnetic spell on our minds, purges them of all dross and lifts them to a more ratified atmosphere. Dharma is a unique Hindu conception, which covers all aspects of life and all the obligations towards the God.

Swamiji said that Dharma is very essence of Shri Rama’s life. One has only to look at Rama if one wants to see Dharma, being an abstract concept. He said since Ram is held in high esteem, all the human beings should come forward to reciprocate the same at an earliest.

HC sets aside order of CJM, directs further trial

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: Justice J P Singh of State High Court today accepted the criminal reference made by First Additional Sessions Judge Jammu for setting-aside the order of CJM Jammu whereby proceedings in a porno-CD case were stopped. The High Court also directed for further proceedings into the case.

1st Additional Sessions Judge Jammu has found the order of CJM unsustainable for stopping proceedings under Section 292 RPC and 6/7 Cinematography Act because the CJM had prejudged the prosecution case without affording any opportunity to the prosecution to lead evidence in support of their case.

After hearing AAG B S Salathia appearing for the petitioner and Advocate P N Bhat appearing for the respondents besides going through the records of the police challan, Justice J P Singh observed that while directing stopping of proceedings, the CJM Jammu had observed that there was no material on records to arrive the conclusion that the accused had been selling obscene books and in that view of the matter, no offence under Section 292 RPC had been made out against accused.

Justice Singh referred the statements of some of the witnesses recorded during the investigation which revealed that the accused had been using their rented premises for exhibition of pornographic CDs.

"This portion of the statements of the witnesses thus appears to have escaped the notice of CJM. His finding that there was no material on records on the basis of which it may be said that accused had been indulging in the exhibition of obscene material in the shape of pornographic CDs/films in the rented room, therefore, gets vitiated", he added.

Justice Singh further observed that Magistrate does not appear to have considered the effect of the accused having been found actually watching pornographic films besides possessing material in the shape of electronic gadgets which had been used for exhibition of pornographic material, which too was evidence which the prosecution had sought to produce to demonstrate the involvement of the accused in the commission of offence.

"The Court don’t find any justification of order of CJM stopping the proceedings", Justice Singh said.

With these observations, the High Court accepted the reference made by Session Court and set-aside the order of CJM. The Court also directed that the proceedings in the police challan shall revive for its trial by the Trial Court. The Court further directed the respondents to appear it on May 3, 2008 for further proceedings.

First JAKLI celebrates Raising Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: First Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry, one of the oldest battalion of the Indian Army is celebrating its Diamond Jubilee.

It was the first battalion of Army to be raised post independence. The battalion has deep roots in the State of J&K and was once part of the J&K State Forces.

Raised on 15 April 1948 during the spate of cross border raids into J&K, as a voluntary force then called as the First Jammu and Kashmir Militia Force. The Militia Force drew strength from Late Sheikh Mohd Abdullah who galvanized efforts of Sons of the Soil from all castes and religions of the State. The battalion thus came to be popularly know as Sher-e-Kashmir.

To celebrate its Diamond Jubilee the battalion organized a Solemn Ceremony to honour its gallant martyrs especially Late Rifleman Mohd Iqbal, Vir Chakra and Late Rifleman Janak Singh, Vir Chakra who hailed from Rajouri and Reasi respectively. War widows of the martyrs were also honoured.

A very special and unique event involving Hot Air Ballooning and band display was organized today which could be observed from every nook and corner of the city and attracted a large crowd of school children and ladies amongst ex-servicemen from J&K.

A Special Postal cover commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of 1 JAK LI (SHER-E-KASHMIR) was released by Chief Post Master General, Jammu, DK Vudki and Major General AK Malik, General Officer Commanding, 10 Infantry Division.

10th Sikh Guru remembered on Baisakhi

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: Festival of Baisakhi was celebrated at Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib, Poonch with gusto and fervor. A large number of people drawn from different backgrounds participated in the function. The celebration were also joined by Ragi Jatha, Dhadi Jatha from Punjab. Ex-Minister, Rangeel Singh was the main guest on the occassion.

Speaking on the occasion, Manjit Singh of Shiromani Dera Nangali Sahib threw light on life and works of 10th Sikh Guru Govind Singh and impressed upon parents to take care about their wards that they don't use drugs or alcohol.

A similar function was also held at Digiana, Jammu which was also attended by a large number of people. Several members of DDPC preached sermons on the occasion.

They stated that the great Guru throughout his life preached the gospel of love, compassion and universal brotherhood.

Those who spoke on the occasion were Amrik Singh, Satinder Pal Singh, Mohinder Singh and others.

9-day long Navratra festival concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: Nine day long Durga Pooja festival concluded today with immersion of Saakh in the rivers by the devotees at different places at Jammu.

There was a beeline of devotees at Tawi Ghat Bikram Chowk from early in the morning to immerse the Saakh and offer pooja. The rush of devotees was also witnessed on the banks of Ranbir Canal right from its origin to its tail as hundreds of devotees were busy in immersion of Saakh.

There was also heavy rush of devotees in different city temples which were agog with religious festivities throughout the day. A large number of devotees from different parts of Jammu city thronged the Raghunath Mandir to offer special prayers on Ram Navmi.

Heavy rush of pilgrims was also witnessed in the temple of Goddess Kali at Bawe.

The nine day long spiritual activity which was held at Bhagavaan Gopinathji Ashram, Udaiwala Bohri, Jammu during the auspicious Navratra culminated today. Hundreds of devotees thronged the Ashram during the Navratra festival to participate in religious activities.

A hawan was also performed on the occasion. It started yesterday evening and puranahuti was performed this afternoon. later the devotees were served the prashad.

According to an ashram handout six crore mantras were recited during these sacred days for the peace and welfare of the mankind.

A large number of devotees participated in the function. A hawan was also performed on the occasion and the devotees were served prashad after Puranahuti. Dr Roshan Saraf enthralled the devotees by singing bhajans.

A Maha yagya was performed in Swami Nand Bab Ashram Lalay Da Bagh under the supervision of Swami Chaman Lal Bamzi. The hawan started yesterday and Puranahuti was performed this afternoon after which the devotees were served with prashad.

The nine day long Navratra celebrations also culminated at Uma Devi temple, swami Svayamananda Ashram, Lower Roop Nagar today with solemnization of a hawan.

Ram Navmi celebrations were held at Janipur Colony Teen Murti Mandir under the chairmanship of Piaray Lal Saraf.

In connection with celebration of Navratra festival a hawan was also performed in Sharda Colony temple, Patoli Brahmana. A large number of devotees participated in the function who were served prashad after Puranahuti.

A Maha Yagya was also performed at Swami Lal Ji Ashram, Bhagwati Nagar in connection with culmination of Navratra festival and Ram Navmi today.

Transporters demand hike in fare

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: The Jammu Province Passenger Vehicles Transport Association Ware House has expressed concern over rising fuel prices besides apprehending that if the Government did not raise the fare charges it would be impossible for them to operate.

According to a press note, the association said decried that due to steep hike in oil prices, implementation of VAT, 180 per cent hike in the third party insurance premium, 8.4 service tax and other petroleum products, it was very difficult for them to carry on with the present fare charge.

The association also pressed upon, Financial Commissioner and Director General Transport to raise the passanger fares and freight by 35 per cent with immidiate effects.

Meanwhile the association also threatened to go for agitation if their demands were not conceded immediately.

Nambardar, Chowkidar conference held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: A conference of Nambardars, Chowkidars, ex-servicemen, sarpanches and senior citizens of tehsil Bishnah,Vijaypur, Purmandal was held here today under the chairmanship of Minister for Higher Education & ARI Trainings, Gulchain Singh Charak.

The conference pledged to support brotherhood, unity, patriotism, secularism, peace and development process.

Speaking on the occasion, the speakers highlighted various issues confronting people in rural areas. They appealed the Government to further strengthen the rural economy and augment basic amenities, besides providing job opportunities to youth. They expressed gratitude to Government for enhancement of salaries of ex-servicemen, nambardars and chowkidars.

Addressing the conference, Mr Charak pinpointed the role of nambardar and chowkidars in maintaining communal harmony and strengthening peace and development process.

Govt committed to welfare of Dalits: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma today said that coalition Government headed by Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad was committed to welfare of Dalits and other weaker sections of the society.

Speaking at a function organised by All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organisations at Ambedkar Chowk, Rail Head, today to pay tributes to Bharat Ratna Baba Sahib Dr B R Ambedkar on his 117th Birth Anniversary, the Minister said that Coalition Government was seized of the problems of the Dalits and other weaker sections of the society and all possible steps were being taken for their welfare.

He lauded the role of Dr Ambedkar and asserted that he was not only a leader of Dalits but also a Messiah of all Indians. Mr Sharma also garlanded the statue of great son of the country and asked the people to follow Dr Ambedkar’s foot-steps.

R K Kalsotra, State unit president of the Confederation said that Dr Ambedkar descended the Indian skies like a shining star lighting the freedom movement with a viable economic vision and a road map and charted the constitutional democracy which could take all to the revolutionary goal of equality, liberty and fraternity.

He said that Confederation was working on the path shown by the great visionary.

The Hiranagar unit of the Confederation also celebrated the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar and organised a rally from Jatwal to Ghagwal, Kootah and Main Bazar. The rally was organised under the presidentship of O D Attri, Hiranagar unit president of the Confederation.

Awami Jan Shakti Party leaders and activists under the leadership of its state president Sanjiv Manmotra paid rich tributes to Dr Ambedkar and stressed the need to follow the path shown by the great leader.

Satyug Nirman Sanstha also paid tributes to B R Ambedkar at a function organised at Bright Future Public School. Provincial president of National Conference, Ajay Sadhotra was the chief guest on the occasion who stressed on the need to work for strengthening the bonds of brotherhood between various communities.

Backward Classes Democratic Party (BCDP) also celebrated the birth anniversary of B R Ambedkar under the chairmanship of its president Sheraz Azhari. Scheduled Caste Welfare Association, district Doda also remembered Dr Ambedkar and paid rich tributes to him on his birth anniversary under the chairmanship of Jagdish Raj Bhagat.

The birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar was also celebrated by Mazdoor Dastkar Union headed by T R Panotra while Baba Sahib Dr Ambedkar Vichar Manch was constituted with Dhian Chand, former MLA as its chairman to educate the society about the teachings of great leader.

All J&K Ramdassia Conference celebrated the birthday of Baba Sahib under the chairmanship of Advocate Sanjeet Kumar.

Alleged false claim of insurance
Five accused discharged at stage of framing chargesss

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Kartar Singh discharged five accused at the stage of framing charges as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) failed to establish that the accused persons had claimed insurance of a vehicle from two companies.

According to the challan filed by CBI, the accused persons—Jaswinder Singh, Development Officer, National Insurance Company, Parvez Ahmed of district Budgam, Ghulam Mohd Peer, Harminder Singh Mehta and Channi Singh were party to a criminal conspiracy to cheat the insuranced companies by way of claiming false insurance of Tata-Sumo from New India Assurance Company and National Insurance Company.

After completion of the investigation into the case, the CBI presented challan in the Court of Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu in which it was submitted that the vehicle was initially registered and insured with the New India Assurance Company Jammu in the name of M/s Bharat Small Arms, Kathua.

The vehicle met with an accident on July 5, 1999 and was substantially damaged. Following the report of Surveyor that the vehicle was totally damaged in the accident, the company paid Rs 3 lakh to the insured on Sepember 28, 2000 and damaged vehicle was taken in possession. The damaged vehicle was sold to scrap dealer namely Ashok Kumar of Jammu for Rs 1.30 lakh and it was thereafter sold to one Parvez Ahmed Mir on October 10, 2001 and again to one Channi Singh.

It was further alleged by the CBI that Parvez Ahmed Mir insured the vehicle with the National Insurance Company and obtained claim of accident on August 3, 2003 for Rs 64,298 and another claim by Channi Singh from the same company for Rs 2.5 lakh.

After hearing Senior PP CBI and Advocates SC Bali, SDS Saini and Virender Bhat, Special Judge Anticorruption observed "the allegations of CBI that Ghulam Mohd Peer and Harminder Singh Mehta had forged and fabricated survey reports in order to give wrongful benefit to accused Parvez Ahmed are not well-found".

In this connection a Report No 22 dated May 2, 2002 at the PP Nehru Park Srinagar has mentioned that one Tata Sumo and Maruti Van collided with each other near Shankracharya Hills and both the vehicles got badly damaged. Thus, the prosecution has failed to establish that there was any criminal conspiracy among the accused to get false insurance claim of the vehicle, the Court further observed.

Had it been so, the officials of the Police Post Nehru Park, Srinagar would have been party to it. Moreover, the allegations against Channi Singh have also not been proved.

"As this case is not a fit case to frame charge against the accused persons hence they are discharged from the alleged offences", the Court said.

Praja Parishad blames Cong, BJP
for miseries of Jammu people

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: The Praja Parishad organised a function here, today which was chaired by Ram Janam Dass Shastri. On the occasion, the problems of the people were also discussed.

Addressing the function Party chief, Chander Mohan Sharma urged the Partymen to spread and reach out the voters and educate them about the policies and programmes of the Party and deceitful policies of Congress and BJP.

Lashing out at PDP and NC he said they are also Kashmir centric parties and were responsible for the discrimination and injustice to which Jammu region has been subjected. The glaring example in this regard are the recent statements of Ms Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Mahraj Ram Janam Dass, Rishi Parashar, Sunil Rakha, Mrs Rajni Sharma, Raj Kumar Gupta,Arvind Sharma and Munera Begum.

On the occasion 60 people joined the Party. They included Arun Rajhiwal of Mahajan Sadar Sabha and his 20 supporters. Besides a group of activists led by Sanjay Kumar from Maheshpora also joined the Party.

Work on tubewell at Karan Bagh begins

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: The grilling work of tube well at Karan Bagh, Upper Gari Garh was today started in presence of MLA Gandhi Nagar and ex Minister, Raman Bhalla.

With the completion of this project, the people of Karan Bagh and adjoining localities will be relieved of the drinking water problems said Mr Bhalla while addressing a public meeting on the occasion which was also held in connection with memory of Dr B R Ambedkar and observance or Khalsa Sajna Divas.

Mr Bhalla said this is the fine example of secularism and unity in diversity as both functions are being celebrated under one umberlla.

He, while highlighting the achievements of Congress led coalition Government in the State said in last five years, 32 tube wells were dug in his Constituency to overcome the drinking water problems of the people.

Out of them 22 were constructed under ERA while five were constructed through the funds given by State Government.

The function was among others addresed by Mrs Harbans Kour, Gurdwara President Karan Bagh, S Kalbir Singh, Jethadar S Deedar Singh, ex-sarpanch Parminder Singh, S Amrit Bali, S Mohinder Singh and Rajinder Singh.

BSP dissidents launch National Bahujan Party

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: Amidst great show of strength, all the dissidents from Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) today formally launched new party namely, ‘National Bahujan Party’ (NBP) on the birth anniversary of ‘Bharat Rattan’ Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar at historic Parade Ground here today.

Former Member Parliament and grandson of Dr B R Ambedkar, Parkash Ambedkar was the chief guest on the occasion. National president of the newly floated party, K K Manhotra, state president of the party, Dr Sat Paul and former MLA from Kathua, Sagar Chand were the main speakers at the grand rally.

The function commenced with paying of floral tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar on his 117th birth anniversary. Later, these leaders by raising hands declared the formation of new party in presence of strong crowd of the supporters from Jammu, R S Pura, Bishnah, Vijaypur, Kathua, Samba, Akhnoor, Marh, Nagrotra, Raipur, Domana and other parts of the State.

Parkash Ambedkar while speaking on the occasion said that he would support the party which will work for the Dalits, members of Backward Classes and other poor and down- trodden members of the society. He said there has been degradation in the leadership qualities these days and there will not be any leader in the country who will be popular throughout the country. He said reservation to the poor and down trodden members was al right but too much exploitation on castism was not good because it weakens the country and creates wedge.

Referring to commercialisation of education, the Ex-MP said that today poor can not afford to make their children doctors engineers. They do not have lakhs of rupees to get a medical or engineering seat which needs anything from Rs 10 to Rs 20 lakh. There was no check on the educational institutions by Government. There seems be a conspiracy to keep poor away from such professions.

Mr Manhotra while speaking on the occasion claimed that their party would contest Assembly elections from all the seats and it has started strengthening various district and block units. A hunt for the potential candidates has already been started and it will function on the principles of Dr Ambedkar and Kanshi Ramji who sacrificed their lives for the service to Dalits, OBCs and other poor and depressed members of society. He said the party has mass base in J&K, Punjab, Himachal and Harayana and will fast spread in other states.

Dr Satpal said the party would not deviate from the basic objective to serve and upliftment of Dalits, OBCs, poor and down trodden members of the society. He said a large number of people who are not happy with the present programmes and policies of the BSP are joining the NBP in large number and many more will follow shortly.

Former MLA, Sagar Chand strongly criticised the BSP leaders Kumari Mayawati, Narender Kashyap and B S Chowan and alleged that both Kashyap and Chowhan has turned the party as commercial organisation. They have caused major damage to the party. They were selling party tickets as acting as agents of UP Chief Minister by offering tickets to the rich who do not have mass base. He appealed to all those in BSP facing suffocation in BSP to switch over NBP.

BJP will raise J&K issue in forthcoming elections: Ghai

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: Taking the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government to task for its failure on all fronts, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today said that it will raise the J&K issue in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

"By removing POTA, promising jobs to kins of terrorists and softening stand on Afzal Guru the UPA Government has boosted the terrorists and demoralized the security forces", said Party national secretary, Kiran Ghai while talking to reporters here, today.

Referring to recent public rally addressed by UPA chairperson, Sonia Gandhi at Jammu, she said the Congress president has failed to utter a word on PDP supremo, Mehbooba Mufti who is openly advocating for self rule, demilitarization and joint control.

"The Congress led UPA Government has failed on all fronts and the Party is Jan Virodhi (anti people), Mahila Virodhi (anti women) and Kissan Virodhi (anti farmers)", she said.

Mrs Gandhi was befooling the women on 33 percent reservation. "Had the UPA led coalition brought the legislation in this regard, the women in the country would have been benefited", she added.

She also criticized Mrs Gandhi for not uttering a word on rising prices which has hit the women extremely, while addressing the rally. By holding opposition parties responsible the Party can’t absolve itself, she added.

How Congress can claim of being well wisher of women folk when it has not given any ministerial berth to a woman in J&K though there are four women legislators from coalition.

She said in comparison to that BJP has given 50 percent reservation to women in civic bodies in States of Bihar, MP and Himachal. She also promised that when BJP will come to power at Centre it will give 33 percent reservation to women.

Mrs Ghai, who is on three days tour of Jammu to discuss the poll strategy for the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections said, BJP is emerging the only alternative to the Congress in next Lok Sabha elections. The Party is concentrating on 297 potential Lok Sabha seats on which its candidates have emerged victories in different elections held since 1996. Besides there are 361 seats on which BJP and its allies have chances of emerging victorious, she added.

Criticizing the J&K Chief Minister, she said Ghulam Nabi Azad should have acted against the politicians who are having vested interests in continuance of violence. If Chief Minister can’t act against such people he has no right to sit in the office, she added.

DC sanctions relief for accident victims

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Sanjeev Verma has sanctioned Rs 4000 ex gratia relief for next to the kin of four persons killed in yesterday’s bus accident at Palsoo Nullah in Mahore tehsil of Reasi district.

Rs 1500 each have been sanctioned for 20 injured.

Mr Verma sanctioned the ex-gratia out of Red Cross Relief Fund.

The district administration of Reasi has also promised all other possible assistance to the kin of dead and injured persons.

Injured admitted in District Hospital, Reasi were being taken care of.

Thief caught red-handed by residents of Manorama Vihar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: The residents of Manorama Vihar, Bohri caught a thief red-handed while stealing sanitary pipes from a residential house in the colony during the broad day light today. The thief who had come on a motorcycle after scaling the wall of a residential house from outside was removing the sanitary fitting pipes from the wall when the inmates were not present in the house which was locked from outside.

But as the nearby residents saw him pulling the sanitary fittings, they raised an alarm and people gathered outside the house and they caught hold of the thief and handed him over to Damana Police. It may be recalled that many thefts have taken place in the locality some years back also.

Fire Service Day observed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: A function was held today to observe ‘Fire Service Day’ at headquarters of Fire and Emergency Services, J&K.

Dr G A Bhat, Director General, Fire and Emergency Services, J&K was the chief guest on the occasion. He took the salute of parade, besides laying wreath in the memory of personnel who laid down their lives to protect the life and property of the people. A two-minute silence was also observed in their memory.

R S Sodhi, Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Jammu range was also present on the occasion.

A similar function was also organized at Fire and Emergency Services Batmaloo, Srinagar, wherein T R Dubey, Director, Fire and Emergency Services, Kashmir range presided over. Functions were also organized at all the district headquarters of the State.

Meanwhile, safety awareness programmes in this connection would be organized in different schools and industrial establishments.

Slathia takes pot shots at coalition Government

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: As the state Assembly elections are in the offing, Former Minister and Senior National Conference leader, Surjit Singh Slathia today embarked upon election compaign by holding a largely attended public rally at village Palli, Bari Brahmana in Vijaypur constituency.

Addressing the rally, Slathia was in no mood to miss any chance to take pot shots at the state coalition Government. He allged that in most of the developmental works underway in the State, sub-standard materials were being used and demanded for immediate judicial inquiry into the ongoing developmental projects.

He said that Government is not taking notice of farmers of the constituency, who need fertilizers, seeds and effective irrigation system.

He appealed the party rank and workers to stay prepared for elections which could be held at any point of time this year.

"There is no concrete policy or provisions for tackling unemployment with the present state coalition Government, but the people have grown aware of the fact and results will came to fore in the form of next mandate" he said, adding, "the present Government’s election eve promises like two jobs to each household have turned fake."

Meanwhile, several workers of Bahujan Samaj Party, People’s Democratic Party, Congress and Bhartiya Janata Party joined National Conference. Mr Salathia welcomed the new entrants into the party fold and and impressed upon them to work in the better interest of party.

Jora for early restoration of traffic on Kardongla road

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 14: The Commerce and Industries Minister, Nawang Rigzin Jora today directed the Deputy Commissioner, Leh, Dr MK Bhandari to approach air force authorities and Chief Secretary for early evacuation of the persons from both the sides of Khardongla road provided Himank takes more than two days in clearing off the road.

A deputation from Nobra had apprised the Minister that nearly 500 persons are stranded on the both sides of the road due to blockade at Khardongla pass.

Earlier, the Minister who reached Leh today in connection with four days tour, asked DC to establish contact with Chief Engineer Himank and impress upon him for early restoration of traffic on the Kardongla road.

The Minister also conducted a "Public Durbar" at Leh circuit House and listened to various demands of the people of the area, who called on him in the form of deputations.

A deputation from Nobra headed by ex-sarpanch Panamik demanded for early release of payment for construction o f road upto Yarma Gonbo. Mr Jora assured the deputation to take up the matter with the concerned aithorities.

Another delegation from Panamik demanded for early appointment of Block Development Officer along with full staff. The minister assured them to discuss their grievances with the concerned authorities.

5 thieves held, several cases worked-out

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Apr 14: With the arrest of three burglars, Billawar police claimed to have worked out four cases of theft.

Those arrested were identified as Jeevan, son of Kapoor Chand, Amar, son of Rishi Kumar, both residents of Machhedi and Raju, son of Bodh Raj, resident of Billawar. Some lock cutters, Rs 2500 cash and two stolen goats were recovered from their possession.

Two thieves were also apprehended by Basohli police today. They were identified as Pinka and Balbir, both residents of Basohli. Stolen mobile phones and Rs 5000 cash was recovered from their possession. Further investigation was in progress.