Special recruitment rally in Srinagar
No attrition in BSF: DG

SRINAGAR, Apr 15: The Director General of Border Security Force (BSF), A K Mitra, today rebutted the idea of any attrition in the force being a reaction to the recommendations of the Sixth Pay Commission and held it as just hype and not ground reality.

"There has always been some degree of attrition in the force. The talk of attrition is more hype than reality," Mitra told reporters here.

Mitra said that he has seen three Pay Commissions during his service career of nearly four decades and there has never been a Pay Commission which made everyone happy.

He said apparent disappointment in certain quarters might be due to the fact that some proposals made by the force were not accepted.

"If we look objectively at the provisions of the sixth Pay Commission, it is not that there is nothing in it. Class IV has been abolished and those in this grade have been absorbed in Class III.

"We had sought the post of Lance Naik but have been given the post of Assistant Sub Inspector which is even better," he said.

However, he held it "unfortunate" that the proposal of giving hard duty allowance to BSF troopers posted in sensitive areas has been turned down.

The BSF will hold a special recruitment rally in the State to recruit candidates to fill over 100 vacancies.

"We will hold a recruitment rally for youths from the Kashmir valley in June or July this year," Mitra said.

"The target is to recruit nearly 100 youths but that can be increased if we find more people suitable for the job," he said during a passing out ceremony of new recruits from the subsidiary training centre at Humhama here.

Earlier, in a colourful attestation cum-passing out parade, 282 trained constables took oath to serve the country by working in the force.

The recruits have successfully completed their basic training which involved physical fitness, weapons handling, map reading, counter-insurgency operations and human rights, a spokesman of the paramilitary force said.

The subsidiary training centre was established on June 10, 1990 to impart basic training to recruits and cater to the training needs of BSF personnel in Kashmir, he said. (PTI)

Govt bans export of brown, sarbati, coarse rice

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15 : The Government has decided to impose ban on export of brown(unpolished),Sarbati and Coarse rice from the State.

This decision was taken at a high level meeting held here today under the Chairmanship of Minister for Consumers Affairs & Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din.

The decision was taken keeping in view the hike in prices of food grains, edible oils and fresh vegetables in the State. Except basmati rice, all essential commodities including paddy, maize, bajra would be restricted to export under the food control order and Essential Commodities Act.

The meeting decided that the business establishments including Wholesalers, Retailers and Greengrocers have to display the price of articles on boards with big fonts besides stock position

The Minister said that the Enforcement Squad of the department and police would check the business establishments falling under their jurisdiction regularly. He said that legal actions would be initiated against the erring shopkeepers and black-marketers.

Among others, Secretary CAPD Khalid Habib, Director CAPD Mahmood Rana, Executive Magistrate Manoj Parbhakar, Presidents Warehouse wholesalers and representatives of Retailers Association attended the meeting.

Doda, Bhaderwah san development: Kashyap

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, Apr 15: National general secretary of Bahujan Samaj Party, Narender Kashyap has alleged that Doda, Kishtwar and even Bhaderwah which is the constituency of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad sans development and people are facing problems due to lack of basic amenities there.

Addressing a public rally at Bhaderwah in district Doda today, the BSP leader alleged that this hilly area of Jammu region has remained totally neglected on all fronts. The condition of roads was worst and there was massive scarcity water in many areas. The people of this area have been deprived of the health and proper education facilities.

Mr Kashyap regretted that Bhaderwah being the constituency of Chief Minister still lacks basic amenities. He alleged that people were not happy with the performance of the Government. There was no policy for the educated unemployed youth of the State.

The BSP leader claimed that BSP will provide an alternative to the people of the State and was committed to the overall development of all the regions. He said BSP will contest elections from all the 87 seats and will repeat the social engineering experiment of UP in J&K in the forthcoming Assembly elections. He said the BSP was committed to the implementation of Mandal Commission Report in J&K and the clearance of backlog vacancies of SC and ST members.

Central team inspects work on Ranbir canal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: A Central team of Ministry of Water Resources, Government of India, led by senior Joint Commissioner, WM Tembhurney today inspected ongoing OFD works on Ranbir Canal Command Project taken up by Directorate of Command Area Development, Jammu.

Mr Tembhurney was accompanied by Director CAD, Jammu, BA Dar, Director CAD, Kashmir, GH Shah, Chief Agriculture Oficer, SS Jamwal and Project Officer S&WM CAD, VR Parihar.

Mr Dar while briefing the Central team said that the project has been designed for agricultural land area of 38,600 Ha having 17 distributaries and 22 sub-distributaries for full utilization of the created potential for 64,900 hectares.

During the day long visit to different villages of Ranbir Canal Project, Mr Tumbhurney inspected newly constructed field channel and field drains in water logged area where people have not taken up cultivation.

Meanwhile, he also gave several on the spot directions to the field functionaries.

Fire Preventive Week gets underway

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 15: The Department of Fire and Emergency Services which is observing "Fire Prevention Week" today held a procession which started from department Headquarters at Batmaloo and passed through Nishatbag and several other areas of old town again concluded at the department.

The rally was held under the supervision of Joint Director RT Dubey and led by Fire Prevention Officer, Jamshed Iqbal. The prime objective of the procession was to educate people regarding measures to deal with fire incidents.

The rally was well attended by local people, students as well as employees of the department. The processionists were holding placards suggessting preventive measures to be adopted at the time of untoward happenings.

Speaking about further programs, Mr Dubey said, "Tomorrow, the department is going to organize a training cum workshop programme at Nowakadal Women college with the support of Bharat Petroleum."

BJYM stages demonstration, torches effigy of Mufti

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: The Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) activists staged a demonstration here at Kachi Chawni today and torched the effigy of former Chief Minister and PDP patron, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who has stated that Pakistani currency be allowed in J&K State.

The demonstration was led by general secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prabhari of Morcha, Shamsher Singh Manhas and BJYM district president, Pranav Gupta.

The BJYM activists raising slogans against the PDP and Mufti Mohammed Sayeed warned that nationalist forces will never allow the use of Pakistani currency in J&K.

They alleged that PDP and its leaders were harming the national interests by their anti national and pro separatists statements and the Government should take action against them.

The demonstrators alleged that PDP leaders were befooling and exploiting the people by such statements just to seek their vote and support in the ensuing Assembly elections.

Addressing the demonstration Shamsher Singh Manhas said by demanding use of Pakistani currency in J&K, Mr Sayeed wants to facilitate subversives in their activities in J&K.

Taking Congress led coalition Government to task, he said as the the Government was not taking these developments seriously shows that there is an understanding seriously between the two parties.

BJYM district president, Pranav Gupta urged the youth to strength the BJP so that those elements who are working against national interests are taught a lesson.

Others who addresed included Balbir Ram, Kuldeep Mangotra, Jaideep Sharma, Mohan Singh Rana and Surinder Choudhary.

Contractual health staff begins 72-hour strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: After observing week long chain hunger strike, but without any results, All Consolidated, Contractual and Adhoc Employees Association of Health and Medical Education Department, started 72 hours strike in support of their just and genuine demands.

Their demands which stand agreed upon by Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma, which however did not see the light of the day included basic pay to all consolidated, contractual and adhoc employees; Award of two and half day extra salary for extra duty, and Recommendation of all their cases to the Cabinet Sub-Committee for regularization. The 72 hour strike call has compelled the Hospital administration to postpone all the operation for the next three days.

The senior leaders who are supporting the agitation and addressed the rally of agitating employees included Pardeep Kumar, president JKME Association, Sushil Sudan, president JKME Federation, Vinod Kumar Sharma, Bishan Verma, Davinder Rathore, Bashir, Ghulam Nabi, Farooq Kosar, Gharu Ram, Arjun Singh, Vikramjeet, Shaista, Raj Kumar, Gurvinder Kour, Radha Rathore, Yog Raj Sharma, Vijay Kumar, Red Rose Singh, Deepak Koul, Deepak Singh and Dutt Paul Singh.

Govt employees, PSU workers take out rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: State Government employees and workers of Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) took out a massive rally in support of their demands here today.

The Government employees and workers, under the banner of Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC), assembled in large number outside Radio Station complex at Panjtirthi this morning and from there marched towards the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu in the form of a rally. They held demonstration, followed by a dharna outside the office of Divisional Commissioner, Sudhanshu Pandey.

Sanjeev Singh Bali, provincial president, Jagmohan Sadhotra senior vice president and Shakti Gupta- chief patron were leading the protest. Later, a delegation of the employees met the Divisional Commissioner and submitted a memorandum with charter of demands to him.

Addressing employees rally, Mr Bali criticised the government for causing delay in mitigating their pending demands. He alleged that commitments made with the employees leaders were not honoured by the government. He said the employees are being forced to go on agitational path.

Mr Sadhotra blamed the government for its alleged step-motherly treatment to the PSU workers. He said they are not getting salary regularly and moreover, they were not paid COLA since long. He said only false assurances are given to them by the government. The EJAC is now left with only option to launch intensified agitation, he maintained.

The main demands of the employees included, implementation of all agreements reached between the Government and departmental unions/ associations including PSUs, enhancement of age from 58 to 60 years, confirmation of adhoc, daily wagers, Anganwari workers, educational volunteers, casual workers, contractual and consolidated workers, reduction in qualifying service from 33 years to 21 years for getting pension benefits, reorganisation of Municipal Corporation, Urban Local Bodies, Handicrafts, Public Libraries, Health and Family Welfare, CAPD, Fund Organisation, All Engineering departments, Handloom and Tourism department, implementation of Minimum Wages to all the seasonal, casual contingent paid employees, revival of Mediclaim policy and clearance of all pending SRO-43 cases.

52 COLA slabs released in favour of WDC employees

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: To speed up the implementation of women oriented welfare schemes on a larger canvas, the share capital of Jammu and Kashmir Women Development Corporation (JKWDC) was enhanced to Rs. 10 crore from existing Rs 5 crore.

The decision to this effect was taken at 11th meeting of Board of Directors chaired by Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil here today.

Minister of State for Social Welfare, G.M. Saroori, Principal Secretary Planning Iqbal Khanday, Principal Secretary Social Welfare R. K. Jerath, Managing Director JKWDC Dr. Naheed Soz and Directors Anjum Fazli, Amrin Badar and Rani Bleouria were among others present in the meeting.

In another significant decision, 52 COLA slabs were released in favour of the Corporation employees retrospectively. The arrears amounting to Rs 10 lakh on this account would be met from the Corporation resources.

The Board also created a post of Accounts Officer and also approved creation of additional four posts of District Managers, 15 Filed Supervisors, 11 Recovery agents, 2 Junior Assistants and one computer operator in a bid to equip the Corporation with adequate manpower.

The matter pertaining to approval of recruitment rules was referred to establishment committee of the Board, which would ratify these after thorough perusal. The Board also confirmed the action taken by Managing Director with regard to regularization of three class- IV posts working on consolidated pay.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister called for speeding up the implementation of all the women oriented empowerment programmes. He said pro-employee decisions taken in today’s meeting should infuse dynamism in the work culture of the Corporations, the impact of which must be felt on ground level.

He said Board of Directors constituted after a gap of four years would continue to provide inspiring roadmap for successful implementation of women oriented empowerment programmes for their speedier economic development.

Cong high command, Azad giving liberty
to PDP leaders: Khajuria

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), state president, Ashok Khajuria today accused the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Congress High Command of giving full liberty to the People's Democratic Party (PDP),president, Ms Mehbooba Mufti and her father Mufti Mohammed Sayeed who is also the patron of the Party to subvert the Indian State both from within and outside.

In a statement issued here, today Mr Khajuria urged the people of the country to take a serious note of the baneful influence of the Congress-PDP unholy alliance on the polity.

He alleged that both father and daughter have been indulging in anti-national activities by publicly advocating such pernicious ideas like joint control, shared sovereignty, dual power sharing arrangements, economic independence for the State and freedom to use Pakistani currency along with Indian currency in J&K.

Mr Khajuria said acceptance of any of these suggestions would promote worst form of communalism, strengthen the separatists and dismember India. "BJP is not surprised over what the PDP has been doing to unsettle things in the State and help Pakistani cause but what has shocked the Party and the nation all the more is the covert support of the Congress for what is being done by PDP to erode Indian identity.

Clerical cadre strike enters 20th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Clerical cadre employees’ strike entered the 20th consecutive day today.

The Ministerial staff members from various Government departments held protest demonstration at their respective offices in support of their demands. ‘Kam Chor Hartal’ of the employees has been launched under the banner of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association led by Rehmat Ullah Malik.

The clerical cadre employees are demanding removal of anomalies in their pay grades. They pleaded that pay grades of junior, senior and head assistants be increased as done in case of other cadre in the past. The reports of protests and dharnas came from various districts and tehsil headquarters of the state. The strike has affected the normal work in the offices. The general public was suffering a lot due to ongoing strike.

Meanwhile, the government has offered dialogue with negotiation committee of the agitating employees. The dialogue is likely to be resume in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu tomorrow.

Upgradation work on Ranjan canal
nearing completion: Mula

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: The Union Government has agreed to provide special funds for installing hundred tube wells in Kandi belts of Jammu Division to augment irrigation facilities in the dry areas.

The assistance has come following a proposal moved by the State Government through Ministry of Rural Development a couple of months ago.

This was stated by Minister for Rural Development Mula Ram while addressing a public gathering at Village Dumi on the outskirts of Jammu city.

He also took stock of the developmental works under execution in the area including the upgradation of Ranjan irrigation Canal. The upgradation work taken up to cover left over areas by installing lift irrigation at Gurha Patan would cost Rs 1 crore.

Giving details, Minister said that the Centre has positively responded to the proposal moved by the State Government and agreed to fund hundred irrigation tube wells in the first phase.

Minister also announced that ninety percent work on Dumi Gurha Patan lift irrigation has been completed and added that Government has also provided additional funds of over Rs 35 lakh for constructing more channels to expand the canal net work to 20 kilometer area.

Highlighting the developmental works completed in the area, the Minister said that like other areas of State, Bhalwal block has also witnessed unprecedented infrastructural development in every sector. He said massive expansion has been made in all major sectors including road connectivity, education, PHE and rural development. He said over a dozen road links have been constructed in this part of the block under the road connectivity programme which envisages linking of all villages in the State by 2012.

Minister also assured that new building would be constructed for the areas High school which has been upgraded recently.

People of the area thanked the Minister for upgradation of the school and addressing the scarcity of potable water supply situation in the area by constructing an over head tank in the area for storing water.

Ambedkar Centre organizes exhibition-cum-sale

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Dr Ambedkar Studies Centre university of Jammu (JU) today organized an exhibition cum sale of the toys and fancy items prepared by women of Shumali village, which has been adopted by the centre, on the occasion of Dr Ambedkar’s 117th birth anniversary.

MLA Gandhi Nagar, Raman Bhalla inaugurated the exhibition and paid floral tributes to the great leader. The exhibition was organized in the university campus.

In his address, the MLA appreciated the efforts of the centre towards the development of Shumali village (in Satwari area). He also took a look at the items put on exhibition and appreciated the skills of women.

Mrs Hafiza Muzaffer, secretary, J&K State Women Commission was the guest of honour on the occasion, while Dr Poonam Dhawan, Director, Women Studies Centre, presided over the function.

Earlier, Dr Abha Chouhan, Director, Ambedkar Studies Centre, apprised that the village was adopted by the centre last year. "The centre is conducting base line survey there and has started adult-education classes for women", she added.

Prof J R Panda, HoD Sociology, was also present on the occasion.

Shiv Sena demands arrest of Muftis

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Demanding arrest of PDP patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and dissolution of State coalition Government, Shiv Sena Hindustan today carried out a protest rally here today.

The rally started from Indra Chowk and culminated at Gole Pulley, Talab Tillo. The rally was held under the leadership of Sena’s president, Dimpee Kohli.

Addressing the rally, Mr Kohli appealed Election Commission of India to take stern action against PDP leaders including Mufti Mohammad Sayed, his daughter, Mehbooba Mufti and Finance Minister Tariq Hamid Qarra for their anti national remarks like dual control over J&K and seperate currency.

While speaking he expressed sadness over Congress president Sonia Gandhi for maintaining silence over coalition partners in the State.

Others who addressed the rally included Vikas Diwan, Rajan Gupta, Sanjeev Kumar, Rakesh Kak and Harieh Sawhney.

Nagrai Literary Forum felicitates
eminent personalities of State

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Nagrai Literary Forum at an impressive function held at K L Saigal Hall of J&K Cultural Academy here, today felicitated the Padamshree Mohammed Yousf Teng, eminent scholar, Dr B L Koul, Secretary Cultural Academy, Dr Rafiq Masoodi and Principal Private Secretary to DG Police Shadi Lal Dadroo for their outstanding achievements.

It may be recalled that Mr Teng was awarded Padamshree for 2007-08 while Dr Koul was awarded prestigious Sawhard Samman by U P Hindi Sansthan for the year.

Likewise Dr Rafiq Masoodi was decorated by State and Central Government for his excellent achievements and public service and Shadi Lal Dadroo was decorated by the State Government for his commendable services.

The function was chaired by Prof. P N Trisal while Mrs Bimla Raina and P K Joseph Dhar were the guests of honour on the occasion.

All awardees were presented shawal, memento and citation. The citations were read by Mohan Lal Aash, president Nag Rad Adbi Sangam and Prithvi Nath Koul Sayil.

While Mr Teng and Dr Koul were themselves present during felicitation function, the award on behalf of Dr Rafiq Masoodi and Mr Dadroo was received by Mohammed Ashraf Tak and Veer Ji Saraf respectively.

The function was attended by a galaxy of scholars, accademicians and social activists including Dr R L Bhat, J N Sagar, J L Saroor, M L Pandita, Mrs Sheela Handoo, Piaray Hatash, B N Abilash, Dr Roshan Saraf and Phoola Ji.

The welcome address was read by president of Nagrai P L Sudeshi while its general secretary, Prem Nath Prem, proposed the vote of thanks.

Slathia criticises PDP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Asking the People’s Democratic Party to read the writings on the wall, Surjit Singh Slathia, senior National Conference leader said the upcoming State Assembly elections will be Waterloo for the PDP.

Mr Slathia, former Minister, stated this while addressing a largely attended public meeting in village Pakhian in Vijaypur constituency.

He said "Muftis have realised that their party is rapidly losing its ground with the people of the State and the people have realised that PDP is a party without any agenda".

"Politics of deceit and double speak played by the PDP on the people of the State is fully exposed " he said adding the party, created and nourished by New Delhi, has always played the card of their masters in New Delhi, without bothering for the welfare of the people of the State.

PDP initially focused on "self rule" which remains an empty rhetoric due to the failure of this party to explain what it really means, the National Conference leader observed.

The other slogan of joint management and common currency being purported by PDP for political gains has failed to receive much attention even in the Valley. Moreover, the internal bickerings carved out by the PDP with their so-called coalition partners are before the people in the Atate.

"What the common people of the State can expect from a leadership which is not even being trusted by their own coalition alliance", Mr Slathia said.

The PDP leadership, he said, is desperately looking for a slogan that could get votes in the forthcoming Assembly elections, but it should realise that the people would no more tolerate their rhetorics.

Mr Slathia stated that NC is not a political party but a movement which has always been closely associated with endeavours to uplift the condition of masses in Jammu and Kashmir.

ACU selects JU for ‘ACR Award’ in website category

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: The Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU) has selected University of Jammu (JU) for prestigious ‘ACR Award’ under the websites category.

This was disclosed by Dr Meenakshi Kilam, Director, Centre for Quality Assurance and Strategic Planning, JU in joint press conference held today. She apprised that the centre had applied for ACU PR, Marketing and Communication Awards 2007 under the websites category. Universities from all over the world had also applied for this award, she added.

"JU is the only university from India to be selected among five universities worldwide for this award. A representative from the university will receive the award during ACU’s global conference and awards presentation ceremony to be held at Durban, South Africa from July 14-16, 2008", she further apprised.

Also addressing the press conference, Prof J R Panda, HoD Sociology informed that University Grants Commission (UGC), New Delhi has sanctioned Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy to JU.

"A total of 70 universities including JNU, AMU and Jamia Milia University had competed for this centre but, JU got it", Prof Panda explained. He had represented the university during presentation at UGC.

Prof G M Bhat from Geology Department was also present at the occasion. Addressing the media persons, he detailed about his recent visit to London, where he along with Dr Renu Nanda and Ms Malvinder Kour represented JU in Getenergy International Conference.

JU was among 112 global education and training providers from 35 countries who were invited to attend the conference. Dr Bindra Thussu, a JU alumni provided local support to this event, Prof Bhat added.

During the conference, current research and training facilities at various departments of the university were presented resulted in establishment of useful links with other training providers including University College London, Delphin International Germany etc.

Sheep, Wool workers hold State level conference

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: J&K Sheep and Wool Workers Association, Jammu today held one day State level conference here today seeking attention of the Government towards their long pending demands. President of the association Mohammad Yousaf Dar presided over the workshop which was inagurated by Bishan Dass Rajrath.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr Dar stressed on Government to concede their demands which included re-organization of the non-gazetted staff with a view to streamline the work load, adequate promotional avenues to the existing staff, sanction of two and half days pay in accordance with SRO of 2006, creation of head assistant posts in each district office and posts of Forge Inspector to all farms and ALO’s in block level veterinary office level.

He also demanded opening of disease investigation laboratories and shearing section in each district to provide them with modern equipments besides issuance of chemist and druggist license to retired para Vets.

Among other demands which were raised on the occasion included upgradation of senior most assistant stock men with three in-situ-promotions to vaccinator, sanction of farm allowance at the rate of 50% of basic pay and farm tenure be fixed for 2 years only.

Among other executive members of the association who spoke were Sayed Ahmed, Abdul Majid Wani, Sagar Chand, Sadhu Singh, GM Mir, Khushal Mohammad, GA Mir and Sukhdev Singh.

Showcase Jammu as heritage city for
global tourism: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 15: Urging for showcasing the rich tourist potential and cultural varieties of Jammu and Kashmir at national and international levels, Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma at the same time called for promotion, preservation and propagation of rich heritage of the State.

He was addressing concluding function of fortnight long Jammu festival at Samba today, after inaugurating the children amusement park at Mansu Mr. Mangat Ram said that our heritage has a distinction of being amalgamation of Dogra, Kashmiri, Ladakhi, Pahari, Gojri and other sub-heritages originating from different groups, sections and societies depicting their traditions, beliefs and practices.

Complimenting Saroinsar Mansar Developmental Authority (SMDA) and district administration Samba for organizing Jammu festival Samba with festivity. He said that with the establishment of SMDA, tourism related infrastructure has been created in the area and many measures are underway to promote tourism.

He said that a cafeteria and a restaurant have been constructed at a cost of over Rs. one crore at Mansar lake site. He said pilgrimage tourism is also picking up at Mansar for Sheshnag temple in the lake adding that dipping ghaths have been constructed by the SMDA adjacent to the shrine for holy dips of devotees visiting the shrine.

Mr. Sharma said that during the proceeding year 2.5 lakh tourists and devotees have visited Mansar while as since January this year 20, 000 tourists have visited this tourist resort so far.

He said during the Samba Mela a large number of tourists and locals enjoyed the events that highlighted the various aspects of culture and heritage. The main components of the festival were the cultural programmes, rural sports meets, display of marshal arts, installation of ethnic food and industrial stalls that witnessed heavy rush of visitors.

Mr. Sharma said that Jammu festival has got recognitions as a popular annual feature within outside the State and hoped that is popularity would transcend at international level.

He also awarded best performers of Samba Festival with trophies. MLA Ramnagar Harsh Dev also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the importance of Dogra heritage.

Former MLAs Th. Shiv Dev Singh, Sawarn Lata, District Development Commissioner Saurav Bhagat, Chief Ex-Officer, SMDA Sujanya Kumar and other senior officers, large number of tourists and locals were present on the occasion.

Srinagar IAF station celebrates 'diamond jubilee'

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 15: The number one wing of the Indian Air Force, located at Srinagar and considered as one of the premier fighter base of the country is celebrating its 60th glorious year of inception.

Formed on March 10, 1948 under the command of Wing Commander (later Air Marshal) MM Engineer, a Maha Vir Chakra and distinguished Flying Cross winner, this Air Force station has participated in almost every major operation undertaken by the country since independence.

After Maharaja Hari Singh signed the instrument of accession in Oct 1947 and made a plea to the Indian Govt to check the plundering hordes from across, it became imperative to airlift troops to Srinagar and stall the raiders who were already approaching outskirts of the city. Landing the Dakota with troops at the small dusty airstrip was difficult but the valiant air warriors of IAF took up the challenge and soon set up an air corridor to bring in 3500 additional troops in a record time to save Kashmir from falling in to the enemy hands.

In those days the Air Force at Srinagar operated under primitive conditions and in the absence of fuel dumps/refuellers, refuelled the fighter aircraft by draining Dakotas, using buckets. The Air Force station also played a very active role in the battle of Jhangar and Punch in March 1948 and once again created history in May 1948 when Air Commodore (Baba) Mehar Singh for the first time landed the Dakota on an unprepared strip on the bank of river Indus at Leh. By setting up an air bridge thereafter and flying in troops from Srinagar, Leh was saved from the raiders.

Thereafter, 23 July 1962 turned out to be another red letter day in the history of Srinagar air base, when a Packet aircraft took off from Srinagar and landed at the highest airfield in the world (17,000 feet) at Daulat Beg Oldie in a remote part of J&K. The role of 1 Wing in 1962, 1965, 1971 and Kargil conflicts is well known to the people of India. Flying Officer Nirmaljit Singh Sekhon made the supreme sacrifice after shooting down two Pakistani Sabres on 14 Dec 1971 over Srinagar and earned the only Param Vir Chakra of IAF till date.

The contribution of No 1 Wing in providing relief to the people of J&K during their time of need is of no less importance. In Feb 2005, close on the heels of Tsunami, J&K witnessed snow Tsunami in the form of unprecedented snowfall causing widespread damage to life and property, with Jawahar tunnel under 30 feet of snow and the Valley being cut off from rest of the world. The airfield at Srinagar was not only made operational in a record time but round the clock relief operations were launched (Operation Rahat) by the air warriors, after putting aside their own problems and constraints. Transportation of essential supplies, dropping of food packets, blankets and rations over remote villages and evacuation of casualties, were some of the tasks undertaken by Air Force Station Srinagar. On 08 Oct 2005, the region was struck by a massive earthquake and the Air Force Station again became the Central hub for a massive relief and Casualty evacuation in less than a year. Relief camps were set up and some villages were adopted by the IAF.

To celebrate this momentous occasion in a befitting manner, a week long programme of events during the last week of May 2008 has been planned. A reunion dinner for personnel who have served in the base, release of coffee table book, a marathon run, variety entertainment programme, sports/adventure activities and 'Bara Khana' for the personnel will be organized during this period.

INTUC holds rally at Chenani, elects body

Excelsior Correspondent

CHENANI, Apr 15: Indian National Trade Union Congress held a mass rally at Chenani under the chairmanship of Som Nath, district Udhampur INTUC president in which employees drawn from Kud, Patnitop, Basht, Sewna, Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, Latti, Dhoona and other far flung areas participated.

Som Nath appealed the Government to control inflation and consider already committed genuine demands of the employees and workers.

The demands of workers included putting an end to discrimination with Jammu region employees and workers by the Government as compared with their counterparts in the valley who were getting Rs 2100 per month as minimum wage. Som Nath said the workers want ‘ration’ and not `Bhashan’ by the leaders. Som Nath added that if demands of the employees were not redressed, the same may reflect in the forthcoming assembly polls in the State.

Other demands raised in the meeting included release of 6% DA instalment from January 1, 2008 to State employees and workers; Benefit of one and a half day extra salary to workers as benefit of Essential Service; and Release of pending dues of workers at an earliest.

Som Nath also demanded handing over construction work of road from Chenani Tander to Fourway from to PDC to PWD, as over 30,000 people were suffering on that count. He also highlighted various problems confronted by different kind of employees including Anganwari workers, PHE consolidated employees, ReT teachers as also other consolidated rate workers of other departments.

Jagdish Magotra of PHE Department was appointed as tehsil Chenani president of INTUC and Rattan Singh Choudhary of Medical Department as general secretary of INTUC for Chenani tehsil.

Others who spoke on the occasion included Tej Bahadur Singh, Tilak Raj, Barkat Ali, B D Shrishta, Darbara Singh, Govind Ram, Ram Raj Sharma, Chuni Lal, Ram Rakha and Alaf Din.