BJP holds demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: To lodge its protest against the stoic silence maintained by Congress over the anti-national utterances made by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leaders, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) staged a demonstration here at Shalamar Chowk today.

The demonstration was led by BJP district president, Rajesh Gupta and Party activists including a seizable number of women workers participated in it.

The demonstrators with pla-cards and banners in their hands were raising slogans against the Congress leadership whom they blamed is hand in glove with PDP which has launched an anti-national tirade through its statements.

Addressing the demonstration BJP state president Ashok Khajuria lambasted the Congress for allowing the PDP leaders like former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammed Syed and Party patriarch, Ms Mehbooba Mufti to launch an anti-India campaign.

He said the BJP will further intensify its campaign and mobilize the public opinion against the implications of what this alliance is doing to harm the national cause and deprive the patriotic people of Jammu, Ladakh and displaced Kashmiri Hindus of their legitimate and due share in State’s political and economic process.

In an appeal to State Governor, Ashok Khajuria urged him to discharge his constitutional obligations and dismiss the Congress led Government in the State forthwith so that it is freed from the clutches of undesired elements.

BJP leaders Mrs Suresh Jamwal, Shamsher Singh Manhas, Yudhvir Sethi, Charanjit Singh Khalsa, Shiv Kumar Gupta, Mrs Usha Choudhary, Sheela Handoo, Narsingh Dass Rajwal and others participated in the demonstration.

UPA Govt liberally funded J&K: Soz

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Apr 19 : Union Minister and JKPCC president Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz today thanked the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh for funding liberally to the Jammu and Kashmir for building infrastructure in the three regions of the State.

Mr Soz was addressing a public meeting at Handwara today. He said that Congress has always played an important role for peace, development and prosperity of the people, adding that Congress is the only party to ensure bright future of the State both on economic as well as political fronts. Union Minister said it was congress which brought peace to a large extent by initiating dialogue process, constituting various working groups and opening Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road for people of both sides.

Regarding the coalition Government, he said that the State has done commendable progress in last six years particularly during three years of Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Regarding Kupwara district, he said that all possible assistance would be provided to this backward district. He sanctioned Rs. 19.32 crore for command area Kehmal project and Rs 144 crore under Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme out of which Rs. 89.43 crore have already been released so far.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din said that during Azad-led Government road, colleges and other infrastructure was developed in the state on fast track basis and the Government has framed an employment policy for the youth of the State and asked the people to vote on the performance basis during the coming election.

Haji Abdul Rashid also spoke on the occasion and cautioned the people against the politicians who make false promises.

Ghulam Rasool Kar senior Congress leader and MLC,Ghulam Nabi Monga, Mohammad Muzaffar Parray, Abdul Majid Padder and District President Mohammad Amin Khan also spoke on the occasion.

Faulty investigation leads to acquittal of accused

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: 2nd Additional Sessions Judge Jammu A K Koul today acquitted two accused, who were arrested by the police alongwith six quintals of poppy straw, as the entire investigation into the case was faulty.

According to the police case, on November 2, 2006 a police party headed by ASI, Asgar Ali Butt laid a naka and stopped a truck No PB04-9681 for checking. From the truck, police recovered a total of six quintals of poppy straw which was concealed in the fruit boxes and polythene bags. Both the accused Bhajan Singh and Pragat Singh were immediately arrested and contraband seized.

After hearing both sides, 2nd Additional Sessions Judge A K Koul observed "as per seizure memo the quantity of contraband was 18 kg but the IO and prosecution witness Sanjeev Chib in their statement stated that there was 15 kg contraband in every sack. So there is an inherent contradiction in documentary as well as oral evidence".

"Normally, the contradiction are explained by the IO but this contradiction is in the statement of IO and his associate police official so there is no explanation to this extent. The matter does not end here only. There are so many other infirmities for instant breach of Section 42 and 57 of NDPS Act", the Court further observed.

The Court said that these infirmities occurred on account of obliviousness of the investigating agency about the requirement of law and all these factors taken together lead the court to believe that the entire investigation is faulty and so everything done in pursuance of faulty investigation gets vitiated and benefit goes to the accused.

The prosecution has failed to established a clear and convincing link between accused and crime, the Court further observed and acquitted the accused from the charges levelled against them.

Qarra launches Dal cleaning campaign

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Apr 19: The Minister for Finance and Urban Development, Tariq Hameed Qarra inaugurated a month long cleansing drive of 15 km Dal area.

During the drive the Dal Lake will be cleaned of poisonous weed algae, polythene and other garbage, with the help of 3 machines and 250 boats.

The Minister, who had ordered 1000 boats for carrying the garbage and debris upto the banks expressed his dis-satisfaction over the deployment of mere 250 boats for the purpose. He ordered the initiation of disciplinary action against the concerned officers. He ordered daily deployment of 1000 boats and adequate labour force for the purpose.

Vice-Chairman, LAWDA, Mir Naseem informed the Minister that Rs 87 lakh are being spent on Dal cleansing and allied works during this fiscal for which Dal has been distributed in 33 sections out of which cleansing of 29 sections has been taken in hand.

Later, the Minister participated in an awareness camp at a function organized by Jammu and Kashmir Voluntary Medicare Society in Shafaqat School for mentally challenged children, Bemina, Srinagar.

Among others, the Chairman, Jammu and Kashmir Bank and Economic Advisor to State Government, Dr Haseeb Drabu was also present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Drabu announced that Bank would adopt 25 children of the school to fund their expenses. He also announced that J&K Bank would arrange for a day long picnic of all the children of the Shafaqat School.

President, Voluntary Medicare Society, Dr. Mir Maqbool on this occasion said that presently about 56 children are being trained in the school.

Mr Qarra said that school children are a part of our society and they deserve a better and equal treatment from the society. He announced release of Rs 10 lakh from his Constituency Development Fund. Tariq Hameed Qarra and Mrs. Qarra donated Rs one lakh each for the school.

Regular traffic on Srinagar-Leh Highway from May 1

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Minister for Transport Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen at a high level officers meeting reviewed the movement of food grains and other essentials besides constructional material to the Ladakh region here today.

Following the opening of 434 km long Srinagar-Leh national highway on Tuesday last after remaining closed for the winter season, Government immediately swung into action and took steps for ensuing timely supplies to Ladakh region.

Minister for Youth Services Haji Nissar Ali, Chief Executive Councillor, Hill Development Council, Leh, Chief Executive Councillor, Hill Development Council Kargil, legislators belonging to Leh and Kargil district, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Transport Commissioner, Secretaries of Transport and CAPD, IG Traffic besides senior officers of police and civil administration and the representatives of Beacon were present in the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Hakeem Yaseen said that since the road has been opened cheak with onward of scheduled time due to the efforts of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the concerned agencies must take advantage in stocking the food grains and other essential supplies in the twin districts of Leh and Kargil. He directed the IG traffic to submit a report within two days about the latest situation of the highway so that trucks carrying vegetables and other essentials are dispatched immediately to the region.

He said if weather permits the regular traffic on the highway would be allowed from 1st of May, 2008. He said priority would be accorded to transportation of essential supplies including food grains, construction material and petroleum products for summer season and stocking of supplies for next winter months.

The meeting discussed in detail various issues related to the smooth regulation of traffic on the highway.

The meeting also reviewed the present stock and supply position of food grains in the Ladakh region. It was given out that the supplies are intact in the area to suffice up to ending June, 2008.

Transporters to observe token strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: The Jammu Province Passenger Vehicles Transport Association today announced to observe token strike on Monday, April 21, to put pressure on the State Government to concede their burning demands. The association also stressed Government to address their demands within one week, failing which they will go for indefinite strike.

Stressing upon revision of passenger fares and freight in view of steep hike in the fuel and lubricant prices, transporters said that due to hike in prices of fuel, lubricants and implementation of VAT, 180 per cent hike in the insurance, 8.4 per cent service tax and other spare parts has made it tough for them to continue with their services.

Addressing a press conference here this morning, association leader, STS Wazir said, "Fares for the last time were revised on December 20, 2005 as surcharge with the assurance that actual fares shall be revised later," adding disappointedly that since then fares have not been revised.

Meanwhile, he said that the association has already submitted a memorandum with cost of operation to chairman, Fare Standing Committee, which has forwarded its report to the State Government.

Highlighting the problems being faced by the transporters, Mr Wazir demanded for waiver of Passenger Tax, withdrawal of 8.4 percent service tax, issuance of driving licenses to auto rickshaw operators and parking fee of taxis at railway station.

Wazir said that if Government fails to address their problems they would have no other option than to adopt path of agitation for getting their demands conceded.

Wazir also regretted the inconvenience to the people for the proposed strike on Monday and appealed general public as well as students to bear with them.

Gupta demands delimitation of constituencies before polls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has impressed upon the State Governor to ensure early delimitation of Assembly constituencies for fair distribution of seats to each region and area, which is pre-requisite for fair elections.

Interacting with party activists of three districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban Prof Gupta observed that political fraud was being played with Jammu region over the past 60 years by denying due share of Assembly seats to different areas. He added that while the strength of voters in Jammu and Kashmir provinces is almost equal, Kashmir has been allotted 46 seats as against 37 to Jammu region. Again Kashmir valley has been allotted three Lok Sabha seats as against two to Jammu province.

He accused the leaders of Congress, PDP and National Conference for having made a nexus to deny share of Assembly seats to Jammu region. He said districts of Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban were having two MLAs each as compared to four to six MLAs in Kashmir valley in one district.

Prof Gupta said further that by denying fair distribution of Assembly seats to each area a mockery has been made of entire democratic process.

It was decided in the meeting to take up the issue before electorates and expose those parties which have been instrumental for usurping the due rights of the people of different areas.

BSP to provide justice to STs in J&K: Nagar

Excelsior Correspondent

NAGROTA (Jammu), Apr 19: Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Minister and senior Bahujan Samaj Party leader, Lakhi Ram Nagar has said that Bahujan Samaj Party was committed to provide justice to the members of Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes and other oppressed communities in the state.

Addressing a large rally here today the BSP leader alleged that previous governments only exploited the innocent members of Gujjar and Bakerwal communities in the state for their vote bank. They were deprived of their rights as guaranteed by the Constitution. Members of the community are still fighting to get reservation in the Legislature and other fields. They are politically, economically ad socially deprived of their share.

Giving an example of UP Government led by BSP leader Kumari Mayawati, Mr Nagar, a Gujjar leader from Western UP said that BSP provided seven assembly seats to Gujjar community candidates and five were get elected. Out of the five, four were made ministers. He claimed that only BSP can provide better justice to the members of this community. He asked the people to support the local Gujjar candidate, Najib Ullah from Nagrota constituency.

National general secretary of BSP, Narender Kashyap said that present coalition government of Cong-PDP in J&K has no intentions to improve the economic and social condition of the Gujjars. He said the people of ST community can never get justice from these parties including National Conference and BJP. They should test the BSP and see the results. He appealed the people to render support to Ch Najib Ullah from Nagrota and Hussain Ali Wafa, another Gujjar leader who will be contesting next Lok Sabha election from Jammu-Poonch.

J&K state coordinator, Bhagwan Singh Chowhan, state president of BSP Yashpal Bhagat and Hussain Ali Wafa also addressed the gathering.

ABVP demands separate HSS for girls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) has demanded the opening of separate higher secondary school (HSS) for girls at Ramban and introduction of new subjects in the existing higher secondary school.

Pawan Sharma, ABVP national executive member, during his two-day tour of Ramban District, interacted with various educational authorities, students and people of the area and observed the need to open separate higher secondary school for girls, as the total strength in the existing school was close to 1000 with girls outnumbering boys.

He also observed that there was need to introduce more subjects particularly Education in the higher secondary, as the subject was being taught at GDC Ramban.

Later, Sharma addressed a district level meeting which was attended by large number of student activists. In the meeting, various problems related to the students were discussed.

Those who also spoke during the meeting included Milap Singh, Ajeet Singh, Varun Nagar, Randeep Katoch, Surjeet Singh and Ram Krishan.

Ex-servicemen rally organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Ex-servicemen rally was organized by Tiger Division at Zorawar Stadium, Sunjuwan. Major General DL Chowdhary, General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division was the chief guest at the rally.

Stalls were put up by Zilla Sainik Board, Ex-servicemen Contributory Health Scheme and Recruiting Organisation to enlighten the soldiers. State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank and Khadi and Village Industries Department established their stalls to encourage self employment among the retired soldiers. Besides registering the problems of ex-servicemen at the grievance cell, free medical camp was also held at the rally site. The war widows were honoured by dignitaries during the rally.

Speaking at the occasion, General Officer Commanding, Tiger Division assured the 'Gaurav Senanis' of full support from the army. He emphasized that 'Once a soldier always a soldier'. "We must therefore remain committed to the cause of the Government, be proactive and forthcoming in giving a helping hand in all development projects planned by the Government," he added.

The chief guest also interacted with the pensioners and gave a patient hearing to their problems. Many of their problems were resolved on the spot, while directions were given to expedite the rest.

Work collectively to make J&K role model State: Lal Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Apr 19: Senior Congress leader and MP Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Ch.Lal Singh alongwith MLA Basohli Kanta Choudhary today inaugurated a road for Salari and sanctioned Rs 2.50 lacs and for balance work of road which will benefit the people of remote areas of Basohli.

While speaking on the occasion MLA Basohli Kanta Choudhary said that she alongwith her husband MP Ch Lal Singh has been trying hard to provide every facility to the people of her constituency.She said that road and other infrastructure has been built for the convenience of the people so that they will enjoy the development provided by the State and Centre Governments.

Firebrand Senior Congress Leader and MP Ch Lal Singh said "it is the responsibility of all the residents of my Constituency to help me in monitoring the development and if officers did not work properly we will take action against them."

He said that Central Government has provided sufficient funds for the development of State and Prime Minister Dr.Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi are serious about the development of the State.He said that education is the need of the time and Central Govt. has launched various schemes for the poor people of the society so that they can provide free education to their children.He said that we all should collectively work together to make J&K as a role model State and India as a one of the best country of the World.

He said that youth should use their energy for the welfare of the society and follow the path of Mahatma Gandhi.He said that Congress Govt believes in equality and is a secular party whereas other parties are exploiting people on the name of caste and region and it is the responsibility of the people not to take these communal parties serious who are dividing the society.

Increase in FDI in Insurance sector opposed
NZIEA organizes cluster meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: On the completion of one year of new divisional committee, the North Zone Insurance Employees Association (NZIEA) today organized a cluster meet.

The members from four local units and Doda, Rajouri, Poonch, Kathua, Samba, Udhampur and R S Pura participated. The meeting presided by Rajesh Gupta, vice president of the association, opposed the intention of Government to increase FDI in Insurance sector from 26 per cent to 49 per cent.

Addressing the gathering, Pawan Gupta, divisional secretary, strongly criticized the economic survey report that suggested increase in FDI in Insurance sector. He said that increase in FDI will be a dangerous step, as that would enable multi-national companies to gain control over the capital of common masses.

He expressed regret over the 6th Pay Commission report wherein closure of the Group IV cadre has been proposed. He said that such a move will result in contractual appointments, which was harmful for the working class.

Demanding recruitment in class III and IV cadre, he said it must be done at the earliest. He also demanded special recruitment drive in the State. Others who also spoke included Ramesh Chand, Shiban Bhat, Vikram Singh, Raj Kumar and Dinesh Sharma.

Pen down strike by clerical staff enters 24th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: The clerical staff under the banner of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh continued with its State wide pen down strike leaving the administrative work paralyzed for the 24th straight day today. The protesting employees also staged demonstration in their respective tehsil and district headquarters against alleged callous attitude of the Government and demanded for the early redressal of their demands.

The protesting employees alleged that Government is not implementing the agreement made with representatives of the association and has failed to remove the pay anomalies.

The protesting ministerial staff has been demanding a pay scale of Rs 4000-6000 to junior assistants, 4500 to 7500 to senior assistants, steno typists, junior statistical assistants and 5500-9000 to head assistants, junior stenographers and statistical assistants besides exemption of Secretariat training examination.

Here in the city, several protesting members of the clerical staff demonstrated in the Agriculture Complex and shouted slogans against the state Government. They also carried out a protest rally from Irrigation Complex, canal road that concluded at Jewel Chowk.

While addressing the rally, association leader, Pawan Kumar appealed the ministerial staff to participate in the demonstration, which is scheduled to be held on April 21 at Panama Chowk.

Others who spoke on the occasion were Rehmat Ullah Malik, Ravi Singh, Anil Mehta, RP Sharma, Bashir Malik, Sayeeda Bano, Sukhbir Singh and Ravi Razdan.

Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Government Employees Joint Action Committee has extended support to the cause of protesting employees.

In a general body meeting of the committee its provincial president, Sanjeev Bali today stressed upon Government to fulfill their demands at the earliest, failing which, he warned that the Jammu and Kashmir Employees Union as well as All J&K Teachers Association will also join their brethren in their ongoing pen down strike.

Mufti’s statement on currency a political gimmick: Charak

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Congress leader and Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Gulchain Singh Charak today termed the PDP patron Mufti Mohammed Sayeed’s recent statement on "dual" use of Indian and Pakistani currency as a cheap political gimmick aimed at sustaining his vote bank in the Valley.

Addressing a press conference at Dogra Sadar Sabha, the Minister, who is also President of the Sabha, said that stand of Congress party was very clear on such issues, as UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had clearly stated that the party was working for peace and development in the State and nothing else.

"The coalition Government of Congress and PDP in the State is working well and there is absolutely no differences on issue of governance. What Mr Mufti is uttering publicly, that is his own ideas and proposals but, I must say that his statement on dual use of currency is totally out of way and vague", Mr Charak said.

He said plenty of measures including Round Table Conferences and Working Groups have been initiated during the past few years to ensure peace and equitable development in the State and there was no need to raise meaningless issues like dual use of currency.

The Minister, however, expressed disappointment over the absence of Ministers, MLAs and other leaders from the Valley during the fortnight long Jammu Festival held across the Jammu Division.

Meanwhile, he expressed satisfaction over successful culmination of fortnight festival. He said that function also proved successful in promoting the cultural and traditional ethos of Dogras.

"It was for the first time that the programmes were organized across the entire districts of Jammu and people complemented it through mass participation", the Minister asserted.

Renovated Jammu Law College complex inaugurated
DGP calls for missionary zeal in development

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: The renovated complex of Jammu Law College situated at Nardani was today formally inaugurated by the Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda at an impressive function held at the college complex.

The (ISO Certified) Jammu Law College run by Shri Sain Charitable Trust for Higher Education and Research has been imparting the 3 years and 5 years law courses for the past four years and has been renovated and refurbished to provide more facilities and amenities to the students perusing law studies.

Speaking on the occasion the DGP Kuldeep Khoda lauded the efforts of Dr Roop Lal Sharma, Chairman of the Trust for running eight successful colleges all in the same vicinity and said that such individuals with grit and determination have lowered the burden from the Government in providing quality education to the students.

He said that the development and social work undertaken by the trust was commendable saying these days people have adopted mercenary zeal but what is needed was missionary zeal like the Sain Charitable Trust so that common man benefits .

He said that running a law college was not easy but the success of the Jammu Law College has proved that students have not only alternate opportunities but also the best platforms to study law and other courses apart from the Government run colleges. Chairman of Sain Charitable Trust gave brief resume of Trust.

Prominent among those present include Suman Sharma, Vice Chairperson, Ravish Sharma, Managing Director of the college, Dr Sunil Mahajan, Principal, King C Bharati, Director (PR) of the Trust, Dr Gayatri Gupta Principal Trikuta Degree College, Dr Sakshi Sharma, Prof Kulwant Singh, Director JIAR, Dr CR Gupta Advisor, VV Suri Principal JIAR, Dr Saifullah Khan, Principal Trikuta College of Education, Shabir Khan, Principal TCCS, and others.

Gharu Ram inspects modernization,
desilting work of Mula Chak canal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Minister of State for R&B Ch. Gharu Ram has said that Government has launched number of welfare and development schemes for upliftment of socio-economic condition of the farmers by providing loan assistance, seeds, fertilizers and irrigation facilities to the farmers before sowing season.

This was stated by the Minister after inspecting the modernization and desilting works of Mula Chak canal in Suchetgarh constituency.

The Minister asked the engineers of Irrigation and Flood Control to speed up the modernization and desilting works of the canal and complete it by the end of this month so that farmer community would be facilitated by getting timely irrigation facilities. He said that the Government is providing seeds, fertilizers and agricultural tools to the farmers on subsidized rates through mobile vans. He assured the farmers that the Government would take more steps in ameliorating their condition.

Ch. Gharu Ram asked the engineers to use Government funds judiciously and create durable assets. He said that it is the dream of Government to provide all basic amenities to people at their doorsteps including healthcare, educational infrastructure, drinking water, electricity, road connectivity and communication facilities.

A large number of people of Chakroi, Nikowal, Mula Chak, Sai and Suchetgarh Model Town met the Minister and projected their problems being faced by them in their respective villages.

The Minister solved most of the problems on the spot and assured them remaining would be referred to concerned departments for early redressal.

Responding to the demands, the Minister announced Rs. 2 lakh for construction of Mago-Wali cremation ground link road. Regarding construction of Kotli Raiyan nallah, he asked the engineers to prepare estimate and submit for approval. To improve power scenario, he informed that five receiving stations were commissioned in the constituency besides scores of transformers were upgraded.

Convention on "Vision Document 2008" organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Day long convention on " vision Document 2008" was organized by the Non-gazetted Agriculture Graduates Associations (NGAGA), here today.

Minister for Agriculture Abdul Aziz Zargar was the chief Guest on the occasion and Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma presided over the function.

Minister of State for Agriculture Gharu Ram, Ex-MLA Shiv Dev Singh, Director, Agriculture Mrs. V. B. Sharma, Senior officers of Agriculture department, President, Non-gazetted Employees Union Civil Secretariat Nazir Ahmad Mir, staff and members of NGAGA from Kashmir and Jammu present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Agriculture said that agriculture being backbone of the State’s economy is the most priority sector of the Government as it can play a pivotal role in improving production and productivity of not only food grains for providing food to ever increasing population but would also strengthen the socio-economic profile of the people besides providing meaningful ways for rural employment. He hoped that the participants would take benefit from this convention and make its practical use in their respective fields.

Referring to the demands put forth by the Association, Zargar assured them that their genuine demands would be looked into including change of designation.

Minister for Health and Medical Education while addressing the gathering said that agriculture sector provides employment opportunities to the educated as well as uneducated youths. He said that Government has taken numerous steps for strengthening the infrastructure and functioning of the agriculture department in the State.

Minister of State for Agriculture Gharu Ram exhorted the functionaries of the department to work with missionary spirit and aware farmers about latest techniques so that they can improve their production. Listing the demands, the Association demanded removal of rank stagnation, pay party and charge of designation.

Prasar Bharti organizes workshop

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: A 2-day All India Workshop on the topic of Review of Kisan Vani Programme and Developing Senergy among the Stakeholders was organized by Prasar Bharti Radio Kashmir Jammu, at K L Saigal Hall of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages Jammu on April 19 and 20, 2008.

The workshop was inaugurated by Deputy Director General All India Radio, New Delhi Grace Kujur.

The workshop first of its kind was attended by Programme Producers and Audiences Research staff engaged in broadcast of Kisan Vani Programmes in Northern Region of the country. The workshop centered on the integrated approach involving the active participation of programme producers, researchers, beneficiaries comprising of progressive farmers and implementing agencies.

The deliberations also involved interaction with the progressive farmers especially invited for the workshop from different areas of Jammu province to have their views about impact of Kisan Vani Programme on the farming techniques and implementation of new farming technology. The feedback received from the farmers equips the broadcasters to produce better quality programmes accordingly.

T Dolkar, DDG (NR) I&II, Dr M N Jha, Director Audience Research, Shobha Mittal, Deputy Director Farm and Home and Divesh Kumar, DDE (IT Division) had especially come from the Directorate for the workshop. Those present on the occasion included P K Munshi, Suptt Engineer, Radio Kashmir Jammu, Dr K C Dubey, Director, DDK Srinagar, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi, Secretary J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Shminder Kumar, Programme Head, Radio Kashmir Jammu.

Jia Lal Sharma, Joint Director Horticulture represented the State Implementing Agency. The progressive farmers who participated and interacted in the workshop were Om parkash, Sham Singh, lady farmer Kesar Parveen, Nazir Ahmad, S M Khajuria and Sham Gorka.

Div Com flags off heritage rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: On the occasion of World Heritage Day, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey flagged off a Heritage rally from Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex.

The department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums Jammu had organized the heritage rally comprising of students drawn from five educational institutions.

Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museum Jammu K A Qadri and senior officers from various departments were present on the occasion.

The students rally after passing through the old parts of the city of temples was taken to Soi temple and Burj temple in block Domana in buses. They were briefed about the historical and archaeological significance of these temples and other Archaeological sites. The heritage rally culminated at Kala Kendra Jammu here the students were shown the painting gallery Secretary Department of Culture N K Verma and other officers of the department received the rally.

Students were also taken to Dogra Art Museum, Mubarak Mandi and apprised about the importances of heritages displayed. The guides of the department gave historical background of the priceless treasures preserved in the museum.

The five day special exhibition on Archival and other documents of historical importance organized by the department of Archives, Archaeology and Museum in Archives Reference Library also concluded yesterday.

Large number of people including officers from administration, judiciary and other organizations witnessed the exhibition.

Independence war celebrations to culminate on May 10

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Five lamps will be lit in each residential house and public places throughout the country which will be followed by prayers in the evening on May 10, next month in connection with culmination of year long celebrations of 150 th anniversary of 1857 first war of Independence.

This was stated at a press conference by the convenor of Naman Samaroh Committee 1857 War of Independence and president Purav Sainik Parishad, J&K Brig. (retd) Suchet Singh Jamwal here, today along with other members of the Committee, Col. (retd) K N Raina and Krishnanand Ji.

He said the lamps will be lit exactly at 1857 hours on that day. Prior to it a programme will be organised in General Zorawar Singh Auditorium,

University of Jammu on April 27 evening in memory of the martyrs of 1857 War of Independence by Purav Sainik Sewa Parishad in collaboration with students of History Department of Jammu University.

Brig. (retd) Suchet Singh Jamwal said the kalashs brought from the villages of martyrs throughout the country will be kept outside the Zorawar Singh Stadium on that day.

The main objective of organizing this public programme is to apprise the people about the sacrifices given by the great heros during the first War of Independence. He said over three lakh attained martyrdom in this year for the liberation of India from British rule.

Brig. (retd) Sucheet Singh said that in between the period April 27 and May 10 small committees will be constituted which will make mass contacts to apprise the people about the heros of 1857.

Release Kalakote mines workers’ wages, COLA: CITU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: Centre of Indian Trade Unions J&K State has taken serious note of developing of grave situation after fast unto death strike launched by Kalakote coal mine workers and non release of their wages for the last more than seven months.

Addressing a press conference here today, joint secretary of the CITU, Nirdosh Uppal alleged that mine workers and their families were suffering a lot for the last so many months due to non release of their wages but the concerned authorities have not bothered about their plight. He said the workers are on fast unto death for the last 12 days but the management remained mere spectator despite the fact that three workers were hospitalised due to their deteriorating health condition.

Mr Uppal said that workers were also struggling for clearance of all the pending wages including COLA slabs, covering of workers under Provident Fund Scheme and implementation of SRO- 43. He said that single worker is getting Rs 82 and excavating nearly 400 kg coal per day which costs Rs 1400. The plea of management that mines were running in losses was not justified. He alleged that the profit earned is being diverted towards the non-productive expenses and to the sick and closed units of JK Minerals Ltd.

Supporting the merger of Kalakote Mining units of JKML in Geology and Mining, the CITU leader said that workers will be able to get justice with this. He said since mining products are the national property, the Geology and Mining department should take over the control. He also demanded conversion of COLA into DA and conduct of DPC of various cadre in the JKML.

Himalayan Parivar takes out rally against violations in Tibet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: To protest against the reported human rights violations in Tibet by the Chinese Government, the activists of Himalayan Parivar J&K held a protest rally here, today.

The rallyists with placards and banners in their hands were demanding immediate halt on human rights violations in Tibet. The rally was led by Mrs Veena Handa, chairperson Himalayan Parivar and Yudhvir Sethi.

The rally started from Vivekananda Chowk, here and culminated in front of Press Club of Jammu.

Addressing the rally the speakers urged the Union Government to use its good offices and impress upon the Chinese Government not to torture the innocent people of Tibet. They also demanded opening of Kailash -Mansarovar Road via Ladakh and handing over of the J&K territory to India which is under the forcible occupation of China.

They also appealed the international rights activists to force China to immediately negotiate with Dalai Lama to solve the Tibet issue. They accused the China of violating the international norms of human rights by targeting the Tibetans for demanding freedom.

The president of Himalayan Parivar Ramesh Hangloo also addressed the rally.

Bhalla inaugurates developmental works

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 19: The MLA Gandhi Nagar, Raman Bhalla today inaugurated various projects costing Rs 15 lakh in Sunjwan and of Rs 25 lakh in Narwal Bala By Pass today.

The work on these schemes was inaugurated by Mr Bhalla in presence of the officers of various departments and prominent people of these localities.

The areas in which the new projects in Sunjwan were cleared included Masjid Mohalla, Surinara, Brahmana and Chadka Mohalla. These projects included construction of lanes and drains in these localities.

Addressing the public meetings after inaugurating these works, Mr Bhalla said the Congress led coalition Government has taken many projects in hand for the development of Jammu City. Not only the developmental works were taken up in hand in the areas falling under the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), but also in the areas falling outside the jurisdiction of JMC, he added.

He, while highlighting the achievements of coalition Government said this Government has ensured accountability on all fronts and the people belonging to down- trodden sections of society and backward classes were given priority.