PM to dedicate Dul Hasti project today

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: The 390 mw Dulhasti Hydro Electric Power Project, which was hit by delays and cost escalation, will be dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh tomorrow.

The foundation stone of the project was laid down by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1983.

The three-turbine 130 mw project started commercial generation of electricity from March 31, 2007 and is producing electricity more than the expected target, top National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) officials said.

The first unit of 130 mws was successfully synchronised on 28 February, 2007, followed by unit second of 130 mws on March 18, 2007 and third unit of 130 mws on March 26 last year and the project is fully operational since last year.

"It is the most successful unit. Against a target of 1907 mega units of power generation, it generated 2210 MUs till March 31, 2008 from March 31, 2007 thereby creating a record of 116 per cent achievement", they said.

The project was sanctioned at a cost of Rs 183 crore in 1983 but till now, Rs 5228 crores have been spent on the project, which was undertaken in collaboration with five French partners in 1985.

Work on the project was stopped for over five years due to terrorist violence in Doda. A French engineer engaged in the project was abducted and subsequently released in 1991 by a terrorist group following which work was halted.

Work resumed in 1996 and more funds were pumped in to complete the mega project, officials said.

Besides providing cheap power, the project also provides jobs to over 3000 locals.

Electricity generated from the project will be sold to Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chandigarh and Uttaranchal.

Jammu and Kashmir has requested Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to transfer the project to the State as part of the Centre’s plan to boost the State’s Economic Development.

Jammu and Kashmir is entitled to 12 per cent royalty on the power generated by the project on the Chenab river, as laid down in an agreement with the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the agency executing the project.

The power situation has been an area of concern for the State Government for decades and the State is hoping that the project is transferred to it.

22 doctors transferred

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: Government today ordered transfers and postings of 22 doctors with immediate effect.

Dr M L Gupta, who was awaiting orders of posting, has been posted in CD Hospital against the available post of A-Grade Specialist (DHS Cadre Post). Dr Rajinder Singh has been shifted from District Hospital Samba and posted in Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar against available vacancy.

Dr Subash Abrol has been shifted from CHC Bishnah and posted in Government Hospital Sarwal against post of A-Grade Specialist. Dr Sardari Lal Fotra has been shifted from SMGS Hospital and posted in Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar.

Dr Sushma Dhar has been shifted from District Hospital Udhampur and posted in District Hospital Rajouri against the available vacancy. Dr Mela Ram Atri has been shifted from Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar and posted as B-Grade surgeon in District Hospital Samba vice Dr Rajinder Singh.

Dr Rakesh Sharma, who was awaiting orders of adjustment, has been posted as B-Grade surgeon in CHC Bishnah vice Dr Subash Abrol. Dr Vishali Gupta has been shifted from Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar and posted in SMGS Hospital vice Dr Sardari Lal Fotra.

Dr Gul Mohammad has been posted in DH Baramulla, Dr Nazir Ahmad Kalpori in SDH Sopore, Dr Rafiq Ahmad Kuchay in DH Anantnag, Dr Mohd Abbas Wani in DH Baramulla, Dr Mohd Iqbal in DH Anantnag, Dr Busshra Shamin in JLNM Hospital, Dr Sajjad Hamid Fazili in DH Baramulla and Dr Tsering Angchuk in SNM Hospital, Leh.

Dr Sunita Kesar has been shifted from GMC Jammu and posted in CHC Ramgarh. Dr Sanjeev Gupta and Dr Arun Gandotra have also been shifted from GMC Jammu and posted in CHC Hiranagar and DH Poonch respectively.

Dr Rajesh Gupta, who was under orders of transfer to DH Udhampur, has been posted in DH Reasi. Dr Balqis Naz has been transferred from PHC Khoon (Majalta) and posted in PHC Mishriwala and Dr Jyoti Sharma has been transferred from PHC Mishriwala to PHC Khoon.

Azad for transparent, clean examination system

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has underscored the need for a transparent and clean examination system to ensure full justice to brilliant and deserving students.

Addressing a function after inaugurating the four-storey text book and secrecy block of the Jammu and Kashmir State Board of School Education here today, the Chief Minister said that secrecy and evaluation sections are the most important wings for any institution. He said he had received several complaints of copying in Board examinations from various places and expressed strongly against allowing it. He said as student also, he had raised strong voice against copying. "How can I allow this malpractice now as the in-charge Minister?" he asked.

Mr Azad appreciated construction of spacious buildings with excellent premises and said that congenial atmosphere and better working environment were essential for desirable output. He said he had accorded highest priority for raising best possible infrastructure in all sectors across the State as it was a must for good work.

The Chief Minister also presented prizes and cash awards to the meritorious students who got first three positions in 10th and 12th class examinations conducted by the Board in all streams last year.  These awards were given on behalf of the Board and private cell phone company.

Chairman, State Board of School Education, Prof. N. A. Ganai, in his welcome address, spoke about the initiatives taken by the Board for introducing job oriented syllabi.

Secretary, School Education, G. A. Peer, former Vice Chancellor, Jammu University, Prof. M. R. Puri, Secretary of the Board and several educationists attended the function.

The building has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 3.45 crores with a covered area of 12266 square feet in each block with parking in the basement. 

Youth murdered at marriage function

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Apr 25: A youth was murdered during a marriage function at village Gandhali in Arnas area of district Reasi last evening.

SSP Reasi, J L Sharma disclosed that Chamel Singh, son of Omkar Singh, resident of village Thub had gone to attend a marriage function at village Gandhali. He had some altercation with his relatives over a minor issue.

It was followed by a clash between the two groups of relatives attending the marriage function. Both the sides freely exchanged ‘lathis’ and rods during the clash. Chamel Singh sustained serious head injuries and was killed on the spot while another member, Karnail Singh was injured.

The police party from Reasi was sent to this remote village in the evening. The body was shifted to Reasi hospital for postmortem while injured Karnail was undergoing treatment here. Mr Sharma said that a case has been registered in this connection and the investigation was in progress. Some persons were also taken into custody in this connection.

8 BDOs transferred

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: Government today ordered transfers and postings of Block Development Officers and Incharge Block Development Officers in Rural Development Department.

Ch Dilmir Ahmad, Block Development Officer (BDO) Gandoh has been transferred and posted as Block Development Officer Mahore. Balbir Singh, Block Development Officer Mahore has been posted as Block Development Officer R S Pura, relieving H K Bhat of additional charge.

Gh Hassan Bhat, I/C Block Development Officer, Additional Block Gundana has been transferred and posted as Block Development Officer, Gandoh. Block Development Officer, Bhagwah shall hold the additional charge of Block Gundana in addition to his own duties till further orders.

Chaman Lal, I/C Block Development Officer presently attached with Directorate of Rural Development Jammu has been transferred and posted as I/C Block Development Officer (Head Quarters) Udhampur vice Tripta Sharma, who has been transferred and posted as Block Development Officer, Divisional Procurement Supply and Marketing Society Jammu.

Devinder Sharma, I/C Block Development Officer, Divisional Procurement Supply and Marketing Society, Jammu was attached with Directorate of Rural Development, Jammu till further orders and G M Gulzar, I/C Block Development Officer, Qazigund and Gh Qadir Wani, I/C Block Development Officer, Keller will swap their place of postings.

Don't try to take credit away from
where it belongs: Mehbooba

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 25: People's Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti has called for an attitudinal change among the politicians who still feel that only the Central Government is the master of destinies in Jammu & Kashmir. "Belittling the role of the State Government or its citizens only reflects the jaundiced vision or some kind of complex of those politicians who attribute every important event exclusively to the decisions of Delhi," she told a public meeting at Palpora in Eidgah constituency today.

The PDP President said the turn-around in J&K's situation would not have been possible without the people of the State leading the peace process from the front and its Government channeling their political aspirations. She said the two vital components of the peace process - proactive involvement of the State and its people - were respected by the then Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, his successor Dr Manmohan Singh and the UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and reciprocated by Pakistan, to open an entirely new chapter in the history of South Asia. "Kashmir which had been a source of discord has now scripted a new agenda of peace for the entire region" she said and added no headway could have been possible without the determination and cooperation of the State's people.

Decrying the tendency of some political leaders to take credit away from where it belongs, Mehbooba said such politicians were resorting to sycophancy just for scoring points and behaving as 'more loyal than the king'. She said the momentous decisions taken by India and Pakistan after 2002, were possible only because the State Government led by Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had gained a new respectability by voicing the need for a permanent solution to Kashmir problem and raising fundamental political and economic issues concerning Jammu & Kashmir.

She said that in tune with the changing scenario, it is advisable for the leaders of other political parties also to revise their stale opinion. She said, ironically, of late some political leaders in the State have started undermining the very essence of the peace and reconciliation process through their slipshod utterances.

Mehbooba said whether in or out of power, her party believes in the strength of democracy and resolving issues through dialogue. She said without any confrontation the PDP, while being a part of the Coalition Government and the UPA, had brought to the center-stage the apparently delicate issues of troop reduction, scrapping of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and cross-LoC political initiatives like joint Senate and mutual use of currencies. She said these issues now constitute the basis of discourse on Kashmir and progress on these can lead to ultimate resolution of the problem.

In the past, she said, governments in the State bartered issues on which they got votes for mere survival and personal comfort of leaders. "But now the situation has changed for good and people can't be taken for granted or for a ride," she said and added that a new awakening is dawning across the State's political landscape where people feel that they can make or break things through democratic means.

Speaker issues notice to Comm/Secretary Social Welfare

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: The Speaker of J&K Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand today issued notice to Commissioner / Secretary Social Welfare Department directing him to appear before him (Speaker) in person on May 5 and 6 to defend himself regarding the contempt petition filed against him by Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP), MLA, Harsh Dev Singh, before the contempt proceedings are initiated against him.

The notice was issued by the Speaker to the Commissioner /Secretary today after Mr Singh again approached him and insisted upon initiation of contempt proceedings against the Officer.

Mr Singh in his petition had sought initiation of Privilege proceedings including issuance of arrest warrants against the Commissioner/Secretary Social Welfare for disregarding the assurances given on the floor of the House and the decision taken inside the Assembly.

He said during budget session 2007, he was assured by the Government that Kaitha-Chigla Balota road would be got funded under Art 275, a Central scheme meant for development of Tribal areas.

Mr Singh in his affidavit said that in pursuance of the Assembly commitment, the Deputy Commiss-ioner Udhampur got the estimates prepared amounting to Rs 206 lakh and submitted the same to the Commissioner / Secretary Social Welfare in December 2006, but the later failed to take the further action in the matter.

CJ inaugurates Sub-Treasury at District Court Complex

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: Chief Justice of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Justice K. S. Radhakrishnan inaugurated the Sub Treasury in the District Court Complex Janipur here today. He also went round the office of Treasury Officer.

Director Accounts and Treasuries M. I. Khandey said that this is the 11th Treasury in Jammu district. He said that with the opening of this treasury, 33 Drawing and Disbursing Officers could draw the salaries and other official routine work of lower courts of district Jammu.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Justice J. R. Kotwal alongwith all the Judges of subordinate courts were present on the occasion.

Among others, Deputy Director Accounts and Treasuries, H. R. Deol, Treasury Officer, Additional Treasury Mubarak Mandi, Jammu Vikram Dewan, other Treasury Officers of Jammu district and large number of advocates were also present at the inauguration ceremony.

Consolidated lecturers, clerks meet Director

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: A deputation of consolidated lecturers met the Director School Education, A K Raina, during his visit to the border township of Poonch here on Thursday.

The lecturers under the banner of All J&K 10 Plus Two Consolidated Lecturers Forum, Poonch and headed by D K Sharma, its president, met the Director School Education, Jammu and apprised him of the problems being faced by consolidated lecturers. The deputationists demanded immediate implementation of High Court’s order in which HC has directed to extend the services of 10 Plus 2 lecturers, till the post is filled by the PSC.

The lecturers demanded monthly salary at par with the college lecturers and full 12 months pay without any break as directed by the court. They further demanded assignments of the J&K Board of School Education as they are as good as the lecturers working on regular basis. Mr Raina listened to their problems with patience and assured to take necessary measures in this regard.

Meanwhile, another deputation of clerical cadre employees headed by S Rajinder Singh , senior vice president Ministerial Staff district Poonch met the Director and highlighted their grievances. They demanded creation of posts of HA, SA, JA and Class-IV for six Education Zones of district Poonch. They also demanded conduct of DPC of all cadres and filling up of all vacancies.

Those who accompanied Rajinder Singh included S P Sharma, Vimla Sharma, Sheetal Sharma, Om Parkash, Harcharan Singh, Suresh Kumar, Rama Kapoor and Pritam Kour.

Zargar for eco-friendly housing colonies

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives Abdul Aziz Zargar today stressed on developing eco-friendly green housing colonies, adding that Co-operatives Housing Corporation has a good role to play in this field. He suggested the development of eco-friendly housing colonies in both the divisions in co-operative sector and through public private partnership.

Minister was speaking at Bhoomi Poojan function of Royal Residency (A Multistoried Apartment Complex) at Swarn Vihar colony of Chak Chagerwan Jammu here today. The work on the complex was started from today.

Mr. Zargar said that the growing need of residential accommodation for all income groups have put tremendous pressure upon the Government and added that corporation has an important role to cater the need. He said that the idea of private public partnership in this sector would greatly help in establishing such colonies and apartments.

Mr. Zargar said that development of planned colonies is the need of hour and answer to the housing requirement of the people.

Hailing the efforts of Managing Director of corporation for setting up such five projects in Jammu just in six months, Mr. Zargar asked the co-operatives to focus now on Kashmir valley for setting up eco-friendly colonies and apartments on priority basis to cope up the growing need of valleyit. He said in Kashmir valley, there is a dire need to introduce the concept of multi-storied housing apartments to ease the pressure on agriculture and horticulture land which was shrinking due to growing population.

Giving the detailed project report of the Royal Residency, Chairman of the Corporation said that the Swarn Vihar colony spread over 600 kanals of land and its plots were provided to all income groups which includes 471 plots to low income groups, 234 plots to MIG and 90 plots to HIG. He said that Royal residency is a ten storey complex having 84 apartments which includes 80 apartments of 3-bed rooms and four apartments of 4-bed rooms. He said that the complex could have all facilities and hoped that the corporation would provide all kinds of facilities to the people of Swarn Vihar Colony.

Registrar of Cooperatives Dr. G. N. Qasba who was guest of honour also spoke on the occasion.

Disproportionate assets case
Court acquits then ADC, brother as SVO
fails to prove offence

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: In a much publicized case of disproportionate assets to the tune of Rs 87 lakh, Special Judge Anti-Corruption Kartar Singh today acquitted the then Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara Asgar Ali and his brother Farooq Ahmed as the State Vigilance Organisation (SVO) has failed to prove the basis ingredients of the alleged offence against them.

According to the Vigilance case, Asgar Ali has raised assets to the tune of Rs 87 lakh in the shape of movable and immovable at Jammu and other places. The substance was found while conducting a secret enquiry into the matter and thereafter a case was registered and investigation ensued in 1996.

In 100 pages judgement, Special Judge Anticorruption, after hearing CPO for the Vigilance Organization and Advocates P N Raina and Abhinav Sharma appearing for the accused persons, observed "Syed Asgar Ali is not in possession of any immovable property nor he has purchased Benami either in name of his wife or his brother Farooq Ahmed".

He was found in possession of some moveable assets in the shape of cash in his different bank accounts and money invested in FDRs either in his name or in the names of his minor children for which he had the source to invest and the amount was calculated at Rs 11, 73, 000, some FDRs were newly purchased and some were the renewal of the old FDRs.

But the prosecution has failed to prove as to how many FDRs were newly purchased and how many were renewed and this has made the task of the Court difficult to do the proper calculation and come to some definite conclusion.

However, it stands proved that income of accused Syed Asgar Ali from his known source of income was more than the assets which were found in his possession at the time of raid, so out of total cost of disproportionate assets Rs 87, 30, 975 accused has to account for only Rs 11, 73, 000 which he had invested during the check period.

The court, in the acquittal judgment, observed that the case has not been properly investigated by the Investigating Officer and the prosecution has failed to discharge the initial burden to prove the basic ingredients of the alleged offence against the accused.

The Court raised a question had the Investigating Officer verified the family assets of the accused; there was every-likelihood of the benefit to be given to the accused during investigation under the provisions of Section 169 CrPC. The accused Farooq Ahmed cannot be said to have conspired with accused Asgar Ali in accumulating the assets because he had his independent sources of income with which he purchased the immovable properties as mentioned in the Vigilance Organization charge-sheet.

"The Vigilance has miserably failed to prove its case against the accused beyond any reasonable shadow of doubt as there is not even an iota incriminating evidence against them and the material facts of the case have been suppressed during investigation", the Court observed and acquitted the accused of the charges framed against them.

3-day Sindhu Festival in Leh from June 12

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Apr 25: The three-day ‘Sindhu Festival-2008,’ popularly known as Ladakh festival is commencing on June 12 this year.

Deputy Commissioner Leh M K Bhandari in a meeting of the district officers reviewed the arrangements for the coming three-day festival.

Besides officers, representatives from Tour and Travel Agents Association, Hotel and Taxi Associations also participated in the meeting.

Several committees were also constituted to organise the programmes and making various arrangements for the smooth conduct of the festival. The speakers stressed the need of giving attention on publicity about the Sindhu Darshan celebrations in print and electronic media so that more and more tourists could be attracted to Ladakh during festival.

It was further disclosed in the meeting that domestic tourists have started coming in large number in Leh ever since the Sindhu Darshan festival was started. The meet decided to organise double-humped camel ride, Yark ride, archery, Thanka exhibition, Lama Mask dance, Kashmiri folk and Dogri folk dance. It was also decided that local food stalls will be exhibited at the festival site.

Parshu Ram Jayanti celebrations to begin from April 28

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: In connection with celebration of Bhagawan Parshu Ram Jayanti falling on May 7 various functions will be organised by Parshu Ram Janam Utsav Shoba Yatra Samiti.

This was stated at a press conference here, today by the convenor of the Samiti Pandit Madan Sadotra and its official spokesman, B B Raina.

They said on May 6 a Shoba yatra will be taken out at 1500 hours from Radio Station Chowk, Panjtirthi in which people from all walks of life will participate.

The Shoba Yatra after passing through main bazars of the city will culminate at Panjtirthi Radio Station Chowk in the evening, said Mr Raina . This will be a unique type of Shoba Yatra in which the cultural troops from different states including J&K will participate, he added.

He said in the morning of April 27, a Parbhat Pheri will be taken out from Radio Station Chowk and to strengthen the traditional communal amity and peace the people from all shades of life will also join the Parbhat Pheri.

He said on April 28 the Murti Sthapana will be also held at newly constructed Bhagawan Parshu Ram temple at the banks of river Chander Baga (Chenab) in Akhnoor. This is a unique temple of its kind in the North India, he added.

Mr Raina appealed people to join these functions in large numbers. He said the unique feature of this year’s Parshu Ram Jayanti Shoba Yatra will be the participation of Matka team from Maharashtra who will perform their feasts during the Yatra at different crossings.

He said on May 8 a hall of Parshu Ram Sabha will be inaugurated at Ramnagar, Udhampur.

C L College conducts VST for AIEEE

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: C L College of Competitions today conducted a Very Similar Test (VST) for AIEEE at both its centres i.e. Gandhi Nagar and Kachi Chowni.

A large number of students aspiring for AIEEE, appeared in the test to judge their level of participation. The test papers were designed strictly according to latest syllabi by the most experienced subject experts, keeping in view the style and standard of the said examination.

It is to mention here that the institution came into being four years ago and last year CLCC claimed four IIT, one AFMC and 98 AIEEE selections, out of which 17 students were ranked among first thirty.

CEC LAHDC inaugurates 12-Km Kanji road

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Apr 25: The Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Leh, Chhering Dorje today inaugurated the 12-Km long Kanji road at Kanji, 97 Km from here.

Speaking at a well attended function, the CEC said that Hill Council was all bent to connect remote villages with motorable roads so that better communication and transport facility was ensured for the development.

Mr Dorje said that with the opening of this fair weather road, mostly through the rocky portions, a long felt demand of Kanji village has been fulfilled.

He added that Hill Council with its close vigil and provision of funds, Mangu road, Shang road, Yarma Gonbo to Burma road, Digger road, Chumoor road, Achinathang link road, Skurbuchan-Skamburdoo road have been connected within the last two years and also expected to commission Skindiyang link road within next one month.

Also speaking, Executive Councillor, Agriculture, Tsering Norboo Lampa urged the people of Kanji to switch over cultivation of vegetables, besides traditional crops. He assured that vegetable seeds would be provided free of cost and free fencing material to protect their vegetable plots.

Also present on the occasion included Deputy Commissioner Leh, Dr M K Bhandari, executive councilors Mohd Khan and Stanzin Delak, SE PWD, M C Bhagat, Project Director DRDA, Ali Raza, SDM Khaltsi, G M Brakboo, councilors Tsewang Gonbo and Dorje Namgyal and other senior officers of the district.

Clerical staff stages protest demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 25: On the 30th day of the agitation today, clerical staff of all the departments held a protest demonstration and dharna outside the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu at Mubarik Mandi.

Employees from various Government departments including large number of female workers, assembled at Mubarik Mandi this morning. They staged protest demonstration and raised slogans in support of their demand. The agitating employees were demanding removal of anomalies in their pay grades.

Several employees’ leaders including Rehamat Ullah, Ram Kumar, Ravi Singh and others addressed the workers and criticised the Government for its failure to mitigate the sufferings of the clerical cadre. They demanded that a hike be given in the pay grades of junior, senior and head assistants.

Demonstrations were also held at various district headquarters and the employees observed complete strike. The work continued to be affected in view of the ongoing strike in the State.

Meanwhile, executive body of Geology and Mining Employees Association in a meeting held today under the chairmanship of M K Pandita, unanimously decided to render full support to the ongoing agitation of Clerical staff in the State. The association president appealed to the Government to settle the issue.

Govt functionaries vital agents of
socio-economic development:Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 25: Describing Government functionaries vital agents of economic transformation and social change, Social Welfare Minister Abdul Gani Vakil has reiterated resolve of Government to promote their promotion interests.

Addressing a public meeting at Narbal in Budgam district today, the Minister showered praise on employees for rendering co-operation in the execution of thousands of infrastructure projects taken up under double and triple shift systems across the State.

He said top priority was being given on speedy disposal of promotion files of all employees at all levels to infuse energy in administrative machinery for speedy progress and development of the State. He said promotion of officers including induction into KAS on large scale was in pipeline and would be effected shortly.

Mr. Vakil dwelt in detail on the reformative measures initiated in social welfare department. He said widows, old aged and destitutes now only need production of BPL card for obtaining security pension. The poor people not possessing BPL cards would be eligible for pension on the recommendation of Numberdar or Chowkidar of their respective villages, he added.

Block Medical Officer has been made final authority for certifying handicapped for securing pension, Vakil said, adding the steps have been taken to simplify cumbersome procedures for extending succour to the distressed speedily.

Among others, Youth Congress President and MLC Mohammad Amin Bhat, General Secretary PCC Mohammad Anwar Bhat and Amrin Badar, Farooq Andrabi and Parvez Hilal spoke on the occasion.