Daily Excelsior.........State

JAMMU, Apr 27: Minister for R&B Jugal Kishore Sharma today said that Red Cross Society has from inception worked selflessly for the service of humanity. Be it in war or in peace Red Cross have always stood for ameliorating the sufferings of people, he added.

The Minister after inaugurating one-day Red Cross Mela at Kala Kendra here this morning said that Red Cross works on the principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, voluntary service and universality. He said that these should be guiding principles for other voluntary and non-governmental organizations working in the State.

The Minister said that several new NGOs have mushroomed in the State but only those can sustain who work with full sincerity to the cause of mankind without any selfish motive. He said those who form NGOs believing them to be agencies for frisking money from Government and International agencies cannot survive in these times when people are more aware of their rights.

The Mela started with the inauguration of painting exhibition by students of different schools. The other attractions of mela included variety cultural programmes, dance competition, photo exhibition by various NGO's, free blood donation camp, attractive band display and performance by Army, BSF and CRPF. Royal Dogra food and Wazwan was also available at nominal rates.

The dance presented by the tiny tots of Sangrilla Public School Laxmi Nagar won the hearts of audience and the school was adjudged best in dance competition.

Various schools of the region participated in the different competitions organized during the Mela. They include K. C. Public School, K. C. Gurukul, Tiny Tots, Sangrilla Public School, Jagriti Niketan, Dogra Higher Secondary School etc. Painting exhibition by Insha Manzoor was also displayed on the occasion.

MLC Davinder Singh Rana, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey, Mayor JMC Kavinder Gupta, Secretary Regional Red Cross Society Jammu Anil Kumar Padha were also present on the occasion.

PDP formed to bring out youth from
suffering, agony: Mehbooba

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 27: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Ms Mehbooba Mufti today said that PDP was formed to bring out State’s youth from the trials and tribulations, they had undergone during the past two decades of turmoil in which they were caught between multiple guns.

Addressing a convention of the party's youth wing Ms Mufti said the PDP has devised a sustainable strategy to support the youth in developing their potential, improve their living conditions and give them greater responsibilities in political decision-making processes. She said now when peace and normality has been restored to a great extent and there is an overall sense of security among the people in general and youth in particular the biggest challenge is about the future of this youth.

She said that youth un-employability is more serious a crisis than unemployment itself and since there was saturation in Government sector and youth engaged on casual basis are without salaries for the last many months, her party was committed to bring them out of this dismal situation. Ms Mufti said that PDP is committed to make Jammu and Kashmir a Special Educational Zone and some major initiatives to widen the availability of the educational facilities in the State have already been taken since 2002. She said that among these initiatives are establishing three new universities, adding five campuses to the existing Kashmir and Jammu universities and opening 40 new degree colleges. Ms Mufti urged the Government to identify and remove the hurdles being created to delay the setting up of Dhirubhai Ambani Institute of Information and Communication Technology (DAIICT) at Humhama near Srinagar for which all the formalities including identification of land were completed by the PDP-led Coalition Government.

Ms Mufti said that as one of the measures devised by PDP is to market the natural resources for jobs it will ensure 80 per cent jobs out of royalty from the companies dealing with power generation and 50 per cent jobs out of royalty on land lease. She added that PDP in future will bring a legislation wherein the state Government will give employees tax benefits up to 50 per cent for employing the unemployed youth. She added that district wise employment cooperatives would be formed which would provide employment to the workers who would market their goods and services through these cooperatives.

PDP Youth wing president and MLC Syed Basharat Bukhari, district president Srinagar, Sheikh Ghulam Qadir Pardesi, general secretary youth wing Bashir Assad, district president youth wing Srinagar Mir Waseem also addressed the convention.

Azad puts stringent conditions on running ETTs

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Apr 27: Following serious complaints about the functioning of the elementary teachers training institutes (ETTs) in the State, the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who also holds the portfolio of Education, has imposed strict conditions on these institutes warning that violation of any one of these would invite cancellation of the no-objection certificate issued by Education Department for running an ETT.

Few months back when the Chief Minister assumed the portfolio of Dducation following the exit of the former education Minister from the Cabinet, a case of renewal of no-objection certificates to 126 ETTs of Jammu province came for his approval. The ETTs had been given NOCs for the period 2005-07 following which it had lapsed and needed renewal. Serious complaints had also surfaced about these ETTs flouting the prescribed norms for infrastructure, teaching staff and granting of certificates. There was also allegation of money exchanging hands at different levels before granting permission for running the ETTs. It had been alleged that the ETTs were granting certificates to students, 90% of whom came from the neighbouring states, without attending classes. The students would take admission and return to their respective homes and still get the certificates, the complaints said.

Taking serious note of the complaints, the Chief Minister ordered that the approval be put on hold. Meanwhile, the association of the management of the ETTs met the Chief Minister and assured him that the guidelines prescribed by the Education Department would be fulfilled in toto and adequate infrastructure and attendance of students would be fully ensured.

Following the unequivocal assurance by the association, the Chief Minister, on the reports of the inspection committees, has approved extension in the case of 107 ETTs who had already been granted the NOC to run the institutes. However, he has attached stringent conditions on infrastructure, teaching staff strength and granting of certificates and violation of any one of these would invite cancellation of the NOC. The ETTs have been asked to put in place adequate infrastructure and staff and ensure full attendance of students.

The Chief Minister has warned that any ETT found deficient on these conditions would lose the NOC. He has also asked for periodic inspections of the ETTs to ensure that the guidelines were strictly followed.

Meanwhile, the remaining 19 ETTs had been found 50% deficient in infrastructure and would be granted NOC only after fulfilling the set criterion. The inspection committee would later inspect these ETTs on whose reports further action would be taken.

Refugees condemn PM’s discriminatory stance

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Refugees from West Pakistan and Chhamb have strongly condemned the discriminatory stance of the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh who announced Rs 1600 crore package for Kashmiri migrants and just Rs 50 cr for refugees from Jammu region.

Addressing a press conference here today, Capt (Retd) Yudhvir Singh, president of the Jammu and Kashmir Refugees Front (1947, 65 & 71) alleged that there can not be two different yardsticks of relief and rehabilitation for the displaced persons within one State or the country. By making historic announcement within the strong crowd of refugees of border area of Akhnoor, Khour and Jourian on April 25, the Prime Minister has committed a blunder for which coming generations and the history will never forgive him.

Such a glaring example of discrimination and suppression of one community will cost Congress dearly in the coming days. It shows that there is no equality and delivery of social justice in the country in practical which is preached to the students and people of this country.

General secretary Rashpal Singh said for Kashmiri migrants the Government has already announced a township at Jagati, raised flats in Kashmir and quarters at Muthi, Nagrota and Mishriwalla and providing cash relief besides free ration. Now, they were offered additional Rs 1600 crore package. Another announcement of Rs 7.5 lakh for each family is yet another sop provided to them.

He condemned the Union Government for its Kashmir centric policies and alleged that Jammu refugees will come out on the roads and launch a final struggle by coming at one platform. Otherwise they would be forced to go back to their roots after crossing border.

North Zone level Psychiatry conference held in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Jammu, for the first time, today organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) of Indian Psychiatric Society of North Zone.

Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma was chief guest of the function while K B Jandial, Secretary Health and Medical Education was the guest of honour. Delegated from all across the country, academicians, GMC faculty, Army Psychiatrists and eminent citizens of Jammu attended the conference.

In his address, M Sharma said that addiction at all level should be challenged and countered by the State Government on priority with policy guidelines.

Mr Jandial emphasised the role of Chemists in preventing the menace of addiction in the State.

The CME was conducted with scientific sessions with the participation of Dr Rood Sidana from Rajasthan, president IPS North Zone, Dr Rajeev Aggarwal from Rajasthan Secretary, IPS NZ and Dr A K Kala from Ludhiana, chairman CME Committee. Expert speakers from AIIMS New Delhi, PGI Chandigarh and from Medical Institutes of Punjab and Jaipur spoke in detail on the treatment of addiction.

Prominent among those who attended the conference include Dr Rajinder Singh, Principal GMC, Dr Subash Gupta, former Principal GMC, Dr Krishan Lal Gupta, former Director Health Services, Dr Rakesh Khajuria, Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Dr M R Sharma, Principal, Dental College Jammu, Dr Romesh Gupta, Superintendent, GMC Jammu and Ashok Gupta, Controller Drugs. The welcome address was given by Dr Chander Mohan, Prof and HoD Psychiatry while vote of thanks was given by Dr Jagdish Raj Thappa, Senior Consultant, Department of Psychiatry. Proceedings were compered by Dr Mannu Arora, Lecturer Psychiatry.

Int’l model Liza Degerfeldt inaugurates centre
JD Institute of Fashion Technology launched in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: International model Lisa Degerfeldt inaugurated the first branch of JD Institute of Fashion and Technology in the city, this afternoon.

IGP Crime and Railways Dr S P Vaid, Executive Director of the institute R C Dalal and Centre Director Maansi Gupta were also present on the launching ceremony.

After inaugurating the Jammu centre, Ms Degerfeldt took a round of the institute and observed the kind of infrastructure and facilities being provided by the institute.

Later, talking to media persons, she apprised, "India always fascinates her especially in terms of colours and variety of textiles throughout".

She added that the State has great potential in the field of fashion and expressed her best wishes to the institute in its future endeavours.

Ms Degerfeldt, who’s having over seven years of experience in ramp modelling and brand photo shoots, was here on special invitation of the institute, as she had remained associated with the institute earlier.

Also speaking, Mr Dalal, executive director, dismissed the notion that the State was lagging behind in fashion, he, instead, expressed hope that Jammu will soon take lead in fashion technology.

Maansi Gupta, centre director, apprised that JD Institute was a two-decade old in fashion industry and known for creating fashion news every year. She added that the institute will provide quality education and exposure to the students to bring them at par with the best in the country.

Parshu Ram Janamotsav Samiti takes out Prabhat Pheri

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Prabhat Pheri marking the beginning of Parshu Ram Janamotsav was taken out here, today by Bhagwan Parshu Ram Janamotsav Shoba Yatra Samiti.

A large number of people drawn from all walks of life participated in the Prabhat Pheri which started from Radio Station, Panjtirthi. Chanting religious hymns, singing bhajans and beating drums the Prabhat Pheri passed through various markets of Jammu. The people greeted the Prabhat Pheri enroute by showering flowers on the it from roof tops. It (Prabhat Pheri) in the formation of spiritual river flowed through the various lanes of old city including Chowk Chabutra, Jain Bazar, Peer Mitha, Ghas Mandi, Purani Mandi etc.

At Peer Mitha and Pacca Danga the religious procession was joined by the people of different communities thus spreading the message of Saravdharam Sambhav. The devotees from Ramnagar and Jandrah also participated with full devotion and enthusiasm.

The main objective of organizing the Prabhat Pheri on the eve of Jayanti of Bhagwan Parshu Ram was to revive the traditional values related to Dogra soil. The Prabhat Pheri was taken under the guidance of B B Raina. He also appealed the people to make the Jayanti celebration a grand success this year.

Samajwadi Party’s concern over PM’s visit

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: State unit president of Samajwadi Party, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, has stated that Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh’s visit to J&K State and the announcement were aimed at boosting sagging morale of the Congress party on the eve of forthcoming Assembly election on Government’s money.

Reacting over PM’s visit, inaugurations of second bridge at Chenab near Akhnoor and Dul Hasti project at Kishtwar as also announcement of packages were termed by SP president as undemocratic and exploitation of masses with an eye over forthcoming elections, which the Sheikh said, were always won by manipulating fraud, force and finance, since independence in the State.

The former MP wondered over PM according credit to Congress alone for the second bridge over Chenab in Akhnoor and Dul Hasti project. He said the construction of bridge over Chenab started 29 years ago, while the Dul Hasti project has started generating power about two years back.

The Sheikh added that many important issues confronted by people of the State stand neglected, which included three regional councils, constitution of Chenab Valley, Pir Panchal Hilly areas as Hill Development Council and on which the Prime Minister adopted cryptic silence.

Industrial workers for structural reforms in Industrial policy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Industrial Estate Workers Union today said that in the wake of retrenchment of subsidies on the tax, employers lobby has threatened to close down the industries rendering 1,50,000 workers jobless.

Addressing a press conference here today, secretary CITU, Nirdosh Uppal, accompanied by the leaders of union, alleged that several psedo-industrialists from within and outside State have been siphoning off state's exchequer by mounting the burden of unemployment on youth of the State.

"They collect revenues for eight to nine years and then close down the industrial unit by declaring it sick" he said.

While pointing towards Central Government's decision to withdraw subsidies on tax levied on industrialists, Mr Uppal said, "Our union demands that concessions in the shape of subsidies and tax incentives be given to the industrialists by amending Industrial policy in the interest of economic development."

Among other demands which were raised on the occasion included: Labour Department be made accountable, transparency and accountability of Industrial entrepreneur plans, workers of closed factories be invited on preference basis to run the closed unit on co-operative basis and the employment on the basis of contract be banned.

Others who expressed their views in the press conference were Raj Kumar, Rajinder Singh, Surinder Singh, Shemsher Singh, HD Bomik and Surinder Singh.

Gurmat Samagam, Amrit Sanchar organized

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Gurudwara Sri Guru Singh Sabha organized a "Gurmat Samagam and Amrit Sanchar" at village Chohala in RS Pura with the support of Mahant Manjit Singh Ji of Shiromani Dera Nangli Sahib Poonch and Sikh Parchar Mission of SGPC Amritsar.

The ragies of Harminder Sahib Amritsar, Dhadi Jatha of Punjab and preacher of Sikh Mission SGPC Amritsar, S Swarn Singh Khalsa addressed the devotees in the religious function.

Secretary, SGPC, Dharam Prachar Committee, Amritsar S Waryam Singh also addressed the Sangat. He also appreciated Mahant Manjit Singh for his contributions in the field of education and technical education.

While addressing Mahant Manjit Singh appealed Sikh Sangat to avoid drugs for bright future of the community and stressed upon parents to follow the teachings of Gurus.

On the occasion, as many as 500 Sikhs baptized the holy Amrit from five priests.

Prominent among others who participated in the function were Shemsher Singh, Mohinder Singh, Makan Singh, Satinder Pal, Paramjit Singh, Paramjit Singh, Harjit Singh, Amarjit Singh and Surjit Singh.

Multi Lingual Mushaira held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Secretary J&K Art Culture and Languages Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi convened a general meeting of local writers, artists, intellectuals at Rajouri. This was the first visit of the Secretary Cultural Academy to Rajouri after a gap of 15 years.

While interacting with the different representatives of literature, art and culture, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi assured that a musical night, Sham-e-Ghazal and Rajouri Festival will be organized very soon at Rajouri to gear up the cultural activities in the region. He said that very soon an office of Academy at Rajouri equipped with latest modern facilities will be set up and district administration is being approached to get suitable land for the purpose.

Dr. Masoodi said that Rajouri district is known as the centre for literary and cultural activities and to promote the local talent a series of programmes will be organized. He disclosed that a District Drama Festival and a Drama Workshop will soon be organized at Rajouri so that the local theatre activities can also be reactivated.

In the meeting, the intellectuals, artists and writers hoped that with the new initiatives of Academy, Rajouri district will soon transform into a hub of cultural and literary activities.

Meanwhile, a multilingual mushaira was also organized by the Cultural Academy in which 25 poets of Rajouri district recited their poems in Gojri, Punjabi, Pahari, Dogri, Hindi, Kashmiri and Urdu languages.

Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi also facilitated Shahnaz Rajourvi, Farooq Muziar, Dr. Saber Mirza and Ch. Rafeeq Soz for their contribution in respective fields.

Among others, prominent citizens, writers, artists and large number of people were present on the occasion.

Booklet on Dogra Art Museum released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: A booklet on Dogra Art Museum was released at a function organised by The Heritage Foundation at Dogri Sanstha Bhawan, Karan Nagar here today.

President of the Foundation, Padamshri Prof Ram Nath Shastri and veteran journalist Balraj Puri (vice president), released the booklet in presence of a gathering of writers, poets, artists and intellectuals of the region.

An introductory booklet on the Dogra Art Museum is an effort, first of its kind by Kirpal Singh. This booklet was in continuation to brochure on Dogra Art Museum, Jammu released on the 50-years of Dogra Art Museum in 2004.

Prof Ram Nath Shastri gave an explanation about the establishment of Dogra Art Museum and role played by Master Sansar Chand Baru, Vidhya Rattan Khajuria, renowned sculptor of J&K and himself who were responsible for the major collection of the Museum. He lauded the efforts of Kirpal Singh in the heritage awareness by writing a series of booklets and brochures on archives, archaeology and museums.

Balraj Puri, vice president of the Heritage Foundation stressed for saving oral history and folk lore of Jammu.

Earlier, Kirpal Singh gave brief account of the museum movement in the world, India and J&K. He announced about starting of heritage related courses at Institute for Heritage Studies that was set up during 2004.

NC, PDP furthering militants agenda in J&K: Khajuria

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) while lashing out at Congress, its alliance partner People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Opposition National Conference (NC) today alleged that they were furthering the militants’ agenda in Jammu and Kashmir state.

As the PDP and NC leaders are giving statements daily to appease their constituencies and the stoic silence maintained by the Congress leadership over it indicates that the trio are working in unison to further the agenda of militants and Hurriyat, said BJP state chief, Ashok Khajuria while talking to reporters here this afternoon along with Party senior vice president, Prof. Hari Om.

Commenting on two days visit of Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh to Jammu, the BJP leader said while the package announced for Kashmiri migrants leading a refugee life for last over 18 years is a welcome step but Congress has betrayed and befooled the West Pak and LoC refugees.

The West Pak refugees have been totally ignored as the Prime Minister failed to announce grant of citizenship rights to them. Likewise he befooled the PoK refugees by announcing Rs 50 crore package after 60 years of their struggle."These refugees who have migrated from PoK have left properties worth crores of rupees and granting a 50 crore package is nothing except an eye wash" he added.

He said the recommendations of Working Groups are not acceptable to the BJP and Party has withdrawn from the same but Government is still going to implement them ignoring the public opinion.

He said counter to Congress claims the Prime Minister did not utter a word regarding handing over of Dul Hasti Project to J&K.

Jammuites disappointed by PM: Harsh Dev

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Taking a dim view of Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh's two day tour of the State, National Panther's Party leader and MLA, Harsh Dev Singh today said that the latter's visit has disappointed people of Jammu region who had pinned high hopes on him.

Addressing a media conference here today, Mr Singh said that although his party welcomes relief, rehabilitation and employment packages for Kashmiri Pandit migrants yet the Congress led UPA Government has discriminated against the migrants of Jammu region as well as PoK refugees.

Mr Singh further said that PM's recent visit is a testimony to the fact that the Congress party has been discriminating while distributing relief amongst migrants, which is against the directions of Supreme Court.

He also expressed his concern over the Central Government for not announcing any economic package for the unemployed youth of the region who have been staging protest for more than one year.

PoK refugees reject Rs 50 cr PM’s package

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Strongly rejecting Rs 50 crore package offered to the refugees of Jammu by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, SOS International, an organisation of PoK refugees has alleged that it was an insult and a cruel joke made with the displaced persons suffering for the last about six decades.

Addressing a press conference here today, Rajiv Chuni, chairman of the organisation, said that refugees of Pak Occupied Kashmir and those from West Pakistan and Chhamb have lost faith in the Congress, UPA Government and the leadership of Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh as he turned out to be the first PM who made the mockery of a most sensitive issue which is unique and amounts to breach of oath of equality.

He alleged that due to wrong policies of Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru, the then Prime Minister, the PoK refugees were made homeless and the area of three districts including Poonch, Mirpur and Muzaffrabad was stripped off from the State and the people turned homeless and refugees. Over fifty thousand people sacrificed their lives during massacre and the Government of India has now forgotten its claim over that territory and welfare and settlement of these hapless people.

He said nearly 15 lakh refugees have been ignored while Kashmiri migrants were offered Rs 1600 crores additional package besides Rs 7.5 lakh per family to those willing to go to Kashmir. He said the amount of Rs 50 crore which has been offered to refugees comes out to be merely Rs 412 per family was a mockery and an attempt to add salt on their wounds.

Prominent among others present include Raj Kumar Kohli, Suchwant Singh, Y R Gupta, Amrik Singh, J S Mangal, Sohan Singh, Jagan Nath, Dr Sudesh Gupta, Saroop Singh and Sohan Singh.

Gujjars regret ignorance

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Apr 27: The Gujjars today expressed deep resentment over non announcement of Economic and Political package for the upliftment of Gujjar tribe of the State by the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh during his recent visit of the State.

Haji Shamsher Ali Boken, the State President of J&K Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Forums today said "we were expecting a "Rehabilitation Package" from Prime Minister as more than 2 lakh nomad Gujjars and Bakerwals are landless , shelterless and voiceless in Jammu and Kashmir and living in pathetic condition is astonishing to note that there is no mention of down trodden tribal Gujjar community in the speeches delivered by Prime Minister during his two day visit of the State."

He alleged that there is no initative for Scheduled Tribe Gujjars in packages announced by Prime Minister and "four Working Groups" have miserably failed to give any recommendations for upliftment Gujjar community of State.

He said the State Government has failed in its duty to persuade and persue the genuine cause of tribals of the State especially before the Central leadership.

He added that "Our problems are different than any other community of the State adding that Gujjars are being victim of starvation, poverty, illiteracy and unemployment hence a special economic and political package is our right.

Haji Boken said added that though ST status has been granted to the Gujjar-Bakerwals, it has not been properly implemented. 'Till the political reservation is not provided to the community, there is no meaning of the ST status. Being a Scheduled Tribe community we deserve Political Reservation in both the Houses of State Legislature and the State is delaying this by one way or other way. Therefore we appeal to Prime Minister to intervene in the matter.

Praja Parishad reiterates minority status
demand for SMVD University

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Reiterating its demand regarding grant of Minority Status to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi (SMVD) University, the Praja Parishad Jammu and Kashmir has said that 50 per cent seats in all the courses of the institution be reserved for Hindu minority of Jammu province and 3 per cent for baridars.

It is astonishing that Governor who is also the chairman of the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has not paid any heed to this demand when he has made an announcement regarding reservation of seats for Kashmiri Pandits in proposed Sharda University, said Praja Parishad chief Chander Mohan Sharma while talking to reporters here, today.

He said also the reservations have been provided in Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri.

Mr Sharma also deplored the presence of Governor during the Congress rally at Akhnoor saying this has sent a wrong signal to the State administrative machinery particularly in view of coming Assembly elections.

Others who were present in press conference included Dr Som Magotra, Rishikesh Prashar, Ram Janam Dass Shastri, Arvind Sharma, Shatrughan Jamwal, Sunil Raka and Arun Rajwal.

Tara, Jugal inaugurate HSS, WSS at Kharah

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Apr 27: Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Tara Chand and Minister for Roads and Buildings Jugal Kishore Sharma today inaugurated an upgraded Higher Secondary School and a Water Supply Scheme at village Kharah in Khour block. With the inauguration of these two facilities, long pending demands of locals have been fulfilled.

The upgraded higher secondary school would cater to the educational needs of hundreds of students living in adjoining Kharah area which used to cover large distance to receive the higher education. Two large rooms at a cost of Rs. 6.50 lakh have also been constructed to accommodate the higher classes.

The Water Supply Scheme has been completed at a cost of Rs. 72 lakh. The scheme would cover over 3000 souls of 4-5 villages including Kartyal Simble, Sajwal and Kharah.

The Speaker and the Minister assured the people that their demands for construction of causeway over Loakhi Nulla at Kharah and boundary wall of higher secondary school would be examined on priority. He issued instructions to the officers to prepare estimates for these two schemes at the earliest.

Natrang presents Dogri play ‘Eh Jammu Eh’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Balwant Thakur’s ever political satire ‘Eh Jammu Eh’ in Dogri (This is Jammu) was staged in Natrang’s regular weekly theatre series (Sunday Theatre) at its studio theatre today.

Written and directed by Balwant Thakur, the play has been designed in an abstract form, which mirrors the shabby socio-economic-political and cultural picture of Jammu.

The play opens with emergence of a spineless creature claiming to be the leader of Jammu, who glorifies his lucrative hollow slogans for Jammu and the art of changing colours like chameleon and claims to have trained generation to carry the legacy.

The caricature of Jammu leadership shown through this spineless creature symbolically unveils various moments where Jammu loses its identity, pride and glory.

Mr Thakur said, "with elections drawing near, such kind of theatre will attain much of the importance, provided it gives voile to voiceless Jammuites". He emphasized that it was high time that such a powerful medium like theatre must demonstrate its strength.

The music of the play was composed by Suraj Singh, while the actors who enlivened their characters were Pawan Verma, Mohit Sharma, Gaurav Jamwal, Rohit Verma, Pankush Verma, Ankush Lakhnotra, Mohd Yasin, Rahul Singh and Mayank Bakshi.

During evening Natrang team performed yet another Dogri play ‘Suno Eh Kahani’ written and directed by Balwant Thakur at Kala Kendra in the concluding function of Red Cross Mela.

Hindu Shiv Sena stages demonstration
in front of Mufti’s residence

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: To express their resentment against the recent statements of People's Democratic Party (PDP) patron and former Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed and Party patriarch Ms Mehbooba Mufti regarding use of double currency and demilitarization the activists of Hindu Shiv Sena led by its State Chief, Krishen Manhas staged a demonstration in front of PDP leader’s residence here at Ambphalla today.

The irate Sena activists with flags in their hands shouted slogans against the PDP leadership and demanded action against them.

Addressing the demonstrators Manhas said that Sena will continue agitation against the PDP leadership unless and until they will not tender an unconditional apology for their statement which has hurt the sentiments of nationalist people in the country.

He said Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India and there will be no compromise on the issue. He warned that in case the PDP leaders don’t mend their ways the Hindu Shiv Sena will force the closure of their offices in Jammu.

Manhas also demanded a high level probe into the kidnaping of Mufti Sayeed’s daughter in 1989. He termed the kidnaping a big drama to free the dreaded militants at that time.

Others who addressed the demonstration included Rajiv Gupta and Ravi Saini vice presidents of the organization and Yashpaul Sing alias Raja its city president.

Purav Sainik Parishad, Sanaskar Bharti
organize Naman 1857 at JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: In connection with observance of 150th anniversary of 1857 War of Independence, Naman 1857 was organised at Gen. Zorawar Singh Stadium Jammu University here, today.

The function was jointly organised by Purav Sainik Parishad, Sanaskar Bharti and History Department of Jammu University. Lt. Gen. Anoop Singh Jamwal was the chief guest on the occasion while Mr Bankay Lal Ji the national organizing secretary of Sanaskar Bharti was the main speaker.

The function was presided over by ex DGP, J&K, M M Khajuria. A cultural programme including dance and songs presented by the students of Surtal Sangeet Dance School, Nateshwar Vidalaya and Udhampur Branch of Sanaskar Bharti. They enthralled the audience through their performance.

Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Gen. (retd) Anoop Singh Jamwal threw light on patriotic slogans of Vanday Matram and Jai Hind. He said the 1857 War of Independence was an effort of people of entire nation irrespective of their religion, caste creed and colour to throw Britishers out from India. In this struggle people from all corners of the country had participated, he added.

This struggle culminated in the independence of country in 1947 he said , adding, the nation has achieved this freedom after giving many sacrifices and to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation and we have to take a pledge to dedicate ourselves in the service of the nation.

Return of KPs must for lasting peace: PDP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: Reiterating People’s Democratic Party's commitment to restore peace and tranquility in the State, MLC Rafi Mir today said that return of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits to their native place, with dignity and honour, is must for establishing lasting peace in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a function of the members of the displaced community at Bota Nagar in Roop Nagar area, in the outskirts of Jammu city, Rafi Mir said that without Kashmiri Pandits Kashmir is incomplete and their return is must to restore the aged old traditions and culture. "We are very much aware that for the last 18 years displaced community has been facing lot of hardship due to their displacement from their homes and hearths", he pointed and sounded confidence that days are not far when Kashmiri Pandits would return to their native places.

He recalled contribution of the Kashmiri Pandits in spreading education in Kashmir Valley and said that need of the hour is to revive the aged old traditions.

While interacting with displaced Kashmiri Pandits from the Pahalgam area of Anantnag district, presently living in Bota Nagar locality, Rafi Mir, who himself belongs to Salar area of Pahalgam, said that during his tenure as Chief Minister of the State, Mufti Mohammed Sayed had taken many steps to mitigate miseries of the displaced community. He told the displaced people that PDP is aware of their problems and assured to take up all issues with the concerned authorities.

Ashok Kumar from Seer, Pahalgam, Omkar Nath from Salia, Pahalgam and eminent educationist Ram Krishan from Khayyar, Pahalgam addressed the meeting.

BJP opens office at Thanamandi

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Apr 27: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today opened its another office at Thanamandi. This is the third office opened by Party so far in the Muslim dominated areas of Rajouri district.

It was inaugurated by Party state secretary, Vivod Gupta in presence of a large number of the Party activists. Earlier the Party has opened its offices in Manjakote and Gambir.

Addressing the function Mr Gupta said that BJP is getting overwhelming response from the people in Muslim dominated areas as they are now fed up with the Congress, PDP and NC which have always misled them.

He said Muslims have now understood that BJP is not against any community but stands for united India in which people from all communities should live in complete peace and harmony.

The BJP leader also lashed out at PDP leaders statements on use of Pak currency in J&K, joint control, regional councils and self rule saying this way the Party was befooling the people of the state.

The meeting was also addresed by Yogesh Sharma district president BJP.

2-day orthopedic camp concludes at Shirya Bhatt Hospital

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 27: The two- day free orthopedic camp organised by Shirya Bhatt Mission hospital, Durga Nagar Jammu concluded today. The eminent Orthopedic Surgeon, Dr Sanjay Sarup from Delhi examined the children from underprivileged sections of the society who were mostly from far flung areas of Doda, Rajouri, Poonch and Billawar.

As per a release, these children were suffering from cerebral palsy, congenital problems like club foot, hip dislocation and spinal problems by birth or by trauma.

During the camp the patients were provided free Xrays and medicines. The most of the children were offered advice like surgery, appliances, artificial limbs and other advanced orthopedic measures.

These will be provided to them in reputed medical centres of Delhi free of cost by Deepda Healthcare Trust, Kiwnis Artificial Limb Centre Delhi and Ankur an NGO from Delhi.

Dr Sarup who is also the Trustee of Deepda Healthcare Trust informed that in future the Trust will organize the camps for needy children in Doda, Rajouri, Poonch and Srinagar with the help of social workers of Shirya Bhatt Mission Hospital.

The Camp was organised by Dr Archana, Vir Ji Bhat,O N Bhat, C J Kak, J L Raina, Tej K Bhat and Vinod Raina under the supervision of R K Pandita manager of the Hospital.