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

REASI, Apr 28: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has highlighted the need for time bound completion of infrastructure development projects and speedier implementation of welfare schemes to ensure all round and rapid progress of Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing Reasi District Development Board meeting here today, the Chief Minister said that plan funds in full have been allocated at the very start of the financial year and officials should leave no stone unturned in implementing the schemes within set timeline. He in fact called for completion of projects ahead of time without compromising on quality.

The current year's annual plan for Reasi district was approved at Rs. 37.29 crore. Out of the total outlay, over Rs.34.67 crore is capital component and Rs. 2.62 crore revenue component. Last year, Rs. 27.73 crore were spent under the district plan.

The Chief Minister announced Rs.11 crore for fast track development works in the district. He said under this dispensation, replacement of electric poles, blacktopping of internal roads and improvement of lanes and drains would be undertaken in the district. He emphasised that the amount be utilised within shortest possible time to ensure benefits reached the people at the earliest.

Mr. Azad also announced up-gradation of one high school to higher secondary level, two middle schools as high schools and one girls middle school as girls high school in each constituency of the district, besides opening up of five health sub-centres each in these constituencies to enhance reach of education and health care facilities.

While reviewing action taken on the decisions of the last board meeting, Mr. Azad impressed upon the concerned authorities for conducting joint inspections speedily, wherever forest clearance is required, for execution of road and other infrastructure development projects.

On tourism front, Mr. Azad asserted that there is need for giving impetus to create infrastructure on priority at places having high tourist potential. He said this would help in attracting more and more tourists to such spots besides activating economy of the area.

Minister for Industries and Commerce, Nawang Rigzin Jora exhorted upon the officers to redouble their efforts in completion of development schemes already taken in hand.

Minister for R&B, Jugal Kishore Sharma and Minister of State for Revenue and Finance, Aijaz Ahmed Khan projected development-oriented demands of their respective constituencies.

MLA, Abdul Gani Malik also highlighted demands of his constituency.

Earlier, District Develo-pment Commissioner, Reasi, Sanjeev Verma gave a resume of last year's achievements.

Minister for Industries and Commerce and Chairman of the Board, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister for R&B, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Minister of State for Revenue and Finance, Aijaz Ahmad Khan, MLA, Abdul Gani Malik, President, Municipal Committee, Reasi, Yash Paul Verma, President, Municipal Committee, Katra, Mulkh Raj Purohit, heads of departments and district officers participated in the meeting.

May Day rally taken out
LPEF urges Govt to concede demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: To mark the May Day observance All J&K Low Paid Government Employees Federation today organized a massive rally in the city.

The procession started from Parade ground and after passing through various parts of the old city, culminated at Shahidi Chowk where president of the Federation, Abdul Majid Khan addressed the rally.

The rally was attended by a large number of employees of different Government departments besides leaders as well as workers of the Federation drawn from various parts of the province.

Addressing the rally, Mr Khan alleged that the State as well as the Central Governments have failed to contain the spiraling prices of all the essential commodities of the daily need.

"The unprecedented price rise is the indicative of anti-employees policies being pursued by the Government," he said and added that inflation is breaking the back of poor employees having meager income.

Although, Mr Khan welcomed State Government for the release of 6 percent DA installment due from January 2008, however, he asked State Government to consider the recommendations made by the 6th Pay Commission on the pattern of Central Government.

He also raised several long pending demands including; implementation of recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission, removal of pay anomalies in clerical as well as teachers cadre, regularization of the contractual employees, minimum wages to adhoc and contractual employees to the tune of Rs 150 per day, grant of medical allowance to the tune of Rs 500 per month, benefits of IV class employees to the village guards, leave encashment benefits to the teachers, retirement age of Government employees at 60 years and up gradation of head assistant, two and half day extra salaries to the employees working in essential services departments, junior assistant and senior assistants in clerical cadre.

Earlier, glowing tributes were paid to the May Day martyrs.

Various employee organizations, which participated in the rally, were Central Offices Clerk Association, Provincial Clerical Association, Sheep and Wool Workers Association, Animal Husbandry Workers Associ-ation, Mechanical Workers Union, Social Welfare Ass-ociation, Medical Employees Union and Provincial Teachers Asso-ciation.

Prominent among others who spoke on the occasion were Avtar Singh, Ghulam Mir, Kishan Singh, Abdul Latif, Abdul Rashid, Vishwamitra Gupta, Jagdish Raj, Krishan Singh and Om Prakash Sharma.

Qarra assures road connectivity to far off places

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Minister for Finance, Housing and Urban Development Tariq Hameed Qarra has said that coalition Government is committed to develop all the neglected areas at par with towns and cities by providing road connectivity, healthcare, educational infrastructure, drinking water, electricity and irrigation facilities.

Minister of State for PHE, I&FC and CAPD Manjeet Singh, Presidents of Municipal Committees of Bari Brahamna, Ramgarh and Vijaypur, Executive Officer Municipal Committee, Bari Brahamna K. K. Chalotra, Executive Engineer Urban Local Bodies Jugal Kishore Sharma and other senior officers of Urban Local Bodies, R&B, PHE, RDD, PDD were present on the occasion.

The Minister was speaking soon, after inaugurating the Matador Stand and By-Pass link road including deep drain at Vijaypur, completed under Integrated Development of Medium towns’ scheme.

Mr. Qarra said that during five and half years tenure of coalition Government, massive development has been registered in every sector particularly in H&UD sector. He said that with the completion of By-Pass link road, a long pending demand of the Vijaypur people has been fulfilled. To complete the ongoing development projects within prescribed time frame, he said that the Government has provided sufficient funds in every sector. He asked the engineers to use quality material on development works, the resolve of Government is to create durable assets. He said that the objective of the coalition Government is peace and development.

Minister of State for PHE, I&FC and CAPD also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the achievements of the coalition Government. To facilitate the devotees of Chamblayal and Swankha temples, he informed that the Government has sanctioned Rs. 4 crore for improvement and maintenance of link road upto the mark. He informed that Government has also released Rs. 5 lakh each for Ramgarh, Vijaypur and Bari Brahamna municipal committees of Vijaypur constituency to carry out minor works of their respective areas.

A large number of people of Vijaypur, Ramgarh and Bari Brahamna met the Ministers and put-forth their demands which included maintenance of interior lanes and drains, construction of bus stand at Ramgarh, Community Hall, Park and Public Convenience at Vijaypur, installation of Mass lights at VIjaypur main chowks and blacktopping of old By-pass link road.

They gave patient hearing and assured that these would be looked into at the earliest.

Man held for stealing bones from Jogi Gate

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Police have arrested an old man for stealing human bones from Jogi Gate cremation ground here in the City. He has been identified as Kailash Kumar, 65, a resident of Gorkha Nagar.

During search, police found a bag hanging inside his house, which contained the "human bones" of a lady, who expired on April 26, police said.

A complaint was registered by one Kishore Kumar, who told the police that when he reached Jogi Gate today morning to collect the mortal remains of his mother, identified as Yashodha, 72, he found them stolen.

The locals informed Kishore Kumar about the accused, who was often found roaming around the cremation ground. He lodged a complaint with the police on which a police party from Bagh-e-Bahu police station swung into action and arrested the accused and also recovered a bag of "bones" from his possession, police said.

However, reason behind committing the crime was yet to be ascertained as the accused kept narrating different stories and posed himself as a mentally retarded, police said, adding that a case under Section 297 RPC has been registered against him.

Engineer among two chain snatchers held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Nowabad police have arrested two cash and chain snatchers from Talab Tillo and recovered stolen items from their possession.

SSP Jammu Alok Kumar told a press conference that chain snatchers were arrested after they indulged in snatching of a purse and a chain from two women in two separate incidents at Trikuta Nagar and Talab Tillo last night.

The accused have been identified as Manik Sharma alias Monu, an electric engineer son of Shashi Kant Sharma R/o Jain Bazar and Surinder Singh alias Bittu Suki son of Pritam Singh R/o Subash Nagar.

While Monu was arrested by Talab Tillo police on spot when the duo snatched golden chain of a woman at Vikas Lane, Bittu Suki managed to escape, Mr Kumar said, adding that he too was arrested later by the police.

Both had been riding on a scooter No. 2260 JK02W and had snatched purse from a woman Anjana Tickoo at Trikuta Nagar police station last evening which contained cash, mobile telephone, two ATM cards and one PAN card.

Yesterday evening, they snatched golden chain from another woman at Vikas Lane, Talab Tillo but an alarm raised by the woman led to the arrest of Monu.

All snatched items have been recovered from the accused against whom a case has been registered at Nowabad police station for further investigations.

Arrests were made by a Nowabad police station party led by SHO Inspector Kulbir Honda under the supervision of SDPO Bakshi Nagar M L Kaith..

Idol of Bhagwan Parshuram installed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha Parade today organized a function with "vedic vidi" and installed an idols of Bhagwan Parshuram, Goddess Gyatri and Saraswati at newly constructed temple at Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha premises.

The idols were installed by Dev Raj Sharma and donated by himself and Pawan Shastri.

Speaking on the occasion, president of the Sabha, Dev Raj Baru said that the newly installed idols would inspire people to fight against injustice and evil.

Prominent among others who were present on the occasion were Verinder Mangotra vice president, Shakti Dutt Sharma, general secretary, Suresh Sharma, treasurer, Bodh Raj Sharma, SN Sharma, Jagdish Dogra, Vijay Sharma, KL Khajuria, Jagdish Thapa, Shastri Acharya, Shanti Saroop Baru and Dev Raj Dogra.

Meanwhile, Dogra Brahman Pratinidi Sabha, Samba, in a meeting held under the chairmanship of its president Jagdish Thapa unanimously decided to celebrate Bhagwan Parshuram Jayanti on May 11 instead of May 7.

The president has appealed to the newly created units of Sabha at Bamylar, Dlani, Talot-Taloor, Shah-Balore Sarna, Kali-NudChani-Mausar and others to participate in the function.

Drugs valuing Rs 5.20 lakh seized, 2 held

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 28: On specific information and the instructions issued by Controller, Drugs and Food Control Organization (DFCO) J&K Jammu, a team of officers of Drugs and Food Control Organization headed by Deputy Controller, Drugs & Food Kashmir Nazir Ahmed Wani and SHO Shahed Gunj, Srinagar conducted raids at 242 Balgarden, Karan Nagar and seized below detailed drugs valuing Rs.5.20 lakh from Sajad Hussan Bhat Son of Gh Hassan Bhat of Karan Nagar and Javaid Iqbal Bhat Son of Gh Nabi Bhat of Mugal Mohalla Chttabal.

The drugs were found stocked in an un-licensed premises and meant for sale to un-licensed dealers as well as youth of the area included Recodex Syrup 72 cases each case of 100 bottles, Amiros syrup 3 cases each case of 100 bottles, Mericoff syrup 9 cases each case of 100 bottles, X-cold syrup 4 cases each case of 100 bottles, Zecoff (small) syrup 4 cases each case of 100 bottles, Dermiscab syrup 80 bottles, X-Cold tablets 60 packets, Amiro-PD syrup 4 cases each case of 100 bottles, Zecoff (big)syrup 90 bottles, Clobedol-M syrup 01 case each case of 100 bottles, Intagesic-MR Tablets 01 case, Meridyl syrup 7 cases each case of 100 bottles and Lupepar-500 Tablets 01 packet.

The defaulters have been booked under provisions of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940 and legal action is being initiated.

The team has also sealed one drug store under the name and Style Darul Shafa Drug store which was found stocking drugs causing intoxication.

2 fighting bulls kill minor boy

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Apr 28: Two fighting bulls, killed a minor boy playing in the street at village Sumoan near Nagri Parole in district Kathua this afternoon.

The victim has been identified as 13-year-old Kanha, son of Bhachan Lal, a labourer hailing from Gorakhnagar in UP and presently working in Nagri area. For the last 2-3 days, parents of the boy had gone to their village in UP in view of some urgency. The boy was putting up in their rented accommodation at the village.

The incident occurred when the boy alongwith some other boys of the locality was playing in the street. Two full grown bulls came fighting in the street. The boy came in their grip and could not find time to escape. One of the bulls hit the boy with horns and head and killed him on the spot.

The villagers present on the spot, informed police about the matter. A Nagri police party shifted the body to the mortuary of Kathua hospital and flashed a message to deceased boy’s family. A case has been registered for investigation.

SAD, SAC leaders reject PM’s Rs 50 cr package

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), J&K has strongly rejected the package of Rs 50 crore announced in favour of PoK and West Pakistan refugees by the Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his visit in Jammu on April 25.

Addressing a press conference here today, working president of the SAD (J&K) and president of J&K Sharnarthi Action Committee, Gurdev Singh alleged that announcement of Rs 1600 crore package for Kashmir migrants and mere Rs 50 crore for refugees of Jammu, has proved that UPA Government at the Centre has strong discrminatory attitude towards the people of Jammu region.

Dr Manmohan Singh and the Congress party in particular have broken all the records of discrimination and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has proved as no different than his predecessors. He said Azad only gave false assurances that refugees would get justice and now he stands exposed and the real face of the Congress has come forward.

While rejecting the Rs 50 crore package, the SAD leader warned that neither Azad nor the UPA Government should take them for granted. Refugees will bounce back and the results will be before the Congress after coming Assembly elections.

Another SAD leader Dayal Singh Wazir said that refugees have lost faith in the leadership of Mr Azad. It is unfortunate that Kashmiris are being paid Rs 4000 cash as relief per family and received flats and additional Rs 7.5 lakh per family is being given to them for going back to Kashmir, the refugees will be getting mere Rs 400 per family out of the package announced. It amounts to rubbing salt on their wounds and insult to the whole community. He said Union Government should realise its mistake and take immediate measures to fulfill the aspirations of the neglected community.

Rs 71.73 cr annual plan for Baramulla

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 28:The current year's annual plan for Baramulla district has been approved at Rs. 71.73 crore. Of this, the capital component would be to the tune of Rs. 45.02 crore while as the State share would be Rs. 20.38 crore. Rs. 1009.29 lakh were earmarked for completion of ongoing works.

Decision to this effect was taken at District Development Board meeting convened at Baramulla under the chairmanship of Minister for Agriculture and Co-operatives, Abdul Aziz Zargar, who is the chairman of the Board here today.

Minister for PHE, Mohammad Dilawar Mir, Member Parliament A.R. Shaheen, MLAs Dr. Mustafa Kamal, Shoaib Lone, MLC Basharat Bukhari, Vice Chairman Pahari Board Shabir Ahmed, DDC Baramulla, Chief Engineers and Directors of various departments were present.

The DDC gave resume of the achievements registered during last financial year in the district.

The board took the decision of convening a joint meeting of various executing agencies through DDC Baramulla for working out the measures for completion of Sangrama-Kupwara and Potkah-Patcher roads.

Speaking on the occasion, the chairman while appreciating the achievements of the district administration reiterated the resolve of the present coalition Government to speed up pace and normalcy in the State. He said the government was committed to provide equal opportunities of development to all the regions of the State. He stressed for greater coordination among the executing departments to ensure prompt percolation of benefits to the grass root level as also to formulate new schemes in compatibility with the future requirements of people of the district besides availability of funds.

ASKPC asks Govt to seek frontal KP organizations’ opinion on return

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) today said that it will be pre-mature to give any reaction on Prime Minister’s package for displaced Kashmiri Pandits as no blue print of the same is available with the community.

"The Government should elicite the opinion of all frontal organizations of Kashmiri Pandits on the rehabilitation of displaced Pandits in Valley as any decision in huff will prove counter productive", said ASKPC chief, A N Vaishnavi, its senior vice president, R K Raina, vice president , V K Kashkari and general secretary, H L Chatta at a press conference here, today.

"The Government should ensure rehabilitation of KPs in Valley with free flow of Indian Constitution, they said".

Before setting up the modules for the return the Government should ensure the safety of Hindu shrines and temples in Valley and provide jobs to the unemployed youth of the community, Mr Vaishnavi demanded.

He however appreciated the concern shown by the Prime Minister for the displaced Pandit community and said the employment package is insufficient and the number of youth to be given jobs be increased with announcement of age relaxation.

Expressing concern over the forcible encroachment of land by some vested elements in the Valley in connivance with revenue authorities, Mr Chatta demanded immediate restoration of the same.

JKNDF, Nagbal Committee term package half backed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: While reacting to Prime Minister’s package for Kashmiri migrants, the Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front (JKNDF) working president, A K Dewani termed it as half backed.

Addressing the JKNDF meeting here, today, he said it does not address the fundamental requirements of political resettlement which alone can give the community confidence of living in the Valley with honour and dignity. Even the need of giving the community a free hand in managing its institutions has been ignored, he added.

He said the economic rehabilitation is not also well founded and it has many constraints.

JKNDF demanded that a very strong economic foundation has to be created for resettlement of migrants in Valley.

Mr Dewani in an appeal to community leadership urged it to arise over and above organizational interests and join hearts and hands to work out a purposeful integrated rehabilitation scheme and secure its implementation.

P L Badgami, in his address stressed for need of bringing unity among community leadership so that problems faced by it are forcefully dealt with. Others who addressed included Bushan Lal Bhat, D N Kissu, Prof. Girdhari Lal, S N Sapru and Rajinder Koul.

Anantnag Prabandhak Committee in a meeting here, today held under the leadership of P N Goja its president while welcoming the statement of package announced by Prime Minister, termed it a belated measure which is nothing except an eye wash.

It demanded employment package with reservations to migrant category in employment, complete implementation of M L Koul Committee interim report, creation of satellite townships at district headquarters, declaration of three Assembly seats and safe passage of shrines and religious places Bill.

The meeting was attended by Jai Kumar Bhat, C J Dhar, R K Koul, Roshan Lal Goja, Chand Ji Goja, G L Kath, Ashok Koul and Surinder Koul.

Bandipora-Gurez road to be thrown open shortly

Excelsior Correspondent

BANDIPORA, Apr 28: On the instructions of Chief Minister, the Bandipora-Gurez road would be thrown open to traffic shortly despite accumulation of heavy snow on the road during the preceding winter.

In this connection, the district administration has already provided 12000 litres of diesel for additional snow cutters to the Beacon authorities. The district administration had arranged 28 air-flights to provide relief and succor to the passengers of Gurez, Bandipora and Tulail during winter months and in all 390 passengers were airlifted.

Meanwhile, SDM Gurez convened a meeting of officers at Gurez and took stock of essential commodities. It was told that presently 10,300 quintals of rice, 3900 quintal of atta, 1360 quintal of sugar and 51800 litres of k-oil are in stock to cater to the requirements of people for next two months.

KP bodies discuss implications of rehabilitation package

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Leaders of various Kashmiri Pandit organizations in a meeting here, today discussed the implications of the rehabilitation package for migrants announced by Prime Minister of India , Dr Manmohan Singh on April 25.

The meeting was chaired by Vir Saraf, convenor RIK, J&K. They, while welcoming the intent of Government of India to rehabilitate the exiled community, said that the package lacked the content and fell woefully short of the expectations of the community. The spirit of a holistic rehabilitation of a community, torn from their roots and braving it in exile for last 18 years was lacking the main measures of security, they added.

The meeting said that 6000 jobs were not sufficient where as over 40,000 unemployed KP youth mostly technically trained are hankering for jobs. It demanded age relaxation with priority to those youth who got over aged during these years of exile.

It said the return package should start with a bold infrastructual framework that would guarantee a compact and secure rehabilitation with geo-political dispensation in an environment free with viable economic and political empowerment for the exiled community in the Valley.

It said that the return should ensure retention of the exiled community in the Valley and linked to their political rights and the granting of minority status.

ATI members call on SFC Managing Director

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: The Association of Timber Industries (ATI) Jammu, under its president Th Jai Singh, has a meeting with the newly appointed Managing Director of State Forest Corporation, Abdul Qayoom Khan in his office chamber today.

The Association hoped that under his present assignment, the existing problems and crisis of timber traders and wood based small scale industrial units would be looked into properly and resolved to fulfill the requirement of traders.

A detailed memorandum was presented to the Managing Director by Th Jai Singh on behalf of the Association, which contained inescapable demands.

The MD, State Forest Corporation, Abdul Qayoom Khan, went through all the demands in the memorandum and discussed with other officers of the corporation, who had also joined the combined meeting, for an early fulfillment.

This was the first meeting of members of Association with the Managing Director SFC.

Non-camp refugees demand settlement

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28 : Non-Camp Refugees Society, Chhamb Sector has demanded permanent settlement with the allotment of adequate land and compensation in their favour.

A deputation of the non-camp refugees from Chhamb sector led by Maj (Retd) B R Dogra met the visiting Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on April 26 at Raj Bhawan here and demanded allotment of land and adequate compensation. Maj Dogra pointed out that nearly 2000 families were displaced as a result of Indo-Pak war in 1971. They failed to be registered with camps organised by the State Government. They have been totally denied the land and compensation.

He pointed out that these families left behind their land and property but still struggling for the permanent settlement with the allotment of land and compensation. Majority of these families are in Armed forces and in Government service while some work as labourers outside and with in the State.

Maj Dogra urged the Prime Minister to provide compensation to these families besides allotment of land for ensuring their permanent settlement. The deputation at the end, submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister depicting their demands.

Chairman JRB inaugurates computerized Bhalwal branch

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: The computerized branch office of Jammu Rural Bank (JRB) at Bhalwal was inaugurated by its chairman O P Sharma in an impressive function, here this morning.

The function was attended by bank staff and the prominent citizens of the area. With this the number of computerized branches of the bank has gone upto eight.

Later, a Mass Rural Development Awareness camp was organized by the bank wherein farmers in large number from surrounding areas participated.

Speaking on the occasion, the chairman highlighted the role of RRBs in general and JRB in particular for rural development. He stated that with computerization, the branch will be in a position to provide better services to its clientele.

He expressed gratitude to the management of the sponsoring bank for extending software and technical support for computerization of branches of JRB under the patronage and visionary leadership chairman and CEO, Dr Haseeb Drabu.

He explained that JRB with a network of 91 branches, covering five districts in the State was meeting the banking needs of the people. Among others who also attended the function included Suresh Koul, senior manager, Dr S K Gupta, area manager etc.

Funds meant for Backward Classes students
being misused in J&K: Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Member National Commission for Backward Classes Government of India, Ram Avdhesh Singh today alleged that the funds given by National Backward Classes Financial Corporation to the J&K Government for the Backward Classes students studying in various educational institutions in the State have not reached to deserving people and were being misused.

"The money provided during the last 10 years has not reached the deserving students belonging to OBC categories as has been verified by me and other members of the team during our visit to various educational institutions here, said Mr Singh.

He, while demanding a high level probe into the matter said that the issue will be taken up with Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and also raised in the Parliament which is in session as crores of rupees have gone down the drain.

Mr Singh said J&K Government has changed the nomenclature of OBC by using the word the Residents of Backward Areas and ALC which is totally unconstitutional. He said on the name of Residents of Backward Areas and ALC the Government was doing an injustice with OBCs in the State. This is a serious issue and the Commission will also take up it with the Union Government and also raise the matter in Parliament.

He said the Commission will seek an information under RTI Act as to where this money has gone. Besides 150 MPs from backward classes will also meet Prime Minister tomorrow and discuss the issue with him.

Harbans Lal Verma and Sham Mehra members of the Backward Classes Federation of India were also present in the press conference.

Care College organizes "Industry-Academia" interface

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Care College, a learning centre of Punjab Technical University (PTU), today organized an "Industry-Academia" interface for its students at Jammu Club.

Sumit Gupta, general manager (Marketing & Operations), Pepsi Co India, Gurgaon was the visiting personality in the interface. The students of all the courses including MBA, M Sc (IT), BBA, B Sc (IT) etc and faculty members attended the event.

While interacting with the students, Mr Gupta apprised them about the skills required to secure placement in MNCs. He also highlighted the qualities, which his company specifically looks while selecting the candidates.

During the event, students asked variety of questions from the visiting personality. Interestingly, it was asked from Mr Gupta, as to why Pepsi Co was leading in India in comparison to Coke, which was at top globally.

He replied that it was due to company’s strong marketing research here in India, as he informed, Pepsi Co spends nearly 100 crore on market research to consolidate its position in the country.

Later, he assured that Pepsi Co will utilize the services of the students of the college for campaign and project reports besides, entertaining them as management trainees.

Earlier, Poonam Gupta, a MBA student presented the welcome address, while another MBA student Rajiv Kumar presented a critical perspective on FMCG. The event concluded with vote of thanks by Mr Manish Pathania.

Spokesman denies CM writing to EC on early polls

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: An official spokesman has rejected as baseless and preposterous the news report carried by a newspaper on Monday suggesting that the Chief Minister had written to the Election Commission of India on holding early Assembly elections in State.

The spokesman expressed surprise over the publication of the news report when the Government only a few days back had set at rest all speculations to this effect. He reiterated that the Chief Minister had not approached the ECI for advancing the polls nor had he, at any point in time, written any letter to the Election Commission on the subject. The spokesman further said that the reporter had not cross checked facts while filing the story and pointed out that the holy month of Ramadan, the premise of the story, this year falls in September and not October.

Unemployed Vety Docs elect body

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: The All J&K Unemployed Veterinary Doctors Association held a meeting and elected its general and executive body.

Those elected included Dr Sayed Adil Bukhari as president, Dr Rajesh Kalha vice president, Dr S M Aftab as general secretary, Dr Mir Shabir and Dr Wasim Hamdani as joint secretaries, Dr Irfan and Dr Zakir Hussain as publicity secretaries.

Also elected were Dr Munaza Mushtaq and Dr Shafqat Khanday as spokespersons, Dr Varun Negi and Dr Latima Sharma as coordinators, Dr Sahil Pangotra and Dr Zuhaib Fayaz Bhat as finance secretaries, Dr Mandeep Azad as special secretary (Jammu) and Dr Lateef as special secretary (Kashmir). On the occasion, several issues related to the association were also discussed.

House gutted due to short circuit

Excelsior Correspondent

RAMNAGAR, Apr 28: A house was completely gutted due to a short circuit at village Kagote on Udhampur-Ramnagar road, 12 km from here, this evening.

According to report, the fire erupted in the 10-room house of one Fambi Ram, son of Ram Dayal of Kagote due to short circuit at around 5 pm in which the entire house engulfed.

Around an hour later, a fire tender from Ramnagar reached the spot and after hour long efforts managed to douse the flames with the help of locals. A police team from Police Station Ramnagar also reached the spot soon after getting the report of the incident.

Reports added that eight of the ten rooms were completely gutted and the total damage was assessed at around Rs three lakhs, while no loss of life was reported in the incident. Meanwhile, police has registered a case in this regard.

PK delegation calls on Governor, highlights view point

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: A delegation of Panun Kashmir led by its convenor, Dr Agnishekhar called on Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha here, today and apprised him of the Community’s view point regarding the establishment of Sharda University.

The delegation during his interaction with Governor informed him that Kashmiri Pandits highly appreciated the role played by Governor and personnel interest taken by him in re-establishment of the ancient Sharda Peeth University is laudable.

Terming the concept of Sharda University a move in right direction, the P K leaders suggested the University be handled by the people whom the community trusts and who have a strong civilizational commitment to the project.

The other members of the delegation included Sanjay Moza, Daya Krishan Koul, Virender Raina, Om Jee, Dr Khema Koul and P Koul.

Dimple submits memorandum to CEC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: A delegation of Jammu West Assembly Movement led by its president Sunil Dimple called on Chief Electoral Officer, B R Sharma here today and submitted a memorandum addressed to Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India through him.

As per a release, the memorandum demanded that election schedule for J&K be announced and Assembly elections should be held in State without any delay.

It said the entire developmental process in the state has come to a grinding halt as the leaders of coalition Government are busy in public meetings to garner support for their parties at the cost of development.

It also demanded bifurcation of Jammu West Assembly seat, granting of district status to Jammu West Assembly Constituency, constitution of Delimitation Commission, holding of Assembly elections after delimitation of constituencies and conducting of Assembly elections under Governor’s rule.

Two female students rescued by police

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Apr 28: Police this evening rescued two female students of 12th class from illegal confinement of a Nursing Orderly of Budhal hospital. The NO was absconding and police have launched a search to nab him.

Reports said two students Haneefa of village Phalni and Shimla Devi of Kot Chadwal were allegedly kidnapped by NO Abdul Qayoom when they were returning to their room after finishing their 12th exam at 5 pm.

On an information given by local people, police raided the NO’s house and rescued both the girls late this evening. The NO managed to escape.

The girls were taken to hospital for medical examination, whose report was awaited.

Local people subjected the Budhal hospital to stone pelting to protest the NO’s involvement in the kidnapping. However, normalcy was restored following intervention of police.

A case in the kidnapping has been registered at Budhal police station.

Clerical cadre staff’s strike enters 33rd day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: While the general public continued to suffer, the pen down strike of the clerical staff of all the government departments entered the 33rd consecutive day today.

The employees held a massive demonstration at Panama Chowk here in support of their demands. They were demanding removal of anomalies in their pay grades. Ram Kumar Sharma (co-ordinator) and Ravi Singh were leading the agitating employees.

While addressing the gathering, they criticized the state government for causing delay in the redressal of their demand. They said the employees were well aware of the difficulties of the general public but the Government has maintained criminal silence in resolving the issue. It was decided that on May 5 and 6, the agitating employees will block National Highway in Jammu, Kathua, Udhampur and all the other districts to intensify their agitation.

At Srinagar, large rally was held which was addressed by Central executive members Sayeda Bano, K A Dewani, Abdul Hamid Bhat and Qazi Fayaz Mohd. It was later decided by the agitating employees to conduct "Gherao of the Civil Secretariat" in Srinagar on the opening day.

Rehmat Ullah Malik addressed employees rally at Kishtwar and appealed the employees to continue their agitation till their demand was addressed by the Government.

Three youth attempt suicide; 2 assaulted

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Three youth made attempts to end their lives while two persons were assaulted in different incidents.

A police spokesman said that three persons allegedly made attempts to end their lives by consuming poisonous substances at their respective residence.

They were rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital soon after their respective family members found them in unconscious condition.

The doctors attending them immediately provided stomach wash treatment to them and their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

It could not be immediately ascertained as to what prompted them to take this extreme step.

They have been identified as Sunny, son of Dildar of Balmiki Colony, Gandhi Nagar, Anil Sharma, son of Tara Chand of Purmandal and Sumit Padha, son of Ravinder Padha of Talab Tillo.

Police has registered a case in this connection and started investigations to ascertain the cause behind the extreme steps by three youth.

Meanwhile, two persons sustained injuries when they were assaulted in two different incidents.

The injured have been identified as Joginder Lal, son of Dhania Ram of Sarore and Biji, wife of Abdul Aziz of Gharota. In both the cases, police has started investigations.