Electric employees stage demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Employees Joint Action Forum held a dharna at Jakhaini, Grid Station near here today.

A large numebr of employees of Power Developemnt Departmetn aprticapted in the demosntration. The demonstration was organsied by Des Raj, Suresh Antal and Fateh Mohammed district presidents of various unions.

The demosntrationwas headed by Gulam Nabi Bhat. The demosntrators demanded settlemnt of long pendign demands of the PDD employees. They also expresed their resentment agaisnt the Governemt’s failrue is settling their genuine demands.

Shouting slongs the employees demanded Interim relief of Rs 1000, regualrisation of daily wagers, Impelmentation of 6th Pay Commission and reorganisation of PDD.

Addresisng the demosntrators P C Sharma and Gulam Nabi said that the PDD employees are not interested in agitational progrmeme but said that they have been forced to protest as Governemt failed to redress their long pending demands regardign which memorandums have been submitted to Governemt a numebr of times in advance.

They sought the intervention of Chief Minister and Power Misnter in the matter and urged them to solve the genuien demands of PDD employees immediately.

Sanaskar Bharti takes out rally to pay
tributes to martyrs of 1857

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: To salute the martyrs of 1857 war of Independence, Sanaskar Bharti organised a rally here, today.

The rally started from Mubarak Mandi and after passing via Chowk Chabutra, Pacca Danga, Rani Park, Moti Bazar, Kachi Chawni it later culminated at Dewan Mandir.

Besides politicians, academicians, poets and students a large number of people participated in the rally to pay tributes to martyrs.

At Dewan Mandir a cultural programme was presented by the students from Trikuta Nagar. The activists of Sanaskar Bharti had brought the earth from the birth places of those martyrs of Jammu who laid down their lives while fighting terrorism in J&K and in Kargil war. The speakers paid rich tributes to the martyrs and recalled their services to the nation. The students and the rallyists worshiped the earth brought from birth places of martyrs and took a solemn pledge to work for the national unity and integrity.

The function among others was attended by Mr Krishanand Ji, president Sanaskar Bharti, Om Parkash Kapil, Archana Koushal, Brig. (retd). Sucheet Singh, Yudhvir Sethi and Ajay Kumar, organizing secretary Sanaskar Bharti.

Retd officers hold ICICI sponsored meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: A meeting of Retired Officers Association (ROA) sponsored by ICICI Lombard was organized at Scouts and Guides Complex to generate health awareness and to interact with the agencies connected with Medical Insurance and Pathological Testing with focus on senior citizens.

The meeting was presided over by Forum president Dr J K Sharma. Zonal Manager Romit Modi and Mr Deepankar, Manager ICICI Lombard, New Delhi, explained the salient features of the different slabs of Medical Insurance offered by ICICI Lombard at affordable rates upto the age of 80 years, as the scheme has been framed to suit senior citizens to cope up with their medical problems.

Representatives of Dr Lal Path Laboratories and ASCOMS and hospital also came forward and offered their services to the retired officers for pathological testing at subsidized rates. Dr V K Whig thanked ICICI Lombard Dr Shiv Dutt, representatives of Dr Lal Path, ASCOMS and Hospital, Commissioner Scouts and Guides, members of ROA, press and media for their whole hearted cooperation.

Prominent ROA executive members, who attended the meeting included Avtar Singh, H S Sasan, J B Suri, Dr Jia Lal Gupta, Raj Bharti, Prof Satish Anand, Dr V K Whig, Vijay Bangotra and Basirat Singh.

Zargar, Dilawar, Hussain conduct aerial
survey of snow affected areas

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: Minister for Agriculture, Abdul Aziz Zargar, Minister for PHE and Horticulture, Mohammad Dilawar Mir and Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Peer Mohammad Hussain made an aerial survey of the snow affected areas of south Kashmir to take the stock of the situation arisen there.

They surveyed Qazigund, Noorabad, Lamer, Kulgam, Shangus, Veerinag, Kond, Kapren, Kokernag, Tral, Shopian Anantnag and other most affected areas.

Mr. Zargar and Peer Hussain had a joint meeting with the district administrations of Anantnag and Kulgam and reviewed the arrangements made by the Government for the affected people, besides taking stock of the supply position of both the districts. It was informed that in Gulab Bagh and Kapren 73 structures had been damaged including 5 totally collapsed, besides 6 death had been reported in Kapren area. By the timely action of the administration, 39 lives had been rescued in Gulab-Bagh and shifted to Middle School Hillar Shahabad.

Regarding the electricity, the meeting was informed that 80 percent electricity had been restored in both the districts and snow from Anantnag-Pahalgam, Anantnag-Vailoo and Anantnag-Verinag had been cleared so far and efforts are on to clear it from interior and link roads of the districts.

Mr. Zargar asked the district administration, Kulgam and Anantnag to speed up the snow clearance from the roads and utilize manual services, apart from the snow machines.

Peer Hussain asked the Director Health Service, Kashmir to ensure foolproof medicare facilities to the people at every health institution. He asked the DC Anantnag to mobilize the men and machinery in far flung areas and monitor the operation personally.

Later Mr. Hussain visited Shangus and took stock of the situation and arrangements made by the local administration to provide relief to the snow affected people. He interacted with the people and assured them every possible assistance from the Government.

BJP demands forthcoming elections under Governor’s rule

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: Urging the Governor, Lt. Gen.(retd) S K Sinha to dismiss the coalition Government in J&K to pave the way for conducting forthcoming elections fairly in the State, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), today said the alliance led by Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad has forefieted its right to rule the State for a day in view of its anti people policies.

The Party in its recently held Executive Committee meeting has passed a resolution in this regard, said BJP State president, Ashok Khajuria while talking to reporters here, today along with Party senior leader Mohan Singh Chauhan.

He accused the Congress led ruling coalition of murdering the democracy in the State, by not allowing the opposition to discuss the public related issues and by denying it the opportunity to express its grave concern over the menace of corruption, loot and plunder of natural resources, including the precious green gold.

He said, Mr Azad dismissed Pradesh Congress chief Peerzada Mohammed Sayeed from his Cabinet on the allegation of accepting Rs 40,000 as bribe from an MLA but failed to take action against two ministers of PDP who have been named by Kundal Committee in multi crore forest scam.

He said Congress led coalition is not only undesirable and harmful combination but also anti Jammu and anti Ladakh regions. The glaring examples of it are subverting the Wazir Commission recommendations, its refusal to set up the Delimitation Commission and the growing unemployment in Jammu region in comparison to Kashmir.

Mr Khajuria said, the coalition has become a threat to national security and to the country’s secular and democratic ethos, hence this Government should be thrown out lock, stock and barrel.

He also demanded that the relief to snowfall victims be distributed without any discrimination against Jammu region where a lot of damage was caused by the recent snowfall too.

He also expressed solidarity with the agitating BDS students of Jammu and urged the Government to seek permission from MCI as the career of these students was at stake for no fault of theirs.

During the press conference Vijay Gupta, Sanjay Gupta, Subash Gupta, Vishal Gupta and Munish Gupta joined the BJP in presence of Mr Khajuria who later nominated Vijay Gupta as Prabhari, Ward No 4, Jammu East.

Hurriyat seeks Bhat’s mortal remains

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 9: About 30 top leaders and activists of Moderate Hurriyat Conference were detained today when they were marching towards United Nations office to submit a memorandum asking for UN help in returning the mortal remains of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, founder of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front to Kashmir.

Hurriyat leaders including Shabir Shah, Sheikh Aziz, Fazal Haq Qureshi, Javed Mir and many others held a protest march which was stopped by police before reaching UN office in Sonwar. When the protesters did not stop, police swung into action and detained many of them.

The memorandum which was presented to the UN Military Observers Group here asked for the UN help in returning the mortal remains of Bhat. Addressed to UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon, the memorandum reads, "…All Parties Hurriyat Conference request your good office to use your influence over India, in releasing mortal remains of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat, who was hanged in Tihar Jail of New Delhi simply for seeking implementation of UN resolutions over Kashmir."

"On behalf of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, who are continuously suffering for their birthright of self determination, as guaranteed by the august body of United Nations and promised publicly by the highest leadership of India, all parties Hurriyat conference requests your good office to use your influence over India," adds the memorandum.

Earlier, Hurriyat Conference said that it will approach to the International Court of Justice to press the Central Government to return to Kashmiris the mortal remains of the JKLF founder Mohammad Maqbool Bhat.

Troops fire amid scuffle in Kupwara
2 militants believed dead in Tral gunbattle

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 9: Two militants of Hizbul Mujahideen are reportedly dead in a Police operation in Tral area even as troops fired and injured a civilian during search operation in Lolab valley of Kupwara district.

Informed sources in south Kashmir told EXCELSIOR that Police and CRPF swooped on a militant hideout at Noorpora village on Awantipore-Tral Road after learning about the presence of two listed militants of Hizbul Mujahideen, including the most wanted Hanief Khan. After four hours of the encounter, Police destroyed the target house. Officials said that both the militants were believed to have got killed. However, no dead body had been spotted or recovered from the debris till late tonight.

Sources in north Kashmir said that troops of Rashtriya Rifles 28 Bn had a bitter scuffle with some residents of Mir Mohalla Duruswani in Sogam area of Kupwara district after some inhabitants refused to help Army in carrying out a search operation. Residents alleged that troops roughed up one Master Jehangir Khan and his wife, Tasleema, after he objected to entry of the soldiers in their house. Suddenly, there was a scuffle between the local population and the security forces who wanted the civilians to help them carry out the operation.

Residents complained to Police that a soldier forced the barrel of his gun into the mouth of one Mudassar Nazar. Suddenly they heard four to five gunshots and Mudassar Nazar fell in a pool of blood. He was evacuated and rushed to a hospital in Srinagar. They insisted that troops misbehaved with the local civilians and fired upon Mudassar with a gun in his mouth. Residents alleged that Jehangir Khan and Tasleema were severely tortured after some soldiers spotted a trail of blood, leading to their house. While the soldiers complained that the couple put up resistance and created a hindrance in reaching out to an injured militant, residents alleged that the soldiers demonstrated "extreme high-handedness", roughed up civilians and fired upon Mudassar Nazar to silence the mob.

Army's spokesman at headquarters 15 Corps, Col A K Mathur, confirmed the scuffle between the residents and troops but claimed that the civilians put up resistance in the operation, manhandled a soldier and also tried to snatch away his rifle. He said that the soldier fired "accidentally" during the scuffle but nobody was injured. He asserted that Police and Army resolved the matter with the intervention of the village elders.

Additional SP Kupwara, Aijaz Ahmed, said that Police had registered an FIR after receiving information that gunshots had been heard in Dooraswani during an army operation in which one civilian had sustained injuries into his mouth. He said that the investigation, based on the complaint and the counter-complaint, would make it clear whether troops had fired upon a civilian to harass him or Mudassar Nazar had got injured in accidental firing or falling on the ground. Reports said that the residents put up a strong demonstration against Army after the shootout and the operation was withdrawn without any recovery in the village.

Youth murdered in Sainik Colony

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: A youth was killed and then hanged in an under construction shop at Sainik Colony last night. He has been identified as Harbans Lal, 25, son of Sardari Lal, a resident of Mela near Tutan Wali Khui falling under the jurisdiction of Sidhra police post.

Police said body of the youth was found hanging with roof of an under construction shop near water tank at Sainik Colony with both hands tied behind. The body was spotted by some local people this morning, who sounded cops.

A police party rushed to the spot and shifted the body for post-mortem in Medical College, Jammu.

Though the body was found hanging, it appeared to be a clear case of murder. The boy had been killed and then hanged to make it a suicide, police said, adding a case has been registered at Sainik Colony police station.

The boy was working in a cosmetics shop at Sainik Colony. Last night, he didn’t turn up in his house.

Police was investigating reasons behind the murder and accused involved in the killing.

Uniform academic calendar for colleges being framed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9 : For bringing academic excellence in the higher education a high level committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Santokh Ram, Chairman of Board of Professional Examination to frame a uniform academic calendar for colleges of the State.

The other members of the committee are Director Colleges, Registrar, Director College Development Council, Dean Academic Staff, Controller of Examination of Jammu University, Principal of Jammu College of Engineering and Technology and Principals of GGM Science College, Commerce College and Gandhi Nagar College Jammu.

Decision to this effect was taken at a high level meeting convened to review the functioning of the higher education institutions of the State and allied matters chaired by Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak this morning at Gandhi Nagar Women College.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Pramodh Jain, Chairman Board of Professional Entrance Examination, Chairman Board of School Education, Director Colleges, Controller of Examination Jammu University, Director College Development, University of Jammu, Dean Academic Staff Jammu University, Secretary Board of Professional Entrance Examination and principals of different colleges of Jammu.

The committee has been constituted to see the ways and means for framing universal academic calendar so that all the activities commence within the time frame to save the precious time of students.

The meeting also directed the authorities of Board of Professional Entrance Examination to prepone entrance examination one and half month before the scheduled date, so that the selected candidates get admissions in various professional colleges at due date. The meeting also directed University authorities to the revaluations process within the minimum time.

It was also decided in the meeting that mandatory training workshops, refresher and orientation courses for Principals of Degree colleges would be conducted to acquaint them with leadership quality, to handle court cases, financial matters and other administrative matters during their tenure as a principal. It was also decided that Director Colleges would also organize crash course or capsule type programmes for newly recruited lecturers to acquaint them about the teaching methodology in colleges.

Mr. Charak stressed upon the officers to work in close coordination to implement the decisions taken for ensuring quality education in institutions. He said it was the collective responsibility of every one to make efforts for ensuring academic excellence in the institutions.

Women meet at Chenab College of Education
Develop indomitable will for
empowerment: Vakil asks women

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil has advised women to develop indomitable will and excel in all professions and walks of life, as they possess strong inherent capabilities to play equal and significant role in all round development of nation.

He was addressing a conference on ‘Economic Empowerment of Women’ organized by Chenab College of Education at Kunjwani here today.

National vice president Mahila Congress Mrs Krishna Mohini, legislators R S Chib, Farida Mir and Suman Bhagat, Director Colleges Development Dr Meenakshi Kilam, State Mahila Congress president Swaran Lata besides hundreds of women entrepreneurs were present on the occasion.

Vakil said education, enterpreneurship and economic empowerment were interlinked as the former naturally pave way for their economic independence. Accordingly, he urged parents to focus on the education of their girls on priority basis.

Mrs Mohini, in her speech called for availing various schemes launched by Centre and State Governments for their economic empowerment. She said economic empowerment of women was must for overall growth and development of nation.

Earlier, R S Chib, in his welcome address said India has become source of inspiration for community of nations after electing first women president. He called for creating proper space and conducive environment for them to bloom and contribute fully.

Babu Singh inspects construction works

Excelsior Correspondent

Kathua, Feb 9: Minister for Power, Babu Singh accompanied by Executive Engineer, PWD(R&B) and other functionaries inspected the construction work of road from old bus stand to Foot Bridge, Kathua and issued instructions to complete the work on war footing.

Mr. Singh directed the Executive Engineer to black top the road temporarily as Rs. 25 crore Project is under progress and tenders for the same have been placed by ERA for the construction of road from Kali Bari via Kathua town to Hatli more.

The Minister said that a Krishi Vigyan Kendra has been sanctioned for Parliband and a Turminal mandi also stands sanctioned for which land has been acquired.

The Minister along with team of NBCC inspected the road being constructed by NBCC with an estimated cost of Rs. 196 lakh from Ashoka College to Chack Desa Singh.

Later, the Minister visited Shri Ram Chowk Mohalla and Basohli Mohalla in Shiv Nagar alongwith NBCC team and conducted survey of these Mohallla's also.

RMC member resigns, joins BSP

Excelsior Correspondent

RAMNAGAR, Feb 9: Former president of Municipal Committee Ramnagar Vinod Khajuria resigned from the Committee and joined Bahujan Samaj Party.

A Party spokesman said that Vinod Khajuria from NPP against whom no confidence motion was moved by other members, lost his post recently. Kulbir Gupta from NPP replaced him as new president. Now, Mr Khajuria from Ward No. 2, resigned as member in the 13-member Municipal Committee of Ramnagar.

Khajuria is the second member so far who has resigned. Earlier, another member from Ward No 12, Sunita Devi had resigned after she obtained Government job. Now out of 13, only 11 members are left in Ramnagar Municipal Committee.

Soldier cremated with military honours

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Feb 9: Body of Rifleman Vinod Kumar of 13 JAK Light Infantry who died due to snow avalanche in Bari Baihk area on Feb 6, was consigned to flames with full military honour in Hiranagar today.

He hailed from Bhagwana Chak village of tehsil Hiranagar in district Kathua. His body reached home today morning and the cremation took place with full military honours at his home village this afternoon.

Wreath was laid on behalf of Chief of Army Staff by General Officer Commanding (GOC) of 29 Division and the Commander of 168 Infantry Brigade.

Several army, police and civil officials besides large number of people from the area attended the funeral of the soldier.

His body wrapped in tricolour reached home in the morning. A large number of relatives and friends have already reached there after coming to know about the incident.

PHE employees hold rally

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Feb 9: A rally by PHE Employees Association was held here, today under the chairmanship of Vijay Sharma, president Civil Division, Udhampur.

The employees drawn from Bhawan, Mata Vaishno Devi, Adhkunwari, Sanji Chat, Panthal, Suel and Kakryal participated in the rally.

Addressing the rally, Mr Sharma alleged that the discrimination with the PHE employees of Jammu region still continues and the Government despite making commitments that the PHE workers of Jammu will be paid equal wages at par with their counterparts in Valley has done nothing in this regard till date.

Later Mr Sharma along with a delegation of employees met the Assistant Executive Engineer, PHE, Sub Division Katra and discussed the burning demands of the employees with him.

The employees warned the AEE that in case their demands were not settled within 15 days they will be forced to resort to agitation.

The employees are demanding one and half days salary, change of designation of helpers as assistant linemen and Assistant Motorman, benefits to ITI holders under SRO 149 and the PHE employees from Ban Ganga to Bhawan be given the same facilities which are being given by the Shrine Board to its employees.

Others who addressed the rally included Subash Chander, president Mechanical Division, Udhampur, Baldev Raj president, Sub Division Katra, Chuni Lal, Balwant Raj, Bishan Dass, Rakesh Kumar and Som Raj.

Jammu West Assembly Movement
delegation calls on DIG Prisons

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: A delegation of Jammu Assembly Movement Called on Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Prisons, Sahib Zada Rafiq and apprised him of the security related problems being faced by the people of Jammu city and Jammu West Constituency.

Mr Dimple demanded immediate shifting of District Central Jail Amphalla to some other safer place.

He also apprised the DIG of the fast deteriorating and worsening law and order situation in the Jammu city and Khot Bhalwal jail.

32 Bani, Malhar villages without power

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Feb 9: Nearly thirty-two villages from Bani and Lohai Malhar area are without electricity for the last five days.

Reports said that electricity poles and cables have been extensively damaged due to rains and heavy snow fall in the upper reaches of district Kathua, bordering district Doda and parts of Dudu-Basantgarh in Udhampur district. While main power supply line from Bhoond to Bani was restored today but nearly 32 villages were still affected due to snapping of power supply.

Executive Engineer PDD System and Transmission Division Kathua Karam Chand disclosed that extensive damage has been caused to electricity lines in Bani and Malhar area and restoration work has started on war-footing. He said Bhoond-Bani line was cleared today and people of the town Bani will get some relief with this. SK Kapoor, Executive Engineer M&RE Kathua said that supply to these affected villages is likely to be restored within a couple of days.

Dr Surinder Singh appointed new DCGI

Excelsior Correspondent

MUMBAI, Feb 9: Dr Surinder Singh, Additional Director of Central Research Institute, Kasauli, Simla has been appointed new Drug Controller General of India (DCGI).

He succeeds Dr M Venkateshwarlu who retired from the post yesterday.

Dr Singh assumed charge today as the new DCGI.

Dr Singh, additional director at the Central Research Institute, Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh assumed the charge officially this morning, sources at the

DCGI office confirmed. He was heading the Central Drugs Laboratory (CDL) of the CRI besides being in-charge of the Regional Drugs Testing Laboratory at Chandigarh.

Dr Venkateshwarulu, who has been on a six-month extension as the DCGI, handed over the charge to Dr Singh after his term completed yesterday.

ARTMIS doctors deliver lectures in GMC Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 9: Dr Parmveer Singh, Gastroenterologist and Dr Sandeep Malhotra, Consultant Surgeon from ARTMIS Institute of Health, Gurgaon delivered lectures on ‘Advances in Endoscopy and ERCP’ and ‘Obesity—the New Epidemic’ in Government Medical College, Jammu today.

Doctors from the GMC Jammu, periphery and general public attended the lectures.

GMC Principal Dr Rajinder Singh, Dr Yudhvir Gupta, Incharge Medical Education Unit, GMC and Dr Romesh Gupta, Medical Superintendent, GMC Jammu also attended the lecture.

The GMC authorities had decided to open the lecture for public to make them aware about the obesity. A good number of local people attended the lecture.

Qazi for proper demarcation of forest land

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 9 : Minister for Forests and Environment Qazi Mohammad Afzal has impressed upon the officers of the Forest and its allied departments to work with missionary spirit and ensure proper demarcation of forest land so that the green wealth can be saved from exploitation and encroachments.

In pursuit of this, he directed them to submit a comprehensive project proposal for consultation of forest boundaries, canvas and removal of encroachments, demarcation of pastures, fodder growing lands etc. in a time bound manner.

The Minister was addressing at a high level meeting here today to review the functioning of the department.

Threadbare discussions were held with regard to various issues pertaining to encroachments of forest land, felling of trees, checking of records of demarcation available at Srinagar and Jammu and available man power in the forest department.

The Minister asked the officers and field functionaries to maintain close coordination and work with unison so that the forest wealth could be saved from getting hewed down, adding that stringent measures were needed to curb the menace of timber smuggling. He said that encroachments have shrinked the forest land thereby diminishing forest reserves in the State and added that it was obligation of all to preserve the forests for a number of purposes that forests serve to the man. Reminding Sheikhul-Alams verse "un poushi teli yeli won poshi" meaning life is subservient to forests Qazi said that humans should allow to get the symbiotic relationship with forests to maintain.

Among others, Commissioner/Secretary, Forests Attal Duloo, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Irshad Ahmad Khan, Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir Abdul Razak, Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu Abhay Kumar, Managing Director, State Forest Corporation Moulvi Shafat Ahmad, Chief Wild Life Warden A. K. Shrivastav, Director, Forest Protection Department, Vinod Ranjan, Director Enviornment, Director, Social Forestry, Conservators and other senior officers of the department attended the meeting.