CS asks DCs to remain stationed at Headquarters

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 11 : Chief Secretary, B.R. Kundal has enjoined upon both the Divisional Commissioners as well as all the Deputy Commissioners not to leave their headquarters/ areas of operation without seeking prior permission from their next senior officer.

According to a circular issued here today, it was observed that some of the Deputy Commissioners leave their headquarters/ areas of operation without seeking prior permission resulting in severe inconvenience to the public and even embarrassment at times to the government.

"In the event of any natural calamity or any other exigency, the Deputy Commissioners are expected to remain at the Headquarters, to watch and take remedial measures to meet the eventuality and also keep the senior officers posted at their respective places of postings. It has, however, been seen that some of the Deputy Commissioners have not been regularly reporting about the situation arisen due to the calamity to the senior officers.

All the Deputy Commissioners are hereby directed to ensure that while sending reports of the calamity and measures taken to overcome the same, apart from normal channels, they should also send the report to the office of Chief Secretary. In addition to the said information in writing, it will be appreciated if the Chief Secretary is also telephonically briefed of the same", the circular further said.

CM visits people in farthest snow bound areas

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb11: On the fifth consecutive day since the ‘White Alarm’ was sounded by heavy and widespread snowfall in the State, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad today continued with his on-the-spot assessment of situation by visiting the affected areas to energise efforts for restoration of supplies and communication.

Mr. Azad visited the farthest areas in Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar districts and met the snow-hit population at Goha-Marmat, Ghundana, Kilhotran, Changa, Dudu and Basantgarh to obtain direct feedback from the affected people. The habitations, perched in high mountains, sit at a height of 6000 to 9000 ft. He also visited Kishtwar where he received a briefing from the district administration.

MLA, Abdul Majid Wani also accompanied the Chief Minister.

The Chief Minister’s personal touch with the situation in higher reaches has evoked appreciation of the local people as well as revitalized the administration’s efforts to reach out to them in need. The areas are blanketed by thick snow, resulting in disruption of communication and supplies. At Kilhotran, while the Chief Minister was talking with the local people, it started snowing again due to which he could not visit Machail and Paddar, bordering Himachal Pradesh.  

The Chief Minister said that the vagaries of weather had resulted in extreme problems to the people in all areas of the State but since the erstwhile district of Doda, now comprising Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts, was geographically a difficult and mostly unconnected area, the recent heavy snowfall had caused more hardship to local people. He said though many road projects had been initiated by the Government but it would take few years to provide connectivity to all villages in these districts. He said the snowfall had also disrupted movement on the fewer roads that existed.  

The Chief Minister said that the three districts along with the adjoining areas of Udhampur and Kathua districts were visited by a severe drought last year upon which the Government had announced free ration for the affected people for three months. He said the free ration was only provided for the first month when the widespread and continuous snowfall hit the districts aggravating the difficulties of the people. He said more than anything else, it was now important to provide ration to people in these areas. He said the focus was now on to reopen the link roads in the three districts to ensure restoration of supplies.

Mr. Azad expressed concern over the situation in the districts of Kishtwar and Doda following snapping of road links and essential supplies. All the tehsil and block headquarters were cut off from the district headquarters and full restoration of the supply and communication network was likely to take some time. He said road connectivity of several blocks and niabats in Ramban, Udhampur and Reasi districts was also snapped.

JKLF protest on Bhat’s death anniversary
Teargas-lathicharge, 50 detained

SRINAGAR, Feb 11: More than 50 activists of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other organisations were taken into preventive custody for defying prohibitory orders and taking to streets in the civil lines on the 24th death anniversary of Mohammad Maqbool Bhat.

Bhat, founder leader of the JKLF was hanged to death on this day in Delhi’s Tihar jail in 1984.

The JKLF activists took to streets at Maisuma, the front headquarter, raising pro-freedom and Maqbool Bhat slogans.

After marching through Budshah Chowk and Old KMDA bus stand, the processionists were stopped by police at Moulana Azad Road near here.

However, when they insisted that they should be allowed to proceed towards United Nations Military Observers (UNMO) office at Sonawar, police resorted to lathi charge to disperse them.

Later, about 30 activists, including Bashir Ahmad Bhat and other senior leaders were taken into custody and lodged in Kothibagh police station.

Earlier, police fired a tear-smoke shell and resorted to lathi charge to disperse the mob, hurling stones on passing vehicles at Budshah Chowk. Window panes of about half a dozen vehicles were damaged.

About 20 activists of JKDLP were also taken into custody at Rajbagh when they tried to take out a procession.

Later, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and police personnel were deployed in strength at Maisuma, Budshah Chowk, Moulana Azad Road, Red Cross road and Gaw Kadal to prevent any untoward incident.

On February 9, Hurriyat Conference (Mirwaiz) presented a memorandum to UNMO officials in which it was demanded that world body should ask India to handover the remains of JKLF founder leader Bhat.

They also demanded that UN should immediately intervene and force India and Pakistan to implement the resolution passed by the world body more than 60 years ago on Kashmir.

Similar demands had earlier been made by JKLF and other separatist organisations. (UNI)

Bemina residents protest against Govt’s indifferent attitude

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Feb 11: Hundreds of residents from Bemina today protested against the Government indifference over the reconstruction of a bridge near Gariopore which collapsed a month ago. The protestors alleged that the apathy on part of the civil administration has resulted in human fatalities besides disconnecting a population of over one lakh from rest of the Valley.

A steel bridge had been constructed in 1996 by army under operation Sadbhavana. Since the bridge links the twin districts of Srinagar and Budgam, a heavy traffic movement had a bearing on the capacity of the bridge and it collapsed a month ago. "We approached offcials of the Roads and Buildings department and asked for a concrete bridge. We were aghast over their response that the department does not have the funds. They advised us to contact the army again", Mohammed Ashraf, one of the protestants said.

"Fact of the matter is that we approached the army. They were at least considerate enough to visit the spot but exhibited their helplessness saying they don't have the enough funds to raise a concrete bridge", said Mohammed Maqbool, the councilor from the area. The army officials said that they could at most construct another steel girdle bridge but the heavy traffic movement on the route won't last for a year or two.

The angry demonstrators flayed the Roads and buildings department for the snails pace of work on the multi crore Bemina flood channel bridge. Although special instructions had been issued by the chief Minister and the then R&B Minister Gulchain Singh Charak that the bridge be completed by the end of December 2007, however, the concerned officials and the contractors for unknown reasons are protracting the construction work. It doesn't seem that this vital bridge will ever be completed, the protestors said.

30 cops promoted in Crime & Rlys

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Thirty constables and head constables have been promoted in the Crime and Railways.

A police spokesman said that Inspector General Crime and Railways Dilbag Singh has released the insitu grade promotion in favour of thirty photography staffers of the Crime and Railways branch of J&K police. They were facing stagnation in the rank for the last more than 18 years.

Bahujan Samaj to launch political outfit
on Ambedkar’s anniversary

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: The Bahujan Samaj under the leadership of Dr Sat Pal, president Bahujan Samaj Movement (BSM), has vowed to carry on with the ideology of Baba Sahib B.R. Ambedkar and announced to launch a political outfit on his birth anniversary on April 14.

This was disclosed by Mohd Aslam, spokesman of BSM during a press-briefing here today. He said, in order to deal with the miserable situation of Bahujan Samaj in the State they have launched movement of awakening and organizing the samaj, as according to him, the political parties have aggravated the miseries of people instead of redressing those.

Leveling charges of deviation from Baba Sahib’s ideology on Kumari Mayawati (BSP president), Aslam said she has joined hands with the oppressing class for the sake of power but, they will continue with the ideology of Baba Sahib.

He announced to celebrate the birthday anniversaries of Kanshi Ram and Baba Sahib B.R. Ambedkar on March 15 and April 14 respectively in Jammu and also announced the launch of new political outfit on April 14 (birth anniversary of Baba Sahib).

Also speaking, Dr. Sat Pal highlighted the problems being faced by the poor people in the State. He said ruling coalition has deprived the SC/ST and OBCs from the actual rights of reservation. He also listed the priorities of his proposed political outfit and assured uniform development of all the regions and all the sections of people.

Among others present included Ashok Basotra, R L Jarngal, Haji Abdul Majid, Chuni Lal Dhiman, Puran Chand, S. Satvinderjeet Singh etc.

AMCCC decides to take part in elections

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: All Migrant Camp Coordination Committee (AMCCC) in its meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of Desh Rattan Pandita decided that the organization will contest the Assembly elections on 30 seats in Kashmir Valley and on remaining seats it will support the like-minded parties.

In a statement issued here, today it said the AMCCC will take the final decision regarding it in one day convention which will be held soon in Jammu.

Those who participated in the meeting included Ajay Bhat, Jatinder Dhar, Kumar Jee, Shuban Jee Bhat, P N Sadhu, Ramesh Koul, B B Bhat, Sonu Khanna, Dhan Posh and S K Raina.

Timeline set for restoration of essential
services in Kishtwar, Doda

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 11: On the instructions of the Chief Minister, a high level meeting was held here today to ensure early restoration of the badly affected supply and communication system in Kishtwar and Doda districts.

The meeting, chaired by the Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, Anil Goswami, set a timeline for the restoration of power, water supply and road connectivity in the two districts with instructions to the concerned officers to ensure normal functioning of utility services latest by the weekend.

Commissioner/Secretary, Power Development, Basharat Ahmad, Secretary, R&B, Shailendra Kumar, Secretary, Consumer Affairs & Public Distribution, Khalid Habib, Development Commissioner Power, Showkat Rashid Wani, Chief Engineer, PHE, Vinod Goswami, Chief Engineer, PDD, D. S. Pawar and Director, CAPD, Jammu, Mehmood Rana were present. 

The twin districts of Kishtwar and Doda were lashed by heavy snowfall, disrupting communication and supply network.

About the restoration of road connectivity in the two districts, the Secretary, R&B assured that all roads in Kishtwar town would be through by tomorrow. The Kishtwar-Bhandarkote road would be also re-opened tomorrow while the Bhandarkote-Chhatru road would be traffic worthy by February 14. The Kishtwar-Dul and Dul-Paddar roads would be through by February 12 and 17, respectively. The roads from Bhandarkote to Patimahala and Dul to Paddar were expected to be through by February 15 and 17, respectively. Traffic on the Doda-Bhadarwah and Thathri-Gundoh rodas would again start plying on February 12 and 14, respectively. The Batote-Kishtwar road is already through.

On the water supply front, the meeting was informed that 80% water supply in Doda town was on while the remaining 20% would be through by the morning of February 13. The water supply in Bhadarwah town would be restored by tomorrow. In Kishtwar town where 20% of water supply had been restored, the normal supply would be ensured by February 14. Efforts were on to reach to the severely affected areas of the two districts where communication was still not through.

The power scenario in the twin districts was also reviewed with emphasis on early restoration. The Kishtwar Grid Station would be charged by NHPC by February 15 after bypassing two damaged towers, 14 kms short of Kishtwar. Power supply to the town would be restored the same day. Electric supply to Thathri, Bhala and Prem Nagar would be restored today. The power line to Bhadarwah town was expected to be through today and the town would get supply latest by tomorrow. The power supply to Assar town has been restored while it would be through in Gundoh tehsil by February 15.

The supply position of essential commodities was also reviewed. It was stated that adequate stocking of foodgrains had been made in time for winter months in areas that remain cut off during winter. In case of some reports of scarcity of foodgrains at Gundoh, the Secretary, CAPD was asked to ascertain the details and ensure supplies to the people there.

Mr. Goswami highlighted the need for immediate restoration of supply system and road connectivity to ease the difficulties people were facing in the two districts. He said a team of senior officers of PDD, PHE and CAPD would be rushed to Doda tomorrow morning to monitor and supervise the restoration efforts.

EJAC takes up Mediclaim policy issue with Vyas

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Employees’ Joint Action Committee (EJAC) delegation met the Commissioner/Secret-ary, Finance B B Vyas here today and took up the issue of employees Mediclaim policy with him.

Abdul Qayoom Wani president, EJAC alongwith his team discussed the issue of Mediclaim policy besides release of salary of the public sector employees with Mr Vyas. The broad based meeting took place in his office chamber where Director Budget, Deputy Secretary Law and Additional Secretary Finance were also present.

It was pointed out by the EJAC members that Mediclaim policy be made employee-friendly and should fulfill the purpose. It was urged upon by Mr Wani and Shakti Gupta (chief patron) that public sector employees and the retired employees be treated at par with employees working in Government department in sharing of premium.

Besides Mediclaim, the issue pertaining to release of pending salary of PSUs was also discussed and the Government was urged to release the pay immediately as per the commitment made by the Chief Minister and others in the Government.

Prominent among those who accompanied the delegation included Shakeel Ahmed, Sanjay Bali, Jagmohan Singh, Ganesh Khajuria, Ghulam Rasool Bhat, Amreek Singh and Farooq Ahmed Dar.

Jammu East NC workers stage protest dharna

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Activists of National Conference held a massive protest dharna at Vivekanand Chowk demanding sacking of tainted ministers.

Leaders of Jammu East Block of the NC including Ex-MLA Bimla Luthra and Ayub Malik were leading the protest dharna. They were shouting slogans against the Azad Government and demanding removal of two PDP ministers whose names figured in the Kundal Committee report connected with the Forest scam.

They were carrying banners and placards depicting slogans. Several leaders including Mushtaq Bhukhari and Mrs Luthra also addressed the gathering. They claimed that Azad Government has proved as major failure and National Conference will emerge as winner in coming elections. They asked the people to teach lesson to the Coalition Government and ensure victory of Farooq Abdullah.

Prominent among those present included- MLA Mushtaq Bhukhari, Mrs Zubeda Slaria ( Ex-MLA), Surinder Singh Bunty, Sanjay Gupta, Farman Ali, Surinder Singh Jamwal and Ajay Paul.

Restore security pickets in Rajouri, Poonch: BJP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Demanding the restoration of security pickets in Rajouri and Poonch districts, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader, Kuldeep Raj Gupta today alleged that with the lifting of security pickets in the twin districts the people have been left at the mercy of gun wielding militants.

Talking to reporters here, today, along with BJP press secretary, Balbir Ram, he also criticized the Government for its failure in releasing the wages of Village Defence Committee (VDC) members and demanded that the same be paid to them immediately.

The BJP leader also warned against any move to cut the size of security forces in the state, which he said will be fraught with serious consequences.

He said the neighboring country can’t be trusted and the present lull in the terrorist activities can also be a part of a gameplan on part of Pakistan as its media is making an open propaganda that Pakistan has no intention to check the militant activities against India.This clearly reveals the intentions of Pakistan, he added.

He also in an appeal to Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh and Minister of Information and Broadcasting, P Ranjan Dass Munsi urged them to probe the reasons which were responsible for delay in making Doordarshan relay station functional in Rajouri. Though ,the relay station was set up in 2004 at an estimated cost of Rs 30 crore but till date it has not been made functional, he added.

Sangharsh to hold legal awareness programmes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Sangharsh, a newly launched outfit has announced to hold legal awareness and other related campaigns in the coming days to create awareness among the masses about their rights.

Vikrant Sharma, founder the outfit, while announcing the formal launch of Sangharsh, said his outfit will organize legal awareness and other related campaigns in the nook and corner of the State.

He said the focus will be on imparting all kind of informations to the common masses to make them empowered. He vowed to expose the acts of corruption by public servants, which according to him are on the rise.

He also listed the agenda of his outfit which included empowerment of masses through awareness campaign. Also present on the occasion were Suresh Kumar (media manager), Ramit Gupta, Sachin Bhagat, Bilal Ahmed, Neeraj Sharma, Akhmat Choudhary and Porous Shrikhandia.

Sagar for preservation of Dal Lake

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 11: A meeting of the Committee on Environment was held here today under the chairmanship of MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar.

Members of the Committee Shoab Lone, Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Sofi, Gh. Raza, Shanti Devi, Sarfaraz Khan and Khalil Naik attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed threadbare the situation arisen out of degradation of environment in and around Dal Lake. The meeting also expressed concern over the adulteration of petroleum products in the State.

Chairman, Sagar said that matters like pollution and degradation of environment related to common masses, adding that there was immediate need for streamlining the agencies responsible for maintenance of Dal lake and controlling adulteration of essentials in the State.

Mr. Sagar said that special treatment plan set up at a huge cost by the Government should function efficiently to stop garbage and adulterine to flow into Dal lake.

Similar meeting on Public Accounts was held today under the chairmanship of MLA Mian Altaf Ahmad in which several members of the committee participated.

They include Harsh Dev Singh, G. A. Mir, Raman Bhalla, Yogesh Sawhney, A. R. Veeri, M. Y. Tarigami and Dr. Chaman Lal.

Yet another meeting on petitions was held today under the chairmanship of MLA Ab. Rehman Veeri. The meeting was attended by Gh. Mohi-ud-Din Sofi, Molvi Abdul Rashid, Usman Majid and several legislators.

Charak releases Dogri poetic collection

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11 : Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak has released a poetry book titled "Putlian –Di-Khed" in Dogri written by Chandu Bhau-at K. L. Sehgal Hall Cultural Academy Jammu.

The function was organized by Maddara Bhaddara Kaikaya Sanskrit (MBKS) Sangthan a literally and cultural organization in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Jammu.

Mr. Charak said on this occasion that Dogri was a rich language and asked the writers to enlighten the people about its cultural heritage and values in our mother tongue. He said after enlisting Dogri in 8th schedule, the importance of language has given a new lease of life to writers community. He congratulated the MBKS Sanganthan for this noble job.

JKNDF clarifies report

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front (JKNDF) which held a one day convention here ,yesterday today clarified that senior KP leader, Dr K L Choudhary has not joined the Front as reported by a section of the press.

In a rejoinder issued here, today, the Front said Dr Choudhary while addressing the convention yesterday expressed his view that floating of the political party was the need of the hour to empower the Kashmiri Hindu community to create a political space for it. However, he did not join the Party as reported. It said this was also confirmed in the Executive body meeting of JKNDF by its convenor R K Mattoo and working president, A K Dewani today.

Meanwhile, Dr Choudhary in a statement today also said that he has not joined JKNDF.

Dy Chairman felicitated at Digiana Ashram

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Dy Chairman of the J&K Legislative Council S Arvinder Singh visited Gurdwara Ashram to seek blessings of Mahant Manjit Singhji of Dera Nangali Sahib today.

In a simple felicitation function at the Digiana Ashram today, several Sikh leaders were present. On this occasion several senior Sikh leaders including S Harbans Singh (NC), Gurbachan Singh Dutta (SAD president) , Gurdev Singh, Narbir Singh, Mohinder Singh and Paramjit Singh honoured Dy Chairman and also addressed gathering. Mahantji presented ‘Siropa’ to the Arvinder Singh.

Babu reviews power restoration in post snow situation

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 11: Minister of State for Power Babu Singh today convened a high level meeting of officers of Power Development Department to review the situation arisen in power supply due to heavy snow fall in Kashmir valley and high reaches of the Jammu province.

During the meeting Minister was apprised about the efforts made by the department for restoration of power supply in these areas. He was informed that the power supply has been fully restored in most of the areas in Doda district and Kashmir valley while as steps were being taken for restoration of power to the remaining areas with in a day.

Addressing the meeting, the Minister impressed upon the officers of the department to redouble their efforts in restoring the power supply in affected areas as early as possible so that the people may not suffer for want of electricity. He asked them for undertaking repair work on war footing and make temporary and immediate repairs wherever transmission and distribution system has severely been damaged till the concrete renovation and repair works were made. He gave strict instructions to the engineers and field functionaries to utilize all available resources and means for 100 percent restoration of power supply in the snow affected areas.

Earlier, a deputation from India Bulls Financial Services Ltd. also called on the Minister and apprised him about the power projects executed by it outside J&K State. The Minister told the deputation that the Government would examine the execution repairs by the India Bulls Financial Services Ltd. and would consider tendering out power projects to it.

Among others Commissioner Secretary PDD Basharat Ahmad Dar, Development Comm-issioner Showkat A Wani, MD JKPDC S. K. Naik and other senior officers were also present in the meeting.

1648 units setup with loan by KVIB: Jora

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Feb 11: As many as 1648 micro and small industrial units have been set up with the bank loan of Rs.32.60 crore with margin money of Rs.9.37crore for creating employment opportunities to 25181 persons during current financial year upto January 2008 under Khadi and Village Industries Board (KVIB) and in addition 30,000 more employment opportunities will be generated in next financial year.

This was revealed in a review meeting of Standing Finance Committee of KVI sector held here today. Minister for Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora was in chair.

The meeting has cleared 173 projects with subsidy of over Rs. One crore for generating employment avenues to 2666 persons in the State under KVI sector.

The Minister emphasized the need that the existing cluster should be empowered so that their production capacity, quality and productivity may improve. He also stressed for exploring possibilities for setting new industrial clusters for new entrepreneurs and necessary action may be taken for their establishment. He further said that the priority of the Government was to bring the weaker sections of the society in the mainstream of the micro development so that the cluster especially with scheduled caste and scheduled tribes and minorities be setup on the plots or sheds which would be made available to them.

The Minister also said that in order to address the problems of unemployment, the KVIB has greater role to play and this is the only sector which can generate more employment opportunities for the unemployed youth and cover the artisans and craftsmen for regeneration of traditional industries. He stressed the need for skill upgradation courses through ITI, Polytechnic and also to workout better marketing linkage to KVI products.

Secretary KVIB R. C. Sharma highlighted various schemes being launched very shortly by the Board to facilitate new entrepreneurs, artisans and craftsmen in the State.

Vakil for early evacuation of Nail inhabitants

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Feb 11: Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil has directed Divisional Commissioner Kashmir to initiate measures on war footing basis to evacuate inhabitants of Nail village of Gurez to safer places where avalanche threat is looming large due to heavy snowfall.

Expressing deep concern over delay in their evacuation, the Minister asked him to arrange helicopter service and assistance of army to ensure safety of human lives in the snowbound village.

Mr. Vakil also visited Bandipora district and held a meeting with senior district officers to have appraisal of measures taken to tackle post snow situation.

District Development Commissioner Sheikh Mushtaq Ahmad apprised him that snow has been cleared on all main roads of the district and water and power supply restored in most of the areas. He said that snow clearance and power restoration works in remote areas of the district were in full swing.

Addressing the meeting, Mr. Vakil while appreciating police and civil administration of the district for prompt response to calamity directed for removing snow in all interior routes and restoring power supply in far off areas within 24 hours. He said that efforts need to be geared up further to restore essential services in all cut off areas at the earliest.

Later, Mr Vakil addressing a public meeting at Sopore called upon people to remain vigilant of elements resorting to emotional blackmailing in furtherance of their narrow political agenda. He called for rejecting forces seeking to secure vote bank through misleading and sentimental slogans.

ABGM activists protest, demand reservation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Activists of Akhil Bharatiya Gurjar Mahasabha (ABGM) held a protest dharna outside Governor’s residence in support of their demands here today.

State president of the Mahasabha, E R Poswal was leading the protest programme. Members of Gurjar community taking placards in their hands were raising their demands. They also held a demonstration shouting slogans in support of their demands and then sat outside Raj Bhawan adjoining Radio Station at Panjtirthi on day-long dharna.

Later, a memorandum was submitted to the Governor by a delegation of Gurjar leaders with a charter of demands. Earlier, several Gurjar leaders addressed the gathering.

They were demanding political reservation for the Gurjars of the State. Mr Poswal said as the Bill was not introduced for seeking political reservation for the Gurjars/ Bakerwals during Budget session recently, an Ordinance be brought for providing political reservation to the community. He also demanded special recruitment drive for members of the community as well as the Paharis and setting up of Ministry of Tribal Affairs and raising of a separate para-military force battalion for Paharis.

Mr Poswal also demanded construction of Gurjar Sarais at Jammu and Srinagar, starting of Gojri programme from Doordarshan, permanent allotment of land to nomads both in Kashmir and Jammu regions besides formulation of a proper policy for their settlement.

Govt misquoting figures of loss due to snowfall: JKSSC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: The Jammu and Kashmir State Sudhar Committee (JKSSC) has alleged that State Government has misquoted the figures of loss of lives and property in the valley due to snowfall, which is recorded as the heaviest in the last five decades.

Addressing a press conference, Mohd Yousuf Wani, president of the committee (Jammu unit) said Kashmir and other surrounded hilly places have suffered heavy loss of life and property in the recent snowfall. But, he alleged that State Government was misquoting the figure of loss to both lives and property.

He further alleged that Government has not taken adequate measures to cope up with the situation, as no special efforts have been made to safeguard the people of the area. However, Wani has appealed the State Government to ask for a special package of Rs.200 crore from the Centre to deal with the situation.

Wani also highlighted the plight of Poonch-Rajouri migrants, who are residing at Belicharana in Jammu from the last 15 years. He sought provision of eatable commodities for these people.

Meanwhile, the committee threatened to launch the agitation on the roads, if no proper heed was given to their demands and concerns. Others also present during the press conference included Narinder Pal Choudhary (senior vice president), Abdul Rashid Teli, Haji Aslam Kohli, Mohan Choudhary, Rupinder Singh Goli, Shahdit Hussain and Muska Wani.

BJP observes 40th Balidan Divas of Deen Dayal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Pradesh Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), organised a programme here, today in connection with observance of 40th Balidan Divas (death anniversary) of Deen Dayal Upadhayaya. The day was also observed as "Samarpan Divas".

The function was chaired by BJP district chief, Kavinder Gupta. While paying tributes to Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhaya, the former president of Bharatiya Jan Sangh, the BJP state secretary, Yudhvir Sethi and Kavinder Gupta described him Maha Yogi and a great patriotic who throughout the life worked for the down-trodden and poor.

They said Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhayaya was a well known economist. He had a very clear stand on Kashmir issue that it is an integral part of India. Moreover, his stand on Article 370 was also very clear.

The BJP leaders also appealed the Party activists to go through the literature carrying the struggle full lives of patriotic Indians in order to get success in their lives.

Bansi Lal Bharti, Shiv Kumar Gupta, Mohan Singh, Subash Jandial, Ramesh Sharma, Vinay Gupta, N D Rajwal , Surinder Bhagat, Anil Parihar, Narotam Sharma, Rajiv Charak, Adarsh Bhagat, Pradhuman Singh, Pranav Gupta, Priya Sethi, Arun Khamna and Sureshta Jamwal also participated in the programme.

Mangat urges youth to set up own ventures under SES

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Calling upon the youth of the state to involve themselves in private sector by setting up their own income generating units, the Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma has said that Government has launched various Self-Employment Schemes (SES) through which the youth can avail the benefits of financial assistance to establish their own ventures.

This, he said, while inaugurating an income generating unit at Gandhi Nagar on Monday.

Advising youth not to run after Government jobs, he said that much job avenues were available in private sector through which they can earn their livelihood. "Our youth should acquaint themselves with professional and technical education which is more oriental in present context for setting up their own ventures", he added.

Mr Sharma said that need of the hour was to upgrade and modernize the professional and technical educational institutions in the State for exposing the students with modern technical know-how and business tactics.

To make unemployed educated youth self dependent, the Minister said that the Government have launched various innovative schemes under which the educated youth could not only be benefited with subsidies but also avail loan facilities from various banks at low interest rates for establishing their own ventures.

Sanskrit scholars, astrologers hold meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Renowned Sanskrit scholars and astrologers karamkaandagya today held a meeting under the chairmanship of Dr Chander Mauli Raina to discuss various aspects of astrological karamkaand, palmistry and Sanskrit field.

In the meeting, it was unanimously decided to constitute a Non-Government Organization (NGO) under the name of ‘Sh. Raghvendra Jyotish and Karam-kaand Sansthanam’ to achieve the various objectives of the concerned field. They also elected an adhoc body to frame the by-laws of the organization.

Dr Chander Mauli and Acharya Vinod Khajuria were elected as president and general secretary respectively.

KV teachers hold meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: The Rashtriya Kendriya Vidyalaya Adhyapak Sangh (J) today held a meeting under the leadership of Jagat Singh (general secretary) to discuss the problems being faced by KV teachers.

Addressing the cadre, Singh assured to take up their genuine problems with the KVS authorities. Later in the meeting, Vinod Khajuria was nominated as the general secretary for the Jammu region and also as a member of joint consultative machinery.

Khajuria was further authorized to constitute adhoc committee of the Sangh.

Prof Malik attends national seminar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik from Department of Urdu, University of Jammu (JU) has attended the three-day natio-nal seminar on the life of poet Makhdoom Mohi-ud-din at India Islamic Centre, New Delhi.

National Council for Promotion of Urdu Languagae (NCPUL) had organized the seminar. Prof. Malik was among the 30 reputed Urdu scholars all over the India, who participated in the seminar.

He presented paper on "Different dimensions of Makhdoom’s poetry". His paper was appreciated by Prof Shahid Mehdi, former VC Jamia Millia Islamia University, who chaired the session, and other scholars.

Dr Mohan Rao Bhagwat in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 11: The national general secretary of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, Dr Mohan Rao Bhagwat who arrived here, yesterday for a five days tour of Jammu to discuss the organizational matters with the leadership of various organizations of Sangh Parivar today convened a joint meeting of 43 organizations of Sangh Parivar.

The main organizations among them which were present in today’s meeting including Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), ABVP and Lawyers Forum.

Besides, BJP state chief, Ashok Khajuria, the Party was represented by its senior leader and former Union MoS, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, former Party chief and member National Executive, Dr Nirmal Singh, Bali Bhagat, Shamsher Singh, general secretaries and Jugal Kishore Sharma (MLA).

Dr Bhagwat who is second in RSS hierarchy also convened a meeting of Sangh Pracharaks from Punjab, Himachal Pradesh and J&K. He is scheduled to convene an executive meeting of the RSS before leaving the Jammu on February 14.

The RSS leader will also address a meeting of Swayamsevaks at Brahman Sabha tomorrow, morning.