CS assesses losses due to snowfall

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Appreciating the role of divisional administration in tackling the post snowfall situation in the Jammu division, Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal has exhorted upon the officers to remain ever vigilant for dealing with such exigencies in future also.

Reviewing the post snowfall situation in a high level officers meeting, the Chief Secretary called upon the officers to assess the loss of life and property in the aftermath of snowfall. He also took stock of physical and financial achievements registered under various sectors in all the districts of Jammu division.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey, Commissioner Secretary Finance B. B. Vyas, Secretary Health & Medical Education K.B.Jandial, Secretary CAPD Khalid Habib, Secretary revenue Shagufta Parveen and District development Commissioner of all the districts of Jammu division attended the meeting.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu while giving detailed resume of the damages caused to the infrastructure and essential services informed the meeting that efforts are on to restore the damaged infrastructure in all the districts. He said essential services have been almost restored in all districts of the division.

The meeting was further informed that 60 per cent financial and physical achievements have been registered under different sectors in all the districts under district plan so far.

The District Development Commissioners of newly created districts apprised the Chief Secretary that due to non-functioning of certain departments in these districts funds are not released by such departments in time for execution of development works.

Mr.Kundal directed the Deputy Commissioners to fill up all the vacancies in education department on contractual basis till these posts are filled permanently by the Selection Board. He asked the Divisional Commissioners to prepare a comprehensive plan for constructing offices and developing infrastructure in all newly created three sub-divisions and 23 tehsils..

Militant arrested, arms recovered

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 23: Security forces have arrested a militant from a village in Baramulla district and recovered huge quantity of arms and ammunition.

An official spokesman said that the militant was arrested from Mamoosa village in Pattan area late last night. One pistol, two AK magazines and 16 rounds of AK ammunition were recovered from his possession, he said.

Meanwhile, in a joint operation, troops of 13 Rashtriya Rifles and 162 Infantry Battalion (TA) launched a search operation in general area Talarzu, district Ganderbal.

During the search, troops recovered three AK magazines, 129 rounds of AK ammunition, one Chinese pistol, two pistol magazines, 36 rounds of pistol ammunition, three hand grenades and one UBGL grenade.

In another operation, troops of 2 Rashtriya Rifles and 163 Infantry Battalion (TA) launched a search operation in general area Khor, district Baramulla and recovered warlike stores including including one AK Rifle, four AK magazine, 60 rounds of AK ammunition, six hand grenades and one radio set.

Term of Media Consultant extended

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: The Government has accorded sanction to the extension in the contractual appointment of Brig. (Retd) Virendra Saxena as Media Consultant of Home Department to the State Government for a further period of one year with effect from Dec. 2, 2007.

As per a Government order issued by the Home Department, Brig. Virendra shall plan, coordinate, execute and review security related media plans and counter propaganda. He shall also keep constant liaison with the police, security forces, army and media especially the electronic media and project the official view point.

Attempt to rape case
HC upholds sentence awarded by trial court

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Justice Virender Singh of State High Court upheld the sentence awarded by the Sessions Judge, Udhampur on January 11, 2003 whereby the five years Rigorous Imprisonment was awarded to the accused in an attempt to rape case.

According to the prosecution, on September 3, 2000, the appellant Suraj Parkash had allegedly taken the prosecutrix who was a minor girl of just 10-11 years, behind the bushes in the lonely place on the pretext that he would engage her and her brother in plucking guava fruit (amrood).

He attempted to commit rape upon her but the girl saved herself from the clutches of the accused and on the complaint of the mother of the prosecutrix an attempt to rape case was registered against the accused.

After completion of the investigation, challan was presented in the court of law. The Trial Court awarded five years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 1000. Aggrieved by the judgement of the trial Court, the accused filed the appeal, which was admitted on January 31, 2003.

After hearing Advocate J P Sharma appearing for the appellant and AAG, S C Gupta appearing for the State, Justice Virender Singh observed "court do not find any substance in the submissions made by the counsel for the petitioner. It is not a case of rape falling within Section 376 RPC and therefore, even if the lady doctor had not noticed any mark of violence or injury on the private part of the prosecutrix, it would not be of any help to the appellant".

The Court further observed: "It is a case of attempt to commit rape and for that evidence of the prosecutrix assumes importance, who has categorically stated that after she was taken to a lonely place by the appellant, he unclothed her and thereafter tried to commit rape. Therefore, there is no merit in the appeal".

With these directions, the Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the sentence awarded by the trial court.

Soldier’s wife found dead

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Feb 23: Mystery shrouds the death of a young wife of an Army jawan whose body was found hanging from ceiling fan hook inside his family quarter on the outskirts of Kathua town today.

The victim has been identified as Manju (23), wife of Sepoy Mukesh Kumar Yadav, presently posted in the Rocket Regiment of the Army at Janglote near Kathua.

A police spokesman said that police party rushed to the Army family quarters after an information was received about the incident. The body of the young house-wife was hanging with the help of a rope from ceiling fan hook of the living room. The jawan had gone to duty.

It was learnt that she was married about two years back and was undergoing B.Ed course from a local college here. She was also pregnant. The police party examined the spot and shifted the body to the mortuary of District hospital. A case under Section 174 CrPC was registered and investigations started to know real cause whether it was suicide or murder. Postmortem on the body will be conducted tomorrow after parents of the girl and other family members arrive here.

Veer’s music album evokes nostalgia

By Ravinder Kaul

For all those who have been away from their beloved Valley for the past eighteen years, nostalgia is the mood of the month known among Kashmiris as ‘Sonth’. This is the season, called ‘Vasant’ in Hindi, when snow melts and almond trees blossom with little white flowers. Kashmiris visit gardens to celebrate the culmination of long winter months. Hopes soar and lovers meet.

The music album ‘Yaad Pyom’, released in an impressive function organised by Pir Panchal organisation and J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages here today, appropriately contains songs replete with the sentiments of nostalgia and love. Veer Koul ‘Veer’, who is the music director and lyricist of the album, has also sung three songs in it.

Speaking at the release function M.Y.Taing, MLC and former Secretary General Culture, congratulated all Kashmiris in exile for retaining the passion and love for their language. He said that Kashmir has had a rich tradition of music. In modern times, after Raj Begum and Ghulam Hassan Sofi, the second generation of singers like Shamim Azad and Vijay Malla had carried forward the legacy. He noted with satisfaction that Kashmiri language had many good singers among the young generation who are capable of shouldering the responsibility of seeing Kashmiri music through the 21st century. He also expressed happiness over the fact that Jammu had become a major cultural center of Kashmiri language, literature and music.

Dr. Bhushan Lal Kaul, who presided over the function, emphasised the need to hold more such programmes so that the younger generation could be brought closer to their traditional music and culture.

Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, said that this was the fourth release function of Kashmiri music during the month of February. He emphasised that the doors of the Academy were open for all those who had passion for any kind of creative activity. Bureaucratic attitudes would not be allowed to come in way of promotion of genuine artistes and authors, he added.

G.R.Hasrat Gadda said that the excavations at Kuttabal at Shangas and the reliefs of Martand and Avantipora bear testimony to the centuries old tradition of music and performing arts in Kashmir. He hailed the efforts of Veer Koul ‘Veer’ for keeping his love for his language alive in the harsh summers of Rajasthan.

The programme was compered by Ramesh Hangloo, President of Pir Panchal organisation.

Coming back to the album, the first song, sung by ‘Veer’ himself in his melodious voice, is full of remembrance of the Valley.

Beyi hawa suy, suy fiza suy, shehjaaray, yaad pyom

Beyi phulay soyi, suy mushuk beyi, suy bahaaray, yaad pyom

The last song of the album is also full of memories of the paradise lost.

Sheena chadar nyathananis panas walith

Tapa dazmuch tan panin shehlawaha

Sung by Veer and Deepali Wattal, this is a very moving song.

Other songs of the album are full of sentiments of union and separation of lovers. Well known singer Vijay Malla has sung two songs in the album. The first one is a duet with Deepali Wattal and the other is a solo containing the feelings of a hurt lover.

Wahid Jilani has also sung two peppy numbers in the album. Apart from two duets, Deepali Wattal has sung a solo song in the album containing the feelings of search for true love in this big bad world.

All in all it is an entertaining album, the major achievement of which is that it does not compromise with quality and has retained the soul of Kashmiri music intact. It does not resort to gimmickry of any kind and provides soothing, lilting music for all discerning listners.

SFC cashier chargesheeted for misappropriation of funds

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: An employee of the State Forest Corporation (SFC) has been charge-sheeted by the Crime Branch for misappropriation of funds of the Corporation.

An official spokesman said that investigations conducted by a team of Crime Branch revealed that Syed Abid Hussain Qadiri, son of Shamas-ud-Qadiri, a resident of Bagate, Barzulla during his posting as cashier in the SFC has tampered accounts related documents and made the exchequer of the Corporation to suffer a huge financial loss.

After sanction for prosecution, the accused was charge-sheeted in the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Kashmir.

The Crime Branch has also presented charge-sheet against one Shagufta, daughter of Ali Mohammad Rather of Athwajan, Srinagar and Nisar Ahmad Bhat, son of Abdul Gani of Gund Fetehpora, Anantnag in a fake and fictitious certificate case.

The spokesman said that Shagufta had produced fake and forged 10th class marks certificate and 11th class achievement card for securing admission in the 12th class.

The fake certificates were prepared by Nissar Ahmad Bhat, who happens to be maternal uncle of Shagufta.

Leh registers record inflow of tourists

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Feb 23: Record tourist inflow was registered in Leh during last year. Talking to media, Tsewang Rigzin, Executive Councillor, Tourism, LAHDC, disclosed that 50,185 tourists which include 28,178 foreigners visited Leh, Ladakh, last year.

He said the LAHDC has been taking a number of concrete measures to provide infrastructure facilities and also professional training to tourist guides, travel conductors and others. He said exploration of new trekking routes, improvement of old routes, better road connectivity to various tourist spots and Gumpas, are some of the measures taken by it.

Mr Rigzin stated that the matter regarding opening of restricted areas in Leh district in Ladakh for tourists has been taken up with the Central Government.

The Executive Councillor, Tourism, said that Rs 4.97 crore is being spent in the Leh district on infrastructure development under Himalayan Circuit Development programme. He also stated to give boost to tourism, a film on Ladakh’s culture, people’s life-style and values is under production.

Advisory on internet lottery frauds

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: As many people are getting trapped in the online lottery frauds and three such cases have been surfaced in the State, the Police has issued advisory for the general public.

An official spokesman of the Crime Branch has advised the people not to respond in case they receive e-mail(s) advising them that they have won a prize (often for a competition for which they didn’t even enter). The notification could arrive through postal mail or from an unsolicited telephone call.

The mail may also be personally addressed to the people but normally it is being posted using bulk mail/spam mail, he said, adding the people should simply delete the mail(s) even without reading or opening the same.

In these fraud mails, the people are often asked for money upfront to release their winning amount which include fee for administration, taxes or processing fees, the spokesman said and advised the people against making any payment or disclosing their credit card or any other confidential information.

"If you receive a call offering that you have won any lottery you should not reply", the spokesman further advised while informing that these are often ISD calls.

The other usual clues are gibberish writing, excessive/incorrect use of capital letters, lack of punctuation and words like keep confidential and selected by a random computer lottery of e-mail addresses etc.

He further advised the people to simply delete the e-mails received from British Airways Courier Service Lottery, Microsoft e-mail Lottery Promotion Award, Swift Lotto Gaming Commission, Swiss National Lottery and Yahoo and MSN Microsoft Windows Lottery.

Although there are thousands other fraud e-mail lotteries, however, these are notorious, the spokesman said.

Governor inaugurates Buddhist Deepa Centre
Buddhist philosophy effective tool
against extremism: Sinha

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today said that the philosophy of Buddhism continues to be dear to most people of India and a source of inspiration to them, irrespective of their religion.

In his impromptu reaction to a reference made by a speaker during the inaugural ceremony of Mahabodhi Jammu Deepa Centre at the University of Jammu here this morning, the Governor though agreed that Buddhism did not now occupy the centre stage in India but to say that it got extinct would not be right as it continues to influence the Indian ethos.

General Sinha referred to the reverence and respect for Buddhism among Hindus, some of whom described Lord Buddha as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He said that Buddhism continues to dominate in South Asia and far East countries.

'Buddhism greatly influenced the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi who used of non-violence, brotherhood and love, the hall mark of Buddhist philosophy, and forged them into a weapon in his crusade colonialism in 20th century', the Governor said. The Buddhist philosophy used by the Mahatma against colonialism can be equally effective in the fight against extremism, terrorism and threat of nuclear weapons. He added that if the Mahatma was Buddha reborn, Jawaharlal Nehru was an Ashoka the Great reborn. Nehru may have been an agnostic but like Ashoka he adopted peace and amity as the corner stone of his foreign policy, he said.

To an observation of Mr Rigzin Jora that religion in public life might have become a source of conflict between communities, the Governor observed that this has no doubt been so in the case of other religions but it is remarkable that Buddhists have never in history got involved in communal clashes. Even the destruction of Bamyan statues and more recently the Budha statues in Swat did not evoke any violent reaction from Buddhists, he maintained.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Industries and Commerce, Rigzin Jora, while highlighting the philosophy of Buddha, said that religion should have no role in public affairs. 'Use of religion in public domain turns to be cause of dissent', he said, adding "it should be a private affair to attain the bliss of satisfaction and purity in life."

Vice Chancellor, Prof Amitab Mattoo complimented Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh for launching the first ever Deepa Centre in Jammu and hoped that it will emerge as a vibrant destination for meditation. He said a Buddhist Study Centre has been set up in the University of Jammu about two decades ago and it was ready to play a collaborator role in promoting the philosophy of Buddha and his teachings.

Professor Mattoo regretted that the number of students from Ladakh and abroad in the Centre of Buddha Studies had dwindled over the years which needed to be addressed urgently. He said Jammu has been a destination of Buddha studies in the past and every effort would be made to promote it. He said a museum has been set up in the name of noted Buddhist philosopher, Rinchan Zangpo.

Ven Sanghasena, President, Mahabodhi International Meditation Centre, Leh, Ven Gao-Sang and Ven Fa-Ju from Taiwan and Ms Kwanne Chu from Japan were among those who spoke on the occasion. Prof Baidya Nath Labh, Head of Buddhist Studies, University of Jammu presented welcome address while Dr Smanla T Phunstog presented vote of thanks.

The programme was followed by a seminar on "Relevance of the Buddha's Message in Turmoil Ridden World" wherein number of scholars presented their papers.

Prominent at the function were T Samphel, Member, National Commission for STs and Lama Zodpa, Member, National Minority Commission and it was anchored by Dr Kavita Suri.

Workshop on "Building Competitiveness in
Higher Education" organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak said today that the revolution in ‘information technology’ has left us with no option but to change our mindset and contribute to global competition instead of being left behind in the race of competition.

He said that competition has to be looked at as a healthy practice that makes process cost effective and results in the production of quality products to the satisfaction of customer.

The Minister was addressing at a workshop on "Building Competitiveness in Higher Education" organized by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) J&K State council here today. Directors of Higher Education and Principals of the Colleges also attended the workshop

The Minister said that the workshop on building competitiveness in higher education should start with understanding the fact that the global competition in higher education is knocking at our door steps, adding that we need to understand how to face competition in our daily life.

He said that the quality of knowledge and skill generated in institution makes the students nationally and globally more aware and competitive. He said that success of an institution lies in its continuing ability to cope with the change and to innovate with changing trends.

Mr. Charak hoped that total quality management in higher education has become imperative on account of ever growing number of students, increasing competition due to privatization of education and access to education through internet, limited resources, inadequate involvement of students in teaching, learning, professional orientation among faculty, lack of accountability and increasing cost per unit etc. He said that measures could be considered for dealing with total quality management including evaluation and analysis of existing system and curricula, identification of new needs and market oriented courses, bench marking of standard, environmental scanning, plan of action for implementation, feed back from students, feedback from stakeholders, monitoring and evaluation, modification and innovations for future plans.

Vote of thanks was presented by Mr. Sanjay Puri.

Cochlear implantation for deafs at doorstep now

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: The people of Jammu and Kashmir, suffering from deafness, will now have no need to go outside the State for implantation of cochlear implant (electronic device to restore hearing power), as JK Electronic Ears, a city based hearing and speech clinic is all set to provide the service at their doorstep.

It was disclosed by Navneet Gupta and Punit Gupta from JK Electronic Ears while addressing a press conference here today. They said, a meeting of city based renowned ENT surgeons have also been called to brief them about cochlear implant technology.

Dr. Shalabh Sharma, ENT specialist from Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, who will brief the city Doctors, was also present during the occasion. Dr. Sharma informed that cochlear implant is an electronic device that stimulates the hearing nerve of the cochlea (inner ear) to enable deaf people to perceive sound.

He further said that cochlear implants are meant for children, who are born deaf, and adults, who have become profoundly deaf after having heard normally for some time. He also informed that in India, three out of every thousand new born suffer from impaired hearing, which would require cochlear implantation.

"The technology has helped thousands of people to listen, learn and talk since the first multi-channel surgery was performed in 1982. The implantation will cost anything between Rs. 6 lac to 8 lac and last for life long period", he added.

He also mentioned that several banks including State Bank of India (SBI) and Oriental Bank of Commerce offer easy loans for this implantation.

Peerzada assures better deal to Talwara migrants

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Feb 23: Peerzada Mohd Sayeed, former minister and PCC president today said recent election in Pakistan have shown healthy changes by which democratic set up in that country would strengthen.

He said these words while addressing Talwara migrants near here today. Peerzada impressed upon the State Government to provide equal opportunities of development to all the regions of the State so that forces encouraging regionalism and hatred were discouraged. He demanded that Government should ensure speedy and equal development through out the State.

Mr Sayeed lauded the role of Gujjar and Bakerwals and other down trodden communities for their patriotic enthusiasm in the State. He called upon the State as well as the Central Government to ameliorated the lot of these communities at an earliest.

Peerzada appealed all the people irrespective of caste, creed or religion to come forward and take part in development process of the State and also cooperate in strengthening and maintaining the secular fabric of the State.

He also appealed the people to strengthen the hands of Mrs Sonia Gandhi, AICC president, who was the only ray of hope for keeping the country united and strong enough to meet any challenge with in or out-side.

Deputation calls on Wakf Administrator

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: A deputation of Minority Welfare Front led by its chairman M Sajeem Khan today called on Administrator Wakf Jammu to ascertain their apprehensions over remodelling of old Id–Gah at Ghandu-Di-Chhowni in the city.

The deputation also suggested several measures to the Administrator regarding the development of Id–Gah.

According to a press handout, during the threadbare discussion, the delegates demanded that "Mehrab'' be re-erected at an acceptable place nearest to the boundary wall to accomodate more Namazies, construction of boundry wall, construction of a parking slot in the basement to generate income in the interest of development of Id-Gah and construction of a shopping complex.

The delegates emphatically made it clear that sanctity of every inch of Id-Gah land shall be upheld and preserved at all costs.

The Administrator gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured that their proposals would be put forth before concerned authorities.

The delegation was comprised of Sikandar Parvez Manhas, Nazir Ahmed Mian, MJ Khan and Showkat Ali.

Governor hosts At Home for award recipients

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today hosted ‘‘At Home’’ for the recipients of various awards on this year's Republic Day.

In the magnificent lawns of Raj Bhavan, the Governor met the awardees personally and congratulated them on the honour bestowed upon them for their contribution towards the Nation. He interacted with them and exchanged pleasantries.

Among the distinguished awardees were, Padam Vibushan former Chief Justice of India, Justice (Retd) Adarsh Sen Anand, Padam Shree, Mohammed Yousf Teing, MLC and Padam Shree, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu. Besides the awardees of the Army, Para Military Forces, Police and Civil Administration who have been conferred awards in different segments were also present on the occasion. The mother of Dy S P Shelly Singh also attended the ‘‘At Home’’.

Chief Secretary, B R Kundal and Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda were also present on the occasion.

Ashok Jailkhani’s book hits stands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23:- Television Production Techniques, a book written by Ashok Jailkhani, Deputy Director General Doordarshan and a renowned TV artist, writer and producer has hit the stands.

The book was released at an impressive function in Union Capital by Director General Doordarshan in presence of former Union Minister, Capt. (retd). Satish Sharma and a galaxy of artists and writers.

The book on TV Production Techniques will be a guiding factor for all present and coming generations dealing with art and craft of television software production.

The 100 page book contains guidelines about television production techniques and it includes special tips for a common man regarding a good TV productions.

The book was highly appreciated by the academicians and artists who were present in the release function.

Mr Jailkhani a state subject of J&K, was born and brought up in Kashmir Valley. He started his career as a drama producer in Srinagar Doordarshan and his best serials include ‘Aks -Aks’, ‘Yi Zahar Kus Chayee’, ‘Beghur Baneh’, ‘Kissi ek Phool ka Naam lo’, which are some among nearly one hundred notable serials and plays produced and directed by him.

Mr Jailkhani got tremendous popularity and his serials became quite well known in Kashmir Valley. He was later elevated to the post of Director DD, Jammu. He also worked as Director DD Jallandhar, Chennai and Lucknow before his elevation to the post of Deputy Director General, Prasar Bharti, New Delhi.

Mr Jailkhani was also conferred Best Director Award in 2002 and 2004 for his excellent work in DDK Jallandhar and DDK Chennai respectively.

Mr Maharaj Shah an ace artist and writer, who is the co-author of the book, has also utilised his experience in bringing out the book.

CME on Avian Influenza organised in GMC

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Post Graduate Department of Community Medicine in collaboration with Medical Education Unit of Government Medical College, Jammu, today organised a Continuing Medical Education (CME) on ‘Avian Influenza—Update’ by Dr Rakesh Bahl from the Department of Community Medicine.

GMC Principal Dr Rajinder Singh, Dr Vijay Mengi, HoD Community Medicine, Dr Yudhvir Gupta, Prof and HoD Pathology and Head MEU and Medical Superintendent GMC Dr Romesh Gupta besides HoDs, faculty members, resident doctors and medical students.

The speaker gave a detailed account of the scenario in the world as well as in India about H5N1 Influenza Virus among birds and human beings. He said that till date no human case has of the Virus has been reported in India but the risk remained because of occasional outbreaks in birds.

He added that the risk of infection from birds to human beings till date is very minimal. He dwelt in length about preventive measures required to be adopted by the people in general and those dealing in poultry business in particular.

B.Tech programme of BGSBU gets AICTE nod

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Feb 23: All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has formally given its nod to the B.Tech degree of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) Rajouri.

AICTE has issued Letter of Intent (LOI) for Engineering and Technology to BGSBU through College of Engineering and Technology (COET). As per letter issued by Advisor (E&T), the proposal was processed as per the procedures, guidelines, policies and norms and standards of the council.Vice Chancellor, Masood Ahmad Choudhary has said the university strives to achieve highest standards of academic excellence and this is one more step towards the mission of imparting higher technical education in remotest of the remote areas of the State.

The university offers B. Tech programme in IT, Computer Sciences and Electronics & Communication. MBA and MCA courses of the university were already approved by AICTE since first academic session.

Souhard Samman for Dr Koul

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Renowned Kashmiri and Hindi writer, critic and social activist from J&K Prof. Bhushan Lal Koul has been awarded prestigious "Souhard Samman"-2006 by Uttar Pradesh Hindi, Sansthan, Lucknow for his valuable contribution in the field of literature.

The award carries a cash prize of Rs one lakh one thousand (1,01000), a memento and shawl. He will be presented this Award by the UP Government.

It may be recalled that Prof. Koul is a well known critic of Hindi, Kashmiri languages and he has already published ten books out of which four are in Hindi and six in Kashmiri. His book Aarzat has won the J&K Cultural Academy’s best book award for the year 2007.

Work-down strike extended
Clerical staff stir paralyzes functioning in Govt Deptts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association, on the second day of their mass Casual Leave programme took out a protest rally at Jammu and held demonstrations at all the district-headquarters throughout Jammu province and issued fresh call of work down for three days from February 25 to 27.

Slogan shouting clerical cadre comprising all the Government departments started their protest march from the premises of Divisional Commissioner Jammu and marched through main streets to the Shalamar Chowk, near Civil Secretariat.

A similar demonstration was also held at Excise and Commercial Taxes Department at Rail Head Complex, in which the main speakers were Mohd Gafoor Dar and Abdul Majid Bichoo. Various other trade union leaders also spoke on the occasion.

Prominent trade union leaders who addressed the rally included Ram Kumar Sharma, Rehmat Ullah Malik, Ravi Singh Bhau, R P Sharma, Bashir Malik, Mrs Lalita Bali, Anil Mehta, M P Singh, Sukhbir Singh, Ravi Razdan, Ajay Khajuria, Mohd Sadiq Shah, K A Deewani, Roshan Lal, Bharat Bhushan, Ravi Kumar, M R Verma, Ram Dass Thappa, S Dildar Singh, Om Parkash Sharma, Krishan Gopal, Anil Sharma, Sardari Lal, Ali Ahmed, S Gurcharan Singh, Pran Nath Koul, Kirpal Singh, Sushil Gupta, Mehraj-ud-Din, S Ravinder Singh, Sanjay Sharma, Suraj Parkash, Balwan Singh, Pawan Datta, Ghulam Sabar, Mrs Sushma, Mrs Jyoti, Neel Kamal and Mrs Shashi Samyal.

Similar rallies and demonstrations were held by the cadre at different places including district headquarters in support of their often repeated demands and concerns.

Central committee members of the cadre spear-heading present agitation were Ram Kumar Sharma, Jaswant Singh, Mohd Gafoor Dar, Sushil Sudan, Balwan Singh Jamwal, S Kulwant Singh, Abdul Rashid, Gulam Nabi, Uttam Chand, S Amrik Singh, Prahlad Singh Chib etc.

Demonstration and dharna at Kishtwar was held under the convenorship of Ghulam Hassan Butt, wherein various speakers gave vent to their hurt sentiments at the hands of the Government. At Udhampur protest demonstration was held under the presidentship of Vishwa Bandhu, which submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner Udhampur highlighting their demands.

At Rajouri the clerical cadre submitted a memorandum to State Government through Deputy Commissioner under the chairmanship of B C Raina, district president. S Pritam Singh led dharna of the cadre at Poonch in support of demands. All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation also supported the dharna. At Doda all clerical staff observed two day symbolic mass casual leave in support of the cadre and held protest demonstration.

The speakers at different district headquarters who spoke included Chain Singh Dehati, Dhani Ram, Mohd Sidique, Manohar Singh, Brij Mohan, Ranjit Singh, Pardeep Kumar, M S Shah, M H Haji, Ali Mohd Khan, Mohd Amin Mir, Nusrat Beg, Tashi Choswal, Tashi Dorje, T Angchuk, T Gurmat, Soman Dolma, M K Fatma and Bashir Ahmed.

Inter-state narcotics racket busted, 4 held

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 23: Four persons were arrested for drug smuggling and charas worth Rs 2 crore in the international market was recovered from them here.

All the four accused, including a resident of Delhi, were arrested from Pantha Chowk area of the city last night with 33 kilograms of charas, Senior Superintendent of Police, Ashkoor Wani said today.

The arrested persons confessed to running an Inter-State Narcotics Racket, the SSP said, adding that they used to carry the drugs from Kashmir to Gujarat, Mumbai and other places.

A vehicle specially designed for smuggling narcotics was also confiscated. The arrested persons have been identified as Mohammad Imran Bhat, a resident of Jama Masjid in Delhi, Mohammad Ayub Wani of Sumbal area of Bandipora, Mohammad Shakoor from Rajouri and Feroz Ahmed Lone of Wazi Bagh area of the city.

Sanatan Dharam Sabha organises seminar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Shri Sanatan Dharam Sabha (SSDS), organized a seminar of students drawn from 20 schools of Jammu in Laxmi Narayan Mandir Gandhi Nagar on the topic a "Propkarik Jeevan Hee- Vastvik Jeevan Hai".

Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister appreciated the management for organizing such type of competition. He said such type of functions provide a sense of belongingness and social responsibility which helps an individual in building his character and personality. He asked to organize such competitions in remote and far off areas to educate the general masses about their duties as social animal.

Later, the Minister distributed Ist and 2nd prize of Rs.2100, Rs.1500 to Miss Tikshta Sharma and Miss Monika Sharma respectively and Miss Tapsi Pandita and Miss Sanjoo jointly got the third prize of Rs 1000. Besides certificates and Rupees one hundred has been paid to each participant.

The running trophy was awarded to Maha Reasi Vidya Minder School, Sanik Colony Jammu.

Secretary, Trust K. R. Gupta presented vote of thanks on the occasion.

Counseling for IHS begins

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Indian Heritage School (IHS), set up under the aegis of Doon Education Society on Pathankot-Dalhousie road in Bungal village near Pathankot, will conduct a counseling and school presentation session for prospective parents here on Sunday.

Principal of the institution Soham Anand said the counseling would be conducted at Hotel Asia Jammu from 11 a.m. onwards. In the presentation session the school management would also demonstrate various features of the school besides highlighting the academics and co-curricular activities.

The IHS residential and day boarding has been set up for providing quality education in order to inculcate right values and holistic development of the children.

Set up on a 65 acre spacious pollution free campus, surrounded by rolling hills, on the foot hills of Dalhousie, the school presents a peaceful and serene setting for meaningful and conducive teaching and learning process.

The school is committed to residential accommodation on the pattern of premier public school of the country. The facilities provided are nothing short of international class, be it academic block, laboratories, dormitories, sports, games, central dining hall, swimming pool and others, says headmistress of the school Shobha Anand.

2-day orientation programme on
Dogri style manual commences

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Two-day orientation programme organised by the Dogri Sanstha in collaboration with prestigious Central Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore, commenced at Dogri Bhavan, Karan Nagar, here today.

Veteran Dogri writer Prof Ramnath Shastri inaugurated the programme which is being attended by a number of academicians, writers and scholars.

In his speech, Prof Shastri appreciated the efforts of CIIL in preparing the Dogri’s style manual which will serve well as a benchmark for writers, scholars and researchers working for Dogri language and literature.

He also said the efforts of CIIL in preparing Dogri pictorial glossy, pronunciations cassettes, Bhartiya Basha Jyoti will certainly go a long way in promotion of Dogri.

Prof B Malikarjun of Central Institute of Indian Languages, who is also participating in the programme, highlighted the importance of Dogri style manual.

The programme is designed to introduce the Dogri Style Manual prepared by the Institute of Indian Languages, Mysore through a series of workshops held over the last two years.

Prof Lalit Magotra, president, Dogri Sanstha said the Dogri manual is first work of its kind and a firm step towards standardisation of techniques and methodologies concerning works in Dogri language. It will bring uniformity and standardisation, he added.

Prof Veena Gupta narrated her experiences in evolving the Dogri style manual and also expressed thanks to contributors.

Lt Gen Vinay takes over command of Rising Star Corps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Lieutenant General Vinay Sharma took over the command of the prestigious Rising Star Corps.

The General Officer is well versed with the terrain and operational aspects of his new command having held his earlier command assignments in the sector. He has held an illustrious profile of command, staff and instructional assignments.

Commissioned into the Dogra Regiment, the General is a veteran of 1971 War of Liberation of Bangladesh and has commanded his earlier formations in Jammu and Kashmir. Incidentally, he is second generation officer and is also a son of the soil.

KMTWC merges with JKNDF

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Kashmiri Migrant Traders Welfare Committee (KMTWC) today announced its merger with Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front (JKNDF).

Announcing this decision at a press conference here, today in presence of JKNDF working president, A K Dewani, Lala Madan Lal Tandon, patron and R K Saigal president of Committee accused the Government of neglecting the displaced people on all fronts.

They appealed Kashmiri Hindus to come on a single platform to fight for their rights including political empowerment.

Expressing concern over the plight of the displaced youth, Mr Saigal alleged that they have been ignored in Government services and Government has also failed to provide infrastructrual facilities to these youth to start their own ventures.

Justifying the decision of his organization to merge with JKNDF, Saigal said the initiative taken by Mr Dewani and his team is a welcome step. "This is high time that displaced people should get united and fight against the stepmotherly treatment of the Government", he added.

Dewani said JKNDF demands rehabilitation of displaced Hindus which ensures their return and retention in the Valley.

He accused the Government of not sanctioning the medical relief in favour of ailing displaced people and alleged that the problems of the displaced industrialists are piling up. Even the remaining Kashmiri Hindus are not treated properly in Valley, he added.

He demanded that Government should create economic zones in the Valley and Jammu for the displaced Kashmiri Hindus.

He also criticized the Government for not tabling the Kashmiri Hindus Shrines and Religious Places Bill in State Assembly at the behest of some vested interests.

The members of Traders Committee who joined the JKNDF included S Sujan Singh, Lala Chuni Lal Chopra, Mohan Lal Amla, S Anup Singh and Mohan Singh Pawar.

Mangat inspects work on educational institutions

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 23: Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma today visited various areas of Jammu west constituency and took stock of infrastructure of various educational institutions of the constituency. He also inspected the under execution and renovation works of these institutions which are afoot.

District Development Commissioner Jammu Hirdesh Kumar Singh, Director School Education Jammu A. K. Raina, Executive Engineer R&B K. D. Salalia and other senior officers and engineers accompanied the Minister during the tour.

The under execution works which the Minister inspected included examination hall of Government Girls Higher Secondary School Canal Road, renovation work of Middle School Krishna Nagar Jammu, construction and repair work of Girls Higher Secondary School Bakshi Nagar, Middle