Tributes paid to Guru Ravi Dass
Mangat cautions people against gimmicks
of mischievous elements

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Paying glowing tributes to Guru Ravi Dass Ji on his 631-birth anniversary,Minister for Health Mangat Ram Sharma described him an epitome of virtue and piety who throughout his life served for needy, poor and downtrodden people.

He was addressing a large public gathering which had assembled to celebrate the birth anniversary of Guru Ravi Dass Ji at Rajpura Mangotrian today. He said the best way to pay homage to Guruji is to strengthen communal harmony, amity and brotherhood as taught by him. He said Guruji always worked for upliftment of poor and under privileged sections of the society to ensure social justice for all.

Referring to the initiatives taken by the Government for upliftment of downtrodden communities, the Health Minister said that numerous measures have been taken up for their all round development. He said all sections of the society have been given adequate representation in the administration as well as in the legislature and other forums by this Government.

Mr Sharma said Government has amended SRO 294 under which the SC and ST communities would get enhanced quota in appointment and promotions. He said Government is considering to take some historical and exemplary decisions for socio-economic upliftment of all sections of the State besides ensuring complete peace and prosperity in the State.

Cautioning the people to be aware about the gimmickry of mischievous elements, Sharma said that such elements want to use them for their personal interests. The people of State have always strengthened the bonds of secularism and never allowed any one to create in the harmonious living of the society.

Responding to the demands of the locals, the Minister said that Azad led Government was committed to provide all basic amenities to the people across the State adding that Government have not only fulfilled the commitments made with the people under common minimum programme but gone beyond it. He assured that all remaining development needs of Jammu west constituency would be fulfilled at the earliest.

Minister of State for Health and Medical Education Peer Mohammad Hussain who accompanied the Health Minister also paid rich tributes to Guruji on the occasion.

Clerical staff to go on 3-day pen down strike

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: In a bid to further intensify their struggle, J&K Government’s clerical staff has resolved to go on pen down strike (kam chhor Hartal) for three days from tomorrow.

In a central executive committee meeting of the Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh All departments Clerical Staff Association held here today under the chairmanship of Ram Kumar Sharma it was decided that employees would intensify their struggle as no response from the Government has been received in view of their two days mass casual leave.

The Committee members including Rehmat Ullah, Sukhbir Singh and Ravi Singh Bhau strongly criticised the Government for its anti-employees attitude and alleged that authorities appeared to be adamant towards the plight of Clerical cadre regarding removal of pay anomalies.

While chalking-out fresh strategy, it was resolved that entire clerical staff would observe Pen down, Kam Chhor hartal on February 25, 26 and 27. They appealed the employees of Kashmir and Ladakh regions to remain united for the common cause and continue their struggle.

It was also decided that clerical staff will hold rally and take out procession from Bikram Chowk on Monday. Protest demonstrations will be held at divisional, district and tehsil headquarters.

Governor, Chief Minister hail performance
Whirling Dervishes from Egypt put Jammuites into a trance

By Ravinder Kaul

It was a feeling of enlightenment that only a true Sufi performance can evoke. A feeling in which one was in unison with the whirling dervish, going round and round and round in a trance, replicating the movement of the celestial bodies. The performance by Tannoura dancers from Egypt, presented at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium here today by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in collaboration with Indian Council of Cultural Relations, University of Jammu and North Zone Cultural Centre, was truly a once in a lifetime experience for every member of the audience in the jam-packed auditorium.

‘Tannoura’ is the name given to the Egyptian folk dance which has its origins in the Sufi order of whirling dervishes. The word ‘Tannoura’ is simultaneously used for the dance, the dancer as well as the large skirt used in the performance. In the beginning this evening, Dev Dildar and party presented two Punjabi Sufi songs.

The Tannoura performance this evening began with the musicians playing their respective instruments alone, without the dance movements. The instruments included Rebaba (a Shehnai like instrument), Ney (Flute), Sagat (Cymbals or what we call Kansian in Duggar), Frame Drums (Dafli) and Tabla (An instrument having a strong resemblance with Kashmiri Tumbaknari). Well, now we know how the music and musical instruments move from one place to the other, influencing cultures and civilizations in their wake.

In the second part of the performance the lead singer recited religious hymns and the central dancer began spinning on the stage. He was assisted by three other dancers who surrounded the central dancer and kept pace with him. The central dancer kept spinning for more than 45 minutes and this part of the performance culminated in a crescendo with the dancer removing different layers of his dancing robes, one after the other representing change in seasons during a year. This part culminated in a crescendo with the entire auditorium giving the performers a standing ovation.

The third and the final part of the performance had two spinning dancers on stage and they executed different movements and actions like throwing the skirts in the air, spinning the skirts at different levels and angles. They also moved into the aisles while spinning the skirts to the utter delight of the audience. The ecstatic audience once again gave them a standing ovation and a thundering applause.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor Lt. General (Retd.) S.K.Sinha aptly described the occasion as a unique blend of Nile and Tawi. He said that the ethos and culture of Jammu and Kashmir is embodied in Sufi traditions and it also forms common bond between two great civilizations of Egypt and India. He complimented Dr. Rafiq Masoodi for his proactive role in promoting art and culture of J&K State.

The Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad highlighted the rich bond of Sufism that had forged unity among the ancient civilizations of India and Egypt from times immemorial. He also expressed happiness over the fact that the Academy had made efforts to invite people from far flung areas of the State to witness the performance.

Coming back to the performance, having watched the Whirling Dervishes from Turkey on a number of occasions in the past, one has a feeling that their presentation is more oriented towards spiritualism while the effort of these Egyptian artistes was more performance oriented.

While sitting in the auditorium one was suddenly reminded of a poem by Noon Meem Rashid, one of the great poets of Urdu Nazm, who in his poem Raks (Dance) writes:

Ai meri hamraqs mujh ko thaam le

Raqs ki ye gardishen

Ek mubaham aasiyaa ke daur hain

Kaisi sargarmi se gham ko raundataa jaataa hoon main

Ji main kehtaa hoon ki haan

Raqsgaah main zindagi ke jhaankane se peshtar

Kulfaton kaa sangrezaa ek bhi rehane na paaye

(Come my fellow dancer, hold me

These cycles and spins of dance

Enigmatic revolutions of a grinding wheel

With what zeal I grind the grains of sorrow

And in my mind I resolve

Before mundane life peeps into the dance house

Not one speck of my troubles should remain)

Did Rashid write these lines after watching a performance of whirling dervishes?

Hakeem Yaseen asks workers to gear up for elections

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Feb 24: Chairman PDF and Minister for Transport Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen today asked his party men to gear up for ensuing Assembly elections.

Addressing a party convention in Raj Bagh, he said peace dialogue process has little consequences unless borders across two halves of Kashmir are made porous enough to enable free movement.

He hoped that the transfer of power after free and fair election is a good omen for making the permanent resolution of Kashmir issue.

Hakeem Yaseen said that present Azad led Government would complete its term and PDF would provide full cooperation to the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Hakim Yaseen hailed the announcement by the Deputy Chief Minister for filling up 70,000 posts in the State and said that for filling up of these posts and providing equal opportunity to the unemployed youth of all the three regions, district level boards are being constituted.

The Minister said that the pay dues to striking employees of State Road Transport Corporation would be released within next 15 days. He asked the striking employees to return to their duty forth with.

The Youth Zonal President of PDP Iftikhar Hussain Misgar alongwith his men announced his merger with PDF on the occasion.

IHS organizes counselling session

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Indian Heritage School (IHS), Bungal today held a counseling and presentation session for children along with their parents.

During the session, the school authorities explained the techniques of teaching opted by IHS teachers besides methods being used for the mental growth of the students. A video demonstration was also presented on the occasion.

Soham Anand, Principal of the school apprised the parents that residential and day boarding has been set with a commitment for providing quality education of the International standard and for the holistic development of the children.

Parents also raised several queries about the hostel accommodation, sanitation, food, sports and other facilities being offered by the institution.

Pak situation opportunity to settle all issues: Peerzada

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Peerzada Mohd Sayeed, former minister and PCC president today appealed the Government of India to take advantage of the political change in Pakistan and settle all the bilateral issues.

Addressing the public rally at Mansar here today, Peerzada stressed upon the Union Government to take the benefits of healthy political change in Pakistan and settle all the bilateral issues so that peace and prosperity can flourish in south Asia which will benefit common masses in sub-continent.

He further stressed on the UPA Government to remove para-military forces from the school buildings, colleges, medical institutions, fields and orchards and relocate them to suitable places.

Peerzada also thanked the UPA Chairperson and President AICC Sonia Gandhi for visiting snow hit areas of State.

Mr. Sayeed appealed all the party workers to come forward and spread developmental policies of the Central and State Government to every nook and corner of the State.

He called upon the State Government to ensure that the benefits of different schemes was really reaching to Gujjars and Bakerwals.

"Display Your Talent" concludes
Ashoka College’s "Giddha" bags top honour

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Ashoka College of Education bagged top honour on the final day of the inter-collegiate/ departmental competition "Display Your Talent", as its high velocity performance in "Giddha" was adjudged best in today’s event Folk Dance competition held in Brig. Rajinder Singh Auditorium of University of Jammu (JU).

Government College for Women (GCW) Gandhi Nagar and GCW Parade claimed second and third positions respectively. Both the teams performed Rajasthani items. The Certificates of Merit were awarded to PG Integrated team of JU and GCW Udhampur, who performed "Kalbeliya" and "Giddha" respectively.

The panel of judges included Praduman Singh, Kamal Sharma and Anuradha Seth Kohli. Later, Prof. N R Sharma, Chairman Campus Cultural Committee and Dr. P S Pathania, Dean Students Welfare distributed prizes among the winning teams.

With the holding of folk dance event, "Display Your Talent" contest came to an end today. The Department of Students Welfare, JU had organized this contest.

'Gatt' staged in Natrang's Sunday theatre

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Continuing with its efforts to create plays by adapting critically acclaimed literary works of writers from Jammu region, Natrang-a theatre research and promotion organization today staged Dogri play 'Gatt' in Sunday theatre at Natrang Studio here today.

The play directed by Balwant Thakur is based on a short story by Krishan Chander.

'Gatt' a Dogri word which literally means 'ditch' portrays story of a person who accidently falls into it. All his pleadings and cries fall on deaf ears of passerbys, who belong to different walks of life. The play emphatically showcases as to how the concern for others is deteriorating day by day.

Central character of the play was played by Natu, who falls into ditch whereas Rahul Verma, Rahul Singh, Dimple Sharma, Gourav Jamwal, Kamakashi, Mohit Sharma and Mohit Sharma comprised the rest of star cast.

The lights were designed by Gaurav Jamwal and executed by Mohammad Yasin. Kamaljeet Kour and Sajara Qadir looked after the backstage arrangements.

Pulse Polio drive launched
9789 centers set up to immunize
18.55 lakh children: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: The second round of Pulse Polio immunization was launched today by Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma and Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Peer Mohammad Hussain at Railway Station and Gandhi Nagar hospitals Jammu by administering polio drops to children.

Minister of State for PHE Ramesh Chander, Director Health Services Jammu Dr Jasbeer Singh, Director Family Welfare Dr Abdul Hameed, Special Secretary Health Ghulam Nabi, Chief Medical Officer Jammu, Superintendent, Gandhi Nagar Hospital, Senior Officers and Doctors besides prominent citizens, social workers and large numbers of parents were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering after launching the drive, Health Minister said that 40,000 personnel of health and social welfare department have been deployed at 9789 pulse polio centers across the State to administer the pulse polio drops.

He said 13 pulse polio centers have been set up in slum areas, besides arrangements for providing pulse polio drops to children of transit passengers by deploying staff at railway station Jammu and bus terminals.

He said free vaccination of Hepatitis-B for children upto one year age have been kept available in all health institutions.

Later, the Ministers also inspected pace of work on under execution Out Patient Block at Gandhi Nagar Hospital. The executing officials told the Ministers that the complex would be completed by May this year.

Meanwhile, Mission-2020, an NGO joined the State administration in pulse polio immunization programme by organizing a pulse polio camp at Jammu Tawi Railway Station in collaboration with Cadila Pharmaceutical Ltd, Samba.

Many children of the area were administered polio drops in the day long camp under the supervision of President Mission-2020 Rahul Dev. Rotary Club of Jammu Tawi also organised pulse polio immunization camp at Railway Station.

Reports from Srinagar said that as many as 9.96 lakh children below 5 years age were administered Pulse Polio drops today in Kashmir division.

In all, 5046 Pulse Polio booths were established with manpower of 20204 belonging to Health, Social Welfare, Education and Non-Government Organizations. MLA Bandipora Usman Majid took off the pulse polio campaign by giving pulse polio drops to a newly born baby.

District Development Commissioner, Budgam, Farooq Ahmad Renzu launched Pulse Polio campaign by administering pulse polio drops to the children early morning. District Development Commissioner, Kupwara took off the campaign at Sub District Hospital Kupwara while in Srinagar and Ganderbal districts, Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr Muzaffar Ahmad launched the campaign by administering pulse polio drops at Government Gousia Hospital Khanyar and Sub District Hospital, Ganderbal.

In Pulwama and Shopian districts, 612 pulse polio centres with a manpower of 2448 officials were deployed to achieve the target of 1.12 lakh children under pulse polio campaign.

Similarly, the pulse polio campaign was going apace in Anantnag, Kulgam, Baramulla, Bandipora, Leh and Kargil districts.

Expose ill-designed policies of coalition; Gupta to youth

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Former Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta has called upon the youth to expose the ill-designed policies of the Congress and its allies.

Talking to a delegation of unemployed youth who called on him here today, the BJP leader said the special status granted to J&K under Article 370 was the main cause of all problems in J&K State. This has encouraged separatism and communal feelings to distance the state from India which in turn has given birth to terrorism and fundamentalism, he added.

He said the trade and industrial growth has been hampered because of this malady. Without the industrial growth in the state, the eradication of unemployment and poverty is not possible, he added.

Prof. Gupta however said in the prevailing situation no industrialist would like to invest in the state.

Moreover, the rising corruption is also a cause of setback to industrialization of the state, he said. Referring to Government survey in this regard, he said out of 36,510 industrial units for which hundreds of crores subsidy was disbursed over 16,200 were found untraceable on the ground, he added.

Alleging that the ruling coalition is not interested in progress of Jammu region, Prof. Gupta said the Jammu region has been subjugated by it politically.

Development of neglected areas priority of Govt: Gharu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development and R&B Ch Gharu Ram has said that Azad-led Government was committed to develop neglected areas at par with cities and town by upgrading their road connectivity, lanes, drains, healthcare, drinking water, electricity and education infrastructure.

This was stated by the Minister after inspecting the ongoing construction work of 1.9 kilometre long lane and drain from Main Bazar to Government Girls High School Badyal Brahamna in Suchetgarh.

He said that the Government was fully aware of the problems of border belts and was making concerted efforts to provide all basic amenities to them. For this purpose, the Government has provided sufficient funds in every sector.

Responding to the demands, the Minister announced Rs. 1.30 lakh for the construction of lane and drain from main road to Prem Nagar Basti under BADP. He asked the RDD engineers to immediatly start the construction work of lane and drain and complete it before April 2008 so that the residents do not face any inconvenience. For construction of platform at Badyal Brahamna, he asked the engineers to prepare the estimate and submit it for funding so that the work would start soon. He asked the engineers to use quality material in the construction works while reminding them the resolve of Government to create durable assets.

Later, the Minister visited Kanshi Ram Ashram in Gaddigarh and prayed for peace and prosperity of the country.

45-year-old famed Khalsa school gutted

SRINAGAR, Feb 24: The historic Khalsa school in the heart of the city at Magarmal Bagh was gutted in a mysterious fire last evening, official sources said.

Established in early forties by members of the minority Sikh community, under Khalsa Educational Society (KED), has produced doctors, engineers, politicians, and other professionals.

It was one of the few premier institutions, set up in the Valley before Independence, which remained open for students of all faiths, a Spokesman of the KES said.

He said students from different parts of the Valley, belonging to Muslim, Pandit, Sikh and other communities were studying in the school.

The Spokesman said despite a 17-year-long turmoil, the school was functioning normally and students from all religions were studying. However, the roll of students has come down to below 500 at present, he said.

He said the next session of the school was to start after winter vacation next month. But the building had suffered more than 85 per cent damage besides the record of the office has also been damaged, he said.

Nothing can be said on the cause of the accident, he said adding that wood was largely used in the construction of the building.

The building suffered extensive damage in the fire, sources added.

A Spokesman of the fire services said more than a dozen fire tenders from different city stations were rushed to the area to control the leaping flames. (UNI)

Valley students interact with Charak

Exclsior Corresondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: A group of students of Government College for Women (GCW) Anantnag, Srinagar interacted with Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak, in a programme at Government SPMR College of Commerce here today.

These students had arrived here after completing their educational tour to Mumbai and Goa. During the programme, they shared their tour experiences with the Minister and called it a good opportunity to see the rich cultural heritage of India.

In his address, the Minister advised the girl students to work hard and maintain the cultural ethos. He further advised them to work towards women empowerment especially in the rural areas by promoting literacy and health related issues.

Prof. S L Kohli, Principal GCW Anantnag and Prof M S Baloria, Principal Commerce College were also present on the occasion.

Point 32 dental clinic opened

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Point 32 Dental Clinic and Orthodontic Speciality Centre was opened near Luxmi Narayan temple at 635-A, Gandhinagar here today.

Established by Dr Mohit Gupta (MDS), this Clinic was inaugurated by Dr C R Gupta, advisor Shri Sain Charitable Trust at an impressive function today. Dr Mohit claimed that Clinic is first of its kind in Jammu and Kashmir which is offering fixed lingual orthodontic treatment.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by a large number of people including senior doctors and professionals.

Bhalla lays foundation of community hall

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Congress MLA, from Gandhi Nagar, Raman Bhalla today laid the foundation stone of Rs 18 lakh multipurpose community hall at Ambedkar Nagar in Gandhi Nagar Constituency.

A large number of people including corporators, Congress activists, panchs and different Mohalla Committee members were present on the occasion.

Addressing the function, Mr Bhalla said a long pending demand of the people of the area will be solved with the construction of this community hall.

He said there was no Government community hall in entire Gandhi Nagar Constituency and during last five years of coalition Government main attention was paid to solve this problem of the people and at present in every part of the Constituency such halls exist.

Mr Bhalla said the work on community hall at Gandhi Nagar is in progress and it will also be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 18 lakh.

He said many projects were taken up in hand for the development of the Gandhi Nagar Constituency in health and education sector. To solve the drinking water problem of the people various projects have already been completed under ERA and work on others is going on war footing.

He, while highlighting the achievements of coalition Government assured the people that a culvert on a nullah at Gandhi Nagar, Nanak Nagar road will be constructed on priority basis.

The function among others was attended by S. Jaswant Singh Sudhan, corporator, Sanjay Mahay, chairman Sanitation Committee, JMC, Chameal Singh , Sarpanch, Daya Ram Panch, Dalbir Ved, Sardari Lal, Rakasha, Swarno and Balwant Singh Manhas.

Improve roads in Poonch

There is no doubt that the Govt has opened its coffers for the development of the State but the quality of deve-lopment is suspect. The executing authorities are not spending funds properly.

In this context improvement of roads was started in Poonch but the work is substandard. The road from Kanoyian to Nakhan Wali Sarak was black topped. All the technicalities were ignored while blacktopping the road. Black topping was undertaken in winter which it is not thought feasible from engineering point of view. Given the climatic conditions and flow of traffic, on this approach road it was suggested that 40 mm premix top be laid instead of 20 mm. This would have made the road more durable. It is requested that the funds released are used in an optimum way so that meaningful development takes place. Otherwise funds released for Poonch roads upgradation will go down the drain.

Javed Rana Hakla ,
Poonch

Stop eve teasing

Recently there has been a spurt in the incidents of eve teasing in the city. Street Romeos roam the roads and pass obscene remarks on the girls and women. Recently an incident of such kind occured in Rehari. People expressed resentment over the incident.

City police is requested to increase patrolling so that such incidents do not take place in future.

Kulbir Sharma
Rehari

Improve sanitation in New Masjid Chinore

We, the residents of New Masjid, Roop Nagar Chinore express grave resentment over the deteriorating sanitary conditions in our locality. Roads are in worst state. There is no proper drainage in the locality. The result is that it has become difficult for people to live here.

The concerned authorities are requested to kindly take steps to improve sanitation, conditions of roads and drains in the locality.

Mohd Aslam
Chinor
Jammu

Open document film production centre

We, the Producers/Directors of the State request you honour for the opening up of documentary film production centre of Jammu/Srinagar as promised by the Chief Minister for promotion of producing documentaries by the talented Producers/Director of State. Otherwise a lot of talent is wasted due to the nonavailability of proper medium.

The new centre, if it is opened will open a new era in the history of the film making in the State. We duly hope that the Chief Minister will surely look into the request at an earliest.

All State Producers/Director/Artists
Through Rajinder Singh
Kandoli, Nagrota Jammu

Provide relief to snowfall victims in Chinta valley

Due to the heavy snowfall in the State many houses have collapsed. But there are still many cases where relief has not been provided in the Chinta valley in Bhadarwah. The authorities are requested to provide speedy relief to those who have been yet left out.

H L Hitaishi Ex-MLA
Bhadarwah

PK holds round table interaction with
media, members of community

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, Feb 24: Panun Kashmir held a round table interaction with media persons here, today in which prominent members of displaced Kashmiri Pandit community, leaders of PK and some journalists from J&K participated to deliberate on the latest changing scenario in Kashmir Valley.

The PK leaders highlighted the challenges faced by the displaced community. It’s chairman, Dr Ajay Chrangoo said the Kashmiri Pandits putting up any where in the world are committed to continue their struggle for a separate homeland in the Valley.

He said the homeland is the ultimate solution to the problems and sufferings of the Kashmiri Pandits.

Dr Shakti Bhan, vice chairperson PK advocated reorganization of the Kashmir Valley with carving out of a homeland for the Kashmiri Pandits on the North and East of river Jehlum. Kamal Wangnoo, secretary, PK -NCR-New Delhi said that his organization demands that seven lakh displaced Pandits including those who were forced to leave Kashmir in past be settled in the homeland so that they can live with dignity and honour.

Shalinder Aima another P K leader gave a brief account of Panun Kashmir philosophy and ideology.

While the first half of the meeting focused on the role of media in today’s world , the second half included a role of Jammu and Kashmir media viz a viz current political situation in J&K.

KPs express concern over delay in passage of Temples’ Bill

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: In a joint meeting of National Peace Movement (NPM), ASKPC Youth Front and Migrant Welfare Association grave concern was expressed over the delaying tactics adopted by the State Government in the passage of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Religious Places Bill.

The meeting, which was chaired by M K Koul alleged that some vested elements including the influential political leaders were hell bent in sabotaging this Bill.

The meeting in its appeal to Union Minister of Water Resources and PCC chief, Prof. Saif -u-Din Soz and Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad urged them to take up this issue in the next Cabinet meeting and issue an ordinance for the Protection of Hindu Shrines and temples in the Valley till the Bill is passed.

The meeting, while criticizing the Cabinet decision regarding regularisation of those employees who were working against the migrant posts demanded reservations be given to Pandits in services. It also demanded economic package and payment of relief to bifurcated ration card holders.

It , while demanding the rehabilitation and return of the displaced Pandits urged the Government to establish a satellite township in Kashmir Valley for them.

Famous actor, director Ksheminder Raina passes away

Excelsior Corespondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Well known actor and director Ksheminder Raina passed away here last night. He suffered a massive heart attack at 9.00 pm at his residence and was rushed to the hospital where he was declared as brought dead. The cremation of his mortal remains took place at Shakti Nagar crematorium this afternoon in which a large number of people belonging to the electronic and print media and the artiste fraternity participated. He was 51 and is survived by his wife, one daughter and one son.

Ksheminder Raina was an ace actor of stage and started acting as a child artiste in the year 1967. He performed the role of Lakshaman in Ram Lila in Srinagar consecutively for a number of years. Later he won accolades for acting in celebrated plays like "Surya Ki Antim Kiran Se Surya Ki Pehli Kiran Tak", "Aashad ka ek din", "Paanchawan Sawar" and "Bakri".

To begin with, he was associated with Sangarmal Theatre and later he founded Alankar Theatre Group. He was an approved drama artiste for All India Radio and Doordarshan since the year 1976.

In Doordarshan he acted in more than 60 plays and serials and created a niche for himself as a competent and sensitive actor. He also acted in the Kashmiri feature film "Bub".

He later distinguished himself as an able Director of serials and telefilms for Doordarshan. Some of the noteworthy serials directed by him include "Ant", "Rehbar", "Ek Kahani Aur" and "Shihule Kule". He also directed a number of documentaries. In addition to all this, he was a dedicated and selfless social worker.

A number of cultural and social organisations including Athwaas, Pir Panchal, Anant Kala Kendra, Sharika Peeth, Displaced Hindu Youth Forum and Duggar Manch have condoled the untimely demise of Ksheminder Raina.

A condolence meeting will be held at Kala Kendra, Bikram Chowk on Monday at 5.00 pm.

NC Legislator booked

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Feb 24: Police today booked a National Conference Member Legislative Council, B A Naaz for breaking open the lock of a sealed Municipal Quarter near Shakuntala Theatre.

Commissioner of Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) Vinod Sharma said that Mr Naaz had not given rent of a Municipal quarter alloted in his name for the past 15 years and he was served several notices from time to time.

But the Legislator never paid any heed to the notices forcing the Municipal authorities to seal his quarter, Mr Sharma further said, adding today the Corporator broke the seal and entered the premises.

"We have lodged a complaint with the police against Naaz for appropriate action", the Commissioner said.