Speaker administers oath to Jahangir

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 31: Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand administered oath of office to newly elected Congress MLA from Poonch Haveli Jahangir Hussain at a simple but impressive ceremony held in his office chamber here today.

A galaxy of audience including Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Dr. Romesh Chander Sharma, senior Congress leader and Member Parliament Mohammad Aslam Choudhary, legislators Farida Mir, Lal Mohammad Sabir, Ashok Sharma, Secretary Assembly Mohammad Ramzan and other local congress leaders of Poonch and Rajouri were present in the oath ceremony. `

The bye-elections to lone seat of Poonch-Haveli, which fell vacant due to the death of NC MLA G.M.Jan, held this month and Jahangir Mir won the elections.

2 found dead under suspicious circumstances

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 31: Two persons were found dead under suspicious circumstances at different places.

Police spokesman said that one Sanjay Manjal, son of Gansham Dass Manjal of Haryana died under suspicious circumstances at Natha Top under the jurisdiction of Batote Police Station.

Meanwhile, a pilgrim Honey, son of Komal Luthra of Uttam Nagar, New Delhi died under suspicious circumstances at Bhawan Dispensary while on way to cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi.

The body was, later, shifted to CHC Katra for post-mortem.

Year ends with competent performance in Drama Festival

By Ravinder Kaul

It was a befitting finale to a year that saw the revival of art, theatre and culture in J&K State. The past year has witnessed such cultural bonhomie at all levels that it became rather difficult for the scribes writing about art, music, theatre, dance and literature to keep pace with various events taking place almost everyday. Quite often it has been more than one event a day. The entire credit for this must go to Dr. Rafiq Masoodi, the dynamic and highly approachable Secretary of J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and his thoroughly galvanised team of competent officials of the Academy.

Coming back to the play, Ek Aur Durghatna, presented by Deep Society for Visual and Dramatic Arts here today, it was a Hindi adaptation by Amitabh Shrivastav, of Dario Fo’s most popular play ‘Accidental Death of an Anarchist’. A Kashmiri adaptation of the same play was presented in Abhinav Theatre in June 2007 by Azad Dramatic Club, Ganderbal (Hatha Handol-A competent performance clamouring for viewers, Daily Excelsior-June 29, 2007).

The play, written in 1970, deals with corruption in police department and its deplorable track record of human rights’ violations. The play is tailor made for situations, as they prevail in J&K State. It is as if the play was written keeping in view the backdrop of our own trouble torn State.

The play deals with the story of killing of an anarchist in Police custody. While the police claims that it was an accident, it is later established that the culprit died of police atrocities. Narrated in the form of a farce, this play is enjoyable at one level and a serious denouement of the law enforcing agencies at another level.

The performance by the young artistes was unexpectedly mature. Although there were many areas where there could have been improvements, yet everyone appeared to have worked hard to give one’s best to the play. Ifra Mushtaq Kak as the nosy journalist wanting to unearth a scandal was very good. She has confidence and poise and with time she is bound to flower into a competent actor. Tapeshwar Dutta was also very good as ‘Sanaki’. He seamlessly slipped from one mood to the other without any difficulty. Every artiste including Ankush Chandan as Superintendent, Pawan Sharma as Inspector Vajpeyi, Rahul Sharma as Inspector Pahuja, Arvind Tickoo as Hawaldar and Prince Chandail as Sepahi did justice to his respective role. Some of them were forgetting their lines though and need to work even harder in the times to come in this very basic requirement of theatre.

The set design by Jagdish Kumar was good and innovative. Vijay Kapoor, the director of the play, shows a great deal of potential with this play. He has the spark in him and needs to do good work continuously in order to create a niche for himself in the theatre field of Jammu.

A new year has dawned. Instead of resolutions, I want to begin the year with a request to all readers, particularly those belonging to the young generation. Please come closer to arts, theatre, music and literature. It will make your life all the more worthwhile and meaningful. Learn all languages like English and Hindi but do not forget your mother tongue be it Dogri, Kashmiri, Punjabi or Gojri. Listen to all kinds of music including Pop, Rock, Rap, Fusion or Western Classical, but do not ignore your own music, your own melodies. Do construct beautiful mansions but do not insult these mansions by putting up Rs.50/= a piece posters on its walls. Spare some money for buying some art works that would give character and an identity to your expensive but soulless walls.

Everyone needs to do one’s bit to preserve our culture, our identity, our language, our arts. For if all these are gone, what will be there for us to call our own. Let this be our resolve in this new year. A very happy new year to all the readers.

Sinha sets out agenda for peace, stability

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 31: Notwithstanding the gloomy development in the neighbourhood, Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha today has raised an ardent hope for violence-free subcontinent in the year to dawn, with both India and Pakistan playing key role to resolutely fight terrorism.

'Kashmir has bled profusely at the hands of foreign sponsored terrorists, who tried but failed to trample its rich ethos', the Governor said in his New Year message, adding that ironically the demon of terror is now rebounding back and shaking the foundations of the soil from where it operated.

'It is not the time to trace the genesis of terrorism; it is also not the time to put blame on anyone but it is an occasion when we must demonstrate the grit to fight back elements inimical to peace and set the agenda with renewed understanding to infuse a sense of security to our peoples', he added.

The Governor said that like the past nearly two decades, 2007 continued to be a year of suffering on account of senseless violence, albeit on a much reduced scale. The situation has improved considerably he said and added that he was earnestly praying that in the New Year the State emerges out of the dark tunnel of violence into the bright shine of peace and prosperity. The State Government has made tremendous efforts and taken great strides towards development of the State, he maintained.

The Governor reaffirmed his belief that the composite culture of State is the strongest weapon to defeat the cult of violence and said: "Let us all pledge together to revive our unique heritage of amity and brotherhood enshrined in Kashmiriyat. A great future awaits the State as the crown of India and as the paradise on earth", he added.

While greeting and extending good wishes to the people, the Governor also expressed sympathies with the families who lost their near and dear ones in the senseless killing during the year. He passionately desired that the New Year brings cheer to the people and herald in a new era of peace, progress and stability in the State.

Rs 50 cr developmental works under
execution in Khour : Tara Chand

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 31: Khour block is moving towards progress and prosperity as this border belt has witnessed massive development during the last 4-5 years in every sector. Works costing over Rs. 50 crore are in progress under different schemes and many projects are at final stage in Chhamb Constituency.

This was disclosed by Speaker Legislative Assembly Tara Chand during his address to a mammoth public meeting at Pallanwala on Sunday.

Minister for Roads and Buildings Gulchain Singh Charak, Minister of State for Industries and Commerce Romesh Chander Sharma, MLA Suchetgarh Ch. Gharu Ram, senior Congress leaders Th. Balwan Singh, Shamsher Singh, Maheshwar Singh and Narinder Sharma were also present on the occasion and addressed the gathering.

While lauding the vision of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for taking various historical decisions, Mr. Tara Chand said that the period of Mr. Azad would be remembered as era of all round development in Jammu and Kashmir. The courageous decisions like Roshni Act, creation of new administrative units, setting up of independent Finance Commission for ensuring equitable development and opening of several degree colleges and university campuses and many other things are indicative of taking the trouble-torn State towards peace and prosperity, the Speaker maintained. Highlighting the achievements of Government, Mr. Charak said that during the last two years, the government has made consistent efforts to do justice to the people of all three regions and every sector has witnessed massive development. He said that Government is aware of the problems of border people and it has made best efforts to resolve them phasewise.

The Minister announced Rs. 3 lakh out of his CDF for construction of a play ground for children at Pallanwala. He also directed the officers for construction of four additional rooms for Higher Secondary School, Pallanwala.

Dr. Romesh in his brief address said that Government is aware of the problems of border people, saying that he himself hails from the border belt of Nowshera and they have similar problems. He appreciated the temperament of border people who always showed the courage and faced the adverse situation bravely.

BJP expresses concern over persecution of Buddhists

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 31: Former union minister and senior BJP leader Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has expressed concern over the alleged persecution of the Buddhist leaders of Ladakh by the Congressmen with the support of police and urged the concerned authorities to take note of the developments to ensure peace there.

Looking at the complaints of Buddhist leaders of Ladakh, Prof Gupta alleged that the Congress leaders and its allies had always been indulging in discriminatory approach towards the regions of Jammu and Ladakh, which has led to regional tensions and also created danger to the unity of the State.

Lambasting the leaders of Congress and its allies for being Kashmir centric, Prof Gupta further alleged that these leaders have pampered communalism and fundamentalism at the cost of nationalists of Jammu and Ladakh. "The secessionism and armed militancy are the outcome of Congress policies, as their despotic approach was exploited by the hostile neighbor Pakistan", he added.

Meanwhile, the BJP leader asked the visiting Ladakhi leaders to forge unity with other nationalist sections of the people of State especially those of Jammu, as the people of both the regions have always been extended step-motherly treatment by Congress and its different allies.

He also supported the demand of Ladakhis for the inclusion of Bodhi language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution and opening of Ladakh route to Mansarovar.

Homeguard jawans takes out protest rally

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 31: The homeguard jawans under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Homeguard Welfare Association (JKHWA) today took out a protest rally in Jammu city in support of their long pending demands.

The rally commenced from Mubarak Mandi after holding brief demonstration in front of Divisional Commissioner office. They were demanding their regularization, as promised by the Chief Minister on January 30 this year.

They said that if Government couldn’t regularize them then they should be provided with the rights at par with their counterparts in the neighboring states like Punjab and Himachal Pradesh etc.

Homeguards also demanded enhancement of working days, as it were reduced from 13 days a month to just 9, which fetch them only 410 rupees a month. They also vowed to continue their struggle till the concedement of demands.

Those who led the rally included Kamala Sharma (president), Mohd Amin (vice-president), Ab Rashid (president Anantnag), Sanjay Kumar (president Udhampur), Karan Khajuria (president Kathua) and Mohd Akbar (president Rajouri).

Border farmers facing hardships: Qureshi

Excelsior Correspondent

POONCH, Dec 31: National Conference leader and Member Legislative Council, M R Qureshi has alleged that farmers residing closer to Line of Control (LoC) in Mendhar and Poonch were facing lot of problems as fencing has been erected deep inside the LoC.

Mr Qureshi who took up the matter with the Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey here today apprised him of the problems being faced by the people living closer to border (LoC) in Balakot, Bhimber Gali, Sagra, Balnoi, Ari, Khari, Ajote, Degwar, Kerni, Upper Shahpur, Baba Miran Sahib and Sawjian belt of Mandi.

He pointed out that Fencing has been erected about 3 to 5 km deep inside the LoC. Several houses and fields of the farmers were lying on that side of the fencing. Due to restrictions imposed by defence authorities, the local population was facing lot of problems, especially when somebody is sick.

Mr Qureshi demanded that land owners be provided compensation who have been separated from their land along other side of the fencing. He also demanded that rent be given to the farmers whose land has been occupied by Army and Revenue authorities directed to assess and submit the land compensation. He also demanded rehabilitation of Balakot migrants.

LAHDC holds career counselling programme

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Dec 31: Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) has added one more feather to the sector by introducing career Counselling Programme for the students of higher classes.

This was stated by Executive Councillor, Education, Tsering Norboo Lampa, while opening the 2-day workshop of Entrepreneurship Awareness Programme, here today, in which over 250 students of Class 12th from Nyoma, Durbuk and Leh blocks participated.

Mr Lampa said in order to clear the concept of entrepreneurship amongst the students, the holding of such awareness programme was very much imperative for guiding the students in choosing job oriented subjects according to their interest and capacity.

He added that specific and selective subjects with good pass percentage was now very important for getting seats in professional institutions, while students with moderate pass percentage also needed to be selected for higher studies.

Mr Lampa appreciated the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, Leh, for taking pains in propagating the concept of entrepreneurship among the students. Dr Stobdan was the resource person who advised the students to study streams of trades. Others who spoke included Deputy Chief Education Officer Abdul Rahoob and ZEO Tsering Motup.

Fire in BSNL, Auqaf building; 8 houses gutted

SRINAGAR, Dec 31: Fire broke out in the office of Chief General Manager, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), near here today while ten houses including Auqaf building, were damaged in other fire incidents in the Kashmir valley.

Official sources said fire broke out in a room in BSNL office, just on the other side of UNI office, where old files were stored.

However, the employees and other labourers immediately raised an alarm and fire tenders from nearby fire station were immediately rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control.

Sources said some old files were damaged in the fire.

They said eight houses were gutted in a devastating fire at village Daril Vilgam in the frontier district of Kupwara.

In another incident, fire broke out at Sekidafar, in the down town city, causing damage to the roof tops of a residential house and local Auqaf building.(UNI)

Warm, affectionate send off given to retiring officers 

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 31: Various functions were held in different Government and other departments to bid farewell to their respective retiring employees today.

State Bank of India, Zonal Office Jammu, accorded warm send off to four officers of SBI posted at Zonal Office Jammu Namely I K Dullu (Manager), R K Jalali (Deputy Manager), A K Sharma (Dy Manager) and Rajan Koul (Dy manager). Speaking on the occasion Deputy General Manager S P Singh, J&K Module, lauded the services of the retiring officers and wished them happy and healthy second inning of life.

Superintendent Jail J C Kotwal attained age of superannuation after rendering 37 years of unblemished services to the Prisons Department. The Deputy Inspector General, Prisons Department and Senior Superintendent Jail lauded the contribution of Kotwal to the department. All wished him a happy and healthy post-retirement life.

Mr Chhankar Singh Master of Government High School, Khairi, attained age of superannuation after rendering 34 years of meritorious services. He was given warm send off by staff and community at large.

Bushan Lal Wali S/o Late Janki Nath Wali has superannuated as Under Secretary from the Department of Information and Technology, J&K Civil Secretariat. He served in different departments during his forty one years service.

Handicrafts Training Officer, C R Sharma, who attained age of superannuation after rendering over 33 years unblemished services to the Department, was accorded a warm and affectionate send off, today. He was wished a very happy and healthy life after retirement by all those present on the occasion.

Dr S C Gupta, Director, Animal Husbandry Department, who superannuated after rendering 34 years of meritorious services was accorded a warm and affectionate send off on his retirement, by the staff members and officers of the Department. All wished him a happy and healthy life after retirement.

Dr Iqbal Singh Sasan, Joint Director, Farms, Beli-Charana, Jammu, who attained age of superannuation, was accorded a warm farewell by the staff on his retirement. All wished him a happy and healthy post-retirement life.

ReT teachers elect new state body

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 31: The All J&K Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum elected its new state president and the team of other office bearers in an election held at Exhibition Ground, Jammu this afternoon.

Vinod Sharma was unanimously elected as the state president of the forum while Ajaz Bhat as vice-president, Najam Jafri as general secretary, Aftab Malik as spokesman, Sukhdev Singh as chief coordinator, Narbeer Chauhan as organizer, Sham Parkash as chief publicity secretary, Maqsood Ahmed as publicity secretary, Janghir Khan as publicity secretary and Ajaz Shah as chief legal advisor were also elected.

On the occasion, advisory committee and Jammu provincial body of the forum was also announced. The advisory committee comprised of Arvind Sharma (chairman), Ajaz Zargar, Vijay Chalotra and Joshil Sharma while the provincial body included Manzoor Khan (senior vice-president), Lekh Raj Parihar (vice-president), Shakeel Ahmad (general secretary), Ch Sartaj Ahmed (joint secretary) and Naresh Sharma (spokesman).

Meanwhile, the members for the body from Kashmir division were yet to be selected and Ajaz Bhat (new vice-president) was authorized to convene a meeting of Kashmir division in near future and elect their representatives for state cadre.

The election commission for today’s election was headed by Arvind Sharma and assisted by Meena Devi, Muneer Ahmed and Manzoor Khan.

Students have major role in eradication
of corruption: Rather

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Dec 31: National Conference Legislative party leader and leader of opposition in state legislative assembly Abdul Rehim Rather has expressed grave concern over the alarming rise in corruption, waywardness, drug addiction and unseemly behaviour amongst the section of population in the society.

Corruption is eating the vitals of the society and is adversely affecting all the efforts amid at the development of the state, he said while addressing at annual day function of Ladakh students organized by the Ladakh Student's Association, where he was invited as the chief guest.

He said that the Students have to play a key role in eradication of social evils from the society. "Students and youth of the state can shape their future and the future of nation by promoting a corruption free and drugs-free society culture", he added.

Referring to the backwardness of Ladakh region, Mr Rather said that effective steps need to be taken to bring the area on path of development.

He urged the state government to address the problems of students who belong to far-flung areas and are studying in various educational institutions at Jammu and Srinagar; particularly those belong to Ladakh region. Rather also demand immediate construction of residential Hostel for these students.

Mr Rather assured the students that the problems being faced by the Ladakh students would be brought in notice of the government in coming ensuing budget session of the legislative Assembly.

A colourful cultural programme was also presented by the Ladkahi students on the occasion.

‘Mann-Simran Te Aatma’ released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: A Punjabi book entitled " Mann-Simran Te Aatma" written by Baba Jasbir Singh was released by Harbans Singh, former Minister and senior National Conference leader, at a function here this evening.

The function was jointly organised by Punjabi Sahitik Sabha, R S Pura; Kanchan Art Society, Chohala (R S Pura) and Manaav Seva Mission.

The book, based on the teachings of Shri Guru Granth Sahib, has message of spiritualism and moral values for the modern society.

Speaking on the occasion, Harbans Singh, congratulated the author, Baba Jasbir Singh for writing this book on the theme which is very relevant to the humanity in the present times.

Bhai Kulwant Singh threw light on the contents of the book while Dr Arminder Singh Aman, spoke about the main message of this spiritually-inspired and scientific analysis publication.

Prithpal Singh Betab, an eminent Urdu poet and Punjabi writer; and Ram Chand Bhagat, ex-MLA, also expressed their views on the book and the author. The function was attended by a large number of writers, academicians and prominent citizens.

Earlier, the function started with recitation of Shabad Kirtan.

Shamsher Singh Cholawi, president, Kanchan Art Society conducted the proceedings and Bhupinder Bhargav, president, Punjabi Sahitik Sabha, R S Pura, presented the vote of thanks.

Samprati releases Anthology of Kashmiri poetry in exile

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: The much awaited Anthology of Kashmiri poetry in exile Sonbran te Saam was today released at a simple but impressive function by Samprati an organization of displaced Kashmiri writers here at K L Sehgal Hall.

The Sonbran te Saam is a collection of representative Kashmiri poetry of the last 17 years and a comprehensive evaluation. The collection has been edited by three well known writers and critics of Kashmiri who included Prof. R L Shant, M L Kanwal and R L Jawhar.

Prof. Shant has also penned down the exhaustive evaluation of the poetry in the collection and traced the signal features of Kashmiri poetry in exile.

The collection contains poems of 56 Kashmiri poets living in exile at Jammu, Delhi and other places of the country.

During the function Prof. R L Shant was felicitated for getting the Sahitya Akademi Award for the year 2007 for his short story collection Tshen.

The function was conducted by president of Samprati Dr R L Bhat and it was attended by a galaxy of poets,critics and scholars.

The function was presided over by noted poet and writer Arjan Dev Majboor while MLC Mohammed Yousf Teng was the chief guest.

In his address Mr Teng said such type of collection has not been made so far. He,while appreciating the displaced writers said they are struggling a lot to preserve their mother tongue which is evident from works like these.

Prof. Shant said this anthology has been collected scientifically to give representation to each poet on the basis of merit.

Those who were present on the occasion included Dr Rafiq Masoodi, secretary Cultural Academy, M L Kemu, H N Tickoo, Dr K L Choudhary, Prof. B L Koul, Prof. Sarla Koul, Dr A R Nazki, Mohammed Ashraf Tak, J N Sagar, J L Saroor, Atikaji, M L Pandita, M K Matoo, Mohini Ji, Santosh Nadan, Dr. S N Koul, Sham Bihari, Dr. R K Bhat, Ramesh Hangloo, Manoj Jad, K K Raina, P L Sudeshi, Mahraj Krishen Mahraj, B N Abilash, Shanaz Rashid, Avtar Hugami, Ashok Koul, Kalhan Koul, Tej Sagar, P N Shad, S N Veer and Dr Ramesh Taimiri.

Construct a seperate Gymnastic Hall

It is unfortunate that the Jammu gymnasts bring many medals home after competing at National level. Presently the gymnasts from Jammu have to do their work out in a narrow space of 50 x 30 feet. It is requested to the concerned authorities to kindly construct a dedicated hall for gymnastics so that the talented sports person in gymnastics got encouragement.

Gurmeet Kour
Chand Nagar Jewel Chowk Jammu

Distribute Zonal awards to teachers

Teacher is considered an important pillar of the society. Government regularily awards those teachers who have done something significant in the field of education. Unfortunately the Govt has not yet distributed awards at zonal level. Although a list of the teachers was made yet they have not been presented with awards for the year 2005-2006 and 2006-2007.

In this context these Zonal awardees had met the State Education Minister also. But nothing has been done in this regard. We request the concerned authorities to present awards at Zonal level also as the authorities have already distributed awards at State and District level. We sincerely hope that our plea will be addressed soon.

R L Raina
Jammu

Sanction a Degree College at Katra

Katra is not only a pilgrim township but it has its own population which runs into thousands. In addition to it many surrounding villages also fall within Katra. Hundreds of students have to go from Udhampur or Jammu to get education. In this context Katra badly needs a Degree College. In this way hundreds of students from Katra itself or its surrounding villages can get the benefit of Higher Education. It is hoped that the authorities will listen to our request and sanction a Degree College for Katra.

Bansi Lal Kohistani
Gandhi Nagar, Jammu

Repair roads and drains in Swarn Vihar

We, the residents of Swarn Vihar Cooperative Housing Colony want to draw the kind attention towards the deplorable condition of roads and drains. The roads and drains need immediate repair. Link roads within the colony need tarring. The park in the colony is not properly maintained and looked after. There are damaged water pipes. A lot of water is wasted through these damaged water pipes.

S N Raina
Swarn Vihar

Improve sanitation in upper Roop Nagar Sec-2

It is brought to the notice of the concerned authorities that the sanitation in Sector-2 JDA club road in upper Roop Nagar is so bad that the people residing there are falling ill. Lanes are crying for repair. Drains are seldom cleaned. These drains are full of filth and polythene bags. The waste water spills over the roads of the colony. This makes the use of roads difficult. Foul smell climates from these urged drains.

We the residents of the colony request the Municipality to kindly clean the drains at an earliest.

Ajay Kumar
Upper Roop Nagar Jammu

Address woes of Miran Sahib

The concerned authorities are requested to solve long standing problems of Miran Sahib. Miran Sahib is not connected from Panjtirthi.

This causes a lot of problems to people who want to go to Miransahib or to Panjtirthi. Another problem is the non availability of broad band facilities in Miran Sahib Telephone exchange.

The lanes and drains are in deplorable condition. In addition to this the consumers are put to trouble due to recurrent power cuts. It is hoped that Government takes stock of our problems and takes step to solve them speedily.

R L Bhat
Miran Sahib
Jammu

Tehsil status for Kastigarh, Assar, Batote demanded

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Ramban MLA Chaman Lal Bhagat has demanded creation of tehsils at Kastigarh, Assar and Batote with Niabats at Dessa, Bulandpur, Samthi, Rajgarh, Hala, Kanthi and Gandhri in Ramban constituency.

Dr Bhagat also urged for creation of Rural Development Blocks at Kastigarh, Batote and Rajgarh, opening up of a degree college at Kastigarh, ITI at Assar, KV at Batote and additional University Campus in Patnitop-Sanasar-Batote belt. Dr Chaman Bhagat addressed public meetings at all the above mentioned places during his hectic tour and demanded free ration for drought hit area people of the district. He also highlighted various other development related demands. He also inaugurated upgraded Middle School at Dukson.

Provincial sheep workers discuss burning demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Dec 30: Provincial Sheep and Wool Workers Association in a meeting under chairmanship of Abdul Latif, general secretary, highlighted their long pending burning problems, which continue to be ignored by the Government authorities.The meeting while appreciating the Government gesture of removing pay anomalies of a few cadre also demanded that all other departments having lost sight of by the Government, should also be redressed at an earliest.

The speakers in the meeting included Girdhari Lal Chanda, G M Mir, Sansar Singh, Ved Sangra, B B Gupta, Ashwani Gupta, Sagar Chand, S Narinder Singh and Banarsi Lal.

After the meeting a deputation of the association also met the Director Sheep Husbandry and submitted a memorandum containing genuine demands and aspiration of the employees of the Department.

INTUC holds mass rally at Chenani

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Dec 30: Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) held its massive rally at Chenani, under the chairmanship of Som Nath, district Udhampur president of INTUC, in which various burning demands of working classes were highlighted.

The State chief of Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) was the chief guest.

The employees and workers from Kud, Madda, Patnitop, Basht, Sudhmahadev, Mantalai, Latti Dhuna, Kaldi, Barmeen, Ghordi, Chowki, Jonoo Bart, Ramnagar and other far flung areas of Chenani assembled at BDO Office Chenani and took out a massive demonstration in support of their long pending genuine demands.

The demands projected in the rally included benefit of essential services to PHE employees and workers; Change of designation of Helpers; Release of pending wages of workers; enhancement in daily wage rate of workers engaged under Community Participation projects; Release of pending wages of workers etc.