4 die under suspicious circumstances

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Four persons were found dead under suspicious circumstances during the last 24 hours.

A police spokesman said that an unidentified man was found dead near Shiv Market, Railway Station. The body was shifted to Government Medical College Hospital and lying in the mortuary for post-mortem and identification.

One Girdhari Lal, son of Beli Ram of Balhota, Ramnagar was found in Kakri forest near Shiv Gali under the jurisdiction of Basantgarh Police Station.

Similarly, body of Thoru Ram, son of Mohan Lal of Rehal was recovered from village Rehal under suspicious circumstances.

Meanwhile, an employee of 99 RCC GREF identified as Anoop, son of Karnail SIngh of Utterkhand was found dead in his room at village Cowbagh, Ramban under suspicious circumstances.

In all the cases, police has initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 CrPC to ascertain the cause behind the deaths.

Lalpora residents demonstrate,
demand relocation of college

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 1: Scores of residents of Lalpora Lolab today demonstrated here demanding relocation of the recently announced degree college at Sogam in the frontier district of Kupwara.

The demonstrators were led by former NC member legislative Assembly Pir Abdul Gani and other activists of various mainstream political parties. Pir maintained that the allocation of a degree college by the Government for Sogam was politically motivated to appease a particular voter constituency. The central location would have been Merg, Lalpora or Wavura. "We are not averse to setting up of colleges but they should be ideally located so that our children do not suffer," he said.

Lalpora, he said has a population of 15000 while as only 7000 people live at Sogam. Kupwara degree college and Sogam are equidistant to our children. We would prefer to send our children to Kupwara instead of the newly announced college at least the former is little bit developed," he added.

Habib ullah Bhat, the district secretary of Pradesh Congress Committee lamented the educational backwardness of the women in the area. A middle school with 600 girls studying there have to leave their education half way. "Had a higher secondary school been granted for our girls, the literacy and over all development of women could have been enhanced," he said.

Reports pouring in from Lalpora say that life in the area including, Merg, Wavura, Kalaroos and other villages is on a hold and people are agitating over the last one week demanding relocation of the college and tehsil status for Lalpora.

Senior citizens and local politicians including those from the separatist Peoples Conference are on a hunger strike to force the Government to accept its demands.

A primary health centre was formed at the end of autocratic rule in the State. There is no doctor and the centre is being run by a medical assistant," another demonstrator Gulam Nabi Mir said. Had the health centre been elevated and a gycanaecologist been arranged many a hardships of women folk could have been averted.

Raj Bhavan staff greets Governor on New Year

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: The Raj Bhavan officers, staff and security personnel this morning extended New Year greetings to Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha and the First Lady, Premini Sinha.

General Sinha wished the staffers a prosperous and peaceful new year and interacted with them.

Principal Secretary to Governor, Dr Arun Kumar led the officers to greet the Governor and the First Lady.

Meanwhile, in his message to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, the Governor said, "Let us all vow 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 passionately desired that the New Year brings cheer to the people and herald a new era of peace, progress and stability in the State.

LAHDC delegation calls on Rather

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 1: A delegation of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) called on Leader of the Opposition in Legislative Assembly Abdul Rehim Rather, here today.

Member Parliament Thupstan Chewang and Chief executive Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council along with other twenty five delegates who called on Mr. Rather alleged that the law and order situation in Leh was deteriorating day by day.

The delegation further alleged that SSP Leh was unnecessarily harassing innocent people of Leh on one pretext or the other. They claimed that recently one of the elected representatives of the area was thrashed by the police.

Government, they said, was unnecessarily interfering in the functioning of the Council.

Mr. Rather said that the problems and demands highlighted by the deputationists would be taken up with the Government for its early redressal. He said that NC has always stood for the equitable development of all the three regions of the State.

Later, the delegates presented a memorandum to the Mr. Rather with the hope that the concern shown by them would be taken at the appropriate level.

Ringing in the new year with humour and satire

By Ravinder Kaul

The pessimists say that it is only the calendar that changes and not the fate of the common man. The poet has advised us to exercise caution while making merry at the onset of the new year by saying:

Yakam January hai naya saal hai

December mein poochunga kya haal hai

Yet, should one forego the opportunity of laughing and enjoying oneself, even if it is only for one day. Therefore, throwing caution of the weepies to winds, the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages ushered in the new year by organising an All India Humorous Mushaira at Abhinav Theatre here today. The Governor Lt. Gen.(Retd.) S.K.Sinha was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

It was a poetic symposium with a difference, a first of its kind in J&K State. There were poets of most languages of the State, including Hindi, Urdu, Dogri, Kashmiri, Punjabi, Gojri and Pahari, who recited only their satirical and humorous verses in the Mushaira.

The first poet to recite his poetry was Pawan Khajuria, whose satire was addressed against the ‘silly’ serials of Ekta Kapoor. Next came Punjabi poet Hari Singh Dilgir who had the entire auditorium roaring with laughter with his take on the stature of present day politicians:

Dudh fut jaaye te paneer bun jaaye

Rukh tut jaaye te shateer bun jayee

Gundeyaan de naal bhi tu rakh Ram Ram

Ki pata ae kadoon o wazir bun jaaye

Another of his meaningful verses was:

Aazadi te aayi ae par aondi chad gayi caaran andar

Inqalaab khada hai aj bhi raashan diyaan kataran andar

Ayub Sabir recited poetry not only in Kashmiri but in Urdu and English too. His satire was directed against cricket matches and mobile phones.

The poems of Kamal Musade were quite meaningful. She had the listeners thinking seriously when she said:

Saath saal to beet chuke hain,

Aage ki abhilasha kya hai

Saari duniya pooch rahi hai,

Bharat teri bhasha kya hai

She castigated murderers of Nithari and commercial godmen through her poetry.

Popular Meeruthi resorted to pure unadulterated humour. He remixed well known Urdu couplets with his own brand of humour when he recited:

Kitni kanjoosi pe aamada hai sasuraal meri

Raaz ki baat sunane mein bhi dar lagta hai

Aise kamre mein sula dete hain saale mujhko

‘Paoon failaoon to deewar mein sar lagta hai’

Dr Suresh Awasthi also recited some thought provoking poems. Veteran Dogri poet Tara Smailpuri, who is quite well known for his satirical verses also presented his poems.

Mister Lucknawi revealed the fact that it was quite a job to make people laugh when he said:

Jise chaska laga hai shayari ka

Raha woh ghar ka, na apni gali ka

Ghamon mein reh ke tum sab ko hansana

Yeh dil gurda hai Mister Lucknawi ka

Nuzhat from Muradabad also had some satirical puns against the planners in her poems:

Yojnaon ko banaate jaaiye

Qaum ko choona lagaate jaaiye

Koi chingaari chillum mein ho na ho

Aap huqqa gudgudaate jaaiye

The programme was conducted by Manjit Singh in a very interesting and efficient manner. He interspersed the programme with thought provoking and humorous poetry, anecdotes and jokes.

Other poets who recited their poetry in the symposium included Surinder Manhas, Surjit Hosh, Vijay Sharma and Randhir Raipuria in Dogri, Ch. Noor Mohd. Noor and Taj-ud-Din Taj in Gojri, Nazeer Husain Ans and Haji Nazeer Bhatti in Pahari, Dilkash Afridi and Mrs. Shahnaz, in Urdu Ghulam Ali Majboor in Kashmiri, Sumer Singh Mastana, Bhupinder Singh Bhargawa and Sufi Jagjit in Punjabi and Anila Singh Charak and Raghvinder in Hindi.

At a time when laughter is gradually being confined to the Laughter Clubs and Laughter Therapy classes and when the following verse sounds quite true:

Muskuraata hai jo is aalam mein

Bakhuda mujh ko khuda lagta hai

this attempt by the Academy to bring back laughter into our lives must be applauded whole-heartedly.

Foundation of water supply scheme, canal laid at Shiv Khori

Excelsior Correspondent

RANSOO (SHIV KHORI) Jan 1: Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand, Minister for PHE, Mohd Dillawer Mir and Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Jugal Kishore Sharma laid the foundation stone of water supply scheme at Shiv Khori, Ransoo and Shiv Ganga Canal at Ransoo the base camp of Shiv Khori Shrine today.

An amount of Rs.211.86 lakhs would be expended for water supply scheme Shiv Khori, Rs.297.48 lakhs for water supply scheme Ransoo while Rs.1.34 crores would be spent at Ransoo.

The Speaker along with Ministers also visited historic Shiv Khori Shrine and paid obeisance. The Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Sanjeev Verna apprised the speaker that over 4, 54,465 pilgrims visited the historic Shiv Khori shrine during last year as compared to 3,47, 578 pilgrims during the year 2006 thus registering an increase of over 1,06,887 pilgrims. With the concerted efforts of Shiv Khori Shrine Board, the yatra is increasing day by day and expected that the yatra would touch the target of 7 lakh during the year 2008.

The Speaker in presence of Ministers and large number of people inaugurated at stall of Pershad duly prepared by the Self Help Groups already existing in the Pouni block. A card for the general information and awareness of visiting pilgrims was also released on the occasion by the Speaker.

Transporters’ concern over apathy of Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: All transporters of Jammu province in a meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of S T S Wazir, chairman of the All Transporters of Commercial Vehicles Association expressed serious concern over the apathetic attitude of the Government towards the transporters of the State.

The meeting said that transporters of the State were not in a position to operate their vehicles as usual for last 17 years in J&K due to militancy. It said Transporters were facing many hardships but the State Government has failed to take a cognizance of that as till date no special package or compensation has been given to them.

Instead the Transporters have been further hardpressed as Insurance Regulatory Development Authority (IRDA) has increased 180 percent in Third Party premium of insurance of all commercial vehicles and State Government has also imposed 8.4 percent Service Tax on Third Party insurance premium which is unbearable as the transporters of State can’t afford this, the meeting added.

The meeting said that State Government was creating more problems for the transports. It also criticized the Government for asking the transporters to collect the all types of fee in the J&K Bank Ltd. It said this will again add to the woes of transporters. The meeting demanded that Government should take positive and sympathetic approach and redress the demands of the transporters.

Khajuria for immediate withdrawal of
selection list of AEs (Civil)

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded immediate withdrawal of the list of candidates selected as Assistant Engineers in the R&B Department by State Public Service Commission (SPSC).

In a statement issued here, today, the BJP State chief, Ashok Khajuria accused the PSC of being hand- in- glove with Kashmir centric leadership and harming the interests of the Jammu youth.

He also blamed the Congress led coalition in the State of following the appeasement policy towards a particular religion.

He alleged this way the non Muslims are being totally excluded from the vital service sector.

Commenting on the list of the selected candidates Mr Khajuria said only 16 non Muslim have been selected out of 60 candidates under the open merit category.

Ridiculing the claims of Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, that his Government treats all the regions and all the communities equally, Mr Khajuria said that Chief Minister was hoodwinking the people only.

He said this indicates that non Muslims have been given a share of 26.66 percent , while the majority community was given 73.33 percent.

Commenting on the candidates selected under RBA and ALC categories, Ashok Khajuria said only three non Muslims have been selected under these categories in comparison to that of 24 candidates from majority community. This way the non muslims were given a share of 11.11 percent against the 88.88 percent of majority community.

Gurmat Samagam held at Dera Banda Bahadur

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Jan 1: A grand ‘Gurmat Samagam’ was organised by the managment committee of Gurdwara Dera Baba Banda Singh Bahadur at village Dera Baba in district Reasi today.

A large number of members from Sikh and Hindu communities participated in the religious programme. Many devotees from outside the state also thronged Dera Baba.

Mahant Manjit Singhji from Dera Nangali Saheb Poonch was the special guest on the occasion. Saropa was presented to Mahantji by Baba Jatinder Singh, chief of the Dera on behalf of Management Committee. Dy Commissioner Reasi, Sanjeev Sharma also paid visit to the Dera to seek blessings of Baba Banda Bahadur. Several Sikh personalities also attended the programme.

Ragi Jatha from Haryana and Delhi recited Shabd Kirtan. Prominent Sikh leaders included- Dayal Singh Wazir, general secretary SAD, Mohinder Singh, Balbir Singh Bedi, Kulwant Singh, Harjeet Singh, Parmjeet Singh, Satinder Singh Sethi and Ranjit Singh.

While speaking on the occasion Mahant Manjit Singhji said Baba Banda Singh Bahadur baptized only Amrit from Guru Gobind Singhji and Guruji directed him to fight bravely against the cruelty of the then rulers ( Mughals). He said that brave soldier Banda Singh has been declared as true soldier of 10th Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Mahantji impressed upon the participants to avoid drugs and wine and work for the betterment of country. A langar was also organised for devotees.

Natrang shines in Kerala

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Balwant Thakur, director, Natrang, today gave a presentation on his theatre works at Tagore Centenary Auditorium at Travanduram.

The programme was presided over by vice-president of the Central; Sangeet Natak Akademi and also theatre personality Kavyalam Pannikar.

Balwant Thakur spoke at different session and highlighted Natrang’s activities and achievements as also the theatre movement in Jammu and Kashmir.

During the National Theatre Festival, the Natrang staged the shows of "Ghumayee" which was highly appreciated.

K N Pannikar, Vice President of National Akademi of Music, Dance and Drama also spoke on the occasion and lauded the efforts of Mr Thakur.

The programme concluded with honouring of Mr Thakur with the presentation of a Kathakali motif representing the classical art of Kerala.

Dimple for bifurcation of Jammu West Assembly segment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: President Jammu West Assembly Movement, Sunil Dimple today demanded immediate bifurcation of Jammu West Assembly segment into two constituencies.

"We have also submitted a memorandum to State Governor Lt. Gen. (retd) S K Sinah and Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad in this regard," said Mr Dimple, while talking to reporters here, today.

He said that Jammu West Constituency which is the largest constituency of the State with three lakh voters and having 26 Municipal Corporation wards deserves to bifurcated into two segments.

He further demanded that this constituency should not be reserved and remain as an open constituency so that the candidates of all shades, castes and gender could contest elections for its speedy development.

He warned that the Jammu Assembly Movement will oppose elections in case they are held without delimitation of constituencies and demanded that Delimitation Commission be constituted to give Jammu region its due share in State Assembly.

He also criticized the Cabinet expansion by the coalition Government. Dimple did not rule out of contesting the next Assembly elections from the Jammu West Constituency.

Div Com assesses Muharram arrangements

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Jan 1: Preparations and arrangements made by concerned departments for ensuing Muharram in the Valley were assessed at a high level meeting chaired by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mehboob Iqbal here today.

Numerous decisions for improving the existing facilities and ensuring hassle free availability of essentials and provision of drinking water, electricity, medicare to the people particularly living in Shia Muslim dominated areas as also sanitation in and around Imam baras were taken.

The meeting, among others, was attended by MLAs of Budgam and Zadibal, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam, DIG Srinagar , Commissioner SMC, Chief Engineers of various disciplines and heads of departments besides representatives of Shia community.

It was given out that additional public posts have been installed in Shia Muslim dominated areas and tanker services where ever required would be pressed into service during the holy days of Muharram. The PDD has made adequate arrangements for providing uninterrupted power supply and better street lighting. R&B department has taken up renovation and restoration work on war footing on the routes through which Tazia processions would be taken out. Better medicare facilities would be made available to the processionists for which medical teams would be deployed with sufficient quantity of medical aid. Fire wood and fuel have been stocked in sufficient quantities to cater to the requirements of the people.

Chief Engineer Mechanical Gul Mohammad informed that snow clearance machines have been kept in a state of readiness to meet any challenge if posed by weather.

Superintendents of Customs, Central
Excise holding protest today

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: In order to draw the attention of the Central Board of Excise and Customs and Ministry of Finance towards the plight of the Superintendent Cadre the superintendents of Customs and Central Excise all over India would lodge a protest against the stagnations and pay anomalies during the lunch hour tomorrow.

This was stated in a handout issued here today by Customs and Central Excise Gazetted Executive Officers Association. The demonstration will be followed by silent procession, the handout added.

It said the Association has been pursuing the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) to solve the problem of the stagnation and pay anomalies faced by the superintendent cadre since the rationalisation of duty structure in Central Excise, liberalization of statute and the decision of the Board to make the IRS of Central Board of Excise and Customs at par with their counterpart in Central Board Direct Taxes (CBDT) so far as promotion prospects are concerned.

It said at that time the Association requested to make the inspectors in Central Excise at par with their counterparts in CBDT but nothing was done on the pretext that in organised service posts over 30 percent can’t be increased.

The Association further said the indifferent attitude of the Central Board Excise and Customs has led to the cadre on the brink of total demoralization and frustration and it was left with no alternative but to go on protest.

Div Com inspects Bahu Fort renovation works

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey toured Bagh-e-Bahu area to take stock of beautification and other development works.

MLA Gandhinagar Raman Bhalla, Director Tourism, Ajay Khajuria, Joint Director Information Jammu S K Sharma, SE, JDA O K Chadgal and other senior officers accompanied the Divisional Commissioner Jammu.

Mr Pandey visited the Bagh-e-Bahu garden, newly constructed Aquarium, Bahu Fort and its adjoining areas. He was apprised about the progress of renovation work of Bahu Fort Heritage complex and other development works being executed in the area.

On beautification of historical complex, Mr Pandey suggested giving it an aesthetic look by maintaining it properly. He stressed that view points should be developed at selected areas from were the scenic beauty of River Tawi Old city, Gandhinagar and Trikuta Nagar and other localities could be discovered more minutely. He said these view points would not only add to the beautification of Bahu Fort but also make it more attractive to lure the visitors to view the varied moods of the sacred river. He asked the SE, JDA to devise the illumination plan in consultation with reputed historian in a weeks time as Chief Minister was very particular about illumination of historic Bagh-e-Bahu Fort in right perspective during his last visit on the eve of inauguration of Asia’s best underground Fish Aquarium to woo 75 lakh pilgrims tourist who are annually visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine.

Inhabitants of Bazigar colony and Gorkha colony apprised the Divisional Commissioner about various problems being faced by them which mainly included vesting of ownership rights, renovation repair of lanes and drains and regular supply of water and electricity. Mr Pandey directed the concerned accompanying officers to look into the grievances of people for on spot redressal. He asked JDA authorizes to prepare master plan indicating and highlighting basic needs of the area to decongest the traffic, identification of parking area, smooth flow of pilgrim visitors and making availability of basic facilities.

Harshdev moves Bill in Assembly for
reservation to SC community

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Leader of Panthers Legislator Party, Harsh Dev Singh, MLA, has moved a Bill for introduction in Legislative Assembly for providing reservation to Scheduled Category in Legislative Council.

He pointed out that Legislative Council which has an effective strength of 36 members does not provide for reservation in favour of SC community.

Mr Singh said it was highly ironical that SC category, which was entitled for reservation in all institutions and democratic bodies has been wrongfully deprived of reservation in Legislative Council.

He said the Bill moved by him has been aimed at seeking an amendment in Section 50 of the J&K Constitution so as to expressively reserve seats for ST category in this highest democratic institution so that it was not ignored in future due to injudicious use of discretionary powers of the ruling dispensations.

He said further that Bill moved by him for an amendment in Section 38 of the J&K Constitution seeking a definite share for SC category in Council of Ministers.

Harsh Dev Singh said since the Bill moved by him would come up for discussion in budget session as stands listed in Assembly Calendar as ‘Bill Number 4’, he has appealed all the political parties, who have been making tall claims for safe-guarding the rights of deprived sections to support the Bill so that SC community was assured of its due share and representation in Legislative Council as well as in the Council of Ministers.

Displaced KP youth warn to intensify agitation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: The chain hunger strike launched by Youth Wing All India Kashmir Samaj (YWAIKS) in front of Relief Commissioner’s Office entered 22nd day ,today.

Justifying the agitation launched by YWAIKS, its president R K Bhat said in case the Government failed to solve the demand this strike will snowball into a bigger agitation and the Government will be responsible for all consequences.

He said a rally will be organised by the displaced Pandits tomorrow in support of the demand and all KP organizations have assured full support to it.

Mr Bhat said the members of displaced KP community thro-ughout the country are aghast with the partisan and indifferent attitude of the Government which has failed to redress the grievances of the hapless community.

He said the entire KP community is united on the issue and the patience shown by them till date should not bee seen as a weakness.

Addressing the demonstrators today the PK chairman, Dr Agnishekhar and PKM president, Ashwani Kumar Chrangoo urged the youth to remain united and fight for their genuine rights and demands.

They criticized the Government’s apathy towards the displaced Pandits who they said were the worst sufferers of terrorism. The PK leaders assured full support to the displaced youth in their struggle.

Meanwhile, Mr Manzoor Ahmed Ganai, Advisor to Chief Minister also visited the venue of hunger strike and assured the striking KP youth that their demand regarding release of relief will be fulfilled soon. He also assured them that the quarters constructed for migrants will be allotted to them shortly and the demand regarding the special employment package for the community is under the consideration of Chief Minister.

Qazi for ensuring timber availability to consumers

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Jan 1: Minister for Forest and Environment Qazi Mohammad Afzal has asked upon the officers of the Forest Department and State Forest Corporation to streamline the timber distribution process and ensure its timely availability to the consumers. He directed for completely marking of trees in the compartments where from timber is to be extracted.

Minister was reviewing at meeting relating to the supply of timber at a meeting of offices of forest department and state forest corporation here today.

Qazi Afzal asked the concerned officers to give detailed report about the timber distributed and extraction position compartment wise.

He directed them to make required quantity of timber available to common people in the areas falling under A,B and C zones for supply to bonafide applicants.

The meeting informed that against the target of 21 lakh cft, 13 lakh cft of timber has been sold by open auction and by supplying through fair price sale depots. The meeting also informed that 31 lakh cft marking has been conducted in the state and handed over to J&K State Forest Corporation for extraction by the end of Nov. 2007, the Corporation has extracted 15 lakh cft in converted form.

Among others, Commissioner/Secretary Forest Attal Duloo, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Irshad Ahmad Khan, Managing Director A. K. Srivastava, Chief Conservator of Forests Kashmir Abdul Razak, Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu Abhay Kumar and other senior officers of Forest department and State Forest Corporation attended the meeting.

KPs blame Govt for ignoring community

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front (JKNDF) has shown its resentment towards the Congress led coalition Government in the State for ignoring the Kashmiri Pandits on all fronts including in giving representation to them in council of ministers.

In a meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of the Front, working president, Mr A K Deewani severe concern was expressed against the State Government which it alleged has taken the Kashmiri Pandits for granted. It said by denying a berth in State Council of Ministers the Government has given an impression that hapless KP minorities have no place in J&K state.

The Meeting said the Government’s hollow promises and green pastures of rehabilitation has saturated the community and the situation is becoming grim day by day and the day is not far away when Pandits will loose their patience and come on streets.

Mr Deewani urged the community to come together and register their protest against the apathy of Government.

Meanwhile, Kashmiri Hindu Minority Conference (KHMC) president Prof. G K Muju has also expressed his shock and surprise that even at this juncture when the Government will last for few months more, no representation has been given to KPs who stand already exiled from their place of birth.

KP leader and president Durga Nag Trust, P N Taku has also expressed his anguish on Government’s attitude towards the hapless community. He said this is for the first time when KP community remains unrepresented in State council of ministers.

Dogra presents music concert in SMGS Hospital

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Renowned Sitar Maestro, Music Director and Creative Director of Swarangam Meditation London, Raj Kumar Dogra today gave a music concert for the pregnant women here at SMGS Hospital, Shalamar.

The concert was organised by Dr Yash Paual Sharma, Superintendent of SMGS Hospital. The programme was appreciated both by hospital management and patients.

Mr Dogra said that he has organised this music concert for social cause and Swarangam Mediation is the only organization which is presenting such type of special programme in India as well as abroad.

He said that pregnant women can have a lot of benefit by listening to the classical music. He also claimed that a person who is sick of life and decides to commit suicide will give up the idea after listening the classical music for only seven minutes.

Mr Dogra said the music has such a tremendous power that if small children will listen to it constantly they will never fall a prey to any crime and also if a militant listens it for complete 51 days he will turn a reformed person.

Green Brigade demands degree college for Katra

Excelsior Correspondent

KATRA, Jan 1: Green Brigade (An army of civilians) in its meeting under the chairmanship of its president Rakesh Wazir strongly resented neglect of most deserving and important place like Katra Vaishnodevi in allotment of Degree Colleges in Jammu and Kashmir.

Mr Wazir said opening up of a degree college at Katra was the long pending demand of the people of Katra and they were taken aback when colleges were allotted by Government as a University stands established here but there was no degree college.

He demanded that even at this stage the Government should sanction a degree college. He also stressed on the education authorities to provided lecturers in Higher Secondary School Katra for teaching Botany, Zoology, Economics, History, Mathematics and Urdu as in the absence of lecturers the students were suffering badly.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting included Shiv Kumar Sharma, Ajay Singh Kotwal (advisors), Sudershan Singh and Arjun Singh (vice presidents), Suresh Dubey and Madan Gopal (general secretaries), Chander Mohan (spokesman) and Gopal Singh and Ramneek Sharma, president and general secretary respectively of Katra unit of Green Brigade.

HM militant arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 1: Troops of 58 and 61 Rashtriya Rifles and Ramban police have apprehended a Hizbul Mujahideen militant from Lancha Budhan in Gool area of Ramban district. He has been identified as Irshad Ahmed alias Adil son of Ali Mohd alias Gujjar R/o Kot Lancha.

One Chinese hand grenade was recovered from him.

Security forces recovered one magazine, 10 rounds, and four grenades from Gambhir Mugalan forests in Manjakote area of Rajouri district last evening.

One pistol with 105 rounds, eight hand grenades, one China made 82mm mortar, one wireless set and IED wire were recovered from Punda naka in Darhal area of Rajouri.