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Cong
terms coalition rule
praise worthy
Govt not
sincere in furthering
peace process: Oppn
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 10:
National Conference
MLA from Anantnag, Dr
Mehboob Beg today accused
the Government of not
being sincere in
furthering the peace
process in the State.
Participating
in the debate on
Governor’s address
in State Assembly this
afternoon, the firebrand
leader wanted to know
what happened to the
recommendations of
working groups on Kashmir
and how many people were
roped in for peace
process.
He said, the
alienation in Kashmir
will not end as the
people have apprehensions
that Government was not
sincere towards peace
process. He wanted to
know why cease-fire is
not being declared in
Kashmir when it has been
extended in Nagaland from
year after year.
Levelling
serious allegations on
Government, he said there
are some vested interests
who are thriving on blood
of innocent Kashmiris.
Terming the healing touch
and Khushal Kashmir
slogans totally hollow,
he said "who got the
healing touch, what
happened to double shift
and Khushali is no where
seen".
Dr Beg said
that Kashmir issue
can’t be solved
through military might as
it is a political issue
and needs a political
solution. He also accused
the Government of having
no clear cut policy
regarding the
rehabilitation of
displaced Pandits from
Valley and took it to
task for not allotting
two room sets to them
which have already been
constructed at Muthi and
Purkhoo.
He demanded
that action be taken
against the corrupt
Legislators and Ministers
against whom cases are
pending in Accountability
Commission.
Contesting
the claims made by the
Chief Minister, Ghulam
Nabi Azad that no
custodial death took
place during 2007, he
quoted the State Human
Rights Commission (SHRC)
report saying 17
custodial killings have
taken place during the
year and alleged that
security forces have been
given unbridled powers.
Opposing the
Governor’s address,
his Party colleague Ajay
Sadhotra termed it a joke
with people. He demanded
that the Kundal Committee
report regarding the
forest scam be made
public. He alleged that
Chief Minister was forced
to reinstate the Forest
Minister.
Terming the
expansion policy as
mindless decision, he
said one District Officer
is looking after three to
four districts and how
can he do justice.
Moreover, without
thinking about the
infrastructure Government
went ahead with expansion
policy.
Mr Sadhotra
also alleged that MLAs
were not taken into
confidence in
construction works and
demanded a probe into
purchase of pipes worth
Rs 213 crore.
Pinto Narboo
alleged that justice has
not been made with Ladakh
region in the
Governor’s address
as no reference has been
made regarding opening of
routes linking to PoK and
China via Ladakh.
He said it
is not enough to make a
reference only to the
Ladakh region but if
roads have been opened to
PoK why not to Tibet
which has many pilgrimage
centres.
He also
alleged that no new
district was created in
Ladakh while eight
districts were created in
Jammu and Kashmir
divisions. He demanded
that Ladakh be given a
treatment of separate
division.
Nazir Gurezi
of NC, while opposing the
claims made in
Governor’s address
said it was his Party
which initiated a
political process in the
State by contesting
elections in 1996 when
there was insecurity
everywhere in the State.
He alleged his
Constituency Gurez was
totally ignored and no
dispensary or Health
sub-centre was opened
there. He also demanded
opening of Silk road via
Gurez.
NC’s
Javed Rana said the
Kashmir issue can’t
be solved by bringing
money from New Delhi or
construction of roads but
its solution lies in
restoration of
people’s confidence.
He also accused the
Government of adopting
divide and rule policy.
Girdhari Lal
Chalotra of Congress,
while hailing the
Governor’s address
said that militancy
started in the State
during NC rule because
Kashmiri youth were
frustrated as they were
deprived of jobs.
He termed
the steps taken by former
Chief Minister, Mufti
Mohammed Sayeed and his
successor, Ghulam Nabi
Azad regarding
development of the State
and restoration of
normalcy praise worthy.
Puran Singh
of ruling alliance, while
hailing the
Governor’s address
said some historical
decisions were taken by
the coalition Government
for betterment and
upliftment of the people
of State. He said the
people of J&K can
never forget the Azad
rule so far as the
development of the State
is concerned.
Congress MLA
Suman Bhagat, while
lauding the
Governor’s address
said militancy has been
contained in the State
and new colleges, schools
and hospitals were opened
during coalition rule.
Besides , many welfare
schemes and projects were
started out of which some
have been completed while
on others work is
continuing.
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PDP,
Cong chief whips, NC Member clash with Dy
Speaker
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: Chief whips of
People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and
Congress and National Conference Member
today clashed with Deputy Speaker in the
Legislative Assembly.
"You
are allowing everyone who is raising the
hand to raise the issues",
PDP’s chief whip Abdul Rehman Veeri
shouted at Deputy Speaker Mohd Akbar
Lone, who was in the chair during Zero
Hour.
He said
that chair has to go by the list of
members provided by the chief whips of
the parties as members keep on asking
about their turn to raise the issues of
public importance.
Congress
chief whip Prem Sagar Aziz too raised the
similar issue and said that Chair was
allowing all the Opposition members but
not entertaining the lists provided by
the chief whips.
However,
they were immediately snubbed by Deputy
Speaker, who made it clear that chair was
not supposed to go by the dictates of the
chief whips. "It’s purely my
discretion", he added.
Within
minutes, National Conference member Ajay
Sadhotra clashed with the Deputy Speaker
when the latter warned the member from
making remarks.
"My
Sadhotra stop making side comments. I
will not allow you to do so", Deputy
Speaker shouted at NC Member. But the
chair was immediately countered by the
member who shouted back "what
happened?".
Taken
aback by the way Mr Sadhotra responded,
the Deputy Speaker said "I am senior
to you". But he was immediately
countered by Mr Sadhotra who remarked
"you are not senior to me in this
house".
Mir,
Lone term Minister’s statement
misleading, stage walk-out
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: Two NC MLAs from
Kupwara district today staged a walkout
from the State Assembly as they were not
satisfied with the statement of Minister
for Consumer Affairs and Public
Distribution (CAPD), Taj Mohi-u-Din
regarding restoration of normalcy in the
district Kupwara, where the normal life
was affected due to heavy rains and
snowfall.
After the
Minister gave the statement in the House
on the basis of report submitted by
Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, the two
MLAs, Mir Saifulla and Kesar Jamshed Lone
stood up from their seats saying the
report was not based on facts. They said
except two- to three roads all road links
are closed in Kupwara district, water
supply schemes were not functioning and
public distribution sale centres were
closed.
Though the
Minister said that whatever report was
submitted by DC Kupwara to him, he gave a
statement on the basis of that yet but
both Mir Saifulla and Lone protested and
staged a walkout alleging that the
Minister was misleading the House.
They said
people have no ration and the entire
system has collapsed in the district.
This was an incompetent Government.
Intervening,
the Leader of Opposition, Abdul Rahim
Rather said the MLAs will not tell a lie
as they are the public representatives
and the Government should not ignore
their statement.
He said
when the members expressed their
displeasure over the statement, Minister
should have said that he will again
verify the facts and seek fresh report
from district administration.
Later, Mr
Taj-Mohi-u-Din stood up saying that he
will seek fresh report from the district
administration.
Earlier,
the Minister had said that five snow
cutters have been used to clear the snow
from all roads in Kupwara, Handwara and
Tangdar. He said , while the roads in
townships have been cleared those in
peripheral areas will be cleared by this
evening.
He said
the Highway from Kupwara to Tangdar is
through and power supply will be resumed
by today evening. Besides 10,000 quintals
of ration was distributed in the
district, he added.
The issue
was raised after Zero Hour by the Kupwara
MLAs including Sharif-u-Din Shariq, Mir
Saifulla and Kesar Jamshed Lone in the
House who had demanded a statement from
the Government.
The Chair
had given direction to Minister for
Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution,
Taj Mohi-ud-Din to make a statement in
the House during the second sitting
today.
Oppn
grills Govt over ousted Excise
employees’ issue
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: Opposition today
grilled the Government during zero hour
in the Legislative Assembly over the
issue of ousted Class-IV employees of
Excise and Commercial Taxes Department.
Raising
the issue, Dr Manohar Lal wanted to know
whether Government would adjust them in
other departments as assured during last
Budget Session. He was joined by leader
of the Opposition Abdul Rahim Rather,
Mohd Sayed Akhoon, Qaiser Jamsheed Lone,
Mohd Aslam, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo and Javid
Ahmad Raina in grilling the Government
over the issue.
"During
last budget session, the Government had
committed to adjust these ousted
employees in other departments purely on
humanitarian grounds within a period of
one month but even after one year the
fate of these employees hanging in
balance", Mr Rather said.
He wanted
to know why the Assurance Committee of
the House was not taking serious note of
such assurances given by the Government
from time to time.
Mushtaq
Ahmad Bukhari demanded helicopter service
for shifting Hajis of Rajouri-Poonch
stranded at Srinagar while as Ghulam Raza
demanded starting of helicopter service
from Srinagar to Zanaskar.
Responding
to these demands, Minister for Health and
Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma
assured the members that the matter would
be brought to the notice of Chief
Minister for shifting the stranded
Rajouri-Poonch Hajis in Air Force planes.
Shanti
Devi advocated for providing land to the
educated un-employed youth for setting up
of their own income generating units
while as Sartaj Madni demanded
regularization of SPOs.
Yashpal
Kundal and Balwant Singh Mankotia
demanded release of list of the selected
candidates in Police Department while as
Chaman Lal and Ashwani Kumar demanded on
spot selection of constables in Police
Department at Ramban and Bishnah.
Javid Rana
demanded effective implementation of
schemes taken under Asian Development
Bank funding in Rajouri and Poonch
districts while Raman Mattoo sought
employment for Kashmiri migrant educated
youth and setting up of Sharda Peth for
KPs.
Abdul
Majid Wani demanded restoration of
essential services in Doda district which
he said have been affected by the heavy
rains during past some days while
Shariq-ud-Din Shariq sought details of
land provided under Roshni Scheme.
Kanta
Andotra suggested for extending the date
of applying for conferring of propriety
rights on state lands to the farmers
under the scheme while Jahangir Mir
demanded free movement of people along
the LoC and initiating measures for
returning of migrants of Karsian-Poonch.
Mian Altaf
advocated adjustment of ISM doctors and
dental surgeons on regular basis whileas
Th. Puran Singh demanded rel-ease of
pending payments to the contractors.
Abdul Gani Malik demanded relief to the
land slide affected families of his
constituency while Rashpal Singh demanded
release of salaries to SRTC employees.
Mohammad
Yasin Shah urged for implementing
Srinagar District Development Board
meeting decisions while as Nazir Ahmad
Gurezi demanded rehabilitation of
snowstorm affected village Jawadara on
the pattern of Waltango Nad.
Usman
Majid demanded renovation of Aham Sharief
Shrine at Bandiora and Mohammad Aslam
Khan demanded release of funds for flood
affected areas of Rajouri.
Ali
Mohammad Sagar demanded uniform rates for
ration cards being providing to the
consumers through CAPD Department whileas
Balwant Singh Mankotia suggested shifting
of pollution creating factories from
Udhampur town and Mohammad Sayeed Akhoon
demanded early disposal of pending cases
under SRO-43.
Suman
Bhagat demanded release of funds under
flood control sector for construction of
protection bunds while Khem Lata Wukhloo
asked for earmarking adequate funds for
Moharum arrangements.
Zero
Hour in Council
Excelsior
Correspondent
Jammu, Jan 10: Various members
raised issues of public concern
pertaining to their areas during Zero
Hour in the Legislative Council today.
Mr.
Mohammad Sharief Niaz demanded SRTC bus
services for hilly and far-off areas of
Doda district whereas Mr. Ashok Sharma
demanded construction of Jammu- Rajouri
highway via Kalakot.
Mr. B. A.
Naaz demanded regularization and payments
of honorarium to candidates enga-ged for
looking-after Panchayat Ghars.
Miss
Sakina Ittoo demanded filling up of
vacant posts of Doctors in the Health
Department.
Mr.
Nizam-ud-Din Bhat drew the attention of
Government towards the condition of the
people of villages Batlab, Kehnusa and
Zurmanz and demanded ration and other
basic facilities for them. He also called
for providing medical and para-medical
staff to health institutions of these
areas.
Mr. M.R.
Qureshi demanded air-lifting of stranded
Hajis from Srinagar and Mr. Bilal Lodhi
demanded construction of alternative
route from Jammu to Srinagar via
Chhatru-Daccen.
Mr. P.
Namgyal demanded introduction of private
air services and increase air sorties of
Indian Airlines for Leh, whileas, Mr.
Nassarullah demanded Army Decota services
thrice a week from Srinagar to Kargil.
Mr.
Mohammad Yousuf Taing drew the attention
of Government towards dumping of garbages
along side the River Jhelum and called
for restoring the pristine glory of this
river. R.S.Chib demanded adequate
electric poles for irrigation pump sets
and Devender Singh Rana sought absorption
of left out Sub-Inspectors selected for
exe-cutive cadre.
Mr.
Nizam-ud-Din Khatana drew the attention
of government towards Gujjars and
Bakarwalls of Kulgam, Anantnag and
Shopian districts and demanded ration and
other basic amenities for them.
Mr. Lal
Mohammad Sabir demanded opening up of
Tata-Pani-Balnoi cross border meeting
point whereas Arvinder Singh drew the
attention of Government towards
encroachment of Shamshan bhoomi of Sikhs
at Baramulla.
Prof. Bhim
Singh raised issue of the alleged threat
given by U.S President to Iran and termed
it security concern for Indian.
NC
members protest, stage walk-out from
Upper House
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: Opposition National
Conference members today staged walk-out
from the State Legislative Council amidst
protests and slogans against the
Government after they were not convinced
with the reply of Minister for CAPD, Taj
Mohi-ud-Din on questions pertaining to
consumer affairs, adulteration and price
hike.
The
problem started after NC members were not
satisfied with the reply of Minister for
Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution
Taj Mohi-ud-Din during Question Hour in
the Upper House. He was responding to a
question of Congress legislators Mohd
Sharief Niaz.
Though
Congress member, Mr Niaz was convinced
with the response of Minister, yet NC
legislators including T S Wazir, M R
Qureshi, Devinder Rana and Sakina Ittoo
were not satisfied with the response of
Minister regarding steps taken by
Government to keep check on price rise,
taking cognizance on adulteration of
petrol/ diesel and other eatables etc.
R S Chib
and Arvinder Singh also raised
supplementaries and pointed out as to
what action was being taken to control
adulteration of petrol -diesel and black
marketing of kerosene and any steps taken
to allot new licenses after 1100 k.oil
depot licenses were cancelled in Jammu
city last year by CAPD. They said why
delay was being caused to make the system
streamline.
The
Minister while responding said that
affect of price rise is connected with
the national index. It affects all the
states. He said public should come
forward to lodge complaint against the
erring traders for this as Consumer Forum
and Commission were there for the
redressal of consumer grievances. He,
however, said that it was not possible to
keep every CAPD official at every shop or
outlet. Mechanism was there set up by the
department. He claimed that various steps
such as conducting of market checking
through Departmental Enforcement wings
and fixation of price in respect of daily
consumption items like milk, meat and
other food items and steps stand taken in
this respect.
This reply
irked the NC members including Devinder
Rana, T S Wazir, and Sakina Ittoo. They
said why department should wait weight
for a complaint from public. Was it not
duty of its officials to keep check on
the markets and price rise. They
interupted Minister and started raising
sloangs. There were some heated exchanges
from both the sides for some time. The
Minister sat telling that he will not
respond as opposition was not ready to
listen. The Chairman Ghulam Nabi Lone
proceeded towards next question of Amrit
Malhotra telling that already 30 minutes
were wasted on taking up two questions.
All the NC
members again reacted to the
Chairman’s remarks and they started
slogans demanding reply from Minister.
Amidst shouting of slogans and disrupting
proceedings for about eight minutes, all
the NC members staged walk-out. The
chairman refused to buzz and continued
proceedinds in the House.
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Sidelights-Assembly
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"Main Jeeta Jagta Khara
Hoon. Record Nikalne Ki Kaya
Zaroorat Hai (I’m standing
here alive. Why you want to
search the record)",
remarked Panthers Party MLA
Harshdev Singh when NC MLAs Ali
Mohd Sagar and Nazir Gurezi
wanted record of last Assembly to
be searched saying Mr Singh had
supported the bill freezing
increase in Assembly
constituencies till 2026.
*
"Aap Akele Jammu Ke
Numayende Naheen Hain (you are
not the only representatives of
Jammu)", Health and Medical
Education Minister and Congress
leader Mangat Ram Sharma told the
Panthers Party members when they
were agitating for setting up
Delimitation Commission.
"Give us proof that you too
represent Jammu by setting up the
Commission", Harshdev Singh
retorted.
*
NC MLA Mohd Sayeed Akhoon
described coalition sarkar as
"pollution sarkar"
saying it has failed.
*
NC chief whip Mubarak Gul called
Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK)
as ‘Azad Kashmir’ in
his speech on Governor’s
Address as he wanted safe passage
to be given to youths held up
across LoC.
*
"Jo Marey Gaye Unka Hisaab
Do", Mr Gul shouted thrice
before concluding his speech on
Governor’s Address.
*
PDP leader Sartaj Madni claimed
that a NC leader had said that
Poonch by-election will be an
indicative of 2008 Assembly
elections. It has indicated
things in store for the NC, Mr
Madni remarked.
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Another working
day added to Assembly
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: Another
working day has been added to the
Assembly calendar taking total
number of sittings to 27.
CPM
MLA Mohd Yusuf Tarigami today
proposed in the Assembly that one
sitting be kept on January 18,
declared a holiday in revised
calendar issues yesterday, for
discussion on budget.
Speaker
Tara Chand put the proposal to
vote. The House approved the
proposal.
Earlier,
there were 21 sittings in the
budget session, which was
scheduled to conclude on February
1.
In
Business Advisory Committee (BAC)
meeting on Tuesday, the sittings
were increased to 26 and the
session was extended upto
February 9.
Now,
the holiday on January 18 has
been converted into a half
working day for discussion on
budget. Earlier, discussion on
budget and reply was scheduled
for January 21, 22 and 23.
Now,
the discussion and reply on
budget will be held on January
18, 21, 22 and 23.
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59160 persons
given ownership rights under
'Roshni'
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: Minister
of State for Revenue, Aijaz Khan
said in the Legislative Council
that "about 25.53 lakhs
applications have been received
under various categories all over
the State from the occupants of
the State land for ownership
rights New Roshni scheme which
include 22.83 lakh applications
under agriculture, 20424 under
residential, 6194 commercial and
282 under institutional
categories".
Responding
to a question of Amrit Malhotra
the Minister said "the
conferring ownership rights under
Roshni scheme is under process
and about 59160 beneficiaries
have been conferred rights under
various categories till date
which includes 50344 under
agriculture, 7205 under
residential, 1579 under
commercial and 32 under
institutional categories".
Mr.
Khan further informed the Council
"the total cost of land in
respect of applications disposed
off is about Rs. 24942.94 lakhs
includes Rs. 10664.96 under
commercial, 13317.49 under
residential, 210.42 under
agriculture and Rs. 750.07 under
institution category whileas the
total amount actually deposit by
the occupants by ending December
2007 is Rs. 4351.23 lakhs
includes Rs. 2429.26 in
commercial, Rs. 1768 in
residential, Rs 24.55 in
agriculture and Rs. 128.63 under
institutional categories".
In
reply to a question by Mr.
Mohammad Amin Bhat, the Minister
informed the Council that
Government has paid compensation
in all the cases whose land has
been acquired for the Railway
project in and around Qazigund
except in few cases where
litigation is going on between
the parties.
He
said that as for as providing of
employment was concerned, the
cases of eligible candidates
stand referred to the Railway
authorities for appointment.
In
reply to another question by Lal
Mohammad Sabir, the MoS Revenue
said an amount of Rs 7 crore has
been released by the Home
Department during 2003-04 on
account of relief and
rehabilitation of border migrants
for 541 families of Balakot area
of Poonch district residing near
LoC.
Mr.
Khan said that affected people
have also been provided
residential plots in safer zones
Rupees one lakh each to 515
families have been paid for
construction of houses". He
said, all these migrant families
have been shifted and the
construction of residential
houses physically completed
alongwith civic amenities in the
colony
"For
the Chhamb Jourian a
comprehensive rehabilitation
package has been prepared at an
estimated outlay of Rs 78 crores
for rehabilitation of 6072
families belonging to 21border
villages of Niabat Khour tehsil
of Akhnoor, under Prime
Minister’s
Development/Reconstruction
plan" the minister said.
He
said the funds which have been
released include Rs 12 crore for
repairs/reconstruction of damaged
houses, Rs 7 crore for
restoration of civic amenities
infrastructure for 21 border
villages of Akhnoor tehsil, Rs.
1.46 crore for tractorization of
land at the rate of Rs. 2000 per
acre to the cultivator, Rs. 3.23
crore for the construction of
two-room tenements @ Rs. 50,000
each family in two installments,
Rs 7 crore for civic amenities in
a rehabilitation colony, Rs.
12.14 crore for purchase of
bullock pair and household items
@ Rs. 10,000 to each family.
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Unemployed
electricians block Tawi bridge,
threatens self immolation
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: Continuing efforts
to press the State Government to
concede their demand, the
Unemployed ITI Electrician
Diploma Holders Association today
blocked the vehicular movement on
ever busy Tawi bridge and
threatened to commit self
immolation if their demands were
not conceded.
The
protesters while raising slogans
against the State Government,
gathered in huge number at Tawi
bridge and sat on the road
causing disruption to the
vehicular movement. A police
party also reached on the spot
and finally after hectic efforts
managed to restore the traffic
movement on the bridge.
Meanwhile,
Rakesh Sharma, chairman of the
association claimed that one of
their member Sunil Sharma was
badly hurt during the tussle
between them and police. He was
also lifted by the police but
released in the afternoon.
Chairman also claimed that Sunil
received severe injuries on his
back and was got admitted in
hospital.
After
being chased away from bridge,
the protesters moved towards
Civil Secretariat and attempted
to enter the complex where police
personnel used force to disperse
the members of the association.
Police also took up 25 of them
including Rakesh Sharma and
Nisar-ul-Haq, divisional
president Kashmir. Later, all of
them were released, report said.
Meanwhile,
the association has given an
ultimatum to concede their
demands upto January 26,
otherwise Nisar-ul-Haq along with
30 other members will commit self
immolation in front of Civil
Secretariat.
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EJAC
to gherao Assembly on Jan 29
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: Jammu and
Kashmir Employees’ Joint
Action Committee (EJAC)has
decided to hold protest
demonstration on January 29.
This
was decided in a meeting of EJAC
held under the presidentship of
Abdul Qayoom Wani here yesterday.
The leaders criticized the
Government for not fulfilling the
demands of State employees as
also the commitments made by the
Government with the leaders of
Joint Action Committee, which has
compelled the employees to go in
for sustained struggle with
gherao of State Assembly on
January 29.
All
the provincial and district level
units of EJAC were directed to
gear up their employees for
result-oriented struggle. The
EJAC leaders assured the
employees that EJAC will continue
struggle till all the demands of
the employees were met with.
The
leaders of EJAC appealed the
employees to remain united to
give a befitting reply to
Government for not keeping its
word. The leaders appealed all
the EJAC cadre to support and
join the struggle for restoration
of honour and dignity of the
employees, who ready to make any
sacrifice for cause of State and
Public Sector employees.
Prominent
leaders who attended the meeting
included Fayaz Ahmad Shabnam,
Haji Bashir, Shakeel Ahmad
Kuchay, Ishtiaq Ahmed Beigh,
Ghulam Rasool Bhat, G M Hamdard,
Manzoor Ahmed Pampori, Khalid
Mehmood Khan, Ghulam Mohi Din
Mir, Shakti Gupta, Sanjeev Pali,
D Mehra, Rajan Babu, Sunil
Kochhar, Bhupinder Shastri,
Ganesh Khajuria, Sushil Pawar,
Gopal Sharma, Mohd Afzal Bhat,
Kapil Bakshi, Puran Singh etc.
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Azad’s
words rekindle hope in
unfortunate Bazila
Excelsior
Correspondent
Srinagar,
Jan 10: Chief
Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad’s
visit here today brought the
happiest news to unfortunate
Bazila Nazir, a tiny tot from
Daulatabad, Nawpora in Srinagar,
who lost both legs in an accident
on June 15, 2007.
The
fairly looking little girl was
returning home from school to
join her family on the wedding of
her maternal uncle when a
Tata-407 passenger bus knocked
her down and dragged for several
yards on the metallic road at
Brein, Nishat. The grievously
injured Bazila was rushed to
hospital where her both legs had
to be amputated to save her life.
Ever
since, the ill fated family was
living in desperation as doctors
had told the parents that it
would require several lakhs to
make Bazila walk again. The
family could not afford the
expenses.
The
case for the monetary assistance
to meet the expenses on
Bazila’s treatment was under
process in the Chief
Minister’s office and Azad
had desired to see the baby
during his next visit to
Srinagar. Her father, Nazir Ahmad
Dar, today met the Chief Minister
along with his daughter and
apprised him about their plight.
Mrs. Shamim Azad was also
present. She was moved by the
pathetic condition of the child
and gave lot of affection and
love to her.
Moved
by the tragedy that had struck
little Bazila at the tender age,
the Chief Minister assured all
possible assistance. He was
informed that the treatment would
cost Rs. 13 lakhs in two phases.
The second phase of treatment
would start when the girl reaches
the age of 12. Beyond the
financial assistance that the
Government would provide him, the
Chief Minister assured the
hapless father, a retired
employee of Centaur Hotel here,
that he would sponsor
Bazila’s full treatment in
the years to come, irrespective
of where he would be located and
whatever position holding.
In
many months since the tragedy
struck the family, the Chief
Minister’s assuring words
brought smiles on the face of
Nazir Ahmad and little Bazila who
started dreaming of walking down
to her school and playing
childhood games with her friends
again.
After
the meeting with the Chief
Minister, Nazir Ahmad felt as if
all his wishes had been granted
by Almighty. He said he was now
hopeful that his daughter would
be able to walk again and live a
normal life.
|
SOS
cautions Govt against neglecting
refugees of PoK
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: The chairman of
SOS, an international
organization for PoK refugees,
Rajiv Chuni, has expressed grave
concern over the attitude of the
Government in solving the
problems of Pak-occupied-Kashmir
refugees, who have been
struggling since Independence of
the country for their rights.
He
said the Governments in the past
as well as the present coalition
dispensation, have all along been
adopting the policy of adopting
refugee community by tactical
approach, as the Governments in
the past framed various
committees to resolve their issue
but no outcome has been seen from
them on ground.
Same
was the case with present State
Government which formulated
Wadhwa Committee, whose findings
would never come to the fore,
leave aside their implementation,
said Rajiv Chuni, adding that PoK
refugees have of now, understood
the game plan of Government to
buy time on one pretext or the
other to linger on the issue and
fulfill their vested interests at
the battle of hustings.
Rajiv
Chuni said this time Displaced
Persons have decided enmass to
teach the politicians and the
Government a lesson that they
(DPs) have the power to dislodge
them from the coveted seats. he
said DPs have taken a firm
decision to vote against all
those who have never given a heed
to their problems till date. He
added that all those politicians
or others who matter that none
would be allowed to ride over at
the cost of DPs.
|
Kamal’s
statement vindicates PK stand:
Agnishekhar
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: Panun Kashmir (PK)
has reiterated its demand
regarding probe into the causes
of the spread of militancy in the
State and the exodus of Kashmiri
Pandits from the Valley.
In
a statement issued here, today, P
K Chairman, Dr Agnishekhar said
that PK has all along made the
demand of formation of a high
level commission of inquiry to go
into the genesis of the rise of
terrorism and fundamentalism in
J&K. He said the exodus of
KPs was a core issue in the
recently concluded Round Table
Conference (RTC) and the matter
was also raised before the Prime
Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh.
Commenting
on the statement of senior NC
leader, Dr Mustafa Kamal in this
regard, he welcomed it saying
this vindicated the stand of PK.
Such a probe will expose the
forces responsible for the exodus
of KPs and put to the rest the
canards spread by some vested
interests that blame Mr Jagmohan,
whom KPs hold in high esteem.
The
PK leader said Government without
wasting any time should
constitute the Commission to
identify the people responsible
for the rise of terrorism and
exodus of Pandits.
Jora
interacts with Chamber of
Commerce & Industry
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: The Chamber of
Commerce and Industry organised
an inter-active session with the
Minister for Industries, Nawang
Rigzin Jora at Chamber House,
here today.
A
memorandum detailing the issues
concerning the commerce and
industry was submitted by the Ram
Sahai, president, Chamber of
Commerce and Industry.
Welcoming
the Minister to the interaction
with members and captains of
industry, Mr Sahai expressed the
hope that past experience of Mr
Jora in the industrial sector
will lead to boost to industrial
development in Jammu and Kashmir
State.
CCI
chief pinpointed the key areas
for rapid development and asked
the Government to vigorously
pursue the industrialisation
policy for higher economic growth
and generation of more employment
opportunities in this part of the
State.
Speaking
on the occasion, the Minister for
Industries, Jora stated that
there will be transparency in the
working and the pace of
industrialisation would be
accelerated. The emphasis will
be, among other things, on I T
sector.
Agreeing
to demand for On-line
registration, Mr Jora assured
that it will be re-introduced for
the benefit of enterpreneurs in
Jammu and Kashmir.
Commissioner-Secretary,
Industries, Lokesh Jha said the
industrial schemes will be
effectively implemented and
hurdles in the way tackled.
Mr
Jha stated that Industrial Growth
Centre at Samba will be developed
as per the scheme.
Director,
Industries, Pradeep Gupta said
there is vast scope and potential
for industries and so emphasis
will be to ensure rapid
industrial progress. Rajendra
Motial, general secretary, CCI,
underscored need for tackling
proceedural hurdles in industrial
process.
The
session was attended by large
number of captains of industry,
young entrepreneurs, members of
CCI and prominent citizens.
BJYM holds
state working committee meet at
Muthi
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: State BJP chief
Ashok Khajuria while inaugurating
the State working committee
meeting of State Bhartiya Janata
Yuva Morcha along with party MLA
Jugal Kishore at Muthi stated
that youth of the State were a
frustrated lot due to wrong
policies of the Government.
Ashok
Khajuria said thousands of
educated unemployed youth after
completing their academic and
technical education with the hope
of getting a Government job were
loitering without any means of
sustenance, as corruption was
galore at each level and
"only money factor was
holding the sway".
State
BJP chief asked the youth to get
united to exert pressure on the
coalition Government so that a
clear cut Youth policy was
formulated and the youth were in
a position to get jobs according
to their academic and technical
qualifications.
Later
a resolution containing
discriminatory policies of
coalition Government towards
youth of Jammu region,
preferential treatment to youth
of Valley and demands for
betterment and development of
youth was adopted and passed
accordingly with the pledge to
reach the youth and bring them on
a single platform.
Others
who addressed included State
secretaries Ajay Jamwal and
Shamsher Singh Manhas, Sat
Sharma, Narotam Singh, Munish
Sharma, Sahil Gupta, Mukesh
Sharma, Janki Bharti, Rajiv
Charak, Brahmjot, Surinder
Chowdhary, Paramjit Singh,
Paramjiot Singh and Vipan
Shastri.
|
KPSS
extends full support to striking
KP youth
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: Kashmiri Pandit
Sangarsh Samiti (KPSS) has
expressed grave concern over the
stoic silence maintained by the
Government on the demands of the
striking KP youth who are on
hunger strike in front of Relief
Commissioner’s Office for
over last one month.
In
a statement issued here, today,
Sanjay K Tickoo, president of the
Samiti said that the demand of KP
youth regarding payment of relief
to bifurcated ration card holders
be settled immediately failing
which the Samiti and other KP
organizations will join the
strike.
Criticizing
the State Government it said that
in 2005 after Mr Azad assumed the
Chief Minister’s Office in
the state, 365 new ration cards
were issued to political workers
from the Valley while the
deprived displaced KP youth were
ignored.
He
said these political workers are
putting up in Valley and also
enjoying the status as migrants.
Mr
Tickoo has also appealed the KP
community to support the striking
youth and join the agitation
launched by Youth Wing All India
Kashmiri Samaj (YWAIKS) in this
regard.
|
Bhalessa
teachers meet Saroori, Wani
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: A deputation of
Teacher’s Association
Bhalessa (TAB) today met Minister
of State for School Education, G
M Saroori and Secretary Education
K M Wani and apprised them about
their demands.
The
demands highlighted included
change of examination session in
winter zone of Jammu, placement
of principals in HSS Kilhotran
and Sino, placement of ZEO
Bhalessa and Bhatyas, timely
grant of interim relief and
promotion to teachers and masters
etc.
They
also demanded proper
implementation of mid-day meal
schemes, enhancememt of wages to
ReTs and EVs and raising of
necessary infrastructure also.
Both
the Minister and secretary
education gave patient hearing to
the deputationists and assured to
consider their demand on priority
basis. Wani also informed that
committee of experts has
recommended the change of
examination session to the
Government for further necessary
action.
Homeguards
hold protest demonstration
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan
10: The members of All
J&K Homeguard Welfare
Association, Jammu today held a
protest demonstration in support
of their long pending demands
near Civil Secretariat.
As
per report,the homeguards were
seen carrying empty utensils in
their hands, symbolic of their
plight and mark of their poor
condition due to callous attitude
of State Government towards their
sufferings.
Homeguards
led by Kamala Sharma, president
were demanding their
regularization as assured by
Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad a
year ago. They were also critical
of the Government for spoiling
golden period of their age, as
they are now ineligible for
employment elsewhere.
Meanwhile,
as they tried to move towards
Civil Secretariat police had to
use mild force to disperse the
protesting homeguards. In the
melee, one of the woman member
got fainted. There was no other
report of injury to any body,
reports added.
However,
the association has vowed to
carry forward their struggle for
claiming their just demands.
|
Several
cases settled in Lok Adalats
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: Several
cases were settled in Lok Adalats
held at Kathua and Udhampur.
In
a Lok Adalat held at District
Court Complex, Kathua, 11 cases
of Motor Accident Claim petitions
and 5 cases of Bank and
Matrimonial cases under Hindu
Marriage Act were taken up out of
which 6 claim petitions and 2
matrimonial cases were settled
and Rs.9.32 lakh were realized by
the first bench.
The
second bench took up eight
criminal compoundable cases and
realized fine of Rs.1900.
The
first bench was headed by
Chairman District Legal Services
Authority (Pr District and
Sessions Judge) Kathua S K Jamwal
and assisted by Additional
District & Sessions Judge
Kathua Vinod Chatterjee Koul
while the second bench was
comprised Chief Judicial
Magistrate Kathua V S Bhau and
Munsiff (JMIC) Kathua O P Thakur.
The
Lok Adalat at Udhampur was
organized under the over all
supervision of Principal District
and Sessions Judge, Udhampur, A K
Shan, who is also Chairman,
District Legal Services Authority
(DLSA). In all, 14 MACT claim
cases of different Insurance
Companies were taken up for
hearing and out of them 10 cases
were disposed off.
The
second bench headed by District
Mobile Magistrate, Udhampur, Ajay
Gupta, decided all the 32
challans listed for hearing with
the realization of compounding
fee of Rs.7750 on the spot.
Display
Your Talent 2007-08
Varun
adjudged best short story writer
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10: The
Department of Students Welfare,
University of Jammu (JU) has
declared Varun Sharma of Jammu
Institute of Ayurveda and
Research as the best story writer
in the ‘Short Story
Writing’ contest recently
organized by it under Display
Your Talent 2007-08.
"Bhawana",
his short story in Hindi was
based on the theme ‘Women
Empowerment’. Whe-reas,
Jeany Roshan of Deptt of English
and Imtiaz Ahmed of Deptt of
Education were adjudged second
and third for their short stories
"Victory of Soul Over
Death" in English and
"AIDS" in Urdu
respectively.
Those
who awarded Certificates of Merit
in Hindi category included Guntas
Kour of GCW Gandhi Nagar, Pooja
Vaid of Deptt of Economics and
Akshay Sharma of Deptt of Library
and Information Science for their
short stories "Mann Ki
Shanti", "Dost"
and "Kuntha"
respectively.
In
English category, Shreya Jain and
Ridhima Mahajan of GCW Parade and
Afreen Gani of MAM College
(Morning) and Neeraj Sharma of
Deptt of Lib and Inf Science were
awarded Certificates of Merit for
their short stories "You Can
Empower Yourself", "The
Merchant of HIV and AIDS",
"The Survival of Sonia"
and "Mistake"
respectively.
Dr
Anju Thapa, senior lecturer from
DDE was the teacher in charge of
the event.
|
Speaker,
Dilawar, Jugal conduct aerial
survey of flood prone areas
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10:
Speaker Legislative
Assembly Tara Chand today
conducted an aerial survey of
flood prone areas on Chenab River
in Khour block and took stock of
the situation arising due to
erosion of some vulnerable spots
due to flash floods.
Minister
for Irrigation and Flood Control
Mohammd Dilawar Mir, Minister for
Roads and Buildings, Jugal
Kishore Sharma and Chief Engineer
Irrigation and Flood Control
V.K.Abrol also accompanied the
Speaker.
During
his interaction with the people
at village Datyal, Gujral, Indri
Pattan and Bakore, Speaker said
that Government is aware of the
situation caused by the floods
over River Chenab at various
places and a contingent plan has
been devised to tackle the
situation during the rainy
season. He said a lot of work for
flood protection has been done
which has saved many precious
lives and a large chunk of
fertile land from erosion. He
requested the Minister for
Irrigation and Flood Control to
ensure adequate funds for flood
protection works.
Mr
Dilawar Mir apprised that the
Government has kept a provision
of Rs. 20 crore for protection
works. He issued on-the-spot
instructions to the Chief
Engineer, Irrigation and FC to
immediately take up the execution
work and complete the vulnerable
spots before the onset of rainy
season. He said at present the
flow of water is less and
it’s easy to execute works
in winter months so that the
endangered villages could be
saved from the flash floods.
Later,
they inspected the work on Loakhi
nullah and other waterlogged
areas which are cause of concern
for locals. They issued
instructions to the agency to
speed up the pace of work.
Vakil seeks
report on embezzlements within
week's time
Excelsior
Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 10:
Rs.10 crore action
plan under Special Component
Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan
(SCA to TSP) for 2007-08 was
approved here at a meeting of
officers chaired by Minister for
Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil.
The plan focuses on
entrepreneurship promotion to
generate gainful employment
opportunities for the poor tribal
youth besides augmenting basic
amenities like roads, water
supply, electricity etc. in
tribal localities across the
State.
Among
others, Secretary Social Welfare
N. K. Verma and Special Secretary
Muzaffar Iqbal were present on
the occasion.
Addressing
the meeting, the Minister called
for immediate release of funds
under the plan to all the
districts and directed for its
judicious utilization in full. He
also sought explanation from
Deputy Commissioners for not
submitting the action plans in
the beginning of the fiscal year,
resulting in the delayed release
of funds under TSP.
Meanwhile,
the Minister asked Secretary
Social Welfare to submit report
on embezzlements of funds in
welfare schemes Tehsil level in
2001-02 within a week. He said
officials having swindled money
meant for widows, destitute and
downtrodden deserve no leniency.
Such people, he said are bane on
the society who must be dealt
with sternly.
Vakil
also appointed Special Secretary
Muzaffar Iqbal as enquiry officer
into Rs 6 crore dairy scam of
J&K SC/ST and OBC
Corporation. He has been asked to
minutely verify the report
submitted by the Vigilance
Organization regarding the
embezzlement and suggest action
to be taken against the
racketeers by 31st March this
year.
Foundation
stone of Gujjar hostel laid
Excelsior
Correspondent
REASI, Jan
10: The Army launched
an Operation Sadbhavana project
of raising hostel for children of
Gujjar and Bakerwals at Talwara
in district Reasi.
The
foundation stone of the new
hostel named as ‘Pir Panjal
Hostel’ was laid by Maj Gen
P C Panjikar, GOC Uniform Force
today. Several officers from Army
and civil administration were
present on the occasion. The land
measuring 9 kanals has been
allotted by the District
Administration Reasi for the
hostel. Army will be providing
financial assistance for the
same. The hostel will have
capacity for 50 children of nomad
community. The children from
remote areas of Gool, Gulabgarh,
Mahore and Budhal will get
accommodation in the hostel.
Divisional
Commissioner Jammu, Sadhanshu
Pandey and DC Reasi Sanjeev Verma
who were special invitees, lauded
the efforts of Army authorities
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