Poor power infrastructure generates heat in Assembly

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: The poor infrastructure of Power Development Department (PDD) in Kashmir valley particularly in the rural areas generated heat in the Lower House today with National Conference Member Qaiser Jamsheed Lone threatening to move breach of privilege motion against the Minister for allegedly misleading the House.

"We are only shown schemes but on ground no improvement is visible with regard to power distribution system in Lolab constituency", NC Member Qaiser Jamsheed Lone said during Question House, adding "accidents have become order of the day but Government is sleeping over the issue".

The Government admitted that existing electric infrastructure in the Valley particularly in the rural areas including Lolab constituency has been erected in early 1970’s on wooden poles and need immediate replacement, he further said, adding everytime when he raised the issue in the House he was informed of schemes meant for improvement in power distribution system but nothing was visible on the ground.

Mr Lone was supported by National Conference members Mian Altaf and Saifullah Mir, who also raised similar issues of their respective constituencies while People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Member Abdul Rehman Veeri said "we are listening the stories about electrification of unelectrified villages and improvement in power distribution infrastructure for the past three years but nothing is visible on the ground".

Contesting the allegations of Qaiser Jamsheed Lone, the Minister for Power Babu Singh mentioned one by one all the works carried out in the Lolab constituency with the repeated comments "I will show this on the ground".

However, Mr Lone shouted "I am not satisfied with the reply and I will move breach of privilege against you for misleading the House". He was immediately countered by the Minister, who replied "I am not going to be scared by the threat of privilege motion".

The tiff between the NC Member and Minister came to an end with the intervention of the Chair.

Sinha unveils statue, inaugurates exhibition
Governor eulogizes contribution of Duggar
land in art, culture

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15 : The contribution of Dogra's in the country's defence, art and literature have brought laurels to the Duggarland, otherwise knows as an abode of temples, said Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha said here today.

Speaking at a function after unveiling the statue of noted artist Master Sansar Chand Baru and inaugurating the painting exhibition of Anuradha Reshi at Kala Kendra here this morning, the Governor said that Jammu intelligentsia has made immense contribution in the national development and left an indelible mark by their splendid works.

'Intellectual and artistic works have proved that Jammu is not only the land of warriors who have scripted chapters of bravery, but it is fertile land with abundant talent in all spheres of life', he maintained.

General Sinha said that paintings depict the flight of imagination of an artist that conveys philosophy of life and nature. These works have to be appreciated and comprehended in right perspective, he said, adding that for budding artists these serve as inspiration. While honouring the great artists, the society is duty bound to encourage the younger generations coming in the field in a big way, he said.

He referred to the dedicating of a hall in memory of K L Seigal as a mark of affection and love from the soil he belonged and said that Master Sansar Chand Art Gallery will be yet another addition to the Kala Kendra for providing a forum to budding artists to showcase their talent.

Former Minister of State for Defence Production, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, Minister of State for PDD, Babu Singh and former Secretary Cultural Academy and MLC, Mohammed Yousf Teing spoke on the occasion and paid rich tributes to Master Sansar Chand.

Dr Rafiq Masoodi gave a brief resume of the activities undertaken by the Academy for promoting art and culture.

Ms Anuradha Reshi, in her vote of thanks, said that 'I am fortunate enough to inherit my late father's legacy and talent in the art of Pahari paintings'. He described Master Sansar Chand as her guru and said that he had an indelible impact on her understanding or art and painting. She said that she has always endeavoured to relate nature with women as they both epitomize similar elements of crudeness, softness, fragrance and beauty.

The Governor went round the gallery and witnessed Ms Reshi's paintings on display. He also saw the youngsters doing sculpting, painting and participating in theatre groups.

Northern Command chief presents gallantry awards

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen H S Panag presented Gallantry awards to the units and soldiers in the Investiture ceremony held at Akhnoor today.

In an impressive ceremony held at the Sangha Auditorium of the Akhnoor based Cross Swords Division headquarters, Northern Command Army chief presented 60 Sena Medals ( Gallantry), three Sena Medals (Distinguished) and eight Vishisht Seva Medals to the awardees.

The GOC-in-C Appreciation Cards were presented to the unit which excelled in the last one year. The ceremony was attended by senior civil, military and para-military officers. Lt Gen R K Karwal, GOC 16 Corps and GOC Cross Swords Div Maj Gen A K Malik were also present.

While addressing the gathering, Lt Gen Panag, commended the awardees for having shown exemplary courage and devotion to duty while carrying out the task assigned to defend the motherland under difficult conditions. He paid glowing tributes to those soldiers who had made the supreme sacrifices to preserve the unity and integrity of the nation.

AWWA president, Annie Panag who was also present on the occasion presented gifts to the next of kin of the posthumous awardees.

52nd birthday of Mayawati celebrated
BSP will soon occupy centrestage in
Parliament: Narendra Kashyap

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: "Following the footsteps of Bahujan Samaj Party’s (BSP) founder leader late Kanshi Ram, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and party supremo Ms. Mayawati has succeeded in turning BSP a force to reckon with and with her efforts Bahujan Samaj will soon occupy centrestage in the forthcoming Parliament elections", said MLC from Uttar Pradesh and BSP National general secretary Narendra Kashyap on the occasion of the birthday celebration of Ms Mayawati, held at BSP’s Jammu office today.

Kashyap was the chief guest during the birthday celebration, which was attended by thousands of party workers and State leaders from various nook and corners of the State. Today, was her 52nd birthday and on the occasion, cake was distributed among all the party workers and greetings were exchanged. Dancing to the tune of drums, workers celebrated the birthday of their national president.

Addressing the partymen, Kashyap highlighted the journey being made by Ms Mayawati for reaching this height. He also deliberated that how a lady from poor "Bahujan" family rose to this height to serve her fellow brethren and other social minorities. She even sacrificed her family and personal life for the cause of "Bahujan Samaj" and jumped into the politics", he added.

Considering the day for serving poor, financial aid was also extended among the handicapped and other poor and deprived people. Bhagwan Singh Chouhan, State coordinator and Yashpal Bhagat, State president also spoke on the occasion and extended the greetings to the entire BSP cadre. Meanwhile, dozens of people belonging to different political outfits left their parties and joined BSP.

Prominent among others also present included Rajkumar Raja (State general secretary), Tarsem Khullar, S Kuldip Singh, Dapinder Kour, Kanchan Sharma, Chaman Bhagat, Dr Krishan Thapa, Dr Harjit, Ashok Bhagat, Dalvir Bhagat, Tilak Raj, S Ravinder Singh Pappu, M L Rao, S Raja Singh, Mohan Choudhary, Ajaib Singh Motan, Rakesh Bhagat, Yash Raj Singh Salaria, Anil Sharma, Ch Najibullah, Jogeshwar Sharma, Vijay Sharma, Shouq Mohammed and Kuldeep Sharma.

BJP torches effigy of coalition Govt, blames it for corruption

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: Jammu Mahanagar BJP led by district president, Kavinder Gupta held a protest demonstration at Kachi Chawni today and torched the effigy of Congress led coalition Government.

Addressing the demonstrators, Mr Gupta said the State Government, led by Mr Ghulam Nabi Azad has miserably failed to check corruption and book those involved in corrupt practices.

He said what to talk of a common man when the Ministers have not even spared the elected representatives. Serious allegations have been levelled from time to time against the Ministers for their involvement in corruption, but the Government is non serious for eradication of this practice and it was only befooling the people in this regard, he added.

Mr Gupta said mere booking of JEs, clerks and patwaris can’t end this practice. Corruption is serious issue and any one involved in it is a criminal and so he should not be spared.

He said the coalition has lost moral right to remain in power as its Ministers and MLAs are involved in a number of scandals.

Addressing the demonstrators, Shamsher Singh Manhas said this has been worst ever Government which the people of the State have seen.

Criticizing the Government, Yudhvir Sethi, BJP secretary accused it of making the Accountability Commission a toothless organization. The Commission has not been allowed to function by the Government though crores of rupees were spent on its formation, he added.

Others who spoke included Sat Sharma , Balbir Ram, Rajesh Gupta, Vinod Gupta, Baldev Singh, Krishen Lal Gupta, Subash Jandial, Sanjay Mahajan, Vikram Randhwa, Sunil Dimple and Ashok Gandhi and Karan Singh.

Film Directors, producers’ plea to DDK Srinagar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: A general body meeting of J&K Film Producers, Directors, Writers and Artists Action Committee was held under the chairmanship of K D Koul Mehboob, in which functioning of Doordarshan Kendra Srinagar, after change of guard, was discussed.

The members urged the new Director of DDK Srinagar to release the script of the Jammu based such directors to whom serials were allotted more than a year and three months back which could not be shot due to non-receipt of script from DDK Srinagar.

The Jammu based producers have also sought intervention of Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting for equal distribution of work to all the regions. The meeting also supported the demand of Srinagar based directors in release of their much awaited payments.

The participants in the meeting included Neeraj Zutshi, A S Jamwal, Mrs Bharti Zaroo, Ajay Safaya, Mrs Jaya Kishori Handoo, O N Koul Badgami, Pradeep Pandita, Sandeep Kaw and Mahinder Singh.

Mangat flags off BSF sponsored "Bharat Darshan" tour

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: A study tour comprising of 35 students from various far flung areas of Jammu region was flagged off by Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma today for "Bharat Darshan", being sponsored by Border Security Force Frontier Jammu.

All the students are in the age group of 12-15 years and students of 6th-10th standards. They include five from Jammu, two from Kathua, three from Samba, 11 from Rajouri, seven from Poonch, four from Reasi and three from Ramban districts.

A colourful function was organized on the occasion. In his address, the chief guest told the students about the importance of such study tours which inculcates the feeling of nationalism and national integrity besides giving them exposure of Indian heritage and culture.

Meanwhile, A K Surollia, IG BSF told that students will visit various historical places and industrial installations located in Ahmedabad, Delhi, Agra and Amritsar. Taj Mahal, Jamia Masjid, Delhi, Metro Rail, Golden Temple and Bonhmoie at Attari would be the places of special interest to the students while Republic Day Prade 2008 would give them glimpses of cultural heritage and economic development of the country.

Mangat inaugurates ‘Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: The Minister for Health and Medical Education, Labour and Employment, Mangat Ram Sharma inaugurated the ‘Oil and Gas Conservation Fortnight-2008’ being organized by Oil Industry, in a function here today.

In his inaugural address, the Minister urged the oil companies to propagate the message of oil and gas conservation through their well-established network of dealers, distributors and bring out an awareness regarding the importance of oil conservation in the minds of general public in the interest of national economy.

He also urged the dealers and distributors of the oil companies to spread the awareness, as they were at the forefront in distributing oil and gas products to all the consumers.

Earlier, R K Gupta, State level coordinator, in his opening address apprised the gathering about various aspects of oil conservation and also informed about the activities to be carried out during the fortnight from January 15-31. He stressed on the need for oil conservation to bring down the burden of importing petroleum products to save foreign exchange.

Also, A K Jain, senior manager HPCL administered the pledge of oil and conservation to dealers, distributors and others who attended the programme.

The vote of thanks was presented by R M Khan, territory manager BPCL while the proceedings of the programme were carried out by Sachin Sharma, deputy manager IOCL.

Ousted BSP leaders to form new Party
Mayawati deviated from Kanshi’s ideology: Satpal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: Ousted senior BSP leader Dr Satpal has alleged that BSP headed by Kumari Mayawati has deviated from the prime ideology of Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar and Late Kanshi Ram.

Addressing gathering at ‘one-day Bahujan Samaj meet’ held at Abhinav Theatre here today, former state BSP chief alleged that Kanshi Ram realised the miseries of the oppressed members of the society including Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes and OBCs and framed a party for providing them political and economic power. But unfortunately after his demise, those at the helm of affairs in the BSP under the leadership of Mayawati deviated from the ideology of that great visionary, who sacrificed everything for the sake of poor and down trodden community.

Influenced by the ‘wealth and power’ these BSP leaders have forgotten the principles and ideology of the Baba Sahib and Kanshi Ramji. They are indulging in new experiments and creating disillusion among the members of SC/ST/OBC members. The time has come to provide a strong base to the oppressed members of the society and raise a party which only believes in the ‘Vichardhara’ (ideology) of Late Sh Kanshi Ramji and Baba Sahib.

He announced that on April 14, 2008 on the occasion of birthday of Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar, a national level party would be formed which will only work for the oppressed members of the Samaj.

Former BSP leader from Himachal-Kulwant Singh and Pawan Tinu from Punjab were the guests of honour on the occasion. They also addressed the gathering and said that a campaign has been launched in the Northern India for raising new party.

ASKPC, PKM endorse KP United Forum’s decision

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) in its meeting here, today under the presidentship of its vice president, V K Kashkari endorsed the joint programme of United Forum of ASKPC, PKM and AIKPC to observe January 19 as Holocaust Day.

Mr H L Chatta general secretary, ASKPC who is also the coordinator of the United Forum deliberated on the programme chalked out for the day. He said a dharna will be held in front of Raj Bhawan where a memorandum will also be submitted to State Governor demanding that the socio economic rehabilitation of displaced people and conceding of the demands of displaced youth immediately. The meeting was also addresed by B K Wantoo, chief organisor ASKPC who said earlier a rally will be taken from Rajinder Park to Raj Bhawan.

Panun Kashmir Movement (PKM) also held a meeting here today under the chairmanship of its president Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo in which the decision of KP Untied Forum to observe Holocaust Day jointly was also endorsed.

The meeting among others was attended by Prof. M L Raina, Prof. H L Jalali, Upinder Koul and Kamal Bhagati.

The PKM handout said that a rally will be taken from Rajinder Park to Raj Bhawan.

The meeting also welcomed the seven point socio-economic programme of the Untied Forum and decided to pursue it with total commitment and zeal.

It demanded that practical measures be taken to improve the present socio-economic conditions of the displaced people, employment package for the community youth, monetary benefits to bifurcated ration card holders, immediate shifting of Batal Ballian Camp to Jammu, enhancement of relief to Rs 6000, shifting of camp inmates to newly constructed two room sets, scholarships and stipend to displaced students and accommodations to all displaced people living outside the camps.

Administration clarifies Mahant's allegations

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Jan 15: The district administration Reasi has strongly refuted the allegations leveled against district administration by Mahant Giri.

As per the official version, the Shiv Khori Shrine Board was set up by the State Government during December, 2003 to provide adequate facilities to the visiting pilgrims. Keeping in view the difficulties of visiting pilgrims, the Government set up Shiv Khori Shrine Board in greater interest of the visiting pilgrims. Prior to December, 2003, the flow of pilgrims was just 30 to 35 thousands due to lack of required facilities but after the setting up of Shrine Board and adequate provision of required facili-tes, the flow of visiting pilgrims has increased to a greater extent. The flow of visiting pilgrims which was just in thousands prior to 2003 has now reached up to near about 4.5 lakh annually and it is all due to sincere efforts of the Shiv Khori Shrine Board.

The bridle path from Ransoo, the base camp to Shiv Khori Shrine is being made pacca road and tile work on the path is nearing completion. The Shiv Khori Shrine Board has taken a number of development works in hand including suitable accommodation and shelter sheds with toilet facilities, TRC building at Ransoo, development of the Ransoo and Shiv Khori area as per the map already designed by the Chief Town Planner, Jammu, development of park and gardens enroute, plantation of medicinal plants, drinking water facilities, electrification, provision of exit cave, employment opportunities to thousands of un-employed people and number of other development works.

It has all become possible due to sincere efforts of the local MLA who in his sincere efforts has initiated all possible steps for the development of this historic shrine. The local people of Ransoo area who have their own land at village Ransoo has the right either to construct their own business establishments or sell their land to any body with their own mutual understanding and the third party has no right to intervene in any matter of others, the official said.

4 held for attack on DyAG

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: Police has completely worked out the murderous attack on Deputy Advocate General Ajit Singh Dogra by arresting all the four accused involved in the crime.

An official spokesman said that a special team headed by SHO Domana Police Station Inspector Gian Sharma conducted a raid in Mukerian, Punjab and arrested two main accused—Vishal alias Vishu and Raj Kumar alias Raju.

On their disclosure, police condicted raid in Jagti area under the jurisdiction of Nargota Police Station where Ashok Kumar alias Shoki was hiding.

Ashok Kumar attempted to escape from the spot and opened fire from his country made pistol but he was overpowered by police. While being overpowered, Ashok Kumar sustained injuries and later he was hospitalised.

Fourth accused Max has already been arrested by the police.

With the arrest of all the four accused, the murderous attack on Deputy Advocate General has been completely worked out.

The case was worked out by Domana Police under the direct supervision of Additional SP Rural Shakti Pathak and Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Akhnoor Atul Sharma.

Meanwhile, Bar Association Jammu, in a meeting held here today, decided to resume work in all the courts from tomorrow as all the accused involved in the murderous attack on Deputy Advocate General have been arrested by the police.

Reliance’s IPO receives overwhelming response in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Jan 15: Relia-nce Power Ltd Initial Public Offer (IPO) which was today officially thrown open, witnessed overwhelming response in Kashmir valley. On the first day, people were seen flocking the stock brokers throughout day.

"People here a year ago were not aware of the investment avenues in share market. Investments were limited in the Valley and that too was in banking sector only", says Ghulam Rasool Kamal of SGK Investments. "Now people have access to information and they try to find better value for their money to invest".

About today's response to IPO's of Reliance Power, Kamal said, due to the popularity of Reliance people who do not have even basic knowledge of stock market want to invest in its shares.

"People from all walks of life are interested in buying the shares but the salaried class feels more security in investing their hard earned money in shares. 70 percent of investors today who visited our office were from service class and the rest of 30 percent where from other classes including business men", said Tariq Ahmad Shah of Orient Trading House.

Farooq Ahmad Mir, apple trader from south Kashmir, who bought the IPO's worth Rs 50000 on the first day said that he got to know about the Reliance Power through the advertisement and finds Reliance most secure company to invest in.

To offer the IPO, Reliance Shares has installed kiosks at different places in the city. The kiosks were found busy through out the day.

Shah of Orient Trading House said, "I have received booking for shares of worth more than five crore rupees from both retailers and high net worth individuals from last three days. People started coming for the booking before the shares IPO's were officially opened. The booking will continue for next 3 days."

2 killed in accidents

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: Two persons were killed and another received injuries in separate road accidents.

Police spokesman said that an unidentified person was killed and another received injuries when they were hit by a mini-bus bearing registration number JK02-3418 at Gole Pulli near Vikas Lane, Talab Tillo.

The condition of injured identified as Pardeep Singh, son of Kehar Singh of Gho Manhasan was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

Police has registered a case of causing death and injuries due to rash and negligent driving against the erring mini-bus driver.

In another accident, one Ramayan, son of G S Chib of Pargwal was killed when he was run over by a train at kilometre 46.5 under the jurisdiction of Hiranagar Police Station.

Police has taken cognizance of the incident.

Meanwhile, one Siamal Singh, son of Janak Singh of Kathua was electrocuted when he touched an electric pole near his house.

The spokesman said that one Mangy, son of Balku of village Jaffer in Ramnagar tehsil died under suspicious circumstances at village Lehar, Ramnagar.

SAC recommendations kept in abeyance

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 15: Vacation Judge of State High Court Justice Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain today kept in abeyance the recommendations passed by the State Accountability Commission (SAC) against then Commissioner Secretary Animal Husbandry Dr Mohd Deen and Dr Satvir Gupta, the then Director Sheep Husbandry.

On December 20, 2007, the Accountability Commission recommended the Government to forfeit pensionary benefits of Dr Mohd Deen and Dr Satvir Gupta and recover Rs 5 lakh from them.

After hearing Senior Advocate D C Raina appearing for the petitioners, Justice Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain admitted the petition and issued notice to Dr Rehmat-ullah Khoura (complainant), State Accountability Commission through its Registrar and State of J&K through Chief Secretary for filling counter affidavit within four weeks. Advocate S S Ahmed accepted notice on behalf of the complainant.

During the course of argument, Senior Advocate D C Raina submitted that the Commission passed directions without considering the objections as well as material and documents available on record, resulting into harassment to the petitioners.

"The SAC in a mechanical manner and in typed language which is being used in each and every order passed by the SAC, has also condoned the delay in conclusion of the enquiry beyond the time limit prescribed by Section 13 (3)", it was further submitted with the request to quash the order passed by the SAC.