Search on to trace foreign tourist

SRINAGAR, Jan 20: With improvement in weather condition, search operation was resumed today in the upper reaches of the famous Ski Resort of Gulmarg to trace the Norwegian tourist who went missing there about a fortnight ago.

The search operation to trace Franciska Rogny was resumed in the upper reaches this morning after it was suspended for three days due to heavy snowfall, Station House Officer of Police Station, Gulmarg, Shafeeq Ahmad, said.

The search was hampered by the inclement weather in the upper reaches but it was going on in the rest of the areas in Gulmarg, he said.

Rogny arrived at the Gulmarg Hill Resort on January 8 and left for skiing after checking in a hotel. She did not return till late in the evening that day, prompting authorities to launch a massive search operation.

The operation to trace Rogny was intensified with Army teams joining police to trace her. But it did not yield any result. Authorities have sought assistance of sniffer dogs and Army helicopters in the operation.

Even though the search teams have not lost hope of finding Rogny alive, the chances of her survival seem bleak since she has been missing for the last 13 days from now, official sources said.

"We have not given up hope. We will continue search till we get some concrete evidence," an official supervising the rescue operation said.

Rogny had gone missing last year also from Gulmarg while on a skiing trip and was rescued after six days. (PTI)

S R College organizes screening test

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: To help students prepare for national and State level entrance examinations, the S R College of Competitions today organized a Screening Test at its Kachi Chhawni centre.

Over 350 students appeared in today’s examination. However, the students who missed out the test today could appear in the subsequent tests on January 27 and February 3 at both the Gandhi Nagar and Kachi Chhawni centres.

Meanwhile, a Target 20 batch is being introduced by the College this year, which will give the students an opportunity to prepare for national level entrance examinations. The selection for this group will be based on a cut off percentage.

Biggest Tazia procession taken out in Jammu

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: Biggest Tazia procession was taken out on the occasion of 10th Moharram in a traditional manner from Peermitha here, today in which thousands of mourners including men, women and children drawn from different parts of the State participated.

The mourners chanting Marsiya and Nawha in praise of Hazrat Imam-i-Hussian and his associates who sacrificed their lives for ufliftment of truth and humanity in the battle of Karbala passed via Lakhadata Bazar, Kanak Mandi, Rajinder Bazar, Shaheedi Chowk, before culminating at Karbala Complex Wazarat road. At Karbala the Sham-e-Gariban Majlis was addressed by Moulana Gazanfar Hussian Rizwi a renowned Shia scholar. The Tazia procession was led by prominent citizens of J&K.

The procession was jointly organised by Shia Federation Jammu, Unjaman-i-Imamia and Unjaman-i-Haidri. Besides the Kargil Students Union and Leh Students Union led by Minister of Technical Education, Haji Nissar Ali and MLA Zanaskar, M Raza also participated in the procession.

The authorities had made adequate arrangements for the procession. To maintain the traditional secularism and brotherhood the Hindu brethren and other associations had installed chabils and stalls to offer fruits and soft drinks to Shia mourners enroute.

Earlier Shia Clerics and Ulemas addressed large gathering at Peer Mitha and threw light on Ashoora and supreme sacrifices of Hazrat Imam-i-Hussian and his associates.

The leaders of Shia Federation Jammu, Unjaman-i-Imamia and Unjaman-i-Haidri complimented the authorities, Hindu brethren and other association for their cooperation.

3 leopards create terror in Darhal

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Jan 20: Three full grown leopards have created a reign of terror among the local villagers in Darhal area of district Rajouri for the last two weeks.

Terrorised by the frequent movements of these wild beasts the people have restricted their activities and movement to the fields and nearby forest areas. The movement of VDC members and even the villagers during night has come to halt with the increasing threat of attacks by these leopards who have killed at least half a dozen dogs, goats and sheep in the area.

At least one hundred and fifty families of Dandkot and its adjoining hamlets in the remote area of Rajouri are facing threat to their lives due to free movement of these animals. A deputation of the villagers led by Sarpanch Mirza Tariq approached the Forest officials at Rajouri on Friday and narrated their woes. They also submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner demanding that these animals be captured by the Wild Life department or eliminated.

They said that three days back, the animals kept moving in the village even up to late morning. The family members of Mr Mirza locked them selves insides up to 7.30 am as the two leopards remained sitting in their compound and also killed their pet dog. Some of the families have sent their children and women to their relatives away from the area in view of the terror.

The villagers narrated that there was a cave in the forest near the village and these animals have taken shelter in it. They are believed to have come down from the higher reaches of Pir Panjal after heavy snowfall there. They said the animals can be trapped easily and captured by the wild Life team.

Chief Wild Life Warden J&K A K Shrivastava when contacted said that he had no information regarding this matter. He however, assured that a Wild Life team would be sent to capture the animals so that terrorised villagers could be relieved of the fear.

No change in today’s exam schedule: JU

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: The University of Jammu (JU) has announced that none of its scheduled examinations for January 21 has been postponed in view of the Moharram holidays, as all the slated examinations will be held as per time and schedule.

Due to the ongoing Moharram holidays, speculations were being made by a section of students regarding postponement of examinations by the university, but the authorities have made it clear that no change has been made in the examination schedule.

In a statement issued, Prof.Deshbandhu, Controller of Examinations has maintained that no change has been made in the examinations to be taken on January 21.

ReT, EV teachers’ forum to gherao Assembly on Feb 4

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Jan 20: A meeting of Rehbar-e-Taleem and EV Teachers Forum was held here under the chairmanship of its president Aftab Tantray in which all the zonal presidents and State apex body members participated.

The meeting unanimously endorsed the call given by State body to gherao State Assembly at Jammu on February 4 and appealed all its cadres as also other trade union leaders to ensure their participation.

Speaking in the meeting zonal president Damal and State apex body member Majib Malik criticized the State government for step-motherly treatment with the teachers by not fulfilling the promises made with them.

They stated further that as per the Chief Minister that demands of BPL nation builders would be met with very soon, but despite lapse of more than one year, no formal orders have been issued to mitigate their sufferings, which has compelled ther forum to come on the roads.

They are demanding enhancement in their honorarium, inclusion of five years service in their service record after regularization, reduction of service tenure 21 years instead of 33 years as qualifying period for pension benefits.

The speakers included Aftab Malik, Jahangir Malik, Showkat Mir, Liaqat Chowdhary, Amit Khajuria, Asif Chowdhary, Altaf Chowdhary, Sarfraz Chowdhary, Tariq Chowdhary, Ajeet Singh, Abisheik, Naresh Sharma, Tilak Ram and Sabar Khan.

Moharram processions taken out in Kargil, Leh

Excelsior Correspondent

KARGIL, Jan 20: Despite severe cold, the martyrdom anniversary of Harzat Imam Hussain (Alia-Salam), the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) was observed here with religious fervour.

Thousands of mourners consisting of about 35 Dastas participated in the Zuljinah and Alam Sharief procession which was taken out in Kargil. The procession passed through different streets of Kargil town before culminating at Qatilgah Hussani, Kargil.

The town of Kargil virtually turned into a mournful atmosphere when the procession recited Nowha with beating their chest over the tragedy of Karbala. The procession stayed briefly at Islamia School where Ulemas highlighted the spirit of sacrifices for truth, justice and righteousness. While performing Ziyarat in honour of martyr of Karbala, prayers were made for peace and prosperity in the world.

The district administration had arranged uninterrupted power supply, drinking water, medicare and transportation for the people. The CEC LAHDC Kargil Haji Asgar Ali Karbalaie and Deputy Commissioner Kargil R K Bhagat supervised all arrangements.

Similar Ashoora processions were also taken out in Chicktan, Taisusru, Sankoo and Drass where thousands of people participated. Shabi-Ashoora was observed yesterday night in all Imam Baras of the district and threw lights on the holy sacrifices of Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS) and other martyrs of Karbala.

The Moharram was also observed in Leh with religious faith. Mourners from surrounding villages like Phyang, Choschot, Thiksay, Shey and Choglamsar started reaching Jamma Masjid Leh since morning from where a big procession was taken out which after passing through Bazar culminated at Immam Bara Leh. The procession was led by president Majlis-e-Ulema Leh Sheikh Mohd Ali Phyang.

Sheikh Mohd Ali and many other Ulemas threw light on the martyrdom of Hazrat Immam Hussain and his clan at Karbala for the solidarity of Islam.

‘Stop caste based reservation’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha, in a meeting held under the chairmanship of Uttam Chand Shastri, a renowned Sanskrit scholar from Basohli, unanimously passed resolution impressing upon the State as well as Central Government to immediately stop caste based reservation and adopt the policy of reservation based on economic backwardness in the Government jobs, promotions as well as in professional colleges.

It was also resolved to impress upon the State Government to make Sanskrit a compulsory subject upto 10th class. The participants unanimously approved the amendments made in the constitution of the Sabha as already adopted by the working committee.

They also extended the tenure of the existing working committee by one more year which has been working under the presidentship of Dev Raj Baru.

The participants impressed upon the Governor to utilize the income generated from Mata Vaishno Devi in the study of Sanskrit, Vedic, Hindu religion, Karam-Kand and Astrological studies in Mata Vaishno Devi University.

Pandit Sita Ram of Seri Panditan was the chief guest in the meeting.

Govt to restore identity of Numberdars, Chowkidars: Charak

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak has said that Government was admitted to restore the identity and powers enjoyed by the Numberdars and Chowkidars earlier. He said for the purpose a policy is on anvil to provide proper uniform to them so that they are recognized as per the status.

Minister was addressing Numberdars and Chowkidars of tehsil Bishnah at Pandorian this afternoon.

Mr. Charak said that the plan proposes that the Numberdars and Chowkidars are provided accommodation in revenue complexes at district and tehsil levels to cooperate the administration and attend the visitors from their respective areas for getting redressal of their problems with regard to revenue and other works. He said that being the important constituent of the democratic setup the Numberdars and Chowkidars act as bridge between administration and the people.

Mr. Charak said that Government has already taken a bold step for restoration of their powers by way of enhancement of their monthly honorarium from Rs. 81 to Rs. 501 from April 1, 2007 and added "you are empowered to monitor all developmental works besides to check the attendance of the Government institutions in your respective areas". He said that the basic aim of the Government was to strengthen these gross root institutions which pave way for development of the State.

The Minister directed the Numberdars and Chowkidars to utilize their services for the overall betterment of the state. He said that "without people’s participation and cooperation no state could achieve the desired targets".

Govt sans policy for unemployed: Slathia

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: Former minister and senior National Conference leader Surjit Singh Slathia has alleged that Coalition Government has no policy for the unemployed youth of the state.

Addressing a public meeting at Ramloo Brahmana in Ramgarh today, the NC leader alleged that number of educated unemployed youth is increasing day by day but the Government has not framed any policy for their absorption.

Even the Government was re-employing the retired government employees depriving the deserving educated youth. It is unfortunate that even the retired tehsildars and naib tehsildars were being re-employed in Revenue department which is under Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Mr Slathia further alleged that present government has failed on all the fronts. There was no development work visible on the ground. They have only created hype of work culture and double shift. Only false promises were made with the people. They are deprived of basic amenities like water and electricity. He said that government stands fully exposed by the NC MLAs in the legislature and the people with now throw it out.

He claimed that National Conference will return to power as people like its programme and policies. Huge public money is being spent on the TA/DA and fuel and telephone bills of the ministers. Many of them are facing corruption charges.

Others who spoke included, Capt Tirath Ram, Om Parkash Attri, Keemti Lal, Madan Lal Sharma, Shiv Lal and Tilak Raj.

BGSBU launches biodiversity conservation movement

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Jan 20: The Centre of Biodiversity Studies, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) launched a conservation education movement targeting school children of the State, in a function held here today.

Minister of State for Forests, Social Welfare and School Education, G M Saroori was the chief guest while Vice Chancellor Masud Choudhary presided over the occasion. Eminent scientists, academicians and other dignitaries were also present in the function.

Under the movement, a four week long Vacation Training Programme (VTP) was also launched in which students representing nodal schools from Kargil, Leh, Srinagar, Pulwama and Poonch would be targeted to promote interest and knowledge about natural resources and bio-diversity.

The university will cover school children of various socio-economic backgrounds through ten nodal, schools called DNA (Deptt of Biotechnology’s Natural Resource Awareness) Clubs identified in all three regions.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister applauded the concern and role of BGSBU for promoting bio-diversity conservation and research in the hinterlands of the State. He also congratulated the university on getting recognized as one of the eight institutions in India for implementation of this project.

Also speaking, Masud Choudhary, in his presidential address shared his concern for the emerging conservation problems and stressed the need for all institutions to come forward and help mitigate the eminent catastrophe to which we are all heading.

Later, Saroori and Choudhary released computers, LCD projectors and various other equipments to representatives of nodal schools.

Handloom employees hold convention

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Jan 20: Handloom Non-Gazetted Employees Association, district Udhampur, held convention under the presidentship of Sham Lal, which decided to hold protest demonstration, in the first week of February the call for which was issued was given by executive body.

The demands which warranted protests included upgradation of Wraper-cum-Winder on lines of Assistant Tailor Master, technical grade to concerned staff at par with ITI employees, amendment in recruitment rules, Insitu promotion to Accountant-cum-Storekeeper, holding of DPC, fresh machinery and equipment to Training Centre, and Two and a half day salary to Orderly-cum Chowkidar in the Department.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Mrs Sunita Devi, Viro Devi, Chander Shekhar, Naagar Mal, Girdhari Lal, Jeeva Nand, Vijay Kumar, Rajinder Kumar, Bansi Lal, Ashok Kumar and Nasib Raj.

Govt orders probe into woman’s death

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: The Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has ordered probe into the death of a woman in District Hospital Rajouri yesterday.  

A 3- member Enquiry Committee has been constituted by the Government to inquire into the causes leading to the death of a woman patient Rehmat Bi in the district hospital Rajouri. It will also find out whether there was any negligence on the part of any of the functionaries of the hospital.

 The Enquiry Committee shall comprise Additional District Development Comm-issioner, Rajouri, Deputy Director Health (schemes) Jammu and Chief Medical Officer Rajouri. The Committee has been asked to submit the report with in 10 days.

Bhalla launches rural sanitation programme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: Work on construction of link roads, bath rooms and waiting rooms at the cremation grounds of Chata Pind and Bhor Camp was started today in presence of Congress MLA Gandhi Nagar Raman Bhalla.

He said Rs 20 lakh will be spent on each cremation Ground. He also addressed a public meeting at Refugee Basti and highlighted the five years achievements of coalition Government led by Mr Gulam Nabi Azad and the developmental works which have been completed in the area.

Mr Bhalla also distributed 20 cheques of 12500 each under Indira Awas Yojna (IAY) among the beneficiaries of the scheme.

He launched a scheme for the construction of lavatories for BPL families in the area under rural sanitation programme and urged the people to take the advantage of these schemes.

Addressing the public meeting, Mr Bhalla said that Government has launched many welfare schemes for the people especially those living below poverty line.

He assured the gathering that all their pending demands will be solved. Later the MLA also inaugurated a medical camp organised by Village Ufliftment an NGO at Ramdarbar Mandir Shastri Nagar. The senior doctors from Escorts, New Delhi checked up the patients in the medical camp.

Dream Bazar inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 20: The inaugural function of Dream Bazar a Rajkote (Gujarat) based company was held here at Rehari today. The Dream Bazar was inaugurated by Vijay Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Sales Tax, Commercial in presence of Company’s General Manager, Mr Suffi.

The programme was organised by R K Parihar, Mr Raina, Rajinder Sharma and Rajeev Razwal. It was presided over by Pt. Dev Dutt Sharma ex MLA who also distributed prizes among the achievers in J&K.

The objective of the mission is to provide help to poor and unemployed, and make public aware to seek maximum service from the center. The Center will serve people from all walks of life who are determined to achieve their services from Service Center free of cost for their living. This was stated in a handout issued by the organizers here today.

They said concept of the Company’s mission looked so attractive to the gathering that over 50 people including guests and special guests decided to join the mission.