Jammu city to get addl 70 lakh gallons
of water per day shortly: Dilawar

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 21: About 70 lakh gallons per day capacity water supply plant, Sitlee-II, Jammu is nearing completion and would be dedicated to the people within a week. The plant has been constructed at a cost of Rs 6.54 crore and would help to ease out the existing water scarcity in old Jammu and New Plots, Janipur, Durga Nagar, Bantalab, Sarwal, Roop Nagar areas.

This was stated by the Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mohammad Dilawar Mir during his inspection to the water supply plant Shitlee today.

The Minister was accompanied by the Chief Engineer PHE, Jammu V. K. Goswami, SE Mechanical Urban Jammu S. P. Kanotra and concerned engineers.

The Minister said that another water supply plant at Sitlee Phase-III is also being constructed at a cost of Rs 35.26 crore which is targeted to be completed by the end of July this year. The plant on completion would add additional 70 lakh gallons of water per day to meet drinking water requirements of the people of Jammu.

The civil works of both the water supply plants are being executed by the JKPCC whereas the electro-mechanical works are being done by the PHE Department. The plants have been designed on Indo-German technology.

The Minister asked the engineers to under take all safeguard measures to protect both the water supply plants against flash floods and to avert reoccurrence incidents like collapse of old Shitlee water plant during floods in May 2005.

The Minister also directed the engineers to construct a deep bore tube well at Rajinder Nagar Bantalab to meet drinking water requirements of people in the area. He also urged for early completion of water supply plant at Bhoria to improve and augment drinking water facility in Bhathandi, Sunjwan, Sainik Colony and Channi Himat area s of Jammu city.

The Minister also enjoined upon the engineers of civil and mechanical wings to work in close coordination to provide best possible service to the people.

Back from Wattan Ki Sair, students share
their experiences with Azad

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Jan 21: A batch of 75 students from various schools of the State who had visited different places in the country during the Wattan Ki Sair, a trip organised by J&K Police, called on Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad here this afternoon and shared their experiences with him.

The Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda, IGP, Armed Police, Owais, IGP, CID, K. Rajendra and other police officers were present on the occasion.

In all, 75 students with 6 teachers were taken on the trip during which they visited Delhi, Agra, Fatehpur Sikri, Jaipur and Ajmer where they saw historical places and interacted with people. They also had an interactive session with the Chief Minister of Delhi, Sheila Dixit.

The students told Mr. Azad that the visit was highly informative and educative for them and they were impressed by the development and progress the country had made in different sectors. They especially spoke about highways, roads and flyovers which had impressed them a lot. They said that during their visit they saw historical places like Red Fort, Qutab Minar, Jama Masjid, Jantar Mantar, Raj Ghat, Vijay Ghat, Taj Mahal, shrine of Hazrat Mouinudin Chisti and other places. The students felt ecstatic about the visit and wanted more such trips to widen their horizon.

The conducting officer, Mohan Lal, S. P., said that the Wattan Ki Sair had started on January 12, 2008. He said the boys were taken on sight seeing in Delhi, Jaipur and Ajmer. They also viewed the movie, Welcome, in a theatre that turned out to be the first experience for most of the students and some teachers from Kashmir.

The Chief Minister, advised them to work hard and concentrate on their studies. He said since they had a feel of the progress other states in the country had made in different fields, they were in a better position now to convince their friends and fellow students about the need for Jammu & Kashmir to march ahead. He said there were elements in the State who try to mislead the children and youth and described them as the worst enemies of the people. He cautioned the students against falling into their trap.

Corrupt import, export policy of UPA
responsible for price hike: Shanta

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Jan 21: National Vice president, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Prabari J&K, Shanta Kumar today held the corrupt import and export policy of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at Centre responsible for risisng prices, black marketing and emptying of foodgrains Godowns in the country.Addressing the Party’s booth level committee members samelan here, today, the former Chief Minster of Himachal Pradesh, said that during the NDA rule at Centre, the prices of foodgrains were under control and godowns were full with stocks all over the country though the production was less as compared to present time.

He said not only prices of essential commodites were under control at that time but people above 65 years of age were provided free ration by the then Central Governemnt.

He said after its victory in local bodies elections, Gujarat and Himachal Assembly poll BJP is concentrating on J&K and constition of booth committees was one of the main strategies of Party to reach to the people at grassroot level to apprise them of Party’s programmes and policies to seek their vote and support in the elections.

The BJP leader said, his Party will make new strides in J&K and no Party can frame the next Government without the BJP’s support.

Addressing the meeting BJP state chief, Ashok Khajuria expressed serious concern over the rising corruption in J&K and involvement of ministers and buraucrats in it. Taking State Government to task, he alleged that the claims made by Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to weed out corruption from public life have totally proved hollow.

He said how the Congress Party in the State can absolve itself of corruption charges, when the Party chief in the State is himself involved in corruption charges.

Mr Khajuria said the coalition Government should held its head in shame the way Kundal Committee has made startling disclosures about the forest scam and involvement of ministers and bureaucrats in it.

Party senior leader and former Union Minister of State (MoS), Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta also lambasted the Congress for its total failure in solving the problems of the people in the state.

He said Jammu region is facing a total discrimination as it has only 37 Assembly seats in comparison to 46 of Kashmir which has less territory and population than Jammu.

He also blamed the J&K Governemt for curtaling the democratic rights of the people by fixing the life of Assembly for six years when it is five years in other parts of country.

‘Gurjar legislators should resign if Bill not passed’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: Akhil Bharatiya Gurjar Mahasabha (ABGM) state unit has urged the Gurjar-Bakerwal legislators to resign if the Bill seeking political reservation for the community was not passed in the J&K legislature.

Addressing a press conference here today, president of the Mahasabha E R Poswal said that National Panthers Party legislator Hareshdev Singh will be moving a Bill in the Assembly, seeking reservation for the Gurjar-Bakerwal community members in the legislature in a day or two. All the community members in both the Houses irrespective of their party affiliations should get it passed otherwise they should resign.

Mr Poswal pointed out that these leaders have been elected by the members of their community and if they fail to project their case or watch their interests, they have no moral right to stay in the Legislature. They should immediately step down, whether they are from NC, Congress, PDP or any other party. He also said that a bill to bring amendment in the SRO-294 be moved in the legislature and it should be supported by members from all the parties as already assured by the Government.

Criticising BJP Government in Rajasthan for allegedly harassing Gurjar community members, Mahasabha leader said the entire community should boycott BJP. He urged the ST community members to leave the BJP if they are associated with it. He also demanded creation of separate Ministry for Tribal Affairs in the J&K State.

CM’s claims regarding war against
corruption hollow: Sheikh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: While reacting to the Kundal Committee report and resignation of Education Minister, Peerzada Mohammed Sayeed on corruption charges, president, J&K Samajwadi Party (SP) and Ex MP Sheikh Abdul Rehman today alleged that corruption in J&K has reached to an alarming situation and claims made by the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to wage a war against it have proved totally hollow.

Talking to mediapersons here, today, Mr Sheikh Rehman said that in case stringent measures are not taken from right now, this menace will engulf entire society in J&K.

Commenting on the startling disclosures made in Kundal Committee report on forest scam and corruption charges levelled by an Legislator against the PCC chief and ex-Education Minister, he said this is an tip of an iceberg.

He said many heads will role and people will come to know about the magnitude of corruption if land grabbing scandal, forest scandal, sex scandal and other scams are investigated through an impartial agency.

He urged the Chief Minister to unmask the people named by the king pin of sex scandal before the court and take action against those indicted by Kundal Committee as well as against the land grabbers.

Referring to State Accountability Commission (SAC), Mr Rehman said the manner it (SAC) was made a toothless organization after its powers were snatched through an amendment and its former chairman Justice R P Sethi was forced to resign, has proved beyond the doubt that State Government will go to any extent to shield and save the corrupt ministers. This Commission has now been reduced to a recommending authority, he added.

Lambasting Congress for promoting corruption in the State, he said if corruption cases are framed against the Lalu Prashad Yadav, Jagan Nath Mishra, Rabri Devi, Jaya Lalitha former chief ministers then why the Government has adopted a stoic silence against the corrupt elements in J&K.

JSM-P flays Govt for failing to implement CMP

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: Jammu State Morcha (Progressive) has criticized the coalition Government for failing to implement Common Minimum Programme (CMP) during the past five years of its rule in Jammu and Kashmir.

The JSM-P did not feel necessity of passing a Bill in State Assembly for delimitation purpose as with existing strengthen Delimitation can be done by redefining boundaries of the Assembly segments, readjusting of seats among Jammu and Kashmir regions and transferring some of the Assembly seats from valley to Jammu province.

The JSM-P leaders said the other way out was readjustment of seats between Jammu provinces and Pakistan occupied areas of Jammu and Kashmir State. Transferring of seats reserved for Jammu province can otherwise be adjusted on the ground that most of the refugees from Pak occupied Jammu Kashmir including Chhamb have settled in Jammu province.

Morcha leaders said if delimitation was not done and representation of Jammu not increased this would clearly reflect the anti-Jammu bias of the State Government as well as Kashmiri leadership.

JSM-P also took a strong note of prevalent corruption in the State, the meeting held that if Peerzada Mohd Sayeed was made to resign, then other ministers named in the Kundal Committee report should also be sacked, so that the crusade against corruption by the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad could be substantiated. Otherwise also the ministers named in the report should resign themselves to uphold credibility of the Government.

Those present in the press conference included Prof Virender Gupta, president and other office bearers of the JSM-P.

Ranjana Gauhar presents lecture

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: The State chapter of SPIC MACAY in association with Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu (JU) organized a lecture cum demonstration on Odissi Dance by Padamshree Ranjna Gauhar, a noted choreographer and film maker, at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex in JU, here today.

In her lecture, she briefed about the Odissi Dance and called it as a sensuous and graceful style which combines story telling and pure dance in lyrical movements and sculpturesque poses. She said many of the beautiful poses of Odissi can be seen in the caves, sculptures and embellishments of the Hindu, Jain and Buddhist temples dating back to 2nd Century B.C. She also explained about the other aspects of the dance.

Later, she performed the dance wherein accompaniment on harmonium and vocal rendition was provided by Ram Chandra Sahu while Prafulla Mangaraj displayed his pursuits on Pakhawaj.

Earlier, Dr P S Pathania, Dean Students Welfare presented the welcome address and introduced Ranjana Gauhar with the audience. It is to mention that she was awarded with Padamshree in 2003 for her dedication and contribution towards Odissi.

Natrang celebrates airing of Anjali’s serial

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: Natrang today organized a programme in its studio theatre to celebrate the featuring of their artist Anjali Abrol as a lead character in Star Plus serial ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Barat’, which aired today.

Anjali who enacted as "Dulhan" in Balwant Thakur’s highly acclaimed Dogri play ‘Ghumayee’ has worked for four years and acted in over eight plays included ‘Bawa Jitto’, ‘Holi’ and ‘Kanjoos’ and also performed several national theatre festivals.

On the occasion, the audio/visual on prominent roles of Anjali were featured. Speaking during the function, Natrang director Balwant Thakur said that earlier also, several of their artists have played lead roles in TV serials. Not only this, Natrang has also produced international actors like Harish Khanna, he added.

Thakur informed that inspired by such success stories, Natrang is planning to start a separate acting course for the young aspirants very shortly. He also appealed the Jammuites to witness the performance of Jammu girl in the serial.

It is to mention here that Anjali is playing the lead role of a young girl in ‘Raja Ki Aayegi Barat’, who aspires to be a princess. She is also the first girl from Jammu to play the lead role in a daily opera. `Raja Ki Aayegi Barat’.

Music competition held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21 : The Academy of Art, Culture and Languages organized four day on-the-spot music competition which was inaugurated by its Secretary, Dr Rafeeq Masoodi.

In the competition, four categories of children participated including Infant Group, Junior Group, Senior Group and Amateur Group. The competition was for Vocal, Light and Folk, Vocal Classical and Instrumental music. Today Music competition in the category of Infant Group was held in which about 65 children from various Schools, NGOs, Individuals participated.

While welcoming the participants, Dr. Rafeeq Masoodi congratulated the teachers/parents for bringing their children in large number for the competition. He said that such competitions can expose the hidden talent of the budding artists and also in still self confidence in them.

Earlier, Special Secretary Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, T.R Sharma informed the audience that on the spot music/painting competition for children is the usual activity of the Divisional Office, Jammu which are being held every year in Jammu as well as in rural areas of Jammu.

United Front demands tabling of
Hindu Shrines Bill in Assembly

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: United Front of Kashmiri Pandits (KPs) in a meeting here, today under the chairmanship of H N Jatoo, president All India Kashmiri Pandit Conference (AIKPC) has expressed grave concern over delaying tactics adopted by the Government on tabling of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines and Temples Bill in the Assembly.

The meeting said that despite the assurances given by the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to the KP leaders and the assurance given by the former Education Minister, Peerzada Mohammed Sayeed in a public meeting that State Cabinet had decided to introduce the Bill in the current session of the Legislature, no steps have been taken by the Government till date in this regard.

The meeting said even the Government had previously assured the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly when the NC had brought a Bill in the House for the protection of KP shrines and temples in Valley that Government will not support the Opposition Bill but introduce its own Bill in this regard. But the community does not understand the reasons for delaying the process, it added.

The meeting said in view of shifting stand of the Government , the community feels totally cheated and the delaying tactics adopted by the coalition Government reveals that it is not interested in safeguarding the religious places and shrines of Kashmiri Hindus in Valley which have suffered a heavy damage and loss during the last 18 years of turmoil.

It said that any further delay in this regard will be an indication that Government itself was interested in the grabbing of Pandits religious places and their land in Valley.

The KP leaders once again in a plea to Chief Minister have urged him to stand by his commitment.

The meeting among others was addresed by R K Raina senior vice president ASKPC, H L Chatta, co-ordinator, United Front, M K Raina general secretary, AIKPC and representative from camp and non camps.

PRM reiterates demand for reorganization of State

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: The People’s Revolutionary Movement (PRM) has accused the representatives of Jammu for their failure to voice the concern of Jammuites and reiterated its demand for the reorganization of State for bringing an end to discrimination with Jammu region.

PRM leader Rajinder Singh Jamwal said this during an interaction programme with media-persons here today. He lambasted the leadership of Jammu for its failure to highlight the cause of Jammu region and exhorted upon the youth to leave aside their minor differences and fight unitedly against the discriminatory and misleading policies of the Kashmiri rulers.

Jamwal reiterated that nothing short of reorganization of State with separate Jammu State ranging from Ravi to Peerpanjal would satiate the feelings of Jammuites.

He also took the critical view of Coalition Government’s policies and termed them as misleading and exploitative, as he said there is strong resentment among people regarding non-redressal of their long pending issues by the Government.

Others also present during the programme were Sonu Sharma, Varinder Slathia and Rajinder Singh.

CNGEEU calls for insurance scheme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: Central Non-Gazetted Electrical Employees Union (CNGEEU) has appealed to the Government to extend insurance scheme to all executive staff prone to accidents and providing of security to them.

The Union also sought implementation of welfare fund scheme on police pattern already recommended by the Committee, amendment to recruitment rules, one step up to all categories working on stations, field, linemen and SBAs’ etc, filling up of vacancies in PDC by promotion and transfer of 260 posts of bill distributors from survey and commercial wing to respective DPCs for regularisation of daily wagers.

The meeting was addressed by P C Sharma, Purshotam Sharma and Farooq Ahmed and was held under the chairmanship of Mohd Aslam Chowdhary. At district headquarters, similar meetings were addressed by Des Raj, Mohd Ashraf, Mohd Ayub, Sansar Singh and Puran Chand.

Non camp migrants list demands

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 21: Non Camp Union in a meeting at Janipur today under the chairmanship of D N Kissu discussed various issues concerning the non camp migrants.

As per a release, the meeting resolved to launch a struggle for the solution of all these issues. It demanded employment package for the KP youth, relief benefits to bifurcated ration card holders, allotment of quarters to displaced people putting up in rented accommodations, tabling of Kashmiri Hindu religious places bill, providing of medical aid to needy persons of the community for which Rs five crore have been earmarked by Union Government.

The meeting also demanded release of 50 percent balance exgratia in favour of migrants whose house have been set ablaze in the Valley by anti- national elements.

Those who addressed the meeting included chairman Janipur Unit Sham Lal Pandita, president non camp central body, P L Sudeshi, P L Saraf, deputy chairman central body, Karan Choudhari and Phoola Ji.