Peaceful celebration of R-Day across Kashmir province

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Jan 26 : Like other parts of the country, the 59th Republic Day was celebrated with fervor and gaiety in Kashmir valley despite chill and light snowfall. The main function was held at Bakshi Stadium Srinagar were Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig unfurled the tricolor and took salute on the march past.

Contingents of Jammu Kashmir Police, CRPF, ITBP, JKAP, IRP, District Police, Auxiliary Police, Women Police, Fire and Emergency Services, NCC besides school children and pipe band of Jammu Kashmir Police presented a scintillating march past despite intense cold.

Addressing on the occasion Mr. Baig said that during last about twenty years Jammu and Kashmir had seen much blood-shed and the supporters of violence were known. He said India wants friendly ties with its neighbours as is being considered for a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. He said the preceding government from 1996-2002 had made sacrifices and contributed for restoring peace and initiating development. But after 2002, he said there was a dramatic change in the events on peace and development fronts. He said the Jammu and Kashmir Police and Security Forces have contributed to achieve normalcy but some excesses may have taken place. He said enquiry was initiated wherever complaints of violations came to fore. The Prime Minister, he said had described this as zero tolerance and said those involved in human rights violations would not be spared.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the local militants have been appealed to drop the gun and hold talks asserting that there is no place for foreign militants in Jammu and Kashmir. He said ‘we won't henceforth allow blood-shed to continue’.

He expressed hope that the new year will emerge as the year of peace and prosperity in the State.

Member Parliament Omer Abdullah, Chairman, Hand-icrafts Development Corpo-ration Haji Abdul Rajshid, Advisor to Chief Minister Manzoor Ahmad Ganai, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mehboob Iqbal, IGP Kashmir, S.M. Sahai, Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Aijaz Iqbal, senior civil and police officers, prominent citizens and people in good numbers were present on the occasion.

BUDGAM: President People's democratic (PDF) and Minister for Transport, public grievances, Stationery and Printing Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen has appealed the leaders of the state to come forward and work jointly from a single platform for finding an amicable and lasting solution of the Kashmir issue as individual directions could create confusion. He called for coordinated efforts to make the state prosperous.

Addressing the Republic day function today at Budgam, Hakeem Yaseen said that Indo-Pak friendship is must for peace, development and prosperity of Jammu and Kashmir state. He said people of the state have faced countless miseries during last two decades of thousands were victimized, hundreds of families perished, resulting a large number of helpless widows, orphans and others who need to be provided succour. However, the present collation government prioritized to restore peace in the state and helped the needy people, said Yaseen adding that series of steps were initiated by organizing Round Table Conferences besides setting up of different working groups. He welcomed the Prime Minister’s latest initiative of beginning implementation of the working groups saying that the move would positively impact the intrastate Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) paving the way for peaceful resolution of the state’s problems.

Earlier, Hakeem Yaseen hoisted the national flag at a colourful function and took salute at a parade comprising the contingents of police, CRPF, Armed Police and students of various educational institutions of the district.

Pulwama: Minister for Technical Education, Youth Services and Sports, Haji Nissar Ali hoisted the national flag , inspected parade and took salute at the march past. Contingents of CRPF, J&K Police, Fire and Emergency Services, NCC and various educational institutions took part in the march past.

Congratulating the people on 59th Republic Day, the Minister said people of various walks of life without consideration of religion, community, color etc took part in the freedom struggle and sacrificed their precious lives for our bright future. He said January 26 reminds us about the victory of secularism on the basis of which our constitution came into being.

SHOPIAN: Minister of State for Health and Medical Education Peer Mohammad Hussain hoisted the national flag, inspected parade and took salute on the march past. The contingents of J&K Police, Fire and Emergency Services, CRPF, NCC and school children took part in the march past.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister congratulated the people on 59th Republic Day and emphasized upon the people to safeguard the freedom of the nation.

A colourful cultural programme was also presented.

Later, prizes were distributed among the participants of the march past and cultural programme.

BANDIPORA: Minister of State for R&B Mohammad Khalil Bandh unfurled the national flag and took salute at the march past.

While addressing on the occasion, the Minister congratulated the people on the 59th Republic Day and said that the coalition government has achieved several mile stones on the development front.

Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, Army, Civil and Police officers were present on the occasion besides large gathering of people.

The Republic Day was also celebrated at Gurez where Sub-Divisional Magistrate took salute and hoisted the national flag.

anantnag: Minister for Agriculture and Cooperatives Abdul Aziz Zarger unfurled the tricolour, took salute and inspected parade at Degree College for Boys Khanaball. Contingents of J&K, CRPF, Fire and Emergency Services and school children took part in the march past.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said that it a golden day in the history of the nation as constitution was adopted on this day. He said the constitution guarantees equal rights to all the citizens irrespective of caste, creed and religion.

Later, a cultural programme was presented by artists of Information department and school children. The chief guest presented awards to the participants of march past and cultural programme.

Similar functions were held at Kokernag, Shangus, Pahalgam and Bijbehara while local Member Legislative Assembly unfurled tricolour and took salute of parade at Duroo.

KULGAM: Minister of State for Power Babu Singh unfurled the tricolour and took salute on the march past.

The march past was presented by JKP, IRP, Fire and Emergency Services, NCC and school children.

A cultural programme was also presented on the occasion.

Later, the Minister gave away prizes to Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Assistant Director CA&PD, Assistant Information Officer Mohammad Amin Mushaki and representatives of Radio Kashmir and CNS.

Similar functions were held at Damhal Hanjipora and Devsar.

baramulla: Minister for PHE, Irrigation, Flood Control and Horticulture Mohammad Dilawar Mir took salute on a colourful march past from contingents of J&K Police, Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police, CRPF, IRP, Fire and Emergency Services, Women Police, Army Band, NCC and school children.

After unfurling the tricolour, the Minister felicitated the people on the Republic Day. He called for cooperation of the people for taking the peace process to its logical conclusion.

On the occasion, students of various schools and Information department presented colourful cultural programmes.

The Minister distributed prizes and awards among the best performers in various fields.

Similar functions were organized at Sub-Division level and tehsil headquarters of the district. At Uri and Sopore, the Sub-Divisional Magistrates unfurled the tricolour and took salute while concerned Tehsildars of Tangmarg and Sonawari took salute on march past.

KUPWARA: Minister for Social Welfare Abdul Gani Vakil unfurled the national flag and took salute on the march past presented by BSF, CRPF, J&K Police, JKAP, Fire and Emergency Services and school children.

Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, SSP, district and army officers, prominent citizens and large number of people attended the function.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that on this day we got our constitution framed which guarantees equal rights to all people without any discrimination on the basis of caste, creed and religion. He said the country has progressed a lot in every field due to the democratic set up.

School children and artists of Information department presented cultural programmes which was appreciated by the gathering.

The Minister distributed prizes among the participants of parade and cultural programmes.

Ganderbal: Minister for Forests Qazi Mohammad Afzal unfurled the tricolour. He took salute on the march past in which contingents of JKP, JKAP, CRPF, Fire and Emergency Services besides school children took part.

On this occasion, the Minister dwelt on the significance of the day and said the constitution guarantees equal rights and opportunities to people of all faiths and religions.

Kargil : The national flag was hoisted by the Chair-man/Chief Executive Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil Asgar Ali Karbalaie at Khree Sultan Choo Sports Stadium, Kargil today.

The contingents of J&K Police, NCC and students of various government and private institutions participated in the march past. Bearing severe cold, a large number of people gathered at sports stadium, Kargil.

Addressing the function, Haji Asgar Ali Karbalaie congratulated the people on this great historical day and highlighted its importance. He said that all of us are proud of being citizens of one of the greatest democracies of the world.

LEH: Chief Executive Cou-ncillor, LAHDC, Leh Chhering Dorje hoisted the National Flag and took salute at a ceremonial mach past. A colourful cultural programme was presented on the occasion by school children.

The CEC on the occasion awarded Vriksh Mitra Award to Tsering Puntsog of Eerath Durbook.

‘100,000 trees have been felled; 800 sawmills have come up in A zone forests’
War of jungle intensifies as Ramzan hits back on Qazi

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

SRINAGAR, Jan 26: Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, who functioned as Forest Minister in Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) Government in 1996-98 and was on Friday held responsible by the beleaguered Forest Minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal for nearly a thousand backdoor appointments, today asserted that the senior PDP leader was desperately trying to save his berth in the Cabinet with misleading facts and figures. He argued that Qazi’s allegation of NC’s intervention into his portfolio was "admission of his failure" after which he had no moral ground to function as a member of the Council of Ministers.

In a strong reaction to Qazi’s allegations, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan told EXCELSIOR that with his press conference here on Friday Forest Minister had, in fact, forfeited his moral authority to function as a member of the Council of Ministers. "If he believes that even after 5 years in Opposition, NC was calling the shots in his Ministry, why doesn’t Qazi identify the carriers of the alleged intervention? What exactly is this intervention and who are the officers pardoned or punished for this infidelity after submission of the Kundal Committee report?" Ramzan insisted to know. He asserted that after landing in trouble by disclosures of the Kundal report, Qazi was actually trying to turn off the heat which had paved the way for his expulsion from the Cabinet.

Explaining his position in alleged recruitment of about a thousand incumbents "through backdoor", Ramzan disputed Qazi’s figures and asserted that over 13,000 youth had been appointed in different departments as part of a major employment drive by then NC Government while he functioned as Minister incharge Forest. He said that his Government had properly constituted a high level committee, headed by then PCCF, which had conducted entire process of recruitment under rules in Forest Department and appointed more than a thousand candidates. "Some of the aggrieved candidates approached J&K High Court which held the recruitment process as valid but desired that the couple of the applicants be also considered. Later they too were considered and recruited," Ramzan said.

As regards the allegation that he had got incumbents recruited on consideration of their political affiliation, Ramzan insisted that neither he nor any other Minister had any sort of control over the recruitment committees. He challenged Qazi to produce evidence in a single case which would establish his intervention as a Minister. In reaction to Qazi’s claim that then Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather had recommended eight of the NC activists, Ramzan said that scores of political leaders and public representatives, including senior leaders from PDP, had requested him to help one or the other candidate but he had made it a point not to interfere with the recruitment process. "Tell Qazi Afzal to show a single note from me, asking officials to help or drop any particular candidate", Ramzan added.

"If it is a fact that we have recruited 250 people in IWDP through backdoor, what’s the action taken in the matter by Qazi and his predecessors in the coalition Government in the last five years?" Ramzan asked. He clarified that all these incumbents had been appointed for limited period of the life of IWDP Hills-2. "When it expired in 2005-06, why didn’t Qazi and his predecessor, Tariq Hameed Qarra, discharge them? How are they continuously taking their salaries?" Ramzan asked. He said that, according to his knowledge, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s Government had referred this matter to State Vigilance Organisation which conducted an investigation and closed the matter as it failed to establish any charges against the officials.

He said that, similarly, all the incumbents in State Pollution Control Board (PCB) during his time had been recruited by then Chairman and Member-Secretary under rules. He said that by virtue of Water Act, Air Act and Environment Act, which govern the autonomous body, all powers in PCBs lie with Chairman, Member-Secretary and Board of Directors and the Ministers concerned do only chair some meetings.

On the other hand, Ramzan said, all rules and norms have been thrown to winds in Forest and Forest-related departments in the last five years of the coalition Government. "When I was Forest Minister, I incorporated revolutionary changes in Forest Act and dismantled 887 unauthorised sawmills in less than two years. In brazen violation of all rules and Supreme Court of India orders, all these 800 sawmills have come up again in "A" zone of J&K Forests in last five years. According to credible reports and statistics maintained by Forest Department, over one lakh green conifer trees have been felled and the timber mafia is enjoying a field day, courtesy Qazi and his Government", Ramzan claimed.War of jungle intensifies as

Ramzan hits back on Qazi

From Ahmed Ali Fayyaz

SRINAGAR, Jan 26: Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan, who functioned as Forest Minister in Farooq Abdullah-led National Conference (NC) Government in 1996-98 and was on Friday held responsible by the beleaguered Forest Minister Qazi Mohammad Afzal for nearly a thousand backdoor appointments, today asserted that the senior PDP leader was desperately trying to save his berth in the Cabinet with misleading facts and figures. He argued that Qazi’s allegation of NC’s intervention into his portfolio was "admission of his failure" after which he had no moral ground to function as a member of the Council of Ministers.

In a strong reaction to Qazi’s allegations, Chowdhary Mohammad Ramzan told EXCELSIOR that with his press conference here on Friday Forest Minister had, in fact, forfeited his moral authority to function as a member of the Council of Ministers. "If he believes that even after 5 years in Opposition, NC was calling the shots in his Ministry, why doesn’t Qazi identify the carriers of the alleged intervention? What exactly is this intervention and who are the officers pardoned or punished for this infidelity after submission of the Kundal Committee report?" Ramzan insisted to know. He asserted that after landing in trouble by disclosures of the Kundal report, Qazi was actually trying to turn off the heat which had paved the way for his expulsion from the Cabinet.

Explaining his position in alleged recruitment of about a thousand incumbents "through backdoor", Ramzan disputed Qazi’s figures and asserted that over 13,000 youth had been appointed in different departments as part of a major employment drive by then NC Government while he functioned as Minister incharge Forest. He said that his Government had properly constituted a high level committee, headed by then PCCF, which had conducted entire process of recruitment under rules in Forest Department and appointed more than a thousand candidates. "Some of the aggrieved candidates approached J&K High Court which held the recruitment process as valid but desired that the couple of the applicants be also considered. Later they too were considered and recruited," Ramzan said.

As regards the allegation that he had got incumbents recruited on consideration of their political affiliation, Ramzan insisted that neither he nor any other Minister had any sort of control over the recruitment committees. He challenged Qazi to produce evidence in a single case which would establish his intervention as a Minister. In reaction to Qazi’s claim that then Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather had recommended eight of the NC activists, Ramzan said that scores of political leaders and public representatives, including senior leaders from PDP, had requested him to help one or the other candidate but he had made it a point not to interfere with the recruitment process. "Tell Qazi Afzal to show a single note from me, asking officials to help or drop any particular candidate", Ramzan added.

"If it is a fact that we have recruited 250 people in IWDP through backdoor, what’s the action taken in the matter by Qazi and his predecessors in the coalition Government in the last five years?" Ramzan asked. He clarified that all these incumbents had been appointed for limited period of the life of IWDP Hills-2. "When it expired in 2005-06, why didn’t Qazi and his predecessor, Tariq Hameed Qarra, discharge them? How are they continuously taking their salaries?" Ramzan asked. He said that, according to his knowledge, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s Government had referred this matter to State Vigilance Organisation which conducted an investigation and closed the matter as it failed to establish any charges against the officials.

He said that, similarly, all the incumbents in State Pollution Control Board (PCB) during his time had been recruited by then Chairman and Member-Secretary under rules. He said that by virtue of Water Act, Air Act and Environment Act, which govern the autonomous body, all powers in PCBs lie with Chairman, Member-Secretary and Board of Directors and the Ministers concerned do only chair some meetings.

On the other hand, Ramzan said, all rules and norms have been thrown to winds in Forest and Forest-related departments in the last five years of the coalition Government. "When I was Forest Minister, I incorporated revolutionary changes in Forest Act and dismantled 887 unauthorised sawmills in less than two years. In brazen violation of all rules and Supreme Court of India orders, all these 800 sawmills have come up again in "A" zone of J&K Forests in last five years. According to credible reports and statistics maintained by Forest Department, over one lakh green conifer trees have been felled and the timber mafia is enjoying a field day, courtesy Qazi and his Government", Ramzan claimed.

West Pak refugees stage protest, observe Black Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 26: Refugees from West Pakistan (Chhamb) observe Black day on the occasion of Republic Day and held protest demonstration here today.

The prominent refugee leaders Labba Ram Gandhi, Capt (Retd) Yudhvir Singh and Annan Sharma (Kranti Dal) jointly organised this protest programme outside the Press Club of Jammu near old Tawi bridge.

The refugee-demonstrators had tied themselves in chains to express their condition while others led by Anan Sharma held demonstration in semi-naked condition. They were bearing only trousers and had tied black cloth on their head.

Most of the refugees (camp and non-camp) were carrying black badges to mark their protest and observe the day as Black Day. They were shouting slogans, " Hamen Azad Karo,...... Hamare Haq Vapas Do,......Hum Kya Chahte Hein... Insaf" and so on. Several refugee leaders also addressed the gathering.

While speaking on the occasion, Labba Ram Gandhi said that refugees were fighting for their rights for the last over fifty years but they have been deprived of their right by various political parties and respective Governments. The are even deprived of the voting right. He said that they will continue their struggle for justice.

Capt Yudhvir Singh demanded that Wadhawa Committee report be implemented soon and refugees be provided their rights. He said that refugees only received false assurances from the various political parties but nobody was serious in their permanent settlement. There was urgent need to take a final decision in this regard.

Annan Sharma criticised both Central and State Governments for depriving West Pakistan refugees of their rights. He stressed for the immediate implementation of Wadhawa Committee report.

Meanwhile, another protest demonstration was held by Chhamb/ West Pakistani refugees at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park in Kathua town today on the occasion of Republic Day. They observed Black Day today and shouted slogans against the Government. Later, a rally was taken out in the town to mark their protest.

Probe ordered into Rs 6 cr embezzlement
Nutrition purchases system to be
decentralised in SWD: Vakil

By Gopal Sharma

JAMMU, Jan 26: The food and nutrition distribution system is being decentralised to bring more transparency, affective and swift delivery of food stuff to nearly seven lakh children in over 20,000 Anganwari centres with an objective to break the nexus of officers and contractors in the Social Welfare Department.

Disclosing this to the Excelsior, Minister for Social Welfare, Abdul Ghani Vakil said that massive irregularities have been observed in the purchase and distribution of food and nutrition in the State. He said nutrition and food items worth over Rs 30 crores are purchased every year. For making purchases only Regional level purchase committees are doing this job at Jammu and Srinagar while all the districts are collecting their supplies from the capital cities. The Programme Officers, CDPOs are made to collect the food and nutrition from the regional stores and this system has many flaws.

"A monopoly, rather a nexus of officers-contractors has been developed within the department for making purchases and lot of pilferage is needed to be plugged immediately to save the public money worth crores. Our own department officials are making these purchases and no proper and transparent system is being adopted for it. Entire system is being streamlined with the decentralisation of the purchases in the Social Welfare Department," Mr Vakil added.

In response to a question, he disclosed that regional level purchase committees are being dissolved and district level committees will be constituted. Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district will be made chairman while two more members from other departments will be inducted into the committee. A Programme Officers and District Social Welfare Officer will be the members from the department side. All the members including the Deputy Commissioners will be made responsible for maintaining quality of the food stuff. Proper tendering system is needed to be evolved without any favouritism.

Referring to the recent detection of some irregularities and embezzlement in the purchases, Mr Vakil said a secret inquiry has already been started in the purchases made in district Kathua worth over Rs 3 crores in the recent past. Irregularities worth Rs 14 lakh have been detected in Ganderbal and Srinagar districts and inquiry in this connection was in progress. Quoting an example, he said massive variations in the rates of some food items, like Grams, Moongi were detected. The scrutiny of the documents was going on. All those found involved will not be spared and the cases will be sent to Vigilance Department, Mr Vakil maintained.

The Minister said a case of embzzlement worth over Rs 3 crores has been detected in the SC/ST Development Corporation. It pertains to the period of 1993-94. Ironically, the money has been disbursed to the beneficiaries who never existed. He disclosed that Special Secretary SWD, Mohd Muzaffar has been directed to conduct a thorough probe and submit a report within one month. Some irregularities in the same organisation during the period of 1999-2000 are also under scrutiny. It may lead to another scam worth same amount, he added.

In response to another question, Mr Vakil said at present there are nearly 20,000 Anganwari Centres. 6500 new centres have been sanctioned by the Centres. The process of making them functional will be completed by April this year. About 13000 women and girls will get employment opportunities. A decision regarding opening of nearly 850 pending centres in Rajouri and Poonch will also be taken shortly. The matter was pending in a court. The department will follow it seriously. The department was also thinking on opening of mobile Anganwari centres for the Tribal/ nomadic population of the State. Some new vocational centres like cutting and tailoring, fashion designing, knitting etc are being opened. The staff from Social Welfare Advisory Board is also being accommodated in Social Welfare Department. In order to utilise the services of craft instructors/ teachers opening of new centres have been proposed.

In order to ensure smooth functioning of ICDS projects, 11 CDPOs attached with the Directorate of Social Welfare at Jammu have been detached and sent to their respective places of posting. He said in districts of Rajouri, Doda and Poonch one officer had been given charge of 3-4 offices. This was the practice being encouraged in the department. He said nobody will be allowed to politicise the pension/ cheques distribution in the department. He himself may monitor the distribution and delivery system on some occasions, otherwise, department officials will be doing this job, Mr Vakil maintained.

Political parties organise colorful
functions to celebrate Republic Day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Jan 26: Colorful functions were organised by the political parties in different parts of Jammu today in connection with celebration of 59th Republic Day.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) :A glittering function was organised by BJP at its Party Headquarters, Kachi Chawni today where Party state chief, Ashok Khajuria hoisted the National Flag. The other BJP leaders who were present on the occasion included Party general secretary, Shamsher Singh Manhas, secretary, Yudhvir Sethi, Sat Sharma, Balbir Ram, Shiv Kumar Gupta, Rajesh Gupta, Kavinder Gupta, Ramesh Sharma, Bansi Lal Bharti, N D R Rajwal, Pranav Gupta and Sanjiv Gupta.

Later Mr Khajuria also hoisted the National Flags at at City Chowk, Vikram Chowk, Pirmitha, Bawe Wali Gali,Malhotrian Mohalla and Dalpatian Mohalla.

Former Union Minister of State and senior BJP leader, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta hoisted the National Flag at a function organised by JMC Corporator, Chander Mohan Gupta at Shiv Nagar.

Arun Khanna, Corporator Ward, 24 hoisted the National Flag at five places in Rehari Colony. The functions were followed by distribution of sweets and tea.

BJP, Corporator, Ward 35, Shreshta Jamwal hoisted the National Flag at Janipura. She also highlighted the importance of the day while addressing an impressive function organised by the people of the area.

Party Corporators, Omi Khajuria and Ashok Manhas hoisted the National Flag at various places in their respective wards. While Mr Khajuria unfurled the National Flag at Anuradha Puram, Barnai, Darmal and Dream City, Mr Manhas hoisted the National Flag at Bohri, Anand Nagar and Gopinath Vihar.

BJP OBC Cell: The OBC cell of the BJP organised functions at Gandhi Nagar, Bahu Plaza, Qasim Nagar, Bhagwati Nagar and Vikram Chowk in association with the Mohalla committees. The president of the Cell Vaishno Dogra hoisted th National Flag in these functions which were also attended by Kuldeep Kumar, Ravi Kant, Ashwani Sharma, Vijay Mehra, Ram Lal Basotra and S S Lubana.

BJP leader and president, Municipal Committee, Rajouri hoisted the Tricolor at an impressive function organised at Town Hall Rajouri in connection with celebration of Republic Day.

Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC): In connection with celebration of 59th Republic Day a grand function was organised by PCC at Gandhi Chowk, Satwari where Party, general secretary, Th. Hari Singh and corporator JMC, Pawan Singh hoisted the National Flag.

District Congress Committee: The 59th Republic Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm by District Congress Committee Jammu (Urban) today at Shaheedi Chowk. President of DCC and ex MLA, Mr Om Chopra was the chief guest who hoisted the National Flag.

PCC secretary and senior Congress leader, Maheshwar Singh unfurled the National Flag at a function organised by the Party at Paloura.

According to a PCC handout similar functions were held at district headquarters. It said at Poonch a function was organised by DCC Poonch where Ch. Zaffarullah, president, DCC hoisted the National Flag.

It said former Minister and vice president, PCC, Yash Paul Khajuria hoisted the National Flag at a function organised by the Party at Tikri Udhampur.

Block Congress Committee: A function was organised by Block Congress Committee at Indira Colony, Ward 32, Talab Tillo near here, today to celebrate the Republic Day. Koushal Kumar Sharma Ward president and J L Koul, block president unfurled the National Flag on the occasion.

Mr Koul also hoisted the Tri Colour at Kabir Nagar , Bhagwati Nagar and Vijay Nagar.

District Congress Committee (DCC) Kathua: In connection with celebration of Republic Day functions were organised at various places by DCC, Kathua in which district president, Subash Gupta, block president, Sham Lal Gupta hoisted the National Flag.

Youth Congress: Vice president Pradesh Youth Congress, Baljit Singh Manhas hoisted the National Flag at an impressive function held at Paloura while Sanjay Sawhney, vice president PYC hoisted the National Flag at Rehari.

J&K Peoples Democratic Party (PDP): On the occasion of Republic Day J&K PDP organised functions at various places in the state. The main function was organised at Party Headquarters here, where the Party vice president and MLC, Ved Mahajan hoisted the Tri Colour in presence of senior Party leaders and activists. The Partymen saluted the soldiers and those who are fighting for the national integrity. They also paid tributes to those who laid down their lives for the nation.

Those who were present included Daman Bhasin, Party, general secretary, Murtaza Khan, MLC and general secretary, Shanti Devi, MLA, Renu Azad, Ashiq Hussian Khan, Baldev Singh Salathia, R K Bali, Ashok Jogi, J N Madan and Bimla Baloweria.

Later Party general secretary, Daman Bhasin also hoisted the National Flag at Ambedkar Nagar, Old Janipur and Bhagwati Nagar.

National Conference: Tri colour was hoisted at Sher Kashmir Bhawan by provincial president of J&K NC, Ajay Sadhotra at a function organised by the Party in connection with celebration of 59th Republic Day today.

A large number of Partymen including provincial office bearers participated in the function. Addressing the function Mr Sadhotra said 26th January is a historical day and it will be celebrated years to come as a National Day. Those who were present included Ratan Lal Gupta, senior vice president, NC, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, vice president, Surjit Singh Salathia, ex Minister, Brij Mohan Sharma, Ex MLC, Bimla Luthra, Begum Zubida Salaria, Ex MLAs, S M Gill, ex MLC, Mirza Rashid, Ex MP and Chander Mohan Sharma.

According to a NC handout the Party also organised functions at all district and block headquarters to celebrate the Republic Day. It said at Ramban and Banihal functions were organised by the district president, Anita Sharma where the MLA Ramban, Dr Chaman Lal hoisted the National Flag.

It said Taran Jit Singh Tony unfurled the National Flag at R S Pura. Besides the Party workers a large number of people attended the function.

Another function was organised by Party at Udhampur where Ch. Mohammed Shafi hoisted the National Flag. The function was attended by district leaders and prominent citizens of the area.

Jammu State Morcha (JSM): MLA Bishnah and leader of JSM, Ashwani Sharma hoisted the National Flag at an impressive function organised at Higher Secondary School Bishnah. The function was attended by senior officers and prominent citizens of the area. Mr Sharma on the occasion asked the people to work for the unity and integrity of the country by strengthening the nationalist forces.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP): In connection with celebration of Republic Day the BSP organised a function at Party Headquarters at Narwal Pain near here, today.

The Party state president, Mr Yash Paul Bhagat hoisted the National Flag in presence of Tulsi Dass Langeh, state vice president, Sewa Raman, Raj Kumar Raja, general secretaries, Mrs M Khullar, coordinator and Krishan Lal Thappa.

Samajwadi Party (SP): The 59th Republic Day was celebrated with traditional fervour and enthusiasm by Samajwadi Party here, today. The Party held the main function at its headquarters Ashok Nagar, Satwari where SP state chief and Ex MP Sheikh Abdul Rehman hoisted the National Flag. Highlighting the importance of the Day, he said no doubt the country has made tremendous progress in the field of science and technology but the benefit of the same has not percolated down to the grass root level.