Daily Excelsior.........State

Shahnagri (Langate), July 15 : Union Minister for Water Resources and JKPCC President Prof. Saif-ud-Din Soz today described recent turn of political events in Jammu and Kashmir as unfortunate and explained to the people that it was wrong on the part of PDP to withdraw support from the Congress led coalition Government.

He said an elected Government is always a better option as it reflects the urges and aspirations of common masses. He declared that elections would be held on schedule and expressed the confidence that these would be held in a free and fair atmosphere.

Prof Soz was speaking at a function after distributing 1800 solar lights among the inhabitants of 14 far-flung hamlets of Kupwara district which are still uncovered. These include Mandoori, Check-Sarimarg, Dugripora, Unglikoot, besides Shahnagri. He also released Rs 10 lakh from his constituency development fund as the cost of these 1800 solar lights. These lights would be provided to people free of cost.

The Union Minister also released Rs 5 lakh each for the upgradation of schools at Drusso and Adoora (Langate). He said a bore well has been sanctioned for Shahnagri and adjoining areas to meet the water shortage and soon a team from Water Resources Ministry would be coming to start the work.

Prof Soz said he would take up the upgradation of roads and setting up of a first aid centre at Shahnagri with the State Government.

Pertinently Prof Soz is the first leader to have visited these far off places after late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah who had come over in late 70's.

Senior vice president of PCC Mohammad Muzaffar Parray and district president Mohammad Amin Khan also accompanied Prof Soz and spoke on the occasion.

Deputations meet Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: Governor, N.N Vohra, today underscored the need for reviving the heritage character of Jammu and announced constitution of a Task Force for undertaking improvement and up-gradation of various historic points in the city.

Continuing his interaction with a cross section of the civil society here, on the second day today, the Governor sanctioned Rs. one crore from out of the current year's plan for development of the famous Raghunath Bazar as a heritage market. The amount will be provided to the Tourism Department and shall be utilized by different line departments, as per the Heritage Conservation Plan prepared for the market. The work will be supervised by the Task Force, constituted for the purpose, headed by the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu.

The Governor directed the divisional administration to develop other areas of heritage importance, particularly the old markets dealing with traditional products. He also stressed for maintaining tempo of development in Mubarak Mandi complex and observed that pristine glory of the city as a cultural and heritage Centre must restored.

The Governor described Jammu as the Gateway to pilgrim and tourist destinations, both in Jammu and the Valley of Kashmir, and said that in view of the influx of large number of pilgrims and tourists, Jammu's infrastructure development needed time bound focused attention. He said that the city's rapid growth calls for exploring the possibilities of setting up of a multi-layered parking place in the city on priority. This will decongest the immense vehicular populated Jammu and make it a tourist friendly city, he added.

A stream of delegations met the Governor and apprised him of their problems today. The delegations, which called on Mr. Vohra included 40 representatives of various non-government organizations, 24 representatives of various social and religious organizatrions including Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Jain Sabha, Aggarwal Sabha, Shri Amar Khatriya Rajput Sabha, Akhil Bhartiya Shrimani Sabha, Kashyap Rajput Sabha, Central Mahajan Sabha, Dogra Sadar Sabha, Brahmana Sabha, Guru Ravi Dass Sabha, Geeta Bhawan, a 10-member deputation of Muslim Federation Jammu led by Abdul Majid, a 5-member delegation of Raghunath Bazar Association led by Baldev Khullar. A 20- member Gujjar United Forum, led by Anwar Chowdhary, Advocate and 5-member delegation of the Christian Community led S. Peter also met Mr Vohra.

Delegations of various political parties also called on the Governor, which included a 25-member delegation of Panthers Party led by Bhim Singh, a 10-member deputation of Bahujan Samaj Party, led by Yash Pal Bhagat, a 10-member delegation of Samajwadi Party led by Sheikh Abdul Rehman, a 5-member delegation of National Bahujan Party led by Darshan Lal Thapa and 5-member delegation of Janata Dal (S) led by Dhan Raj Bargotra.

The representatives of Petroleum and Tankers Associations, Hotelier, Bar and Restaurant Associations, various Kashmiri Pandit organizations besides Pahari speaking and OBC organization also met the Governor and listed their demands.

Magistrates deputed for duty during Jammu bandh

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: According to District Magistrate Jammu, the Magistrates are deputed as Duty Magistrates at various points from 16th of July, 2008 till further order in connection with Jammu bandh.

The deputed Magistrates included Gias-ud-Din, Tehsildar, Jammu at Gujjar Nagar, Ram Prakash, NT Khas at SDPO, City, Ram Dass NT Ghou Manhasan at SDPO, Bakshi Nagar, Shesh Pal NT, Satwari at SDPO, Gandhi Nagar, Salam Din, NT, Bhalwal at SDPO East, Surinder Bhagat, NT Muthi at Police Station, Janipur, Fazal Din NT Digiana at Talab Khatikan, Anil Mangotra NT Relief Organization at Bikram Chowk, Amar Singh NT Nagrota at Nagrota, Ghansham NT Relief at Shahidi Chowk, Chander Mani, NT Relief and Madan Lal NT, JDA at PCR, Mohd Bashir, NT Bahu at Police Station, Gangyal and Pritam Dass, Tehsildar Settlement at Muthi Domana Area.

The deployed Magistrates may also assist free passage of candidates appearing for IFS Examination being conducted at Government Polytechnic, Bikram Chowk Jammu. They shall ensure that all the candidates are able to appear in the said examination.

Assistant Commissioner (R), Rajinder Singh shall be over all in charge of area under the jurisdiction of S.P North and Assistant Commissioner (G), Rohit Khajuria shall be overall incharge of area under jurisdiction of SP South and they shall keep liaison with respected SPs and accordingly apprise the Divisional Commissioner Jammu about the situation arising out of the Jammu Bandh.

Omar to visit Pak on Aug 7

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 15: National Conference president, Omar Abdullah will visit Pakistan on August 7 on the invitation of Kashmir Institute of International Relations to participate in the first Kashmiri Leadership Conference.

The Kashmir Institute of International Relations is headed by Shah Ghulam Qadri, Speaker of the Pakistan administered Kashmir and this will be the first ever conference to be attended only by the leaders of Kashmir from either side of the Line of Control (LoC).

The spokesman of the party said that the objective of this conference is to build consensus among the Kashmiri leaders across the LoC for a just durable solution to the Kashmir imbroglio and evolve a solution which is acceptable to all.

He said that the conference will also work towards creating better Indo-Pakistan relations thereby seeking steps towards resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The Conference will also work towards process of inclusion of the Kashmiri leadership in the dialogue process aiming at a permanent resolution of the Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of all concerned, he added.

The spokesman said that Omar Abdullah during his visit to Islamabad will put forward the National Conference’s view point on how to facilitate people to people contact between the two sides of Jammu and Kashmir as also how to create conducive atmosphere to reach out for a resolution of the Kashmir issue and to fund a viable sustainable long term solution to the Kashmir issue as per the aspirations of the people of the State.

Parliamentary delegation reviews
educational scenario in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, July 15: A four member Parliamentary delegation headed by Trilochan Singh today took a detailed review of educational scenario in Valley particularly with reference to Central Institute of Buddhist Studies, Ladakh with the management of National Institute of Trainings located in Kashmir University here today.

The delegation was informed that 50 feeder and two middle schools are running under the management of the said institute wherein 1500 students are presently receiving education. Besides, two university campuses are likely to come up with a cost of Rs. 25 crore in Ladakh region.

It was apprised that the Central institute which is being funded by Central Ministry of Tourism and Culture, has earmarked Rs. 10.38 crore for the education sector for the current academic session in Ladakh region. It was also informed that the largest library on Buddhism in the country has been set up in Ladakh region having 26,571 books in different languages.

Union Secretary of Culture and Tourism, Director NIT, Government of India and other senior officers included in the Parliamentary delegation.

111th Mahajayanti of Bhagwan Gopinath Ji celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: The 111th mahajayanti of Jagad Guru Bhagwan Gopinathji was celebrated at Bhagwan Gopinathji Ashram, Udaiwala, Bohri Jammu with great enthusiasm today. Devotees in thousands thronged the Ashram throughout the day to pay obeisance to Bhagwan Gopinath Ji.

The programnme started with the ‘Paduka Poojan’ which was followed by feeding of hundreds of Sadhus alongwith Dakshina.

Devotional songs with musical notes followed and continued till the evening at about 7.15 pm. Thousands of devotees partook Prasad. All the festivities passed off peacefully due to orderly behaviour of devotees and presence of large number of police personnel.

The Trust reaches out to the sufferings and needy people on regular basis by helping them financially. The donations to the trust are exempted under 80 G (vi) of the Income Tax Act 1961, upto March 31, 2011.

Mahajayanti was also celebrated at Pamposh Enclave, New Delhi, Khanyar, Srinagar, Kirloskar Cummins Employees Union Hall, Pune, Sanatan Dharam Mandir, Vikaspuri, Narmadashvar Temple Chembur, Mumbai, Charlok, Kandivilli (West), Mumbai, Jalandhar and various other areas across the country and abroad.

PDD Insp held for rape bid

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: An Inspector of Power Development Department (PDD) was today arrested by police for making an attempt to rape a 9-year old girl in a dairy farm run by him at Thathar in Paloura area under the jurisdiction of Janipura police station.

Accused Subash Bakshi son of Ragunath Dass Bakshi, a resident of Resham Ghar Colony was arrested by Janipura police soon after the local people including family of 9 year old girl held a protest demonstration demanding arrest of the accused.

Reports said that on Sunday evening, Subash Bakshi lured a 9-year old girl, who was putting up at Thathar near his dairy farm, and attempted to rape her. However, the girl managed to escape. She narrated the incident to her mother who, along with local people, protested at Thathar today.

A police party from Janipura police station led by SHO Inspector Tejinder Singh under the supervision of SDPO Bakshi Nagar M L Kaith rushed to the spot and arrested the accused.

The girl was taken for medical examination. A case has been registered against the accused for further investigations.

Jammu leaders assail Cong, resolve to form common front

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: Several pro-Jammu political and social organisations strongly accused former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and his party colleagues including former Ministers of branding ongoing agitation of Jammu people as for vote bank and described it as very unfortunate and yet another blunder on the part Congressmen.

In a joint meeting of many Jammu organisations its leaders expressed that Congress Ministers especially from Jammu including Chief Minister totally surrendered before the communal forces of Kashmir and it is very unfortunate that Ministers in the cabinet from Jammu region did not utter a single word against the order and it demonstrates their weakness and lust for power and money. They preferred to sell the interests of Jammu people and were bothered for their chair only.

Leaders of these regional parties unanimously resolved to expedite the momentum of campaign for creating more awareness among the people of this region for launch of separate Jammu statehood demand. This is the only way to protect the secular traditions of Jammu, self respect, ensure better development, social and political justice and get rid of 60 year old dominance of Kashmiri rulers. They pointed out that Delhi based political parties never supported the Jammu cause and always remained trapped into the political blackmail whether it was Atal Behari Vajpayee or Dr Manmohan Singh.

Prominent among those who attended the meeting included Udhay Chand from Duggar Pradesh Party, Inderjeet Khajuria from JDC, Ram Paul Sharma Dogra Liberation Front, Rajinder Singh Jamwal from People's Revolutionary Movement, Rajiv Chuni from SOS International, Balwinder Singh from Rashtrawadi Morcha, Dr Randeep S Parihar from JK National Party, Devinder Singh from Jammu State Morcha, Ravi Bakshi from Bharatiya Vikas Party, Arvinder Sharma and Arun Rajwal from Praja Parishad, Ram Rattan Raina from Sangram Sena, Yoginder Kumar from PRM, Ram Janamdass Shastri from PP and others.

NCP for high level commission on land transfer issue

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) today demanded high level commission to enquire into the whole episode of land transfer issue of SASB, in a press conference here.

Addressing the mediapersons, Thakur Randhir Singh, NCP chief of J&K, demanded a high level commission on the controversial issue of land transfer of SASB which will enquire the whole episode on what circumstances the order was revoked.

Touching upon the current situation in the sensitive J&K State, Th Randhir Singh said that Governor N N Vohra administration must be more responsive to the people’s sentiments and expeditiously tackle their problems. He appealed the Governor to take initiative by forming a panel to resolve the issue. He said that tangible steps must be taken to contain anguish and discontentment prevailing in Jammu region over the Baba Amarnath Shrine Board land row and sense of discrimination amongst Jammuites also redressed.

While explaining the policies of NCP, he said it is committed to normalcy, harmony and rapid progress especially for the weaker section of the society. He also stated that persons with clean image, dedication and commitment will be the candidates for party tickets from all sections of society.

Meanwhile, various political leaders and prominent social activists joined the party on the occasion.

Later, these leaders and activists were announced party tickets for various constituencies of Jammu region.

Water supply to remain affected in Jammu areas

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: Water supply shall remain affected in entire old Jammu city, Bakshi Nagar, Talab Tillo, Sarwal, Janipur, Paloura, Shakti Nagar, Reshamghar Colony, New Plots, Sharika Vihar, Suryavanshi Nagar Muthi, Ban Talab, Rehari, Roop Nagar, Durga Nagar, Chinore, Keran and adjoining areas due to power disruption at Feeder No. C-19 and other installations in Jammu.

The public in general has been requested to use the water judiciously and bear with the PHE Department under the prevailing circumstances. The Executive Engineer PHE City Division has highly regretted the inconvenience to be caused to the general public on this count.

BJP comes out with facts about Jammu’s neglect
Khajuria contests Governor’s statement on SASB land

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: Strongly contesting the statement of Governor, N N Vohra that neither land was given to Shri Amarnath Shrine Board nor taken back, State president of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ashok Khajuria today said that such a misleading statement from the Governor was not expected and will further add fuel to the fire.

Addressing a press conference here this afternoon alongwith party spokesman, Prof Hari Om, he said that such a baseless statement of the Governor will not bring down the level of resentment against him which has been increasing with every passing day.

Why People’s Democratic Party (PDP) withdrew support to the Government if there was no issue of land? Why Ghulam Nabi Azad resigned as Chief Minister? Why fundamentalists resorted to large scale protests across the Kashmir region and unfurled Pakistani Flag at Lal Chowk and Why Jammu is boiling over the issue so far? Mr Khajuria asked and said the Governor must answer these questions to substantiate his claims on the land issue.

Criticising former Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad for making false claims about providing justice to all the regions of the State, the BJP state president said that the Government figures from 1947 onwards till 2008 clearly reflect the story of Jammu’s neglect.

He said that the rate of unemployment in Jammu is 69.70 per cent as compared to just 29.30 per cent in Kashmir province, the number of Government employees from Jammu province is below 1.2 lakh while the same from Kashmir valley is over 3 lakh, the employees from Jammu province constitutes 20 per cent of the total manpower in the Civil Secretariat while from the Kashmir province the same stands at 75 per cent and per labour wages in PHE in Kashmir province are Rs 2100 while the same is only Rs 500 in Jammu.

"These figures speak for themselves. Enough is enough. Now it is the most opportune time to throw away the anti-Jammu National Conference, PDP and Congress and bring BJP to the central-stage which has already proved its pro-people credentials in as many as 12 major states of the country", the State BJP chief said, adding "a vote for BJP will not be a vote for national unity but also a vote for a system that enables the people of Jammu province to compensate for the enormous losses they have suffered at the hands of Kashmiri-dominated and valley-centric successive Governments in the State".

In response to a question, Mr Khajuria termed JKNPP supremo Prof Bhim Singh as "non-entity" and said "he has stooped such a low for personal gains that BJP don’t want to discuss him".

Uniform Force celebrates 7th Raising Day

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, July 15: Uniform Force (CIF) celebrated its seventh Raising Day by organising various functions in the area of operation.

The celebrations began with a special order of the Day by Maj Gen P C Panjikar, GOC, wherein he recounted the important events of the short but glorious past of the Force and called upon the troops to live up to the traditions of the Force and take it to higher rungs of the glory in the days to come.

He also highlighted the outstanding operational achievements of the Force in its area of operation covering the interiors of Reasi, Ramban and Rajouri districts. Commending the troops for eliminating over 250 terrorists so far, the GOC mentioned that it was purely due to their hard work, dedication to duty and relentless operations in arduous terrain and adverse climatic conditions.

As a part of celebration, plantation drive was undertaken at Reasi, Talwara, Mahore and Budhal wherein 3000 saplings were planted and Dangal competition organised by headquarters 15 Sector.

Today’s programme commenced with wreath laying ceremony at the CIF (U) Wall of Remembrance by Maj Gen P C Panjikar where floral tributes were paid to the brave and valiant soldiers of Uniform Force who made supreme sacrifice while fighting the ‘war against terrorism’. During evening’s function Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey was chief guest. Several officers from local civil administration and senior officials from Konkan Railways, Salal Dam and J&K Police/BSF also attended the programme. A dinner was hosted for all.

In Mahore area 15 Sector RR also celebrated its seventh Raising Day. Brig D K Purohit addressed a large Sainik Samellan on this occasion. Several locals also attended the programme.

Masaud reviews Mehraj-un-Nabi arrangements

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 15: Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir Masaud Samoon today convened a high level meeting of officers to discuss arrangements for smooth provision of drinking water, electricity, medicare, transport and other facilities to the devotees on the eve of ensuing Mehraj-un-Nabi in the Valley. The meeting also deliberated upon availability of essentials to the people besides sanitation and security arrangements in and around Hazratbal Shrine, Jenab Sahib Soura, Aasari Sahrief Kalashpora and other shrine and congregation places.

The meeting, among others, was attended by DIG Srinagar, Additional Commissioner Kashmir, Heads of several departments, Chief Engineers of PHE, PDD and R&B besides Mufti Aazim Mufti Bashir-ud-Din and members of J&K Wakf Board.

The meeting, while assessing the availability of drinking water and power supply was informed that 200 public posts have already been installed in the vicinity of Hazratbal shrine while 69 more public posts would be set up. Besides two water tankers would be kept as stand by to cater to the requirement of the devotees. Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) would install two aerators to act as water cleaners and remove weeds from the ablution points. Adequate medicare facilities would be made available to the devotees. Medical aid centres would be set up in shrine and enroute Hazratbal with sufficient doctors, para-medics and medicines. Srinagar Municipal Corporation would ensure sanitation in and around the shrine and would press into service two action tanks for clearance of wastages during the Urs days besides mobile toilets would also be arranged.

The Traffic department and Regional Transport Officer, Kashmir were directed to ensure hassle free transport arrangements for the people. About 90 SRTC buses would be pressed into service to ferry devotees to and from the holy Shrine during the Urs days. Besides, private transport operators would also arrange adequate number of buses. The buses would be parked in the university campus, it was directed.

A control room would also be set up at Dargah Hazratbal which would be headed by Nodal Officer to monitor the functioning of various departments.

The Divisional Commissioner stressed for greater co-ordination among various departments to ensure hassle free facilities to the devotees.

3300 pilgrims leave for darshan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: About 3300 pilgrims today left for darshan of Amarnath shrine while 3187 yatris had darshan.

Official sources said 2248 devotees left for the holy cave shrine from Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam while 1049 yatris proceeded to the cave from Baltal.

With 3187 yatris performing darshan today, a total of 4.78 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan during this year’s pilgrimage so far.

3 cops suspended for links with cattle smugglers

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, July 15: Three police constables of Billawar Police Station were placed under suspension for their alleged links with the cattle smugglers.

A senior police officer told the Excelsior that the cops were traced through mobile phone calls of the two arrested accused by the Hiranagar police. These accused namely- Mohd Alam and Mohd Sadiq, both residents of Hiranagar ( Chakrha) were arrested by Hiranagar police in connection with the smuggling of bovine animals to Kashmir valley. They sought the help of their links in police department through their mobile phones for release. The calls were traced and the matter was brought to the notice of District Police chief. SHO Billawar K D Bhagat forwarded the case to senior officers after seeking report from Hiranagar Thana and the three police constables namely-Naresh Kumar, Mohinder Kumar and Dalip Singh of Billawar police Station were placed under suspension.

Rutt Rahde celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: The festival of Duggar Culture "Rutt Rahde" was celebrated in village Sohal of Akhnoor Tehsil today. This festival, which is eternal part of Duggar culture since the ages, is now forgotten in almost all the parts of Jammu. A cultural organization " The Duggar Sanskriti Sangam, Bathera "which is serving the cause of Dogra culture for the last 21 years and trying to preserve the Dogra Culture and heritage organized this festival of Rutt- Rahde, where 40 girl groups of this rural hamlet participated in competition by sowing Rahde and decorating them with different natural colors.

Sapna & Party won the first Prize, Rajkumari 2nd and Anuradha 3rd. A memento and book on Dogra culture were presented to all the participants.

During this festival local woman, under the guidance of Lajwanti performed Rahde folk songs. Addressing the gathering president "The Duggar Sanskriti Sangam, Bathera " Dhayan Sinh said that this festival of Rutt-Rahde is part of Dogra culture and is celebrated during the months of Sawan by the women. During this festival women sow Rahde (that are the seeds of all the 60 crops like maize, bajra, rice, mah etc) and pray to god for bumper crop and good rain. He called upon the women to revive the Dogra culture.

Kapahi heads Jammu Tax Bar Association

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: Rakesh Kapahi, advocate has been elected as Tax Bar Association Jammu while Rajinder Sharma as general secretary.

The general body elections of the Association was conducted here today under the supervision of Satish Gupta. Mr Kapahi was declared elected as president. He defeated V K Grover in the contest. Raman Sawhney is the new senior vice president, Rajinder Sharma general secretary, Ashwani Goswami vice president while Anil Gupta as cashier.

PDP Parliamentary Board clears 10
names from North Kashmir

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 15: The first meeting of the PDP Parliamentary Board constituted to clear the candidates for the forthcoming elections to the State Legislative Assembly was held under the chairmanship of Muzaffar Hussain Baig, today.

The committee set down the norms for selection being integrity, loyalty to the party, commitment to PDP agenda and reputation in the public. In the first phase, the candidature from North Kashmir was discussed. Ten names were cleared for the recommendation to the party President Mehbooba Mufti.

The Committee also discussed some vital and critical issues relating to the holding of elections and people's participation in it. The committee was of the view that the time for obtaining Photo Identity Cards should be extended by at least one month.

It has come to the notice of the Committee that some officers deployed on their duty do not visit most of the households and even demand Rs 15 from some persons for issuing their Identity Cards. The Committee was of the view that it should request the Chief Election Commissioner on his coming visit to the State to relax the rules of electoral Identity Cards as done in some other States and allow persons with any valid proofs of their identity to cast their votes in coming elections. This is necessary to ensure that comparatively a high percentage of voters can cast their votes.

The Committee also noted that some polling booths have very high number like 1500 and above voters. It is virtually impossible for such a large number to cast their votes within prescribed times.

The Committee will approach the authorities to take a realistic view and rationalize the number of voters who can actually cast their votes within the prescribed time limit.

Moulana Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, Tariq Hamid Qara, Mohammad Dilawar Mir and Peerzada Mansoor Hussain were present in the meeting.

JKHRW concerned over prevailing scenario

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: The J&K Human Rights Watch (JKHRW) has expressed concern over the contentious atmosphere created in the State.

In a statement issued here, B L Kapoor, chairman, has said that it is the time for all to think and find amicable solution to the problems arisen in the aftermath of Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) land transfer row.

He further said that the poor masses are the ultimate sufferers under the prevailing circumstances, as they are already facing the problems of inflation, unemployment and shortage of water and electricity.

He, however, appreciated the public of Jammu province for exhibiting high degree of tolerance and brotherhood.

BSP blames PDP, Cong, NC for turmoil

Excelsior Correspondent

AKHNOOR, July 15: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) has blamed People’s Democratic Party (PDP), National Conference (NC) and Congress for the present crisis in J&K over SASB land transfer issue.

Talking to media here today, senior BSP leader of the J&K unit Tarsem Lal Khullar ( co-ordinator), alleged that these political parties have caused much damage to the peace, secularism and brotherhood in the state. With their acts, the violence in Kashmir and Jammu was witnessed and people resorted to agitations, bandhs leading to curfew.

Lakhs of people suffered, Yatra was disturbed and the Tourism and Transport industry suffered a major set back. These political parties for their petty political interests created this situation for which the public will now teach them a lesson. For their vote bank, they are playing with the religious sentiments of the innocent people, Mr Khullar maintained.

He claimed that BSP did not believe in this dirty politics over religion and appealed the people not to be misled by the utterances of these so called leaders and try to understand their designs. He said they should maintain communal harmony, secularism and brotherhood as this is the only strong weapon of our country. He also appealed the people to support BSP for seeking free and fair administration which is committed for the overall development of the state including all its regions and providing social justice to all members of the society. Khullar said that party will organise a large rally at Akhnoor on July 17 which will be addressed by Central party leaders including UP Power Minister Shri Ramvir Upadhya and party general secretary Narinder Kashyap (MLC) and MP Munkad Ali.

NC authorises Omar to take stand on nuke deal vote

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, July 15: National Conference, which has two MPs in the Lok Sabha, today authorised its president Omar Abdullah to take a final decision on whether to vote in favour or against the Indo-US nuclear deal when the UPA Government seeks a trust vote in the Parliament on July 22.

"The core group of National Conference has authorised the party president to take the final decision on the issue of the Indo-US nuclear deal," senior NC leader Abdul Rahim Rather told reporters after a two-hour meeting of party functionaries at Abdullah’s residence here.

Rather said once the party president made up his mind on the course of action to be taken, the decision would be conveyed to the "concerned quarters" and made public.

During the meeting, Abdullah discussed with his party leaders various issues in connection with the stand to be taken in the Lok Sabha on Indo-US nuclear deal.

Besides Abdullah, NC is represented in the House by Abdul Rashid Shaheen.

Rather parried questions on views voiced by the members of the party’s core group on the nuclear deal issue.

The NC president "will take a decision keeping in view the wishes and aspirations of the people as well as the views expressed by the members in the meeting", he said.

Abdullah "has not given his personal view on the issue. He will take a decision after a few days and make it public," he said.

In reply to another question, Rather said NC has never bargained for concessions.

EPWL holds meet, discusses issues

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, July 15: The Ex-Policemen Welfare League (EPWL) today held a meeting in its office under the chairmanship of DySP (Retd) Harmesh Sharma, district president, to discuss the problems being faced by retired police personnel.

The members of the league and other functionaries attended the meeting in large number. The members with one voice condemned the previous Govt for nullifying the Govt Order No 458/P of 1999 thereby showing partisan attitude towards the League.

Harmesh Sharma, in his address, stressed upon the State Administration to look into the genuine demands of the League including reservation for the children of police personnel in police recruitment. Khadam Hussain, Romesh Gupta, Mela Ram, Ch Said Mohd, Maqbool Hussain Shah, Ghani Sham, Om Prakash, Abdul Rashid and Niranjan Dass also spoke on the occasion.

Later, it was unanimously decided to appeal the Governor to consider the genuine grievances of the League and to reconstitute the Ex-Policemen Welfare Board, which was revoked by the previous Govt.

Bhim Singh deceived Jammu people: JSM(P)

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: The President of Jammu State Morcha (P), Prof. Virender Gupta and its Secretary General, Dig Vijay Singh today condemned the statement of Prof. Bhim Singh that the removal of Governor N.N Vohra and the "land diversion" are no issues.

The leaders asked Bhim Singh that why was Panther Party supporting the ongoing agitation and the Shri Amarnath Sangarsh Samiti? Did he got to the Supreme Court to seek justice or to spoil the issue while challenging the land transfer on the wrong grounds? Was he not taking the political mileage when he was supporting the movement? His assertion that land was never diverted from the Forest Department to SASB and the Board had not taken over the possession of the land after the payment of Rs. 2.31 crore amounts to misleading and befooling the people. There was a Cabinet decision for the diversion of the land. Prof. Bhim Singh is expert in changing his stand frequently and that is why the people of Jammu region do not rely upon him.

"No doubt, the real issues before the people of Jammu region are their discrimination and the injustice being enforced on them by the Kashmiri rulers. We have to fight against the Kashmiri domination and for the political power to which we have been deprived", they said, adding the ultimate solution to the problems of the people of Jammu region lies in the division of the State and creation of a Separate State for Jammu region. But unfortunately Prof. Bhim Singh has deceived the people on this account too. His party won four assembly seats on the slogan of Separate Jammu State but Statehood for Jammu region no longer remains the agenda of Panther Party.

Sonali reviews developmental activities

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15 : Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department Sonali Kumar today inspected agriculture complex and reviewed developmental activities of agriculture, horticulture, horticulture planning and marketing, HPMC, Sericulture and CAD Jammu.

She also inaugurated a sensitization programme for farmers of Jammu division aimed at promoting cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants. The programme was sponsored by M/S Indo Herbs Pvt Ltd and organized by Agriculture Department Jammu.

She asked the participating farmers to be more innovative and come forward to adopt new and improved technologies for their economic development. Earlier, she visited the newly strengthened State Seed Testing Laboratory and Soil Testing Laboratory at Krishi Bhawan. She was apprised that with the strengthening of the Seed Lab the capacity of seed testing has increased from 4000 samples to 10,000 samples annually. She also inspected the site of deep bore well which is being dug by Economic Reconstruction Agency at Krishi Bhawan Complex.

During the meeting, she was informed by Director Agriculture Jammu Vinod Bala Sharma that wide spread rains coupled with thrust on extension activities of the department will help in realizing the production targets of maize and paddy crops. She apprised the crop diversification process which has been initiated in Jammu division and said that farmers are showing a positive response in this endeavor.

Director Horticulture Jia lal Sharma apprised that 1500 hectares is being brought under new orchards during the current rainy season Deputy Director Horticulture P&M B L Pandita stated that administrative approval for five satellite mandies at Akhnoor, Bishnah, Kawa, Udhampur and Batote have been received and the work will start soon on establishment of the mandies.

34 cases settled in Lok Adalat

Excelsior Correspondent

RAMBAN, July 15: A Lok Adalat was held in the Court Complex Ramban which was presided over by Deepak Sethi, Chairman Tehsil Legal Services Committee, Ramban. He was assisted by A K Shavan, Sub Judge Batote and Amarjeet Singh Langeh, Munsiff JMIC Ramban.

In the Lok Adalat, 34 cases including traffic challans were disposed off and fine to the tune of Rs 15,150 was imposed and realised on the spot.

Jain Guru arriving today

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, July 15: Shri Bhaskar Jain Acharya Shri Shri 1008 Shrimad Vijay Dharm Dhurandhar Surishwar Ji Maharaj along with his disciples Sadhwi Sumedha Ji and their team is arriving here tomorrow morning.

The Atmanand Jain Sabha will receive them with great fervour at Indira Chowk from where they will proceed to the City in the form of a ‘Shobha Yatra’.

The ‘Shobha Yatra’ will pass through Ragunath Bazaar, Purani Mandi, Link Road, Jain Bazaar, Pacca Danga, Moti Bazaar and Parade Ground where it will be converted into a ‘Dharam Sabha’ where Acharya ji will address the gathering.