Azad, Soz ask farmers to benefit from
budget incentives, Roshni scheme

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 5: Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has said that the loan waiver of Rs. 60,000 crore proposed in the Union budget for farmers was a historic decision taken by the UPA Government to address the plight of farmers in the country. He said horticulturists and farmers in Jammu & Kashmir would also take full benefit of the waiver.

Mr. Azad was addressing a congregation of the representatives of farmers in Jammu division organised here today to express gratitude to the UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh for presenting an outstanding budget that took care of all sections of the society, especially the vast farming community. Union Minister for Water Resources and President, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee, Prof. Saif-ud-din Soz moved a resolution to thank Mrs. Sonia Gandhi and Dr. Manmohan Singh which was seconded by the Chief Minister and adopted by the participants in one voice.

The Chief Minister said that for about a decade the condition of farmers was getting worse and in some southern states hundreds had committed suicide in the wake of poor economic condition. He said the UPA Government rose to the challenge and decided to waive off Rs. 60,000 crore worth of loans taken by the farmers from banks and financial institutions for bettering their economic condition.

Describing farmers as the backbone of India's economy, the Chief Minister said the country's prosperity was linked with that of the farmers.

The Chief Minister said that there being small land holdings in J&K which were under tremendous pressure due to construction of development projects, the farmers should strive for double and triple crops. He said the twin agricultural universities in the State should come up with seeds and scientific backup to achieve this objective.

Earlier, felicitating the UPA Government, especially Mrs. Gandhi and Dr. Singh, for presenting a budget that benefited the entire nation, Prof. Saif-ud-din Soz said there was no section of the society left out in terms of providing relief. He said Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minorities, traders, farmers, Government employees, women and children, everybody was benefited.

Prof. Soz said the Congress party would publish a booklet on the achievements of the UPA Government in different languages for circulation among the people to make them aware about what their Government was doing for them.

The State Congress President said that the Chief Minister and he himself had met the union agriculture minister and the finance minister and were working towards securing maximum benefit to the farmers of Jammu & Kashmir from the loan waiver scheme.

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma and senior Congress leader and former minister, Dharam Pal Sharma also addressed the congregation. Congress Ministers, MPs and legislators were also present.

Governor, CM greet people on Maha Shivratri

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 5: Governor Lt. General (Retd) S. K. Sinha has greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

In a message, the Governor said that Maha Shivratri inspires people to strive towards the pursuit of truth, which leads to the ultimate consciousness epitomized by Lord Shiva. The festival, he said, lays stress on the values of piety, devotion, mutual love and harmony, which are cornerstones of the great Indian civilization.

The Governor said that the festival has a special significance for Kashmiri Pandits, who celebrate it as Hairath. He said that Kashmir has remained a seat of Shaivism for centuries and this philosophy has contributed in a big way to the ethos of the Valley. "The composite culture of the State symbolizes our balanced thinking and provides inspiration to others to pursue the path of ultimate truth", he added.

The Governor said that the festival is also celebrated in a big way in Jammu region, as elsewhere in the country, and referred to the Shiv Khori Mela, which becomes destination of thousands of devotees on this auspicious day.

General Sinha expressed the hope that Maha Shivratri will be celebrated in a spirit of harmony and will usher in a new era of peace and good will among all sections of the society.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has extended warm greetings to the people on Maha Shivratri celebrated by Kashmiri Pandit brethren as Herath.

In a message of felicitations, the Chief Minister said that the auspicious occasion symbolizes great composite cultural ethos for which Jammu & Kashmir is known all over. He said such occasions strengthen bonds of amity, love and secular temperament among all sections of the society.

Mr. Azad wished bountiful Maha Shivratri to the people and prayed for the prosperity of the State.

The Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffer Hussain Baig, has greeted people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri.

Extending his greetings to the people Mr. Baig said "the festival gives us message of brotherhood, harmony and love". Saying that Kashmiris were eager to see the Pandits back in the Valley, he hoped that the Pandits would shortly celebrate "Heirth" at Kashmir traditionally as the peace and normalcy was fasting returning.

Wishing happy Shivratri, Mr. Baig prayed for lasting peace and prosperity of the State.

CS calls for massive afforestation drive

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 5: Stressing on maintaining ecological balance by massive afforestation, Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal asked the functionaries of Forest Department to plant more and more trees especially in those areas where denudation and erosion has taken place.

Mr. Kundal was speaking at a meeting of Advisory Committee on forest conservation act chaired by him here today.

Among others Commissioner/ Secretary Forests Attal Dulloo, Commissioner/ Secretary B. B. Vyas, Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Abhay Singh, Chief Wild Life Warden A. K. Srivastva and Environmentalists Sadiq Ali and Prof. S. P. S Datta attended the meeting.

Committee accorded approval for transfer of land to various projects like roads and Railway tracks etc. at different places and also to other works.

Chief Secretary asked for stringent instructions to various project implementing agencies to maintain flora and protect fauna in their respective areas of operation. "Flora and Fauna are vital component of our ecology and our existence depends on it" he added.

80 SRTC workers courted arrest, strike goes on

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: At least 80 workers and employees of the J&K State Road Transport Corporation courted arrest during protest demonstration here while their strike continued today.

Undeterred by the declaration of the Government which termed their strike as illegal and unlawful, a large number of workers and employees of the Corporation held massive protest demonstration in the winter capital city, at Srinagar and some other districts of the State. The Government issued notice to the agitating workers and asked them to resume their duty or face action.

A large number of workers and even some of their family members joined the agitation and held massive protest demonstration and a rally against the Government’s suppressive attitude. Earlier, the workers organised a protest demonstration raising slogans against the Chief Minister, Transport Minister and the Managing Director and then took out a rally from Bikram Chowk old Yard of the SRTC.

Today the district administration had deployed a large number of police personnel and near Tawi bridge the processionists were intercepted and packed into the police vans and taken to District police lines. A spokesman of the SRTC employees union said that nearly 80 employees including thirty women workers of the Corporation courted arrest. While the women workers were let off after some time, the male employees were in police custody till late this evening.

Reports from Srinagar said that a large procession was taken out by the SRTC workers and their families in the Srinagar city in protest against the rigid attitude of the Government and non releasing of their 5-months salary and pending COLA installments. The police stopped the procession and did not allow it to move ahead. Several hundreds of workers courted arrest during the process.

Pawan Sharma, general secretary of the Association claimed that nearly eight hundred workers courted arrest in the State today. He claimed that women workers also actively participated in the protest and were arrested. While some of the workers were released in the evening, many were still in police custody. A spokesman of the SRTC management claimed that four months salary of the workers has been released and kept at the disposal of Disbursing officers but employees were not coming forward to receive the same. He again appealed the workers to resume their duty as Corporation was facing huge loss and the general public was suffering a lot.

Asma Jahangir calls on Mehbooba

Excelsior Correspondent

New Delhi, Mar 5: Noted Pakistani lawyer and Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Asma Jahangir, who is scheduled to arrive in Jammu & Kashmir on her maiden visit tomorrow, called on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president here today to get a feel of the prevailing political and security situation in the State.

In her interaction with Ms Jahangir, the PDP president said the peace process between India and Pakistan has provided a space for amicable settlement of Kashmir issue and both the countries must seize the moment to resolve this problem for good. She said the civil society in both the countries has played a crucial role in strengthening the peace initiatives by mobilizing strong public opinion in support of these initiatives. She said the leadership of the two countries must not only consolidate the confidence building process, but expand it further to broaden its base.

Ms Mufti said the biggest contribution of peace and the confidence building process is that it has helped in building a favorable public mood in support of peaceful resolution of contentious issues confronting the two countries.

"I think time has come when both countries must address the Kashmir issue with political will and move ahead on the path of prosperity to reap the benefits of globalization and economic liberalization sweeping the region," she said and added that people of both countries in general and Jammu & Kashmir in particular have suffered immensely because of Indo-Pak hostility and they must now use all their political resources to come out of this vicious circle of violence for the larger good of their people.

Ms Mufti said the civil societies on both sides shall have to further nudge the leadership of two countries towards resolving their problems amicably to put an end to sufferings of the people. She said in Pakistan also the civil society has now started asserting itself which will have far reaching positive impact on the strengthening of democratic institutions in that country.

Strength of Experience vs Spirit of Youth
Triangular contest for JUTA top post

By Devender Padha

JAMMU, Mar 5: A total of three candidates have been left in fray for Jammu University Teachers Association (JUTA) top post (president), as out of six candidates who filed their nominations, three changed their strategies at the last moment and withdrew their candidature.

Those who are left in the fray include former JUTA president Prof. R D Sharma from Deptt of Commerce, Prof. N K Tripathi from Deptt of Zoology and Dr. Arvind Jasrotia from ‘The Law School’. Those who withdrew were Prof. Rajinder Gupta from Deptt of Economics, Dr. Raju Goyal from Deptt of Political Science and Prof. V K Kapoor from ‘The Law School’.

It is being widely considered in the university circles that this time election for the top post is surely going to witness an exciting contest, as all the three contestants enjoy equal support in their respective circles.

On the condition of anonymity, some of the teachers while talking to the EXCELSIOR anticipated that Prof. R D Sharma, popularly called as "Man of Principles" could be a front runner for the post but, they didn’t rule out the chances of Prof. N K Tripathi, whom they termed as "Dark Horse", whereas the third candidate Dr. Arvind Jasrotia, according to them rides high on "Young Blood" factor.

However, none of the contestants for the vice president withdrew their nomination. The candidates are Prof. Purshotam Sharma from Deptt of Sanskrit, Raman Gupta from Computer Sciences, Dr. P K Srivastava from Deptt of Geology, Dr. Neeru Sharma from Deptt of Home Science and Dr. Ashok Kumar from Deptt of Hindi.

The contest for the post of secretary has been reduced to just two candidates i.e. Dr. Abha Chauhan from Deptt of Sociology and Dr. Rajeev Rattan Sharma from Deptt of Education. Earlier, seven candidates had filed their nomination for the post. The post of joint secretary will also witness a traingular contest, as out of total six candidates who filed their nominations, three changed their minds and withdrew at the last hour. Those left in the arena included Lalitsen Sharma from Computer Sciences, Dr. Parmil Kumar from Deptt of Statistics and Dr. Sapna Sharma from Deptt of Sociology.

Whereas, for treasurer, the contest is between Dr. Virender Koundal from Deptt of Economics and Ramesh Magotra from Deptt of Physical Education. Earlier, three candidates had filed their nominations for the said post.

Prof. Lokesh Verma, HoD Education, who has been appointed as the Election Commissioner for JUTA elections slated to be held on March 11, said that all the arrangements have been completed for the said election. He informed that over 260 voters (university teachers) will exercise their franchise during the process. "The facility of postal ballot has also been extended to those who are likely to be out of station on the scheduled date for the elections. And we have already recieved four postal ballots too", he added. The election in university has always remained a subject of great interest for all and this time too the intensity is same. Now, it would be interesting to see whether seniority and experience would maintain its dominance or spirit of youth prevails upon.

Mufti, Farooq greet people on Maha Shivratri

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: May be for any reasons, but political arch rivals PDP and National Conference have issued a similar statement to extend Maha Shivratri greetings to People of the State in general and Kashmiri Pandits in particular.

The PDP supremo Mufti Mohd Sayeed and party president Ms Mehbooba Mufti have greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Maha Shivratri. A PDP release said Shivratri reminds us of age-old tradition of brotherhood and amity that over-whelmed the Kashmir valley in good old days of peace, when Kashmiri Pandits used to celebrate the festival with refreshing religious harmony.

The PDP leaders hoped that with the peace fast returning to the State, the days were not far away when Kashmir would again buzz with same ethos of goodwill that was embedded in its unique composite culture.

National Conference Patron Dr Farooq Abdullah and its president Omar Abdullah have greeted the people in general and Kashmiri Pandits in particular on eve of Maha Shivratri commonly known as ‘Heerath’.

In a message today the NC leaders said that the festivals inspire us in our pursuit of truth and understanding of the universe and the cycle of dissipation of the old and emergence of the new. The statement said Kashmir has always been a seat of Shaivism and the world has has been enriched by this ancient thought and philosophy. They hoped that festival will be celebrated in a befitting manner and with usual fervour. They said the festival being celebrated throughout the country has a special significance for Kashmiri Pandits, who celebrate is as ‘Heerath’.

Karnataka journalists call on CM; discuss
development, security situation

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 5: A group of journalists from Karnataka, currently on a visit to Jammu & Kashmir, met the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad here and interacted on development and security scenario in the State.

The journalists discussed a host of sectors and sought information especially on flagship projects of the Central Government like National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna besides evincing interest in the literacy rate, women development, tourism and security situation in J&K.

Senior officers including Principal Secretary, Social Welfare, R. K. Jerath, Secretary Health, K. B. Jandial and newly posted Secretary Technical Education, K. M. Wani were also present and replied the queries of the visiting journalists on different sectors of development.

The journalists wanted to know from Mr. Azad the reasons for the improvement in the security situation and return of normalcy in the State. He said there were many reasons that have worked together to bring about the change. He said the 95% of militancy in J&K was sponsored from across the border while the 5% comprised local vested interests who exploited the situation. He said the neighbouring country now being faced with challenges to its own survival, the mindset of rulers there had changed even as some elements wanted to keep the pot of violence boiling here.

The Chief Minister said that added to this, the security forces and police had played a major role in bringing about the positive change in the situation.

Responding to a question on tourism, the Chief Minister said that 80% of the tourists visiting Kashmir came from Maharashtra, Gujarat and West Bengal. He said visiting Kashmir today was as safe as going to any other place in the country.

In reply to a question on whether he was optimistic about the new Government in Pakistan working for peace in the area, the Chief Minister said that it was too early to say. He said it all depended on how independent the new Prime Minister there worked from the army, ISI and the President. He, however, said that he was hopeful of the two countries carrying forward the peace process and felt happy that democracy had won in Pakistan..

Historic Shiv Khori Mela gets underway

Excelsior Correspondent

RANSOO, Mar 5: As usual, the 3 day historic Shiv Khori Mela at village Ransoo in Pouni block of the Reasi district started with the thronging of thousands of pilgrims from with in and out side the state to holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva about 3.5 kms from the base camp Ransoo here today.

According to the Mela Officer (Assistance Commissioner Revenue) Vikaram Singh Jamwal thousand of pilgrims are expected to pay obeisance at the historic Shiv Khori Shrine during the mela days.

Devotees of Shiva were seen enchanting holy hymns and bhajans in praise of Shiva and Parvati. The 3.5 kma long pacca path was porously decorated with buntings and flowers besides enroute, many social and religious organizations have set up free langers for devotees serving food, tea, milk, fruits, water etc.

After the Assent of the Governor of Jammu & Kashmir State regarding Shiv Khori Shrine Act, the visiting devotees would have now more facilities at par with Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and this historic cave shrine would be as second pilgrimage destination in the Reasi district.

The district administration, Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board and Tourism Department have already made elaborate arrangements like security, drinking water, un-interrupted power supply, Medicare, sanitation, traffic etc. The Shiv Khori Shrine Board has also set up adequate number of yatra slip counters for the facility of visiting pilgrims at Ransoo.

The main highlights which give traditional fervor to the mela include circus show, bangle & toy shops, and various stalls put up by various departments including Agriculture, Horticulture, ICDS, KVIB, SHG of rural development department, veterinary and Sheep Husbandry by displaying their products and pamphlets for the awareness of the general masses. The Self Help Group Ransoo has prepared special variety of Parshad of Shiv Shanker which has been authorized by the administration to supply for Shiv Khori Shrine

To provide better darshan facilities to the visiting pilgrims at the shrine cave, group system has been started so that no one may feel any disturbance and return with satisfaction.

The Youth Services and Sports department also organized sports events besides cultural programmes by locals were the another highlights of the Mela.

The Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Sanjeev Verma and Senior Superintendent of Police, Reasi, J.L.Sharma also visited Ransoo and personally took stock of arrangements for the smooth conduct of the Mela

The J&K Wrestling Association in collaboration with department of Tourism would also organize a Dangal during the concluding day of the Mela in which wrestlers from with in and out side the state would take part.

HC quashed detention order under PSA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Justice JP Singh of J&K High Court Jammu Wing today in a significant judgment quashed detention order of one Assadullah S/o Mohd Sharief who was detained by the order of District Magistrates Jammu passed in the month of June, 2007 and was executed after more than 70 days.

As per the contention of the State counsel that detenue while attending public rally of All Party Hurriyat Conference of separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani at Shaheedi Chowk Jammu, the petitioner had made pro-freedom and anti-India slogans asking the youth to fight for total independence of the State of J&K and in that view of the matter, his detention would not warrant any interference. On the other hand Advocate Sunil Sethi appearing for the detenue submitted that District Magistrate Jammu passed detention order under PSA on June 30, 2007, despite registration of Fir under sections 147/121-A, on the basis he had been ordered to be detained in preventive custody, no efforts had been made by the police to question him in connection with FIR or to arrest him there under although he had all along been available at his residence. The Advocate denying the involvement of the detenue in FIR NO 1/2007, stated that detention order issued by the DM Jammu had remained unexecuted for more than 70 days and in view of the explained delay in execution of detention warrant, the detention was illegal.

Justice JP Singh after hearing both sides and also gone through the record of the case observed that omission of the respondents to explain the delay in execution of the detention warrant for over a period of 70 days when the petitioner is stated to have all along been available at his place, goes to very route of the matter demonstrating the manner in which the respondents had exercised power under the PSA. Court referred the various judgments of Apex Court of India and further observed that in the absence of any stand taken by the respondents regarding their having made serious efforts to execute the order and apprehend the petitioner, the detention of the petitioner cannot be justified for unreasonable and unexplained delay in executing the detention order, creates a serious doubt about the genuineness of the power exercised by the detaining authority for immediate detention of the person sought to be kept in preventive custody, in order to prevent him from carrying on his alleged activities, pre-judicial to security of the state. Non execution of the detention warrant, without any plausible explanation for its non-execution snaps the live and proximate link between the grounds of the detention and purpose of detention. With these observations court quashed the detention order passed by the DM Jammu with the direction to respondents to set the petitioner to liberty forthwith if not required in any other case.

Governor celebrates Herath with KPs in Kashmir

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 5: As they were preparing for Herath Pooja this year in their newly acquired dream home on a hillock in the beautiful and serene Kashmir Valley, a surprise visitor dropped in to greet the Kashmiri Pandit family on their major festival of Shivratri.

The stunned but exited Pandit family could not just believe their eyes to see Governor Lt. General (Retd) S K Sinha at their door in Sheikhpura colony during his unscheduled and impromptu visit this morning.

General Sinha extended his greetings to the families putting up there and was impressed to see some Muslim friends already there to say Herath Mubark to their Pandit brethren.

The ladies of the family insisted General Sinha to partake traditional Kehwa with them which he readily accepted. He visited the rooms, the living space and the kitchen and expressed happiness over the facility having been created for them.

The Governor also witnessed the elderly Pandits making arrangements for the Vatak Pooja to be held this evening. Kashmiri Hindus have been celebrating this festival with much gaiety and enthusiasm in a different way than the Hindus observing it in rest of the country. The 9th century Kashmiri saint-poet Utpaldeva describing Shiva-ratri wrote, "When the sun, the moon and all other stars set at the same time, there arises the radiant night of Shiva spreading a splendor of its own." .The worship of Vatuka is dealt within several Tantric works. Vatuka, like Ganesha, has been described as a mind born son of the Mother Goddess.

Hearing about the presence of the Governor amid them, the Pandit families assembled and urged him to have the facilities of a school and dispensary created urgently. They were very happy with the treatment meted out to them by their Muslim brethren and said that it serves as a source of strength.

General Sinha lauded the glorious ethos of Kashmir and its unique feature of composite culture and hoped that this will flourish and spread the light of peace to the entire world.

The Governor was accompanied by senior officers during his visit to Sheikhpura.

Two seriously ill patients airlifted from Machil, Kargil by IAF

SRINAGAR, Mar 5: The Indian Air Force (IAF) today airlifted two seriously ill patients including a nine-year-old girl, from Kargil, and Machil.

Meanwhile, scheduled an-32 flight, between Kargil to Srinagar and Kargil to Jammu, could not operate due to poor weather enroute, Aamir Ali, Public Relations Officer (PRO) to Divisional Commissioner said.

He said seriously ill girl Stanzin Kunsal, daughter of Tsering Dorjay, was airlifted from a remote snow-bound village Tashi Stonday near Rangdum in Kargil by the IAF today.

Mr Ali said another patient, who had suffered brain hemorrhage was airlifted from Machil and admitted to Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences at Soura.

He said both these areas were snowbound and there was no other way to approach them except by air force choppers.

He said 15 stranded passengers were airlifted from Kargil to Zanskar in Mi-17 air force plane and an equal number of passengers arrived in Kargil from Zanskar. (UNI)

Stable Pak imperative for peace in Kashmir: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 5: Asserting that stable and peaceful Pakistan was imperative for peace in Jammu and Kashmir, Minister for Social Welfare and Senior Vice President JKPCC, Mr. Abul Gani Vakil has pooh-poohed the adventurism of certain mainstream politicians in flaring up the emotions of people on Kashmir for personal ends. "Befooling Kashmiris on one or another pretext is their handy work to gain political mileage", Vakil maintained.

Addressing a youth rally participated by thousands of youth, in Nowgam, Sonawari in North Kashmir today, Vakil said that the realistic approach expressed by Pakistan leadership towards Kashmir had been well taken by the general public of the state, however, certain mainstream political leaders who at one hand relish the benefits of power, on the other blow the trumpet of Kashmir just to deceive innocence of voters. He ridiculed this double standard and said, "gone are the days when people could be led-astray by gimmickry".

Mr. Vakil said Congress party had always nurtured the idea of settling issues between India and Pakistan through dialogue and interaction. "It was this party which put in place two-pronged Kashmir policy to address the issues across the table. While dialogue process with Pakistan was carried forward, the platform of roundtable conferences was provided to parties of all political shades and ethnic groups of the state to putforth their view points in a free and conducive atmosphere", Vakil maintained.

"Certain mainstream political parties thrive on confrontation between India and Pakistan as such fan the disputes for vote bank politics. It was most unfortunate", he said and added that these parties want to keep Kashmir issue burning, as such, criticize any realistic shift in Pakistan's Kashmir Policy.

Mr. Vakil said, "youth of the state are at present confronted with unemployment problem, artisans, workers, small farmers, traders and labourers have borne the brunt of turmoil during sixteen years but politician instead of focusing on their problems are playing with emotions to gain votes and stick to power".

He said the Congress would continue its policy of maintaining good relations with Pakistan by strengthening Confidence Building Measures and settling all issues pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir through dialogue. "It would simultaneously carry forward its agenda of large scale development of Jammu and Kashmir and fast track infrastructure development in all service sectors".

The rally was also addressed by Youth Congress President and MLC Mr. Mohammad Amin Bhat who listed achievements of the government registered during last two years. The rally was addressed by Youth Congress General Secretary Mr. Mohammad Iqbal Jan and other leaders.

HC directs compensation of Rs 1, 96, 000,
Rs 30, 000 as litigation expenses

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Justice JP Singh of J&K High Court Jammu Wing today in a people's friendly judgment has decided a case of compensation and directed state to pay Rs 1, 96, 452 along with interest at the rate of 9% per annum from the date of filling of petition till its realization and also directed the State to pay Rs 30,000 as litigation expenses.

This landmark judgment was passed in a writ petition filed by the wife and children of the deceased who died on November 27, 1990 when hit by a RCC electric pole on his head at Green Belt, Gandhi Nagar Jammu, which had fallen all of sudden when the officials of the PDD were in the process of its installation. The hit was so severe that Santa Lal Thappa died. The widow, two sons and daughter filed this petition through Advocate Ashok Mishra claming an amount of Rs 4 lakh as compensation for the death of their bread-winner.

Court on December 7, 1998 ordered that the case of the petitioner and the objections of the respondents were considered, but pending resolution of the factual issues by the civil court, the petitioners were held entitled to an amount of Rs 50,000 by way of interim compensation.

Justice JP Singh while allowing the petition after 13 years (the petition was filed in the year 1994) and after hearing Advocate Ashok Mishra appearing for the petitioners and Deputy AG Mrs. S Hakim appearing for the State respondents observed that court do not find any material on records on the basis the findings recorded by the Additional District Judge Jammu, on facts, may be disputed.

There is enough evidence on record to justify findings of the Additional District Judge Jammu. Court has no other option except to accept findings of Additional District Judge Jammu accepting the report of Additional District Judge, it is accordingly held that Santa Lal Thappa had died because of the negligence of the respondents in not taking requisite precautions and sounding alert in the area where the officials of PDD were in the process of installing a RCC electric pole which had broken and fallen all of a sudden on the head of Santa Lal Thappa resulting his death.

While allowing the petition for compensation Justice JP Singh directed respondents to pay an amount of Rs 1, 96, 452, minus the amount already paid by them to the petitioners along with interest @ 9% PA from the date of filling of writ petition till its realization.

In this people's friendly judgment Justice JP Singh observed that respondents, a welfare state, should not have taken so long to provide relief to the petitioners when it had no evidence with it to justify its defense to the petitioner's claim. The respondents have kept the petitioners engaged in unnecessary litigation for more than 13 years. On their success in this petition, the petitioners are held entitled to recover litigation expenses too from the respondents. The litigation expenses Rs 30,000 which shall be paid by the respondents to the petitioners along with the compensation amount, Court held.

Clerical staff’s strike goes on as talks fail

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Clerical staff of all the J&K Government departments continued their strike as the talks of the representatives of the employees with the Divisional Commissioner Jammu remained inconclusive today.

Clerical staff held demonstration at Jammu, Srinagar, Leh and other district and tehsil headquarters and observed pen down strike in their respective offices. The normal work in many State Government departments continued to suffer in view of the ongoing strike.

A spokesman of the Employees Association said that talks of the representatives of the Ministerial/ Clerical cadre employees with the Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey have remained unfruitful.

He said this third round of talks has yield no results, therefore the leadership has decided to continue their strike.

Protest dharna of the Ministerial staff continued in the premises of Directorate of Health Services today. C L Koul was leading the protest demonstration. He claimed that pen down strike will go on till their demands are met.

Ram Kumar Sharma, Vishwabandhu, Rehmat Ullah and other leaders of the employees association have appealed the workers to remain united for their common cause and carry on their struggle. They urged the Government to remove the anomalies in the pay grades of junior, senior and head assistants.

In Udhampur massive protest demonstration was held outside DC’s office. Vishav Bandhu was leading. He criticised the Government for showing rigid attitude towards the genuine demands of the workers.

In Poonch town protest march was taken out by the Clerical staff of various departments. They were shouting slogans against the Azad Government and described it an anti-employees regime. They stressed for immediately resolving the crisis.

Meanwhile, United School Teachers Association Reasi unit has fully supported the cause of clerical cadre and urged upon the Government to redress their demands.

Jora inaugurates photo exhibition, launches new weekly

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 5: Minister of Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora today inaugurated a photo exhibition, "Ladakh through My Lens-III" by Kavita Suri at Kala Kendra Jammu.

Minister for R&B Jugal Kishore Sharma was also present on the occasion.

The exhibition was organized by the Vijay Suri Foundation in association with Punjab National Bank to pay tribute to late Vijay Suri on his 4th death anniversary. Late Suri was a well-known writer, producer and director of the soil.

Paying rich tributes to late Suri, Mr. Jora said that he was a multi-dimensional personality and added that translating his dream into reality would be best tribute to late Suri.

Mr. Jora said that Cultural Academy is a good platform for both budding and established artists and they should come forward to avail the facilities being provided by the Academy. The Minister had a round of the exhibition and evinced keen interest in it.

Mr. Jugal in his speach paid tributes to late Suri and said that he was an institution himself. He said that his family members would accomplish the dream of late Suri. Appreciating the newspaper launched today he said that it has touched all aspects and subjects of today's world keeping in view the ethics of journalism.

Earlier, Kavita Suri welcomed the guests and gave a brief resume of the event.

Later, Jora and Jugal Kishore Sharma launched first edition of Weekly English Newspaper "Kashmir Perspective" published in memory of late Vijay Suri.

Among others, Farooq Nazki, former head of the Urdu department Dr. Zahoor Ahmad and a galaxy of intellectuals and academicians graced the occasion.

ReT teachers seek service benefits

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The J&K Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum has sought the service benefits at par with regular teachers of Education Department.

Addressing a press conference here today, leaders of the forum reiterated that ReT teachers would continue their struggle for service benefits at par with regular teachers. However, they hailed Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad for taking decision to regularize ReT after five years of service.

But, the forum is now demanding the service inclusion for promotionary benefits as well, which is restricted for pensionary benefits only. They further demanded the extension of SRO-43 to ReT scheme and the maternity benefit to female ReT teachers, as 46 ReT teachers died before the completion of their five year tenure leaving their families in despair, they added.

Yoga camp at Air Force station

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 5: A four day yoga camp is being organised at Air Force Station Jammu under the aegis of Bharatya Yoga Sansthan, Jammu. The camp is being organised as a welfare measure for the benefits of Air Force Personnel and their families. The yoga camp inaugurated by Wg Cdr JS Hora, Officiating Station Commander was participated by more than 200 Air Warriors and ladies.

Bharatya Yog Sansthan , a Delhi based volunteer organisation is promoting yoga , pranayam and dhyan to all personnel free of cost. During the short yoga capsule from March 3 to 6, the importance of yoga and Pranayam was highlighted to overcome the stresses of the modern day life and to keep physically and mentally fit. The Yog Sansthan taught to the various Asanas to the participants which will help in curing diseases like Diabetes, Blood pressure, cervical spontilitis, back pain and Arthritis etc.

GREF officer, AC’s vehicles damaged
People protest, block road for 5 hrs as temple damaged

Excelsior Correspondent

KISHTWAR, March 5: Irate residents of Vindraban village held massive demonstration and blocked road for about five hours today after local Hanuman temple suffered damage in blasting by GREF men at the village.

Reports reaching here said this village temple about 9 km from Kishtwar town is situated on Kishtwar-Chhatroo road. Three days back this temple suffered damage in blasting during road widening process. The villagers turned angry and protested the GREF action. However, the senior engineers on the spot assured to do necessary repair work immediately.

Following inaction from the GREF officials, the locals of the area assembled in large number blocked road and sat on dharna. They held demonstration on the road and shouted slogans against the officials. The movement of the traffic was disrupted for about 5-6 hours. They also disrupted the ongoing work of the agency in that area.

An Assistant Commandant of the GREF reached the spot alongwith AC(R) R K Shiban and had heated exchanges with the locals. The public turned violent and resorted to stone pelting on their vehicles which suffered minor damage. However, officers escaped unhurt. Later, Additional DC arrived alongwith some police force and SP concerned. Matter was sorted out and dharna was lifted. They assured that agency would immediately execute repair work as its action has hurt the religious sentiments of the people.

Vaid, Mohanty given warm send off

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Dr S P Vaid, IGP, on his transfer from Jammu zone to Crime and Railways and Lalat Indu Mohanty on his elevation as IGP and transfer from DIG Jammu range were given a warm send off at a function held at Range Police Headquarters in Samba today.

Dr Vaid was given a guard of honour by the cops on his arrival.

Both officers were presented mementos in the function which among others was attended by SSP Samba Rajinder Gupta and Deputy Commissioner Samba Sourabh Bhagat besides Dr Kamal Saini and Niyaz Mehmood, DIGs.

In his address, Mr Gupta lauded the working of Dr Vaid and Mr Mohanty and wished them success in their future assignments.

Reduction in power tariff sought
Industries Federation flays Central, State Govts

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The Federation of Industries, Jammu has flayed both the Central as well as State Governments for adopting non-serious and anti-industries approach towards the industrial sector growth in the State.

In a meeting of the federation held under Annil Suri, chairman, the non-seriousness of both the Governments was discussed. The members flayed the State Government for its non-decision over the recommendations of committee, which was constituted by the State Cabinet under the chairmanship of Economic Advisor, Haseeb Drabu to look into the impact of power hike on industries.

It is to mention that the committee after various meetings with the captains of industry, submitted its report to the Chief Minister for final decision. However, the federation expressed surprise over the fact that Government didn’t take any decision over the recommendations causing resentment amongst the industrial fraternity.

The chairman also criticized the Central Government for waiving off the promised incentives under central package of industries for establishing industries in this region. He said crores of rupees have been invested by the industrialists for establishment of industry under declared Central packages and abolishment of those incentives has shocked the entire industrial sector.

"The purpose of incentives was to attract more industries and create employment opportunities here but, this decision of Finance Minister while presenting Union Budget could prove out to be a major setback to industrial growth here", Suri added.

However, the federation has requested the Chief Minister to take up the matter of Central incentives with the Central Government and also to reduce power tariff along with implementation of the committee’s recommendations.

The office bearers of the federation who were also present included Rajesh Jain, Romesh Badyal and Tejwant Singh Reen.

Paharis reiterate demand for ST status

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: The Pahari speaking people have reiterated their demand for Schedule Tribe (ST) status and urged the members of Gujjar and Bakerwal community to support their demand.

Addressing a press conference here today, Iftikhar Ahmed, member Pahari Advisory Board said Pahari speaking people have been suffering for the last 60 years and highly deserve benefits under ST status. He added that it’s high time to grant the said status to Pahari speaking people.

He, however, expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is the chairman of Pahari Advisory Board for granting pre-matric, post-matric scholarships along with hostel facility to Pahari speaking students.

Meanwhile, Ahmed urged the Gujjar and Bakerwal community to support their demand for ST status and suggested to fight unitedly for the cause of each other. He also welcomed the JU Vice Chancellor for getting Pahari and Gojri Research Centre.

Those who were also present on the occasion included Anuj Malhotra, Faisal Ishaq, Mohd. Rouf, Hussain Shah, Sheraz Malik, Shafiyat Khan and Sadat Khan etc.

Dr Agnishekhar’s plea to Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 5: Panun Kashmir convenor, Dr Agnishekhar has urged the Governor, Lt. Gen. (retd) S K Sinha to take into account the geopolitical aspirations and the territory earmarked for seven lakh displaced Kashmiri Pandits while choosing the location for Sharda Peeth University in Kashmir Valley.

In an appeal to Lt. Gen (retd) Sinha he asked him to dispel the several apprehensions of displaced Pandits vis- a- vis the utility and purposefulness of