SRTC employees feel duped, continue stir on 22nd day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: Employees of J&K State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) continued their strike on 22nd day, alleging that Government backed out and tampered with the ‘agreement’ reached between the representatives of the employees and the Government functionaries last evening.

All the workers of the Corporation in Jammu and Srinagar continued their strike on the 22nd day and entire fleet also remained off the road. Strong resentment was expressed by the leaders of the employees and EJAC after some bureaucrats allegedly tampered with the ‘agreement document’ by inserting some more words with pen.

Chairman of the SRTC Employees Union Shakeel Ahmed Kuchey said that they were surprised rather felt duped after they were provided a copy of agreement by the Management in the morning. He said the meeting was held in cordial atmosphere and Minister’s attitude was very positive throughout the two hour meeting. It was agreed that four months salary will be released and pending 42 slabs will be given with the salary of March. The Ministry also assured regular payment of wages of the workers in future. The agreement copy was computerised and signed by Government functionaries and workers representatives.

"Today it was to our surprise that when the copy was provided some lines were added that Corporation will make payment of COLA slabs etc. from its own resources. Now when, Corporation is unable to pay wages how will it pay the COLA. No such point was discussed yesterday and it has been done intentionally," Kuchey added.

"It seems to be a mischief of some bureaucrats who want to see no end to the confrontation between employees and Government. Such elements are not helping Government but working against its interests," Mr Kuchey alleged.

He declared that no worker will get salary and no fleet will be allowed to ply till Government takes a final decision about the fate of Corporation and its workers. He demanded to identify black sheep in the Government and take action against them.

Govt allots land for rehabilitation of fire victims

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 11: On the initiative of the Finance Minister, Tariq Hameed Qarra, the Government has ordered transfer of 50 kanals of Kahcharai land at Shalteng, Srinagar to the Revenue Department for rehabilitating the fire victims of Nalbandpora, Safakadal and Kadikadal, Srinagar.

The decision to utilize the said land for the rehabilitation of the fire sufferers was taken by the state cabinet in its meeting here recently.

Following a devastating fire incident at Nalbandpora, Safakadal and Kadikadal in November 2007, the City Development Coordination Committee (CDCC) headed by Mr Qarra had decided to decongest some thickly populated areas of the downtown Srinagar city to avoid recurrence of any such incidents.

The move was necessitated by the fact that given the narrow lanes and by-lanes of the thickly populated areas in the city, the fire services department was finding it difficult to send fire tenders into such areas in case of fire incidents.

The residents of the area had sought the intervention of the Finance Minister to get them shifted to alternate safer locations. As a follow up to Mr Qarra's commitment, the Government has identified 50 kanals of land for the purpose.

Pace of work on several projects inspected
Srinagar to soon have major aquarium on Dal banks: CM

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Mar 11: As a major tourist attraction, Srinagar will soon have a big aquarium to be located on the banks of the famed Dal Lake and at the foot of Shankaracharya hill at Gagribal near here.

The aquarium will have a 200 meter long tunnel with aqua caves and house about 200 species of ornamental fish. It will be a centrally heated building to withstand extreme low temperature during winter.

The aquarium will be second in the State after the Bagh-i-Bahu aquarium in Jammu that draws thousands of enthusiastic visitors daily.

The Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad today visited the proposed site of the aquarium and asked the concerned officials to go ahead with the project. At present, there is a small aquarium and awareness centre at Gagribal which will be extended and developed into a major aquarium.

Mr. Azad arrived here from Jammu in the morning on an extensive visit of development projects to inspect the pace of work.

The Advisor to Chief Minister, Manzoor Ahmad Ganai, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mehboob Iqbal, Managing Director, JKPCC, Dilip Thussu, Director Floriculture, Kashmir, Dr. Sarwar Naqash, Director Fisheries, T. Angchuk and senior officers of divisional administration were present.

The Chief Minister inspected work on the second phase of the Haj House at Bemina under which a 3-storey accommodation for Haj pilgrims is being built at a cost of Rs 5.25 crore. The building will have 34 rooms, 8 suites, a dining hall and a spacious prayer hall for 360 people. The premises of the Haj House will have parking space for 700 vehicles.

Mr. Azad asked the project executing agency, JKPCC, to speed up the work and complete the project within the stipulated time frame. He also told them to start landscaping of the premises side by side with the upcoming construction.

Mr. Azad also visited the site of under construction excise and taxation complex at Rambagh and new legislature complex and inspected the fast track construction work. The complex will be one of the best legislature buildings in the country and ready by the time of the next session of the State legislature in May this year.

The Chief Minister inspected the upcoming 300-bed Jawaharlal Nehru Memorial Hospital at Rainawari. The project started in 2007, is expected to complete during this summer. He asked the concerned officials of JKPCC to start double shift of work from Monday and triple shift from April 15 to ensure the timely completion of the prestigious project.

The Chief Minister also took stock of arrangements at Hazratbal in connection with the ensuing Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi (SAW). The Imam of shrine mosque and caretaker of the shrine were also present.

Farooq, Mangat, Jora release Study on Skill Gaps in J&K

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: Former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah, Minister for Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister for Health Mangat Ram Sharma released a Study of Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) on skill gaps in the State.

This study for which an extensive initiative was taken by the CII, was released in a function organised here last evening. Dr Abdullah was the chief guest while Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma and Minister for Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora, were the guests of honour on the occasion.

The study has identified six sectors, construction, agro processing, hospitality, auto repair servicing, IT industries and household repairs, which have a great potential to grow in J&K, but will have severe skill shortage in years to come. The study suggested that Government should ensure that skill gap identified now be made part of curriculum in the Government ITIs. The youngesters be given new skills so that they can be made part of 90 % labour/ workers force in the industrial sector in the State.

Dr Abdullah while speaking on the occasion said that industry can play a major role in solving the problem of growing unemployment. Today’s youth should change their mindset of seeking Government jobs and there was great scope of growing fast in the private sector. He also suggested that private sector should come forward to harness untapped hydel power potential in J&K and great mineral wealth in Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh.

Pt Mangat Ram Sharma said that J&K’s geographical location has contributed a lot to its isolation from rest of the country, due to which it has not been able to implement the best practices of other states. There was immediate need to break this isolation. Majority of skilled labourers come here from the neighbouring states and local youth lack necessary skills. This Study will help big way in resolving the problem. He said the study will be given serious thought by the State cabinet.

Mr Jora said need of the hour was to achieve massive growth which can only be possible by narrowing down the gap between the have and the have-nots. He said CII’s initiative in identifying the skill gaps will lead to employment of our youth thereby contributing to inclusive growth. he said we need to de-link politics from growth and usher in the concept of good governance where in Government acts like a facilitator.

Earlier, while speaking on the occasion, chairman CII Northern Region Deep Kapuria said there was need to look at the mega trends in India like economic growth of 8-9 % , integration into global economy and a growing demographic advantage. Salil Singhal Deputy Chairman CII (NR) and Sanjay Puri Chairman CII J&K State council also spoke on the occasion

Court frames charges against IPO, two partners of firm

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: Special Judge Anticorruption Jammu Kartar Singh today framed charges against Bansi Lal Sharma, the then Industrial Promotion Officer DIC Jammu and J S Ahluwalia and S S Ahluwalia, partners of M/s Surya Jyoti Devices in corruption case.

The allegations against IPO Bansi Lal Sharma were that in 1995 he entered into a criminal conspiracy with the accused and prepared a false report regarding the existence and functioning of a subsidiary unit of M/s Surya Jyoti Devices unit.

The IPO managed permanent registration from DIC by deceitful means in order to make it entitled to the benefit available to the genuine SSI units under the Industrial policy of the state. In this way he made the unit entitled to get supply order for 650 solar domestic light system from JKEDA.

The allegations against the private accused were that they committed forgery and got illegal benefit of Rs 6.17 lakh causing loss to the State exchequer.

J&K to get Rs 1200 cr under NREGA: Mula Ram

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 11 : The Jammu and Kashmir would get a whooping, Rs 1200 crore under flagship of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for the next year, said Minister for Rural Development Mula Ram here on Tuesday

Addressing a public meeting at village Kalakam in Block Balwal , the Minister said the NREGA scheme which was so far restricted to nine districts would be extended to entire State from April.

The amount has been allocated by the Union Government under the next year's National budget, Minister said, adding "who can dispute the fact that by next some years the rural Jammu and Kashmir would have all those facilities which are presently available only in the urban areas". He said road communication which was considered as basic need for promoting economic activity was being given first priority both by State and Centre Governments.

Highlighting the achievements of the present government, Mula Ram said "that last five years have witnessed a quantum change in law and order situation as well. He said this has become possible by making the people stack holders in the development by winning over their confidence.

Warning them against the forces that are out to create communal wedge among the sections of the society, the Minister asked people to keep them at arms distance as they do not want peace to prevail.

Minister also issued on the spot directions for up gradation of water supply to the area, besides construction of a culvert on the road leading to the village Kalakam.

Minister later met various deputations at Village Tawa and listened to their problems.

Power Grid restores Kishanpur-Wagoora
Transmission Line

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: The Circuit-1 of Kishanpur-Wagoora Transmission Line which developed a snag on January 16 this year due to heavy snowfall in Kashmir Valley and hilly reaches of Jammu region has been fully restored by the Power Grid Corporation of India.

According to a Power Grid handout issued here, today the line had developed a fault near Jawahar Tunnel over Pir Panchal hills due to snapping of conductor on account of heavy snowfall in the Kashmir valley.

It said starting of restoration work became difficult in the area which was under 12 feet snow as due to blowing of strong winds there was every apprehension of avalanches. High altitude, coupled with sub zero temperature and heavy accumulation of snow also made the working conditions very difficult in the area, the statement added.

Moreover due to the closure of National Highway for quite some days there was difficulty in supply of maintenance material and the air dropping of the same was not feasible, it said.

Despite all these difficulties, the technicians and workers of the Corporation worked tirelessly and the line was restored on March 9 evening.

It may be recalled that 400 kv Double Circuit Kishanpur-Wagoora Transmission line is life line for Kashmir Valley as for as power supply to the Valley is concerned. The Line is also the main link between the Valley and the Northern Grid.

Harshdev’s plea to State Accountability Commission

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: Former Minister and JKNPP MLA from Ramnagar, Harsh Dev Singh, has urged the State Accountability Commission to take cognizance of inordinate delay in widening and construction of road from Udhampur to Ramnagar. Mr Singh said the delay has been mainly caused due to culpable negligence and lack luster attitude on the part of concerned officers of Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) as well as District Administration Udhampur and sought suo-moto proceedings against the latter.

Mr Singh said foundation stone of double lane bridge at Kuh Nallah was laid in June 2005, but the department has failed to achieve any considerable achievement despite lapse of three years.

He also expressed concern over large scale complaints of misappropriation of funds being made at the fag end of the year by several Government functionaries. He demanded that conversion of funds particularly in Udhampur district were required to be probed and strict vigil ensured to check malpractices in view of public complaints.

Harsh Dev Singh called for rational approach in allotment of funds for various developmental schemes and urged for a proper scrutiny of re-appropriations made and inquiry into alleged arbitrary diversion of funds.

Roads nerve line of economic prosperity: Jugal

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 11: Saying that road communication was nerve line to economic transformation, Minister for Roads and Buildings Jugal Kishore Sharma said that better road facilities in rural far off villages was more important for comprehensive development of these areas.

Addressing public meetings at Galak, Billawar, Bhaddu and other places, Sharma said that Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad focused attention on creation of well-knit road communication system in the State to open up far off and cut off areas for economic upliftment. It was Mr. Azad who channelized huge central funds for the development of roads, construction of bridges and other developmental works to catapult State's economy and ensure equitable progress in all the areas.

Reiterating the Government's resolve to carry on the development of infrastructure including roads and bridges on fast tract, Mr. Jugal said that Engineering Department had been galvanized with new work culture mantra and every functionary made sensitive about stupendous responsibilities he had towards the people and the nation.

R&B Minister appealed the people to be greatly involved in development programmes and ensure the works were completed as per specification fixed targets.

Responding to the local demands, he directed the concerned officers to register these and come up with the proposals urgently.

The Minister also asked the agencies on spot to start the earthwork of Panchtirthi to Bhaddu road immediately.

The meeting was also addressed by MLA Billawar Dr. Manohar Lal, Rakesh Kumar, Chairman Municipal Committee and others.

Youth Congress hails waiver of agriculture loan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: In order to laud budgetary proposals for current year, J&K Pradesh Youth Congress today took out a rally from party headquarters and passing through Raghunath Bazar, City Chowk the rally culminated at Shaheedi Chowk. The rally was led by gerenal secretary, Pradesh Youth Congress, Thomas Khokar.

Addressing the rally at Shaheedi Chowk, General Secretary, Indian Youth Congress, Sheikh Mastan Vali expressed gratitude to budgetary proposals of UPA led Congress Government. Hailing the Rs 60,000 crore farm loan wavier as a ‘historic decision’ Mr Mastan said that it is a great relief to the debt ridden farmers.

He further said "The new budget has made special provisions for the SC/ST, farmers and labourers. Its a budget of common man poor man and youth."

Prominent among others who expressed their views in the rally were senior vice president Manmohan Singh, Pawan Raina, vice president, Sanjay Sawhney, Raju Ishar, Rajinder Singh and spokesperson Ravi Singh Salathia.

JSM (P) welcomes Zardari’s comment on Kashmir

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: Jammu State Morcha (Progressive) today welcomed the statement of co-chairman Pakistan, People’s Democratic Party, Asif Ali Zardari that India and Pakistan should not be held hostage to Kashmir issue and the two countries can wait so that future generations resolve the dispute in an atmosphere of trust.

In a joint statement issued here today, leaders of JSM (P), Virender Gupta, Abdul Rouf Ganai, HB Khajuria, Dig Vijay Singh, Devinder Singh and Chandra Uday Sharma flayed the seperatists and main stream parties for criticizing the remarks of Mr Zardari and maintained that thsoe who have been criticising Zardari’s comments on Kashmir want the pot keeps on boiling.

These leaders stressed for confidence building measures such as people to people contact and trade between two countries to end fear factor in the mindset of people across the border.

They further said that JSM (P) is critical of the fact that on one side the political parties including NC nad PDP criticize Raj Thakery but on the other hand they allow special constitutional status to the state. They demanded national leadership for addrerssing such contradictions prevailing in the country.

Jora inaugurates auction of Padder sapphire

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 11: Minister for Industries and Commerce Nawang Rigzin Jora has said that Jammu and Kashmir had a huge potential of Sapphire (Neelam) in Paddar area of Kishtwar district, adding that the need of the hour was to promote its value by mining it out on proper modern scientific lines. He said that necessary steps were being taken in this regard.

The Minister was speaking at an inaugural function held for auctioning of famous sapphire (Neelam) mined out from Padder Kishtwar here today. The function was organized by the J&K Minerals Limited. About 70 members across the country participated in the auction. The auction process was held after gap of two decades.

The Minister said that auctioning these precious resources help to strengthen the economy of the state. He said that the potential of minerals is also available in Ladakh. He asked the concerned to work with utmost zeal and dedication so that more and more revenue targets would be achieved.

He said that the Sapphire put on auction after proper washing and assessing by the experts scientifically speaks about the high quality Sapphire available in the State. He asked the concerned to aware general masses about the Sapphire available in the State.

Commissioner/Secretary, Industries and Commerce Dr. Pawan Kotwal, Managing Director, and other senior officers of JK Minerals limited were also present on the occasion.

Artistes break the ice
Kashmiri play reiterates need for inter-community dialogue

By Ravinder Kaul

There have been quite a few occasions in the recent past when Kashmiri artistes, through their artistic creations, have attempted to highlight the need to initiate a process of dialogue between Kashmiri Muslims and Kashmiri Pandits. Release of two music albums last month, one by a group from Kashmir, urging the members of the minority community to return to their homeland and another by a Kashmiri artiste living in forced exile in Jaipur (Rajasthan), highlighting the yearning of the members of the community for their land of ancestors, are an indicator towards the fact that there is still a glimmer of hope that the members of both the communities can come to terms with their respective loss and at least sit together and talk. The play Zamaanay Pok Na Humdum, presented by Manasbal Dramatics, Safapora, Kashmir in Rang Pratibha, the Festival of Plays by young theatre directors being organised by Sangeet Natak Akademi, in association with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Abhinav Theatre here today, is another attempt to break the ice between the two communities.

The forced exodus of the entire community of Kashmiri Hindus from Kashmir Valley 18 years ago has left deep scars on the psyche of members of the displaced community. More than the physical and economic sufferings of the community during the period of exile, it is the feeling of ‘betrayal’ by their friends, neighbours and colleagues belonging to the majority community, at a time when they were being targeted by armed religious fanatics, aided and abetted by our belligerent neighbour, that has hurt them the most. The white lie spread by some interested groups among the majority community, that it was Jagmohan, the then Governor of the State, who coaxed the members of the community to leave their centuries old place of habitat with a promise of a tent and a few thousand rupees as relief, caused further damage. The fact that many among the majority community actually believed this preposterous lie resulted in the final break down of the possibility of a meeting ground between the two communities.

The title of today’s play has been derived from a popular Kashmiri song written by Ghulam Nabi Doolwal ‘Jaanbaaz Kishtwari’ and sung in a soulful voice by legendary singer Ghulam Hassan Sofi. The play begins with the migration of Pandits from Kashmir and projects the sufferings of the members of the community in exile. At the same time, the play also highlights the problems faced by the members of the majority community in the armed conflict between militants and the security forces. The role played by unscrupulous politicians in increasing the miseries of the masses by lining their own pockets has been included in the play.

The play concludes in a verbal encounter between members of the two communities trading charges against each other, which comes to an end with the dialogue of an abettor that he was prepared to continue the struggle till the last Kashmiri. The obvious reference here is towards the role of our neighboring country in the conflict. The members of both the communities realise the gravity of the situation but the play still has a question mark, formed by the artistes on stage, as the final outcome of the entire exercise, One is still not sure as to what will happen?

All the artistes were wearing symbolic costumes, a yellow robe and red trouser, with traditional Kashmiri headgear in similar colours. Ubaid Ahmed Wani, Syed Zubair Ahmed, veteran actor Rashid Ghamgeen and Suriya Khan impressed with their histrionics. The writer and the moving spirit behind the play Nisar Naseem has raised a significant issue through this play and has attempted to articulate the sufferings of common Kashmiris in the years of turmoil, highlighting the need to put our past behind the and initiate a dialogue process between members of the two communities. Ashiq Husain Manasbali, the young director of the play has exhibited his seriousness and deep understanding of theatre through this production. The concluding verbal duel was conceived as a Haenz fight, the fighting between the boatmen, rather boat-women, of Kashmir, who have developed such duels into a virtual art form. This and some similar scenes do denote a definite spark in him.

Jammu Kala Mandir presents its play Yatra on Wednesday. Varsha Dogra directs.

Lok Adalat held

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 11: Permanent Lok Adalat was organized today in the District Court Complex Kathua under the chairmanship Principal District & Sessions Judge Kathua.

For the amicable settlement of the cases referred to Lok Adalat, two benches of Presiding Officers were constituted. The first bench comprised of Principal District & Sessions Judge Kathua, S.K Jamwal who is also Chairman District Legal Services Authority Kathua and assisted by Additional District & Sessions Judge Kathua, Vinod Chatterjee Kaul.

Two bank cases were referred and taken up by this bench which were amicably settled by way of mediation, negotiation and conciliation.

The second bench was comprising of Chief Judicial Magistrate Kathua, V.S Bhau, District Mobile Magistrate Traffic, Kathua, S.S Bali and Munsif Judicial Magistrate Ist Class Kathua, O.P Thakur.

Two civil and 19 Criminal compoundable cases of different nature were referred and taken up by this bench and compounding fee of Rs. 13050 was realized.

The representatives of the banks, litigants and advocates attended the Lok Adalat.

The next Lok Adalat will be held on 27th of March, 2008 in the District Court Complex Kathua.

Doaba Group of Colleges signs MoU
with Wolverhampton varsity

Excelsior Correspondent

KHARAR, Mar 11: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between University of Wolverhampton, UK, and Doaba Group of Colleges for collaboration in the admission of the students for higher education, faculty exchange programme and joint research projects.

The MoU has opened a window of opportunity for students of Punjab region towards global world-class educational institutions. Wolverhampton University was represented by Principal Lecturer Jasbir Singh while Doaba Group of Colleges (DGC) was represented by chairman M S Baith, executive director Manjit Singh, MD S S Sangha.

Dr S S Wadhwa director DIET and Chief Administrator Jeet Singh of DGC facilitated the singing of MoU.

The MoU would cover admission of Diploma qualified students from DGC into the 4th semester of B Tech course of Wolverhampton University, UK; Admission of B Tech students of DGC who have cleared all the papers upto 6th semester into 4th year (7th semester) B Tech course of Wolverhampton University; admission of B Tech qualified students from DGC to M Tech programme of Wolverhampton University; and exchange of faculty between the two organizations on regular basis for specified period.

It was also agreed that Wolverhampton University would offer concession in tuition fees for students of DGC if they seek admission in group of 10 or more.

The MoU signing ceremony was attended among others by Dr V J Dhar, Col VK Sud, Ms Anamika Gupta as also Heads of different departments of DGC.

Man ends life

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 11: A middle aged man committed suicide by using his licensed gun at village Jandi in tehsil Hiranagar today.

The police said incident took place at around 6.30 am this morning. Din Dayal (45), son of Anchal Singh locked his room from inside, took out his .12 bore gun and fired a bullet on self which pierced through his neck. He was reportedly killed on the spot. The family members rushed in after hearing the sound of gun fire inside. Other villagers also assembled at the site after coming to know about the incident.

Hiranagar police party led by SHO, K D Bhagat reached and the door was broke opened. Body was shifted to hospital for post-mortem. A case was registered for investigation. Some family tension was said to be the reason behind the incident.

Gang of burglars busted, 3 held

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 11: District police Budgam has solved 17 broad daylight cases of burglary which took place in Hyderpora Peerbagh areas by arresting a gang of three burglars hailing from Mattan area of Anantnag.

Speaking in a Press Conference, SSP Budgam, Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari said that 17 broad daylight burglaries took place in Hyderpora Peerbagh area during last few months. In this regard Police painstakingly gathered the clues and busted a gang of burglars by arresting three persons.

He said that Police recovered 330 grams of gold ornaments worth Rs 4.5 Lakhs, some precious stones and a mobile set from them.

He identified the arrested burglars as Mudasir Ahmed Mir, son of Abdul Rehman, of Adar Gund Anantnag, Reyaz Ahmed Wagay, son of Ghulam Hassan Wagay, of Batpora Mattan Anantnag and Ishfaq Ahmed Lone, son of Mushtaq Ahmed Lone, an eighth class student.

He said that these burglars had the modus operandi of conducting reece of the area and identifying those houses where inmates used to remain out of the house, during the day.

After identifying such houses, they used to break into these houses in the broad daylight and decamp with precious items, he added.

SSP further revealed that the trio of Reyaz, Mudasir and Ishfaq then use to pass on the stolen items to one Mohammed Iqbal lone, son of Mohammed Ramzan, of Batpora Mattan Anantnag who then used to pass the stolen items to one Nazir Ahmed Khan, son of Ghulam Rasool, of Krungsoo Mattan Anantnag.

He said that Nazir Khan, alongwith his wife who acted as a conduit in selling the stolen items used to trade these stolen items with local goldsmith namely Sajjad Ahmed Zargar, son of Ghulam Hassan, of SK Colony Anantnag, proprietor Neelam Ornaments Cheeni Chowk Anantnag.

He further stated that the arrested burglars had earlier also been arrested by Anantnag police for the same acts. However, after their release, they again indulged in burglary in Hyderpora-Peerbagh area, he added.

Rail line survey sanctioned for Poonch, Kishtwar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: The survey for construction of Rail lines from Kathua to Kishtwar via Basohli-Bani-Bhaderwah and Jammu to Poonch via Akhnoor-Rajouri has been sanctioned in the Railway budget, which was passed in the Parliament today.

The approval is the outcome of efforts and representations on different occasions in Parliament by MP Kathua-Udhampur-Doda, Ch. Lal Singh and MP Jammu-Poonch, Madan Lal Sharma.

Union Minister for Railways, Lalu Prasad Yadav, while replying in the Parliament, appreciated the efforts of both the MPs, who raised the issue several times in the Parliament.

With the survey of these lines, the people of both the parliamentary constituencies will be benefitted, as after completion of Rail line their journey would become much easier.

Apart from it, some new trains have also been launched, including train from Kanpur to Jammu and Garib Rath from Jammu to Kathgodham via Haridwar and Dehradun. Also, the weekly Rajdhani Express will now run daily between Jammu and Delhi for the convenience of people of this region and tourists.

However, the proposal was also sanctioned for appointing local people on all the unmanned railway crossings enroute Jammu-Lakhanpur. Meanwhile, both the MPs Ch. Lal Singh and Madan Lal Sharma have thanked the Union Railway Minister for getting the proposals approved.

VHP, BD activists stage demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11: The activists of various Hindu organizations staged a demonstration here, today and torched the effigy of Government at City Chowk in protest against its failure to nab the culprits responsible for the murder of Mahant of Shiv Mandir.

Besides the activists of Vishav Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal, the workers of other Hindu organizations also participated in the demonstration which was led by VHP State chief, Dr Rama Kant Dubey.

The activists, while raising slogans against the Government blamed it for its failure in nabbing the culprits responsible for killing the Sadhu.

The demonstrators also criticized the Government for placing the SHO Bagh-e-Bahu police Station under suspension for launching a crusade against the smugglers of bovine animals from Jammu. They alleged that such an action on the part of the Government has emboldened the smugglers of bovine animals from Jammu region to Kashmir Valley. The demonstrators warned that Hindu organizations will not tolerate this at any cost and demanded immediate revocation of suspension order of SHO.

While strongly condemning the attack on Mahant Danish Bharti, they blamed the Police for giving safe passage to the culprits responsible for the assault on him.

Goswami visits Janipur, Sarwal quarters

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 11 : Principal Secretary to Chief Minister Anil Goswami today visited Janipur and Sarwal Government quarters.

He interacted with the families of the employees putting up in these quarters and enquired about the condition of the quarters and the facilities being provided to them.

He said that renovation work of old and dilapidated quarters would be done after Darbar Move and employees will have to hand over the keys to the Estates department for renovation of the quarters. He said beautification and creation of greeneries around the residential quarters would also be done. Besides, renovation the compound walls of the complex would also be taken up.