Uri elders meet Governor
Defeating terrorism imperative for stable South Asia: Sinha

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha today said that defeating the scourage of terrorism is imperative for peaceful co-existence and prosperity of South Asian region, as the cult of violence has taken heavy toll in India and Pakistan.

Interacting with a group of elders from the border tehsil of Uri on their return from Operation Sadhbavna, organized by the Dagger Division of the Army, the Governor said that India has been successfully facing the challenge of terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir while the country, which was the epicenter of international terrorism has itself become its victim and is desperately grappling with it.

General Sinha said that apart from military action against terrorism, "our invincible weapon for fighting this menace has been our unique and rich legacy of the spirit of Kashmiriyat. He said that the situation has improved considerably in the State though isolated incidents of violence continue to occur here and there. In this context, he referred to the killing of one and injuries to 17 innocent civilians in a blast in Srinagar yesterday.

The Governor had a special word of praise for the people and Security Forces who have been making great sacrifice for peace and prosperity in the State. He said the Army has always remained in the forefront to help civilian population when in distress. In this context, he drew the attention of the elders from Chauranda village of Uri tehsil to the great effort of the Army in saving the people and developing the devastated hamlet as a model village. 'While the people on borders appreciate the services being rendered by the Army, some people were indulging in orchestrated propaganda against them', he maintained.

The elders gave an account of the places they visited during their tour and the Governor kept educating them about their historical importance.

General Sinha also referred to the pluralistic ethos of India and said that Ajmer Sharief is visited and venerated by both Hindus and Muslims. Similarly, Shri Amarnathji yatra cannot be even thought about without the participation of Muslims. He said that another example of communal amity can be seen in Jhangar area in Jammu province where a Muslim Ziarat located adjacent to a Hindu Shrine is being looked after by the Hindus of the area.

Lal Din of Chauranda, who had lost his wife and two children in 2005 earthquake, informed how the Army had helped him to cope with the tragedy and rehabilitation of their village. Bashir Ahmed Mir of Tillawari exuded confidence that the people of Kashmir will overcome the challenge of terrorism unleashed from across the border and said that communal harmony is the best answer to fight the cult of violence.

The group, comprising 23 elders, visited Teen Murti, Nehru Planetorum, Mughal Gardens, North & South Blocks, Parliament House, India Gate, Jantar Mantar, Jamia Masjid, Red Fort, Raj Ghat, Pragati Maidan, Rail Museum and Qutab Minar in Delhi, Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Fatehpur Sikri and Jaipur besides visiting Dargah Moin-u-Din Chisti at Ajmer and Pushkar Mandir. They also had a ride on Delhi's craze –Metro.

Governor, CM greet people on Holi, Eid, Nauroz

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Governor Lt. Gen (Retd) S K Sinha has greeted the people of Jammu and Kashmir on the auspicious festivals of Holi, Nauroz and Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi. 

"These festivals falling on the same day is a good omen; I pray for peace and tranquility in the State, which has been a shinning example of pluralistic ethos", General Sinha said in a message.

Holi provides us an opportunity to break all barriers for sharing our joy, sentiments and good feelings and to spread happiness all around', the Governor said in a message, the festival as a part of our composite culture.

Extending Nauroz greetings, the Governor said that the day is being celebrated with religious fervour and piety from time immemorial, adding that the best way to observe such festivals is to strive for strengthening the foundations of the country's traditional unity and brotherhood.

In a message on Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi, the Governor described Islam as the religion of peace and said that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) throughout His life worked for equality, brotherhood and tranquility. 

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has felicitated the people on Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi, Holi and Nauroz, hoping that the auspicious occasions would prove to be harbingers of peace, progress and prosperity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a message the Chief Minister said that the festivals were an important component of the composite and rich cultural heritage of the State. He said such occasions strengthen bonds of love, affection and amity between various sections of the society and facilitate sharing of each others joy and happiness.

The Chief Minister said that it was a great occasion and coincidence that this year Eid-i-Milad-un-Nabi, Holi and Nauroz were being celebrated on the same day. He said it would help in further strengthening secular ethos for which the State was known all over the world.

Extending the Holi greetings to the people, the Chief Minister said the festival of colours was deep rooted in the culture of our people.

The Chief Minister also extended greetings to the people on Nauroz, saying the festival had both cultural and religious significance. The day, he said, was also observed as World Arbour Day

Peace process a ratification of coalition Govt policies: Baig

Excelsior Correspondent

Jammu, Mar 20: The Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig has said that the peace initiative undertaken by the Governments of India and Pakistan was outcome of the policies undertaken by the coalition partners, which was overwhelmingly ratified by the Centre, thereby the ongoing peace process for the resolution of Kashmir and other bilateral issues.

"For the past 5 years, the ground situation in the State vis-à-vis peace, polity, economy and other issues has undergone a sea change, which has prompted both the countries to look for ways and means to solve this issue", he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a mammoth gathering at Sheeri village of Baramulla district today.

Expressing hope that the peace process undertaken by India and Pakistan would start again after the formation of a government in Pakistan, Mr. Baig said everybody wants peace and it is an important parameter to push the sub-continent towards economic prosperity and building of bonds of friendship between the people of the both the countries. He said that the coming Assembly elections would also be very helpful in solving the long pending issue.

Referring to the proposal of opening various routes for easy access to the people living on both sides of LOC, Mr. Baig said that such a steps would also give a boost to the tourism sector of the State, which would give a boost to economy, horticulture and other allied sectors. It would also cater to the unemployment in the State, he added.

While referring to the mooted recruitment policy of the Government, the Deputy Chief Minister said that about 70,000 unemployed youth would be provided jobs upto June this year on a fast track basis, for which district boards would be constituted.

Earlier, the people of the whole area accorded Mr. Baig a rousing reception. MLC Mr. Basharat Bukhari also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the achievements undertaken by the Government for the betterment of the masses.

Creation of 17 Sub- Divisions, 50 Police Stations and 206 Police Posts sought
DGP Holds Darbar in PCR, puts forward
comprehensive expansion plan

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Mar 20: While thanking the Government of Jammu and Kashmir for enhancing ration money of the Jammu and Kashmir police personnel from Rs 450 to 600, the Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda has put forth a comprehensive programme of expansion and streamlining of all the wings of the Jammu and Kashmir Police so that a composite and modernized Police force is evolved in the State.

The DGP was addressing a massive Darbar of JK Police officers and jawans    at the Police Control Room lawns, this morning. He said that the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad had announced on Police Commemoration day in October last  that the Ration Money of the Police force will be enhanced.

Mr. Khoda said that the working of armourers in various units was streamlined to provide service of trained police personnel in each unit and recently orders in respect of 285 armourers was issued. In Photography cadre of J&K Police, he revealed that matter for up-gradation of 25 posts of Head Constable as ASIs was taken up with the Government to facilitate promotion of Head Constables as ASIs, who are presently stagnant for over 20 years in one rank.

Director General of Police stated that augmentation of CID wing by way of creation of 3470 posts in different ranks including 12 Superintendents of Police, 19 DySPs , 67 Inspectors, 195 sub Inspectors, 102 ASIs,  650 HCs, 52 SgCts, 2296 Constables, 37 Followers, 02 Chief Prosecuting officers, 06 Sr. Prosecuting officer and 22  Prosecuting officer is being done at the earliest.

Regarding Traffic Police, he said that 1496 posts for re-organization of Traffic Police are being added regarding which the proposal has already been okayed by the State Finance Department and final orders are awaited.

He revealed that 17 Sub- Divisions, 50 Police Stations and 206 Police Posts are being created and sanction of 4191 posts for new as well as existing old districts is being sought.  He said that the issue is on priority of the Government which will have an additional DIG, 10 Superintendents of Police, 18 DySPs, 87 Inspectors, 255 sub Inspectors, 307 ASIs, 437 HCs, 79 SgCts, 2690 Constables, 215 Followers, 09 Dy. Chief Prosecuting officers, 16 Sr. Prosecuting officer, 18 prosecuting officers, 08 Medical Assistants,  08 Accounts Officers and 16  Nursing Orderlies.

Mr Khoda  disclosed that a separate Combatized Medical Services for Jammu and Kashmir  Police is also being created for specialized medical treatment in cases of extreme emergency. He said that creation of 3334 posts for Railway Security is also under way. 01 DIG, 03 SPs, 10 DySPs, 17 Inspectors, 113 Sub- Inspectors, 181 ASIs, 382 Head constables, 35 SgCts, 2429 Constables, 145 Followers, 03 Medical Officers, 06 Medical Assistant and 09 Nursing orderlies will be posted in this.

He stated that the Government has already given nod to the proposal, which is currently under consideration of the Railway Board.

3 SRTC leaders released, strike in Kashmir goes on

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Mar 20: While about half of the SRTC workers have resumed their duties in Jammu, three top union leaders- Chairman Shakeel Ahmed Kuchey, president -Ashok Mehra and another from Kashmir were released by police late last evening.

In Kashmir, the strike of the workers was going on and employees held protest demonstration even today at the main SRTC Yard at Srinagar. The entire fleet remain off the road in Kashmir while the Corporation vehicles plied on Jammu-Srinagar, Jammu-Katra, Poonch, Rajouri, Doda and inter-state routes.

Shakeel Ahmed Kuchey claimed that in Kashmir not even single employee has resumed duty. He said the claim of the Managing Director that fifty have joined duty was false. Mr Kuchey said Kashmir leadership was not opposed to the dialogue process with Government but due to the mischief of some bureaucrats the agreement was breached.

The employees lost faith after some one in the Management tampered with the signed agreement document. The meeting was held with the Transport Minister in very congenial atmosphere. He said in Jammu also many employees were still on strike and only some of them joined hands with MD and resumed duty. He claimed that strike was still on and the Corporation was not fully functional despite claim of the management. Mr Kuchey alleged that Union leaders were implicated in false cases and were granted bail.

Legal Meterology team realises fine of Rs 9700

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Enforcement staff of Legal Meterology department, Jammu inspected several trading establishments at Samba, Bari Brahmana, Gangyal and Chatha on Wednesday and booked six parties for default.

A team of the department led by Assistant Controller, Jammu after receiving several complaints launched inspection of several premises and imposed on the spot fine of Rs 9700 on the five establishments. A firm, Biotic Parma at Phase-III, Gangyal which deals in supply of drugs for animals and makes supplies to Government departments and open market was not challaned on the spot, keeping in view the sensitivity of drugs manufactured for use of lives. The balances used by the firm, belonging to one Kapil Koul, were seized by the team.

It was advised by the department to the consumers not to use drugs of this firm for the time being as their salts may vary in weight composition than the marked on the drug packages as the same are manufactured by using un-verified balances. The seized samples were sent to the laboratory.

Shiv Kumar Sharma pays tributes to his illustrious father

By Ravinder Kaul

It was an illustrious son paying tributes to an equally illustrious father. Santoor maestro Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma paid obeisance here today to his father and Guru Pandit Uma Dutt Sharma, one of the pioneers of classical music in Jammu.

In a programme, organised by the family members and disciples of Pandit Uma Dutt Sharma at the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, Jammu University, rich tributes were paid to his memory. Speaking on the occasion, Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma said that it was because of the far sighted vision of his father that Santoor, which was till then only an instrument used by Sufiana musicians of Kashmir, could be brought into the fold of Indian classical music.

‘At a time when there were no Padma Awards and when performing over the Radio was the only litmus test of the class of a musician, his father was a regular performer over the Lahore station of All India Radio’, Sharma recalled. He lamented the fact that there was no recording of his father available in the All India Radio archives, an organisation that he served for many years as a music producer.

Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma also expressed his desire to set up a Foundation in the memory of Pandit Uma Dutt, in which training in Guru Shishya parampara would be given to the deserving students of music. This would be a befitting tribute to his father who, besides imparting training, was routinely helping his needy disciples financially also, he said.

Earlier, the programme began with lighting of the ceremonial lamp, after which floral tributes were paid at the portrait of Pandit Uma Dutt. Nilamber Dev Sharma recalled his association with Pandit Uma Dutt and highlighted his contribution towards promotion and propagation of classical music in Jammu. A contemporary of Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan, Pandit Uma Dutt’s insistence on staying put in Jammu was the only reason that he did not reach out to a larger audience inspite of his immense talent and mastery, he said.

The disciples of Pandit Uma Dutt were felicitated on the occasion. These included Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, Dr. Karan Singh (in absentia), Mool Raj, Om Prakash Dogra, Praduman Singh, Sudarshan Kour Kirti, K.L.Verma, Lakshmi Kant Joshi, Mangal Singh, Chandu Lal and Hans Raj.

A scintillating concert by Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma was the major highlight of the programme in which he also presented a Bandish of his father and Guru in Raga Kedaar. Earlier, he presented Raga Yaman in Dhrupad style. In this he was accompanied by Bhawani Shankar on Pakhawaj. Yogesh Samsi on Tabla and K.L.Verma on Tanpura were the other accompanists. Shiv Kumar Sharma also presented a Dadra in Raga Kaunsi Dhwani and later, on the insistent demand of the audience, he culminated the recital with a Pahari Dhun.

The programme was presided over by Prof. Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, Jammu University and Gulchain Singh Charak, Minister for Higher Education was the Chief Guest. The programme was also attended by Mangat Ram Sharma, Minister for Health and Medical Education, Jugal Kishore Sharma, Minister for Roads and Buildings, Chaman Lal Gupta, former Union Minister of State and Ashok Khajuria, State BJP President among others.

Jammu people denied equity, justice: Bhim

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Mar 20: National Panthers Party chairman, Prof Bhim Singh today alleged that Azad Government has denied justice and equity to the people from Jammu region.

Addressing a large gathering here while completing his Silver Jubilee Kafila today, NPP leader condemned the Ghulam Nabi Azad led Coalition Government for denying justice to the people of Jammu region. He said there was no end to the sufferings of the people of Jammu. A large number of migrants from Doda, Mahore, Budhal and Rajouri area of Jammu region were shabbily treated by the Government which is clear HR violation and grave injustice. He said Panthers waged a war with the Government for providing them justice.

Appreciating the role of army and security forces in the State, Prof Bhim Singh declared that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have no grudge against Army but is strongly opposed to the communal, corrupt and authoritarian leadership who have been ruling the State by force and coercion.

NPP leader also appealed the Pakistani president, Gen Parvez Musharraf to release Sarabjeet Singh who has been in the condemned cell for the last 16 years. He said Musharraf should not forget that more than 150 militants have been released and sent back to Pakistan by Indian Government on the direction of Supreme Court. He expected General Musharraf to reciprocate the act.

Senior vice president and MLA Chenani Faqir Nath, general secretary Anita Thakur, Sarpanch Shanker Dass Dogra and others also spoke on the occasion. A PDP leader from Reasi Pushpinder Singh also joined NPP along with his supporters during the function today.

Sena activists protest Sarabjeet’s hanging

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Activists of Shiv Sena Hindustan (J&K) held demonstration here today against Pakistani authorities for issuing death warrant to innocent Indian, Sarabjeet Singh hailing from Punjab.

Sena activists under the leadership of Dimple Kohli, its president, assembled at Indira Chowk here and held demonstration against the Pakistani authorities and burnt the effigy of Parvez Musharraf. They also burnt the Pakistani flag and criticised the Indian Government for not taking desired action against the people who attacked Parliament of India, killing so many securitymen.

Sena activists also raised slogans against Pakistani president and criticised Indian Government for its very soft attitude towards terrorists. The youth Sena activists also burnt the effigy of Indian Government and demanded that Afzal Guru and his men, who attacked Indian Parliament be hanged before Ist of April.

Mr Kohli said that innocent Indian, Sarabjeet Singh was being hanged by Pakistani authorities after mistaken identity in a blast case. Sena leader asked the Indian Government to forcefully take up the issue with the Pakistani authorities and save innocent person.

Vikas Dewan, Deepak Chaudhary, Raj Kumar and Shiv Kumar also addressed the gathering.

YWAIKS demands KPs share in employment

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Youth Wing All India Kashmiri Samaj (YWAIKS) has demanded that displaced Kashmiri Pandit youth be given their due share in Government jobs.

"The Government should give us our legitimate share in the jobs", said R K Bhat president, YWAIKS while talking to mediapersons here,today.

While hailing the Government decision regarding the payment of relief in favour of the bifurcated ration card holders, he said our struggle will not end here and the orgnisation will launch a decisive battle for seeking its due share for the KP youth in Government jobs.

Mr Bhat,who gave one month’s ultimatum to Government in this regard said in case no positive steps were taken by it (Government) by April 20, his organization will launch agitation from that day.

He said YWAIKS is not for any special employment package for the community but it demands its due share of last 18 years in recruitments launched by the State Government through fast track district recruitment boards.

He said as the displaced Pandits figure no where in the recruitment districts in Kashmiri Valley or Jammu, the Government should accord two districts status to entire displaced population and sanction funds accordingly for their welfare.

He said 15,000 Pandit employees retired during the turmoil period and the share of the KPs in Government services is negligible due to apathy of the State Government.

Making a scathing attack on the State and Central Governments, Mr Bhat said they have no policy on the rehabilitation of displaced Pandits in the Valley.

He also warned those leaders who are exploiting the community youth on the name of elections by taking a wrong advantage of their desperation.

NC women wing organizes function

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: The women wing of National Conference organized a function under its provincial president Bimla Luthra at Kalyana in R S Pura.

Large women folk besides rank and file of the party and other party leaders participated in the function.

Addressing the function, Luthra called upon the women folk to come forward and strengthen the party and its leadership. She said, "NC is the only premier political party in the State which represents the aspirations of people of all the three regions of the State".

She said women shouldn’t restrict themselves only to their home and kitchen, but come forward and work shoulder to shoulder with men in every field.

On the occasion, she distributed bed sheets and blankets among the poor and needy. Among others who were also present included Ranjit Singh Chib, Satwant Kour, Rita Gupta and Veena Oberoi etc.

Sadhotra charges Govt with ignoring women folk

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: National Conference provincial president and MLA Marh, Ajay Sadhotra today charged State Government with ignoring the women folk and turning a mute spectator to their genuine grievances.

Sadhotra said this while addressing a day long women’s conference held at Halka under his assembly constituency. The conference was held under the chairmanship of NC leader Darshana Bhagat.

Sadhotra further said that poor deserving people have been ignored while making list of Below Poverty Line (BPL) families especially in his constituency. "The schemes which are coming for poverty alleviation are not percolating down below, as the funds are being bungled and corruption is sky high", he added.

Highlighting the woes of women, he said that female folk in the State was facing lot of hardships on several fronts but the Government was least bothered about them.

Several women leaders also addressed the conference on the occasion. Among those also present included Baldev Singh, Gasita Ram, Jagdish Raj Numbardar, Charanjit Singh, Master Milkhi Ram, Vijay Lochan, Raj Kumari, Kanta Sharma, Swarna Sharma, Sunita Devi, Muni Devi, Surjit Kour, Manjit Kour, Kartaro Devi, Prito Devi etc.

Ford Fiesta beats its own record

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Ford Fiesta today beat its own record by covering a distance of 996.7 kms by using only 29.8 litres of diesel giving an average of 33.4 km per litre to the vehicles, a press note of company claimed here today.

Earlier record of the car set by autocar is 31.48 km per litre which is entered in Limca book of record.

According to press note, the Ford India teamed up with Autocar to complete the Banglore to Mumbai drive through bumpy roads and traffic chaos in less than a tank of fuel. Autocar India’s team of three drivers drove Ford Fiesta 1.4 litre Duratorq TDCI diesal from Bangalore to Mumbai on February this year.

A teamm of experts from Ernst and Young and Motor Sports Association of India supervised and audited the challenge. Recording an average speed of 46.5kmh, the Fiesta took 24 hours and 20 minutes to cover the distance.

The company claimed that Ford Fiesta is a fantastic product with the most advance technology consisting of TDCI Duratorq Engine.

The model of car is also available at Ford Dealership at Akhnoor road Jammu

Police arrests four thieves, stolen items recovered

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Kahna Chak Police arrested four thieves involved in two theft cases during the intervening night of March 9 and 10 and February 13 and 14.

Reports revealed that two theft cases were reported at migrant camp Mishriwala and Chak Mahani near Baba Talab Mishriwala under the jurisdiction of Police Station Kahna Chak.

The police swung into action and SSP Jammu constituted a team of police officers and officials headed by SDPO Akhnoor. SHO Kahna Chak Ravinder Singh Rakwal personally investigated the case and after series of raids at different places succeeded in arresting four thieves namely Hira Lal, Sonu Kumar, Darshan Lal and Pappu Ram, all residents of village Dhayaran.

The accused persons confessed their crime and stolen property was recovered from their possession, which included two LPG cylinders, two television sets, one motor and an iron rod.

The thieves are being questioned to know about their other associated activities. Further investigations were on and the police expects more recoveries.

20,000 youth to get jobs within 3-months: Vakil

Excelsior Correspondent

Anantnag, Mar 20 : Social Welfare Minister and Senior Vice President JKPCC Abdul Gani Vakil has said that Congress president Sonia Gandhi was keen to strengthen Congress party in Kashmir valley to consolidate the relationship and emotional attachment of Kashmiris with nation and Nehru family.

Addressing a public meeting at Y. K. Pora in Anantnag district today, the Minister said that statements indicating that Sonia ji was not interested in strengthening the party in valley was showing the level of frustration of her detractors in view of growing popularity of Azad led Government in the state.

Mr.Vakil said that no regional party can claim credit to derive political mileage from opening trans LoC links like Jehlum Valley and Rawalakot-Poonch roads as these decisions were taken by Congress led UPA Government.

The Minister said that Government was serious to tackle unemployment in the state. He said over 20,000 youth would be appointed as class IV and casual labourers within three months in different departments through innovative fast-track recruitment mechanism.

Among others, Vice President State PCC Bashir Ahmad Magray, Youth Congress President Mohammad Amin Bhat and General Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Jan spoke on the occasion.

NABARD sanctions Rs 94 Cr for 124 PHE
projects in J&K: Dilawar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20 : National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has sanctioned loan assistance of over Rs 94 crore for 124 PHE projects in Jammu and Kashmir for current financial. Of these 48 projects estimated to cost about Rs 55.69 crore pertains to Kashmir division whereas 76 projects costing Rs 38.39 crore are for Jammu division.

This was revealed at a high level meeting held under the chairmanship of Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control, Mohammad Dilawar Mir here last evening to review status of various PHE schemes in the State.

Principal Secretary, Planning and Development department Mohammad Iqbal Khanday, Principal Secretary PHE, A. K. Angurana, Principal Secretary Finance, B. B. Vyas, Secretary Power, Mr. Basharat Ahmad Dar, Chief Engineer PHE, Jammu V. K. Goswami, Chief Engineer PHE, Kashmir G. M. Dar, Director Planning Shugufta Parveen, Deputy General Manager NABARD Mr. Munish and other concerned officers and engineers were present at the meeting.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister impressed upon the engineers to expedite work on various ongoing water supply schemes so that people in general are benefited as quickly as possible.

The Minister instructed both the Chief Engineers to complete ambitious Sitlee water supply phase II in Jammu and Rangil phase II and Doodganga water supply schemes within stipulated time frame of June this year.

JKNDF holds meeting

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 20: Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front (JKNDF) in a meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of its working president, A K Dewani deliberated upon the announcement made by the Government for the rehabilitation package for the Kashmiri Hindu migrants.

The meeting took a serious notice of the delay in announcing and implementing the package which should be respectful and with the purpose of permanent rehabilitation of the migrants back in the Valley.

The meeting said apart from providing accommodation at secured places in well planned manner, the package should also take care of acute unemployment problem faced by the community youth, education of children, restoring of agriculture lands, orchards, according minority status to Kashmiri Hindus and share in the governance at various levels.

The meeting, while demanding creation of special economic zones for the assured economic priority said without creating carrier prospects for the youth, any rehabilitation package will be meaningless as otherwise the youth will be looking for greener pastures outside the Valley.

It also demanded that after the allotments of quarters at Muthi, Battal Ballian and Purkhoo, the preference should be given to the migrants living in Kathua, Mishriwala and Nagrota camps.

The meeting was also addressed by Vijay Chiken, Rajinder Koul, Amit Koul, N J Raina and R K Sehgal.