"Star Voice of India" champion thanks J&K People
Ishmeet ready for next challenge
"Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar"

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: "Star Voice of India" Ishmeet Singh, a Ludhiana lad today admitted tough days ahead, as he will now compete with the best in the business to prove his mettle in Star’s another proposed musical reality show "Jo Jeeta Wohi Superstar".

Singh, who is on "thanks giving visit" to the City of Temples along with his family, disclosed that Star will rope in the winners of previous musical reality shows like Abhishek Sawant (Indian Idol fame) to make the event a grand competition.

He further informed that the shooting for the event will start from April 6 and relay of the same is likely to be done from April 15.

The 18 year old Punjabi lad, who hit headlines after being crowned "Star Voice of India" after a tough competition, thanked the people of the State for their continuous love and support throughout his campaign, during an interaction programme at Diva, an apparel showroom at Gandhi Nagar.

"I continue to receive lot of calls from this part of the country and sometime I fail to respond properly due to my busy recording schedule in Mumbai but, I am highly thankful to my friends, as they played important role in my success", Singh expressed.

"It was my desire to visit Jammu and all those other places from where I got plenty of love and support to express my gratitude towards them. This is just a beginning and I will need the support and love of people throughout", he further said.

He apprised that currently he is busy with the recording of his upcoming albums with renowned singers of Bollywood. Apart from it, he is also holding plenty of offers and the best among them was from Mahesh Bhatt, however, the plan has not been elaborated as yet.

Ishmeet is also scheduled to go on a World Tour across 50 cities in different continents in a span of four months.

Meanwhile, his father Gurpinder Singh, mother Amritpal Kour and sister Sumeet Kour, who are also accompanying him, expressed gratitude towards people of this region for supporting Ishmeet during the critical stage of the competition.

His father, however, asserted that all of the sudden things got changed for the entire family, as this time their visit is altogether different due to the name and fame earned by his son. "I am enjoying each and every moment of this visit and it is really proud to be called Ishmeet’s father", he added.

His sister also felt the difference, as her last visit to this city to her maternal aunt’s (two years back) was rather a low key affair but, this time people all around made her feel the brightness of Ishmeet.

Earlier, the family arrived here in the morning and paid obeisance at Nanak Nagar Gurudwara and interacted with the "Sangat" there.

30 protesters arrested, released
33-day long SRTC workers’ strike goes on

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR/ JAMMU, Mar 22: While 30 protest marchers, including some leaders of State Road Transport Corporation and other trade unions were arrested by police in Jammu, a complete strike of the SRTC employees continued on the 33rd day in Kashmir region of the State today.

In Kashmir, many employees organisations including various bodies of PSUs observed strike in support of SRTC workers who are on agitational path demanding release of their five months salary. They received tremendous support of the employees of various government departments. Entire fleet remained off the road in the region.

In Jammu, a group of SRTC employees associated with Shakeel Ahmed Kuchey and Ashok Mehra took out a protest march from Bikram Chowk. Today many leaders and executive committee members of various employees organisations/ corporations joined protest march. When they were moving towards Press Club of Jammu, Nearly thirty activists including leaders were arrested. Most of them were however, released in the afternoon. Three SRTC leaders were still in police custody.

Chairman of the SRTC Employees Union Mr Kuchey alleged that three leaders of the SRTC Union including Farooq Ahmed, Deedar Singh and Munir Ahmed were still in police custody despite the fact that they had obtained anticipatory bail up to March 24. Their bail was rejected by police. He further alleged that 33-day long strike was going on and bureaucracy was behind the delay in resolving the issue. He alleged that contracts of plying Schools and BEACON have already gone out of the hand of SRTC as per some internal conspiracy and now Army and Food & Supplies contract is also going out of the hand of Corporation. The Chief Minister should see the conspiracy behind it and those behind the scene are needed to be exposed. He sought the intervention of Chief Minister to resolve the issue as their families were suffering a lot.

Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal J&K, has condemned the Government for conducting raids on the SRTC employees union leaders and other workers for harassing their families. Gurdev Singh and Dayal Singh Wazir leaders of the SAD demanded immediate release of salary and COLA of the Corporation employees.

Exploring early warning system stressed
Governor praises Army role in 2005 earthquake

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: Governor Lt Gen (Retd )S K Sinha today said Army has done a splendid job by reaching out to the suffering people during 2005 earth-quake in the State and provided needed succour to them.

Gen Sinha said this while inaugurating a 2-day international workshop on Kashmir Earthquake and After, jointly organized by Universities of Kashmir and Jammu, here this morning.

Gen Sinha recalled that though devastation was on much higher scale across the border, epicentre of earthquake being Muzaffrabad, Pakistani Army did not move out because of their mindset, fearing that india might launch an offensive as tremours had left their defence line in shambles.

Gen Sinha said Army was all out and did whatever it could do for the people in distress as soldiers kept round the clock Langers so that no quake-hit person could die of hunger.

Gen Sinha however lamented that not much far from the affected border areas, a few people in Srinagar with a peculiar mind-set indulged in a vilification campaign against the Army, while the role was still vivid in the minds of people in earthquake hit areas.

Urging geologists to join hands for exploring possibilities of reducing damages during such calamities, the Governor said this could be achieved by a multi-pronged strategy to be adopted for early warnings, precautions and relief and rescue measures.

He said predicting earthquakes might appear to be Utopian at present but it was not beyond realm of reality. Similarly the people have to be educated on precautions to be taken during earthquakes, he said, adding that disaster management forms an important segment of the strategy.

In his welcome address, Prof Amitabh Mattoo, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu described the year 2005 as worst ever in the State, as its impact was devastating. He said University of Jammu had sent two teams with relief material to Tangdhar and Uri besides Poonch. He said the natural calamity also unfolded a new era of cooperation between India and Pakistan, as some points at LoC were opened for the benefits of the suffering people.

Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof Riyaz Punjabi also stressed for sensitizing the people about the earthquake and suggested two-pronged strategy for reducing the havoc caused by such natural calamities.

Largest flower garden thrown open

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: Perhaps the city of temples is now being best christened as the Garden city, with the largest seasonal flower garden of the country coming up at the suburbs of the town at Bhour camp.

The seasonal garden based on the pattern of one situated at Netherland in Europe, is spread over an area of 563 kanals of land amidst serene surroundings, with a rivulet flowing on the one side and green pastures on the other. Yet another significant aspect of the garden is its apt location at the suburb. While for the rustic and farming community living adjoining the garden site, it is one of the best relaxing and entertainment spot for the those trying to escape for the hectic rush of the city life, the garden offers ample view of the rustic and calm life wherein one can also experience the solitude bliss.

Detailing about the present composition of the varities in the garden, Director floriculture K. K. Sharma said that over 20 seasonal species have been planted in the garden which range from the crysanthenum, petunia, phlox, iceplant, verseania and dianthus, marigold, corpois, arhrruhinan, penzy, sweetvolen, et al. He said the significant aspect of these varities is their colour composition and contrasts which gives a unique rainbow spectrum to it.

The seasonal garden being the brain child of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is himself an acknowledged expert in gardening practices, Mr Sharma said that the garden also provides an examplary motivation for the farmers with marginal land holdings. He said cut flowers are in great demand these days and with the prices for these exceptional varieties the garden offers ample scope for progressive farmers as also the researchers of the subject. He said those planning to do reserch works in botanical sciences, the garden is again a boom area for them.

Chhewang reviews Centrally sponsored schemes

Excelsior Correspondent

LEH, Mar 22: The District Vigilance and Monitoring Committee Leh today reviewed the various schemes being taken under Central sponsored funds.

The meeting was chaired by Member Parliament, Thupstan Chhewang, who is also the chairman of the committee. The meeting was the first one to be held in Leh.

The schemes reviewed included Sampuran Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY), Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), Rural Sanitation Programme, Swaranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGRY), Watershed Development Programme, Hariyali Programme and Prime Minister Gramin Sarak Yojana (PMGSY).

The meeting was attended by Chief Executive Councillor Leh, Chhering Dorje, Executive Councillors Tsering Norboo Lampa, Dorje Mutup, Tsewang Rigzin, Mohd. Khan and the nominated members of the committee. Also present included Deputy Commissioner Leh, M K Bhandari, Project Director DRDA, Ali Raza besides heads of concerned executing agencies.

The Deputy Commissioner, who is also the member secretary of the committee, gave a detailed resume of the Centrally sponsored schemes taken in Leh during last few years.

However, the MP stressed over the need to constantly monitor the schemes to identify and plug loop holes while executing them.

The CEC Leh said the rural development schemes were being carried in Leh in most transparent way and stressed upon the executing agencies to complete the schemes in stipulated time against the targetted budget.

Seerat conference held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: Seerat Conference, the main function of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (PBUH) was held at Jamia Masjid, Talab Khatikan, here yesterday under the auspices of Anjuman Islah-ul-Muslimeen, Jammu, in which students from different Madaris participated.

Prominent Ulemas included Maulana Khalid Nadvi (Lucknow), Maulana Ghulam Qadir, Mohtimim, Jamia Zia-ul-Uloom Poonch and Member All India Muslim Personal Law Board and Mufti-e-Azam Punjab who all spoke on the life of Prophet (PBUH) and described His advent as a Godly gift to the human kind, 1400 years ago, when soil of Arab was plagued with different social ills and the emergence of Prophet heralded a new era of peace, human dignity and respect.

The speakers specifically highlighted the last sermon of Prophet on the occasion of last Haj, where He preached that there is no difference between the black and white and the Arab and non-Arab. They added that the Prophet laid special emphasis on the rights of women and elevated their status in the society.

The competitions were held for students in Seerat, Naat Khwani and speeches and the respective winners were awarded, which was followed by Langer and Shabeels as also chilled water for the gathering during the function. The programme consisted of three sessions which started at 9 am and concluded at 10.30 pm.

Boy arrested after girl commits suicide

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 22: The police arrested a youth after the girl committed suicide blaming her lover for the extreme step in Basohli area of district Kathua last evening.

A police spokesman said that young Sushma (19), daughter of Bodh Raj, resident of village Marha Patti near Basohli, consumed some poisonous substance at Haribagh near her village on Friday. She was found in serious condition by some villagers and shifted to Basohli hospital.

The police also rushed to the hospital after it came to know about the incident. The parents had also reached there. In her dying declaration, the girl alleged that she was in love with Rajiv Kumar, son of Mohan Lal, resident of Mahanpur. She had affair with him since school days. For the last few days, the boy was not talking to her and even had refused the marriage proposal. This was the main reason behind the step. They had also conversation on mobile phones on Friday.

She stated to police that youth’s non-responsive attitude was the reason behind the act. While the girl died after some time in hospital, the police arrested the youth and started investigation. A case under Section 306 RPC was registered in this connection.

Following police action, boy’s family members, supported by other villagers sat on dharna on Basohli-Mahanpur road to lodge their protest today. They alleged that Rajiv was being falsely implicated. SP Kathua reached the spot and pacified the irate public and later dharna was lifted.

VKWS holds meeting, triennial election

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: The Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Welfare Society (VKWS) today held its annual general body meeting and triennial elections.

First lady of the State and chief patron of the society, Mrs. Premini Sinha presided over the meeting. It is to mention that VKWS supports the education of 773 under privileged children.

Addressing the meeting, Mrs. Sinha exhorted upon all the members to motivate people to come forward and serve the children who were in need of care and protection.

On the occasion, homage was paid to the former chief patron of the society, late Mrs. Radha Rao.

Meanwhile, those elected to the managing body of the society included Prof. Ved Kumari Ghai as president, Sneh Chopra as working president, Prof. Ramnika Jalali as vice president, Prof. Kusum Gupta as secretary, Kailash Gupta as deputy secretary, Ruby Sharma as joint secretary and Prof. Indira Rathore as treasurer.

The working committee members included Neeta Mehta, Dr. Kiran Sharma, Nirmal Ogra, Nirmal Mahajan, Veena Sharma, Sukriti Choudhary, Navneet Kaur, Dr. Sushma Gupta, Prof. Ved Prakash and Dr. D K Gupta.

Case registered against fake finance company

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: Crime Branch Kashmir today registered a case against non banking finance company and presented a charge sheet in the court. The company was operating on the pretext of providing higher interest rates, a police press note stated here today.

According to police, the case was registered under FIR number 38/02 and 07/03 against one Ahmed Sheikh son of Habibullah and resident of Rambeer Singhpora, Anantnag and Majeed Ganie son of Abdul Gani and resident of Zamalgam Dooru - both owner of fake finance company namely J&K Golden Farms Company limited.

After receiving huge amounts from general public on lucrative offers, only a meagre amount was returned to them, police said and added that total amount seized from the accused party was more than 40 lakh rupees.

ARTO Sopore employees chargesheeted

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 22: Crime Branch Kashmir has presented charge sheet against owner of an motor agency and two employees of ARTO Sopore in a case of fraudulent registration of a stolen vehicle.

As per report, one Mohammad Maqsood Khan, son of late Mehar Ali of Delina Baramulla purchased a Maruti 800 Car bearing registration No. JK05-0058 from Irshad Motors, Barzulla under an exchange offer.

Later, Maqsood Khan while selling the vehicle to a third person, who confirmed the status of vehicle from NCRB, came to know that vehicle was a stolen one. On receipt of this complaint case FIR No 09/03 was registered in Crime Branch Kashmir and investigation taken up.

During the course of investigation, it was unfurled that the said vehicle was stolen from Geeta Colony, New Delhi and a FIR stood lodged there in this regard. It was also established that Irshad Ahmed (owner of Irshad Motors), son of Mohd Shafi of Jawahar Nagar had fraudulently stolen this vehicle.

It was also found that Irshad got the vehicle registered fraudulently with the help of the then ARTO Sopore Badruddin, son of Mohammed Akram of Charar-i-Sharief in league with his subordinate inspector Sheikh Mohd Shafi, son of Ghulam Mohd of Tulsi Bagh.

One killed, four injured in two separate mishaps

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: A teen-aged boy was killed and four others sustained injuries in two separate road accidents at different places in Jammu division.

One teen-aged boy got killed on the spot and another person suffered injuries when a mini-bus-bus No. JK02AE 7202, in which they were travelling skidded off the road and turned turtle near Paloura, Akhnoor road under jurisdiction of Domana Police Station this afternoon.

The ill-fated vehicle was on its way from Jammu to Mishriwalla. The police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured person, namely Krishan Ji Bhat of Muthi Camp to GMC hospital. The body of the boy was also shifted to GMC hospital where his identity was established as Akash Pandita (14) son of Rattan Lal Pandita, resident of Sai Rakwala in Pouni Chak area.

In another accident one defeated MLA identified as Krishan, son of Munshi Ram of Samroli and his PSO namely Mangat Ram and truck driver Ram Dayal suffered injuries when the truck No JK02D 2165 in which they were travelling skidded off the road and rolled down near Chinar under the jurisdiction of Police Station Rehmbal in Udhampur district. The police shifted the injured persons to district hospital Udhampur with the help of local people.

Rs 8 cr ITC being set up at HMT: Qarra
Govt committed to sustainable, equitable development

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Mar 22 : An Industrial Training Centre is being set up at Zainakote HMT Srinagar shortly. To be spread over an area of 50 kanals, the ITC will cost Rs 8 crore.

Minister for Finance, Housing and Urban Development Tariq Hameed Qarra disclosed this while inspecting the proposed site. He said the Centre will comprise three blocks and will have accommodation for 400 trainees. Training in 20 crafts and skills would be given. Mr Qarra who was accompanied by Minister for Technical Education and Youth Services and sports, Haji Nissar Ali said that facility of primary health centre and play field besides mosque would be made available in the ITC Complex.

Director Technical Education, Syed Fazal-ulah , Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Aijaz Iqbal and senior officers of Youth Services and Sports department accompanied the Minister .

Later, the Minister inspected the proposed land for play field at Malabagh Shoru (Dargah) which is being developed on modern lines on 22 kanals of land. Rs 40 lakh are proposed to be spent on it. He announced Rs 10 lakh on spot in the first phase for development of play ground.

Addressing a public meeting at Malabagh Shoru, Finance Minister said the coalition Government has taken various decisions for ensuring sustainable and equitable development of all the three regions of the State. He said what the previous governments could not do in 30 years, the present Government did it just in over five years adding that numerous welfare projects were under execution which on completion would change the development scenario in the State. He called upon the people to remain vigilant against the machinations of vested interests who create hurdles in the development process.

Haji Nisar Ali also spoke on the occasion.

Keep Assembly seats in Jammu,
Kashmir in 50:50 ratio: Bhim

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: National Panthers Party (NPP) chairman, Prof Bhim Singh (MLC) has demanded that Assembly seats in Kashmir and Jammu regions be kept in the ratio of 50:50 and there should be equal distribution of funds in both the regions.

Addressing media-persons after working committee meeting of the party on the occasion of Silver Jubilee Prof Singh said that a 21-point resolution was passed in the working committee demanding equal distribution of Assembly seats, funds and providing political powers to the people from all the region so as to end the domination of one region in the State.

Prof Singh said the resolution strongly recommended the constitution of provincial legislative assemblies for each province which should also be competent to look after the matters included in the state list. Besides, there should be federal assembly, comprising of all the members of provincial assemblies which will take care of intra-provincial subjects.

In the resolution the working committee also urged the Government of India to withdraw its campaign from the United Nations which was filed in 1948 against Pakistan’s invasion on Jammu and Kashmir. He said this would end all the issues being raised by the enemies of India in the name of so called dispute with Pakistan vis-a-vis J&K.

The committee sought safe and honourable return of Kashmiri Pandits to Kashmir valley, providing relief to Doda, Rajouri, Mahore migrants at par with Kashmiris, constitution of Delimitation Commission, reservation to OBCs in jobs, regularisation of all contractual and daily rated employees including ReTs, SPOs etc, reservation to Gujjars in the State legislature, grant of ST status to Paharis, implementation of SRO-43 without any delay or discrimination and grant of social security to educated unemployed youth at par with surrendered militants,

It was also declared in the working committee meet to honour nearly 50 distinguished leaders of the party who had contributed to strengthen Haq-Insaf movement for half a century. These fifty notables included 27 posthumously at the silver Jubilee event being held at Brahman Sabha, Jammu on March 23.

Tibetans, Pandits victims of genocide, exodus: PK

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: Panun Kashmir (PK), chairman, Dr Agnishekhar has expressed his serious concern over the conditions prevailing in Tibet. While criticizing the massive crackdown of the Chinese authorities on Tibetans , he said the hapless people have for years suffered persecution and religious suffocation.

The PK leader, while addressing a meeting of the activists of the organization here, today expressed solidarity with Tibetan people. The meeting accused China of committing naked aggression against Tibetan people which it has annexed illegally. The China was now trying to destroy the ancient Tibetan civilization by committing cultural genocide of its people, he added.

He said Tibetans and Kashmiri Pandits are victims of genocide and exodus. While the Tibetans are the victims of Chinese imperialism, the Kashmiri Pandits have suffered at the hands of theo-fascist right wing of Pakistan which has also illegally annexed a part of Kashmir and ceded a portion of it to China.

Dr Agnishekhar said that Kashmiris have centuries old relations with Tibetan people. The Kashmiri Pandits used to visit Tibet and have played their role in the spread of Buddhism and spirituality, he added.

He said KP Buddhist monks used to travel to China, particularly Tibet to propagate Mahayana Buddhism as part of propagation of Buddhism in Central Asia, China and Ladakh.

He said Indians have always revered Tibet as the place of Kailash and Mansarovar and a seat of highest knowledge and spirituality. The meeting appealed to the world conscience to come in support of Tibetan people and help to stop Chinese aggression and use of force against them.

The meeting among other senior leaders was attended by Daya Krishen Koul and Virender Raina.

Qazi stresses for involving students
in conservation efforts

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Mar 22: Minister for Forests and Environment Qazi Mohammed Afzal has stressed for planting trees over all the available places especially degraded land, canal banks, marshy land and community land, He said this is one of the major ways to conserve water resources and make water available for drinking and irrigation through out the year.

The Minister was speaking at a function held in connection with World Water Day organized by Directorate of Ecology and Environment at Government Polytechnic College for Women Bemina today.

About 53 students took part in the programme while the gathering was of more than 500 students from different schools and colleges of the Valley.

Earlier, Qazi Afzal planted saplings of various kinds as also Chinar tree in the premises of the Polytechnic college.

On the occasion, it was informed that 800 saplings have been planted in the college premises and 2500 polybags distributed among students. Plantation of nursery spread over 12 hectares of land has been also developed in the premises.

Later, the Minster inaugurated an Eco-Club at the polytechnic.

The Minister appealed the students to come forward and help the government in the land plantation drive so that environment is saved. He was impressed by a student of 5th standard namely Miss Ruqaya from Yusmarg who participated in the seminar and topped the competition.

Qazi Afzal paid on spot Rs 1000 as cash award to her for the outstanding performance .

The Minister asked the students to start preservation, conservation and protection of green wealth from their homes so that ecological balance is maintained.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Kashmir and Director Environment and Ecology also spoke on the occasion and threw light on the topic "Importance of forests in conservation of water".

A colorful cultural programme was presented by the participant students.

Qazi Afzal distributed prizes and certificates among the participants of cultural show and seminar.

Elementary Education to receive thrust
72 CALCs established, 1900 primary
schools opened: Secretary Education

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Mar 22 : Under Sarva Shiksha Abiyan (SSA) 72 Computer Aided Learning Centres (CALCs) have been established in upper primary schools, while 28 more such centres are being set up during the current fiscal. As many as, 1901 primary schools have been opened, 1329 schools upgraded while 1021 Education Guarantee Centres being given primary status under the scheme.

The scheme of continuous, comprehensive evaluation (CEE) is set to be implemented with a renewed vigour and commitment with a view to securing the much-needed make-over of elementary education with emphasis on quality.

This was stated at review meeting of Education department Kashmir division chaired by Secretary, School Education, G.A. Peer here today. Director, School Education Kashmir, Mohammad Rafi besides Chief Education Officers and other functionaries of the department attended the meeting.

It was given out that 775 school buildings have been constructed while work is apace on 951 buildings at present. Similarly, 172 Cluster Resource Centres have been constructed and another 99 are at various stages of completion. Under the scheme, 9000 educated youth were engaged as ReTs and 2661 youth as Education Volunteers.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Education underscored the need for paying focused attention towards the education of students and directed the officers to conduct periodical tours to the schools to ensure that education process is going on smoothly and schemes are being implemented as per guidelines.

Gujjar leader condemns Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, Mar 22: Anam Chowdhary, president, All Jammu and Kashmir Gujjar Conference and member Gujjar and Bakerwal Advisory Board, district Rajouri, expressed resolve to carry on struggle till all their demands were met with.

Addressing media-persons here Anam Chowdhary expressed concern over release of Rs 1.7 crore on March 17, this year, which was bound to get lapsed as only a few days have been left and the sanctioned fund may get lapsed.

Anam Chowdhary added that after the sanction, the budget went to Minister for Social Welfare, who denied all the proposed plan of Gujjar and Bakerwal Board. The concerned Minister has decided to put 70% of allocated fund for the units of sheep and goats.

The board members held that road connectivity and education were also important factors for development of Gujjar and Bakerwal community.

Anam Chowdhary noted with surprise that on March 17, 2008, plan was released to DC Rajouri, who sanctioned lakhs of rupees in favour one Advocate Qamar Hussain, a worker associated with Congress. He added that a sum of only Rs 35 lakh was sanctioned to Board member in the surroundings of single town of Thannamandi block, Rajouri, just to please the influential fellow, who is expected to contest from that very particular area.

He strongly condemned the nefarious designs of the Government towards their community and warned that suitable answer would be given in the coming Assembly election to the ruling elite.

Director School Edu inspects various examination centres

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: In order to streamline system and ensure smooth functioning of Board of examinations of Higher Secondary Part II, the Director School Education, A K Raina along with Chief Education Officer, Jammu paid a surprise visit to various examination centres in the Jammu city to check the menace of copying.

The various examination centres visited by the team today included Centre NO 148 located in SP Higher Secondary School, Exchange Road Jammu, Centre No 125 located at DAV High School, Exchange Road, Jammu Centre No 144 which located in Luthra Academy and Centre No 145 in Government Higher Secondary School Sarwal.

Mr Raina who was satisfied with the functioning of these examination centres said in all these centres the examination was being conducted strictly in accordance with the sanctity of the examinations.

However in the Centre No 148 he found that there was neither adequate accommodation and nor proper seating plan for the students.

Vitasta Samaj Sewa holds meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: Vitasta Samaj Sewa organized a function at Nagrota Camp on the occasion of Holi festival yesterday in which the senior Congress leader and MLA, Khem Lata Wakhloo was the chief guest.

A K Braroo and O N Wakhloo were the guests of honour on the occasion. The function was attended by a large number of camp inmates. The visiting dignitaries were felicitated by the president of the organization C L Kothari and other members.

The welcome address was read by Satish Koul, Executive Director of the Organization.

In her address, Mrs Wakhloo stressed on unity among the community. She urged the camp inmates to work for the welfare of the community and said the economic prosperity was only possible through hard work and dedication.

Mr Braroo alleged that Centre as well as State governments have failed to mitigate the sufferings of KPs.

In his address Chand Ji Khar, chief founder of the organization demanded that records of KPs land and properties be properly maintained. He also demanded that Pandits be given representation in the Government.

KP leaders call on RC, demand
compensation for boy’s family

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 22: A delegation of various Kashmiri Pandit organizations called on Relief Commissioner, Vinod Koul here, today and discussed various issues with him.

The delegation among other things demanded that adequate compensation be paid to the parents of Akhlesh Kumar an eleven year old boy who died in a road mishap near Paloura yesterday after the driver lost control on vehicle which he was driving on a high speed.

The delegation comprised of A N Vaishnavi and H L Chatta of ASKPC, Ashok Kangan, H L Bhat, Chand Ji, Dr M K Bharat and Dr Ramesh of JKVM.

It may be recalled that people from near by area including the migrant camps blocked the Akhnoor road for six hours and did not allow any vehicle to proceed. They demanded that authorities should announce compensation for the family and arrest of the driver and action against the traffic cops.

The agitated people also did not allow police to shift the dead body to hospital for post-mortem and last rights despite the pleas of the Additional DC Jammu and SSP Jammu who also rushed to the spot.

Later on the assurance of Relief Commissioner who also visited the site of accident late in the evening that he will take up the issues with concerned authorities and Divisional Commissioner for the compensation, the people lifted the road blockade and allowed the dead body to be shifted to GMC Jammu for post-mortem.