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

JAMMU, Mar 23: Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has said that pro-people policies of the Government have revolutionized overall development scenario in the State.

Addressing a series of public meetings at Shastri Nagar, Christian Colony, Pamposh Colony Janipur and Talab Tillo on Sunday, the Health Minister said that focused attention was being given on equal development of all the regions.

Mr. Sharma said that Government has initiated massive infrastructure development across the State and took steps to provide quality healthcare to people at their doorsteps. He said consolidation of health infrastructure in the State is also receiving focused of attention.

He said that strenuous efforts were made for improvement and upgradation of basic amenities in all areas of the State. "For the first time any Government has taken historical and bold decisions for transforming socio-economic conditions of the people especially those living in far off and hilly areas who were hitherto neglected in development for decades together", he added.

He said that Shastri Nagar Health Centre would be upgraded to Urban Health Centre with all modern medicare facilities. He said that ayuravedic doctor would be posted in the health centre for providing choiceable treatment to the patients of the area.

While visiting the construction work of health centre Shastri Nagar, the Minister directed the concerned executive agency to ensure the use of standard material in the execution of building and complete it within stipulated time frame. He also instructed Director Health Services to ensure required supply of medicines in the hospital and monitor the execution of the hospital building.

Addressing people at Christian Colony Dogra Hall, the Health Minister said that equal opportunities of development were given by the Government to all sections without considering caste, creed and religion. He announced Rs.5 lakh for construction of community hall and installation of Water cooler in the area out of his constituency development fund. He assured Christian community that there would be no disparity with them for fulfilling their welfare and development needs. He said the widows of the community would also be brought under social welfare schemes. He also felicitated the community on the eve of Easter Day.

Several political and social leaders including Corporator Pawan Singh, senior congress leader Charan Dass and Paster Yunis also addressed public meetings.

JURSEA bans Govt functionaries entry in campus
‘Signature Campaign’ in JU against extension policy

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) has announced to launch a ‘signature campaign’ against the extensions granted to retired professors by Jammu University (JU) authorities.

Addressing a press conference, JURSEA President, Vikas Sharma criticized the university authorities for continuing with its policy to re-employ retired teachers of the university. He said JURSEA will oppose this policy tooth and nail and on March 26, a signature campaign in this regard would be launched in the campus.

He apprised that under the campaign, all the students and employees of the university will be covered and made aware about the possible repercussions of this ill conceived policy, which was blocking career avenues for young and dynamic scholars.

He also alleged that policy was being used by the Vice Chancellor to reinstate his favourites and have nothing to do with the development of JU and those who are on extensions were merely eating away the university resources.

On the occasion, he also demanded admission in LLB course through entrance, as students from Arts and Commerce were at the receiving end due to merit based admission system.

He also took up the issue of university hostels and highlighted lack of several facilities there. Sharma alleged that most of the facilities in the hostels were just for name sake and on ground there’s nothing.

Meanwhile, JURSEA also announced to disallow the entry of all the top Government functionaries including Ministers from tomorrow in protest against the ban on all the recruitment processes, as said in a GAD order. It is to mention here that Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Beig is scheduled to inaugurate a two-day workshop in the university tomorrow.

"Implement 6th Pay Commission before Baisakhi"

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: President National Mazdoor Conference, Subash Shastri has urged chairman of 6th Pay Commission, retired Justice BN Krishna to submit its report before March 31 this year as announced by union Finance Minister in his budget speech.

Mr Shastri was addressing a workers rally at Rani Park here today. He appealed to the Prime Minister to take decision for implementation of pay panel recommendations before Baisakhi festival. "New pay structure for State and Central Government employees should be implemented from January 2006 in one go as the benefits of grade revision has alreay been delayed by over two years" he said and demanded that special financial package should also be announced for resource deficit states.

Pleading the cause of working class, Mr Shastri demanded regularization of all daily wagers in different public sector departments.

Among others who spoke on the occassion were Rajan Babu Khajuria, Mallik Roshan Lal, Puran Chand, Suresh Dutta, Sat Pal, Sunil Kochhar, Sham Lal Sharma, Lalit Kumat Sharma, Barkat Ram, Madan Lal, Kasturi Lal, Ram Lal, Bodh Raj and Sukh Dev Singh.

Bemina bridge nearing completion

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 23: Secretary, R&B, Shalindra Kumar today inspected various development projects under execution in Srinagar and Budgam circles. The works include Assembly complex, Bemina-Budgam bridge and Flyover on national highway by pass.

Mr. Shalindra Kumar was informed that work on Assembly complex is being completed by May 2008. An expenditure of Rs. 12 crore has been booked on the project so far. Besides, 254 meter span pre-stressed concrete bridge together with its approaches at Bemina-Budgam is nearing completion and it will be thrown open for traffic in mid April.

The Secretary impressed upon the executing staff to complete the electrification work of the bridge alongwith main project before it is thrown open.

The Secretary also inspected 4- bridges and Flyover on National Highway by pass and instructed to re-double the pace of work on all the bridges so that these got completed by September 2008. He also directed street lighting should be completed within the scheduled time.

Hari Om asks Govt to grant citizenship
rights to West Pak refugees

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has urged the State Government to amend the J&K Constitution so that the hapless refugees from West Pakistan could enjoy all the rights which are available to other citizens of J&K.

Commenting on the statement of the Union MoS for Home, Manik Rao Gavit at a press conference here, today, BJP spokesman and senior vice president, Prof. Hari Om, said BJP is the only political party which has always advocated for the rights of these hapless people who have been struggling for the last 60 years. The Party will continue to raise this issue, he added.

Mr Manik recently informed the Lok Sabha that it was the J&K Government which has to grant the rights to these refugees and those Hindus belonging to depressed communities as the issue does not belong to Union Government, he said.

Making a scathing attack on coalition Government and opposition National Conference (NC), he said they have miserably failed to redress this human problem for last 60 years.

Prof. Hari Om, while criticizing the Congress for appointing Union Water Resource Minister, Prof. Saif-u-Din Soz as the president of Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC), said he (Prof. Soz) was a great advocate of autonomy. The BJP leader alleged that this has proved that Congress is promoting such elements in J&K who believe in autonomy and other anti constitutional methods.

Gurjars take out procession, submit memorandum to CM

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: The activists of Akhil Bharatiya Gurjar Mahasabha took out a procession from Governor House to Chief Minister’s residence at Residency Road in support of the demands of nomadic Gurjars.

The Mahasabha is demanding rehabilitation of nomadic Gurjars in J&K by constructing colonies for them.

The procession was led by the state president of the Gurjar Mahasabha, Eshfaq-ul-Rehman Poswal. The members of Gurjar community drawn from different parts of Jammu participated in the procession.

The processionists raising slogans that Gurjars from Kashmir to Kanya Kumari are one accused the Government of their backwardness.

Addressing the demonstrators, Mr Poswal alleged that the Gurjar community has been deprived of its constitutional rights in the State. He said like other citizens of the country Gurjars too have the constitutional right and they should not be deprived of the same. Expressing concern over the plight of the nomadic Gurjars, he said they are passing a miserable life as Government till date has failed to rehabilitate them by constructing colonies for them.

In an appeal to Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mr Poswal urged him to include the Gurjars in his Khush-hall Jammu and Kashmir map also.

The other leaders who addressed the demonstrators included Salam-ud-Din and Mr Khalid.

Earlier the Gurjars assembled in front of Raj Bhawan, Jammu where from a procession was taken out. The processionists with banners and placards in their hands passed through various markets before reaching to CM’s residence at Residency Road where they submitted a memorandum to Political Advisor to Chief Minister, Mr Janak Raj Gupta.

Aryan Business School to hold councelling

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: One of the reputed business schools of Punjab, Aryan Business School Chandigarh is going to hold group discussion and personal interview for MBA and PGDM today on March 24, a press handout said here today.

The councelling is especially for the students of Jammu and is scheduled to be held at Hotal Surya Excellency.

It is to mention here that Aryans Group is running Aryans Bussiness School and Aryans School of Advanced Management and stands approved by AICTE in the academic year 2007-2008. It has also got accredition for both schools from All India Council of Technical Education Education, Ministry of Human Resource Development, New Delhi.

The group also claims to be the first school from the region to sign MoU for placement of students in American IT giant, Outline System Inc. before the start of session.

EDB Officers Association withdraws agitational programme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: The Ellaquai Dehati Bank (EDB) Officers Association has withdrawn its agitational programme and one day call of general strike on March 31 in view of the agreement reached between the management and office bearers of the Association.

This was stated in a EDB Officers Association handout issued here, today. It said the general secretary of the Association, M D Zargar and president , V J Raina represented the Association in the meeting. The Association in an appeal to the members urged them to continue their normal work as the management has accepted all the demands of the Association and a mutual agreement has been made in this regard.

Immediate repair of lanes in Roop Nagar demanded

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Welfare Committee Roop Nagar Enclave Block A has demanded immediate repairs of the lanes and bylanes in the Colony which were dug by PHE and BSNL for laying pipes and wires.

In a statement issued here, today the president of the Committee, Beboo Ji Zutshi has made an appeal to the concerned authorities to take immediate steps and repair the lanes and bylanes as the people were facing lot of inconvenience.

The general secretary of the Committee, P K Peshin demanded that lanes and drains of the colony be cleaned daily instead of once a week while R K Raina demanded installation of street lights in the colony.

Impressive Eid-e- Milad-ul-Nabi procession taken out

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: An impressive Eid-Milad-ul-Nabi procession was taken here, today, which started from Sarwal Chowk and culminated at Eidgah Janipur.

Hundreds of Muslims drawn from different parts of the Jammu participated in the procession which was organised by Sarwal Milad-ul-Nabi Committee.

It was led by Moulvi Mohammed Riyaz- ul- Haq, Imam of Main Chowk Janipur. The processionists were reciting verses in praise of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) enroute.

The people of other communities greeted their Muslim brethren. At Eidgah Janipur, the Muslim scholars and ulemas highlighted the life history and teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). They also threw light on the significance of this holy day.

They said Islam is for the prosperity of humanity and it teaches brotherhood and peace.

Govt fulfilled aspirations of border belts: Gharu Ram

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development Ch. Gharu Ram has said that Ghulam Nabi Azad led Government has not only fulfilled all the aspirations of the border belts of Suchetgarh under common minimum programme but gone beyond it.

This was stated by the Minister after launching the desilting works of two nallahs including 1480 meter long Convent School to Badyal Brahamna and 335 meter Pulkhoo in R. S. Pura main bazaar.

Addressing the gathering, Ch. Gharu Ram said that the present Government was fully aware about the problems of all sections of the society across the State and was seriously working for providing all basic amenities at par with urbanites at their doorsteps. For this purpose, the Government has provided sufficient funds in every sector.

To minimize the rush in nearest headquarter colleges, he said that the Government has also opened a Degree College in R. S. Pura so that the students of the town and its adjoining areas could receive higher education at their doorsteps. He said that the Government has opened and upgraded scores of schools in Suchetgarh constitutency. He appealed the people to give better education to their children so that they become good citizens and prove their talent in national and international competitions.

Several deputations of Suchetgarh met the Minister and projected problems being confronted by them in their respective areas including construction of Baspur-Shamka, Raipur-Sajadhan and Raipur Sangral villages link roads, maintenance of interior lanes and drains, installation of poles in left villages of Raipur Sajadhan, relief to affectees of Operation Prakarma and widows and old age pension to BPL families.

Later, the Minister laid foundation stone of two link roads, one at Birla village and another at old Dewangarh.

Tulip Garden to be opened for public in first week of April

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, Mar 23: The Asia's largest tulip garden at the foot of the Zabarwan Hills, overlooking the famous Dal Lake here, is all set to be thrown open for public in the first week of April. A workforce of about 400 labourers and gardeners is working round the clock in three shifts to give final touches to the garden before opening its beautifully built gate plaza for visitors.

Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who conceived and closely monitored the laying of the garden, inspected the ongoing work today. He was accompanied by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mehboob Iqbal and Director Floriculture, Kashmir, Dr. Sarwar Naqash.

Mr Azad expressed satisfaction over an infinitely beautiful spot coming up in the shape of the tulip garden in Srinagar and said that it would emerge as a major tourist attraction in Kashmir. He said the ambience and the setting of the garden would entice visitors to come here over and over again.

The Tulip Garden, emerging as a flori-marvel, is spread over a vast expanse of 100 kanals of land where 12 lakh tulip plants will be in bloom in the next few days. It is going to be a splendid view. In all, 60 varieties of early, mid, late and very late blooming tulips will spread a rainbow of red, orange, purple, white, pink, parrot and yellow colours on the garden.

"As many as 400 labourers including 150 gardeners are working in three shifts to complete the job by Tuesday", Dr. Naqash said when asked how soon the work on the garden would complete. He said majority of the labourers and gardeners have been engaged through contractors. A total number of 40 departmental gardeners are currently working in the tulip garden.

The unfinished works currently in the final stages include four fountains, gate plaza, cemented paths, landscaping and a guest house. These are all scheduled to complete by March 25, said Dr. Naqash.

The entry to the garden will be through tickets of Rs. 50 for adults and Rs. 20 for children. "The tickets will be beautifully printed which could be retained by visitors as souvenirs," adds Director Floriculture.

Only NPP can provide justice to Jammu people: Bhim

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Chairman National Panthers Party Prof Bhim Singh has said that people from Jammu region can not get justice till they come out of the dominance of Kashmiri rulers and the time has come to support Panthers Party which can only provide them the justice for which they are being deprived for the last over fifty years.

Addressing a large gathering at a function organised here to honour Dogra Ratan Awards as a part of Silver Jubilee celebrations of the party here today, Prof Singh said people of Jammu region continue to face discrimination at the hands of Kashmir dominated parties. Even the national parties like Congress also ignored the aspirations of the people from Jammu region.

The NPP leader further pointed out that despite tall claims of providing justice to all the three regions by the Congress leaders and Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad himself, the Jammu region continue to face discrimination in all the spheres, whether it was distribution of funds, jobs or other fields. He said for taking care of the regional aspirations, only a regional party can provide them justice and the Panthers Party pledges to provide justice to the people here. He said NPP favours equal justice and treatment to all the three regions of the State and for this, the Party has already advocated for 50:50 Assembly seats for both the regions Kashmir and Jammu.

Referring to the plight of youth, the NPP supremo said a large number of youth of the State have shown a great interest in joining NPP and large number of them in Kashmir and Jammu regions have already joined. He said youth are the great force of any nation and his party would take revolutionary steps to meet the aspirations of the youth by providing social security to them and job opportunities. He claimed that NPP was going to emerge as big force in the coming elections.

Former Minister and MLA Ramnagar, Harshdev Singh in his address criticised the Coalition Government and alleged that it betrayed the people of Jammu region as most of the agendas in the CMP pertaining to interests of Jammu region were not fulfilled. He alleged that performance of Azad Government proved to be worst as the Ministers failed to utilise the funds provided by the Centre. He said Panthers party will be giving some surprises to many in the coming years and will come out a major power.

Other Party MLAs, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Faqir Nath and Yash Pal Kundal also addressed the gathering. On this occasion, 50 persons were awarded Dogra Ratan award by the party chairman. Twenty seven of them were honoured posthumously.

Man’s body found hanging, another commits suicide

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 23: Mystery shrouds the death of a young man whose body was found hanging to a tree near his house at Ramkote while a youth committed suicide by consuming some poisonous stuff in the same area of tehsil Billawar today.

A police spokesman said that body of 28 year-old Muktyar Singh, son of Punjab Singh, resident of Ramkote was found hanging to a tree near his house under mysterious circumstances this morning. The youth was missing since last night. The police party reached the spot after coming to know about the incident and shifted the body to hospital for postmortem.

A case under section 174 CrPC has been registered in this connection.

In yet another incident, young Nasib Singh, son of Shri Chand, resident of a hamlet near Ramkot was hospitalised after he allegedly consumed some poisonous stuff at his residence today. As his condition deteriorated, he died in hospital after some time. The police has registered a case for investigation. The cause behind this extreme step could not be known immediately.

Trade Unions support SRTC workers’ cause

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Various trade union leaders in a meeting held here today urged the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to intervene personally and release the pending salary of SRTC employees who are on strike for the last 34 days.

In an emergency meeting held today under the chairmanship of Sushil Sudan, a senior trade union leader, the speakers expressed their concern over the attitude of some bureaucrats who failed to tackle the situation and resolve issue. They pointed out that the situation has been allowed to worsen and top officers at the helm of affairs were trying to linger on the issue for their vested interests.

They also criticised the Government for high-handedness of police and arrest and torture of SRTC union leaders who are struggling for justified cause of their wages pending for the last over five months. They demanded that their salary and COLA be immediately released.

Prominent among them included Mohd Maqbool -president JK Coordination Committee, G L Chanda- general secretary JK State Govt Employees Federation, Sushil Sudan- president Employees & Workers Federation, Mohd Shafi Khan from JKTUC, Yash Paul Sharma -chief advisor JK National Trade Union Federation, Balwan Singh, Satish Kumar, Kulwant Singh, Bharat Kumar, Nissar Ali Mir, Haji Bashir Ahmed and P S Chib.

Breast cancer is on rise: Dr Kaul
Create awareness while evolving effective
treatment: Governor

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Breast Cancer Patients Benefit Foundation, a non-profit organisation, headed by Dr Sameer Kaul, Senior Consultant and Head Surgical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Institute, New Delhi, organised a seminar on "Breast Cancer Scenario-2008", here this evening.

A number of leading Cancer experts participated and discussed the strategy for early detection, prevention, and adequate treatment of this dangerous disease which is slowly but steady on rise in the country.

The seminar commenced with lighting of traditional lamp by the Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) S K Sinha, who while speaking on the occasion stressed the need to create massive awareness about such diseases.

"The deadlier diseases are fast spreading and it is imperative to evolve effective treatment to save the mankind from falling prey to such diseases", he said, adding "while evolving treatment it is also obligatory on the part of scientists and doctors to generate massive awareness about such diseases which can help to large extent in spreading of such diseases".

Minister for Health, Mangat Ram Sharma, while speaking on the occasion, welcomed that the seminar on this topic is being held at Winter Capital of the Jammu and expressed the hope that deliberations will lead to fruitful result for the poor persons suffering from this disease.

Dr Sameer Kaul, president, Breast Cancer Patients Benefit Foundation, said early detection and proper treatment is crucial in checking the disease.

With latest advances in medical science it has become possible to cure this disease more effectively than years past. He touched in his lecture some of the latest techniques of checking this disease.

Mridul Arora, general secretary, of the foundation, gave a detailed account of this organisation which comprises of cancer treatment specialists, cancer survivors and people from all walks of life in the society to create awareness for early detection and proper treatment. Shiban Duda, CA and general secretary, AIKS is one of the founding members of this NGO.

She said the organisation is doing a pioneering job in the field and holding camps as well.

Dr Deepali Kapoor Onco-Psychologist of Apollo Cancer Institute spoke about the communication problems with the breast cancer patients and their relatives on psychological aspects of this deadly disease.

Another renowned cancer specialists, Dr P K Das, Sr Consultant, Apollo Cancer Institute, New Delhi made presentation on "is Breast Cancer a chronic illness and medical advances" in medical field.

Dr Ashutosh Gupta, Head of Department, Oncology, Govt Medical College, Jammu also made a detailed presentation on the incidence of this disease and its treatment in Jammu.

"Current Perspective in Radiation Treatment for Breast Cancer" was the topic taken up for discussion by Dr Deepak Abrol, Consultant Radiation Oncologist, ASCOMS, Jammu. Dr Bhuvnesh Raina also spoke and presented his views.

It was stated in the seminar that breast cancer is slowly yet steadily rising up the scales as the primary killer of women in India, particularly in rural areas and among poor sections. This challenge has to be met, it was stressed.

The seminar was attended by eminent doctors from various medical institutions in Jammu including former Principals of GMC, Jammu. Dr Kuldeep Gupta, MD, Maharishi Dayanand Hospital, Medicare Centre, Jammu was also present.

Clear backlog, provide 27% reservation to OBCs: BCFI

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Backward Classes Federation of India has urged the State Government to provide 27% reservation to the members of OBC community and clear the backlog vacancies of this category in the State.

In the one-day convention of the organisation held at Abhinav Theatre here today, various speakers stressed the need of implementation of Mandal Commission Report. It was pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir State has not implemented this report, providing 27% reservation to the OBCs in various jobs and professional colleges and was adopting delaying tactics.

Prominent leaders, Hardyal Singh Shikligir, Shiv Lal, H L Verma, Nek Ram, Tilak Raj, Manohar Lal, Girdhari Lal and Madan Chalotra strongly criticised the J&K Government for ignoring OBCs and depriving them of their rights. They discussed and critically analysed the position of OBCs in the State. All the speakers demanded that like in rest of India, a single OBC certificate should be issued forever on the basis of ‘caste’ identified by Mandal Commission and upheld by apex Court.

Keeping occupation clause in SRO 294, the present coalition Government is deliberately depriving the OBCs from enjoying the right of reservation enshrined to them in the Constitution of India.

The community leaders also demanded removal of ‘Creamy Layer’ embargo from OBCs’ reservations and rectification of SRO 294 alongwith clearing of backlog of OBC reservations. All delegates unanimously resolved to launch a newspaper by BCFI and authorised the Central Executive of the Federation to take all the necessary steps in this regard. It was also resolved to bring OBCs, SCs and STs on single largest platform of BCFI.

The prominent speakers included Bua Ditta, Reham Din, Santokh Singh, Ratan Bazigar, Mohd Din, Ram Chand, Khadim Hussain, Hussain Baksh, Romal Chand, B L Kalgotra, Tarsem Lal, Pawan Mani and Ashok Kumar Basotra.

Govt mulling tunnel for Srinagar-Leh road: Qarra

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 23: Government is actively considering a project for keeping Srinagar-Leh road open round the year.

This was stated by Minister for Finance, Tariq Hameed Qarra while addressing an annual day function held at State Institute of Education on Sunday. The function was organized by All Kargil Students Union, Srinagar.

The Minister was the chief guest on the occasion.

He said coalition Government has already taken up the matter of constructing a tunnel near Zojila Pass and hoped that the work on the tunnel would take off in next six years. The Minister said the Ladakh region thus would be connected with the Valley which would help in boosting the tourism, education besides better health care to the Ladakh people. He said the former Chief Minister of the coalition Government Mufti Mohammad Sayeed taking cognizance of the demand of Kargil people, approved Hill Development Council for Kargil.

The Minister appreciated the dedication of the Kargil people and zeal and zest of the youth of Kargil for getting higher education not only in the State but in the country also.

He announced that a Kargil Girls Hostel would be constructed in Bemina, adding that the land for the purpose would be acquired soon.

The Minister for Technical Education and Sports, Haji Nissar Ali on the occasion said that all possible facilities are being provided to the Kargil students for getting quality education in the State. He urged the Kargil youth to maintain their traditions at all costs as the traditions are the identity of any community.

The students also presented a cultural programme and drama skit in their traditional costumes. Haji Nissar Ali announced Rs. 50,000 for purchasing various costumes.

Mian Bashir Ahmed felicitated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Gujjar Officers Club today felicitated Padam Bushan awardee and veteran Gujjar leader Mian Bashir Ahmed in a function held here today. The function was attended by several prominent people of the community including scholars, writers and public servants.

Throwing light on the life of Mr Bashir, Hassan Parwaz said that born in 1923 at Wanghat, Kashmir, he was first time elected as MLA from Kangan Kashmir in 1967. He was inducted into cabinet as Deputy Minister for the first time in 1971and was successively sworn in as Minister of States in 1972 and 1977, Mr Parwaz stated.

He said that Mian Bashir, elected four times in State Assembly, throughout his life worked tirelessly for upliftment of poor nomads of Gujjar and Bakerwal community of the State. "He remained associated with veteran state leaders like Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Mir Qasim and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad" he said, adding, "during 1965 and 1971 wars, he worked for peace and rehabilitation of thousands of people in border areas of Poonch, Rajouri and Uri." He represented the country in UNO assembly and addressed the assembly in Urdu, he added.

While addressing the gathering, Mian Bashir said that he will continue to work for the upliftment of poor and down trodden. Speaking over Indo-Pak relations he said that both the countries need aggressive confidence building measures as per the wishes of people on both sides of border for establishing peace in the region.

Earlier, a shawl and memento was presented to Mian Bashir Ahmed for his sincere contribution to the community.

Prominent among other community members who attended the function were MLC Poonch, Chodhary Lal Mohammad Sagar, MLA Kangan, Mian Altaf Ahmed, retired DIG, Choudhary Allah Baksh.

Tube well irrigation proposed for kandi areas

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: The coalition Government has moved a proposal seeking Central assistance for introducing Tube Well irrigation in Kandi areas of the State.

Stating this while addressing a series of public meetings at Purkhu, Mohalla Masiti Bhalwal and Haln, Minister for Rural Development Mula Ram said that once the proposal gets the consent about 10 to 20 tube wells would be installed in the first phase in different kandi areas on experimental basis.

Asserting that Government is giving first priority to up- gradation of irrigation network in the State, he said the modernization work was in full swing on various canals including vital Ranbir canal. He said four new motors are being installed on the Ranjan canal to increase its discharge, besides constructing concrete side walls and the canal bed. He said considering the increasing needs of irrigation water, Government was also looking into the possibilities of constructing a new canal for lifting water from River Chenab.

Referring to various developmental works including construction and up gradation of roads in Raipar-Dumana constituency or else where in the State, the Minister said a massive road connectivity programme has been launched to connect all villages by 2012.

Announcing that the State has received about Rs 1200 crore under NREGA, the Minister said that the State Government has approached the Union Government for seeking permission for taking up even those works which are not listed in the scheme but suits the topography of particular areas of the State.

Naming various roads being constructed in the twin blocks of Marh and Bhalwal, he said the biggest road project proposed from Niki Tawi would involve an expenditure of Rs 45 crore. He said similarly a road connecting Landore area of Marh with the main Akhnoor road at Purkoo has been projected to be completed at a cost of Rs 35 Lakh. He said number of road links connecting various villages with the main roads have already been completed in the area.

Earlier, Minister also paid obeisance at Nirankari Bhawan in the area and ordered construction of approach road to the complex.

Natrang’s theatre festival gets underway

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: To mark the World Theatre Day Celebration, an eight day theatre festival started here today at Natrang Studio with the presentation of "Sava Ser Gehoon" directed by Balwant Thakur.

The play based on a story by the legendrary writer, Prem Chand depicted age old exploitation of poor farmers by money lenders and landlords. Shanker-the central character of the play has a family and borrows one kg wheat from local money lender. But after the day and night labour, the whole family fails to pay off even the interest. Consequent of hard labour and starvation, poor Shanker finally pays back debts of lender by his life.

On stage, Rohit Verma in role of Shanker portrayed beautifully the saga of exploited farmer and Gourav Jamwal as money lender impressed the gathering. Others who supported the play with the performance were Ankush Lakhnotra, Mohammad Yaseen, Rajesh Mehta, Kulbushan Singh and Inderpal Singh.

Back stage, lights of play were designed and executed by Rahul Singh and Pankush Verma played the rhythm.

Ward No. 37 demands waiver of electricity dues

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: A deputation of people from Janipur Housing Colony, Ward Number 37 led by advocate Ravinder Kumar Gupta called on Power Minister, Babu Singh and demanded wavier of electricity dues for the last three years.

According to a press note, while apprising the Minister of their demand, Mr Gupta said that in Ward Number 37 majority of public belongs to weaker section of society. He said that arrears of electricity dues have been shown in thousands of rupees whereas economic condition of majority of people is feeble.

Meanwhile, the Minister assured deputation that steps in the welfare of people will be taken very soon in this regard.

Those who were present in the deputation were Rachpal Sawhney, Kulbir Singh, Satish Bali, Rohit Gupta, Romesh Gupta, Ram Kumar, Ravi Kumar and Romesh Sharma etc.

Veeri favours construction of flats for KPs in Valley

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Senior People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former Minister, Abdul Rehman Veeri said that in view of changing international situation, the day is not far away when the displaced Kashmiri Pandits will return to their homes and hearths in Valley.

Mr Veeri, who also represents the Bijebehara Constituency in State Assembly was addressing a meeting of the prominent persons of Pandit community of his Constituency here, today.

Mr Veeri, while justifying the demand of the members of Pandit community that instead of Jammu the colonies be constructed in Kashmir Valley for the rehabilitation of displaced Pandits, said he will raise this issue at concerned quarters.

He said it was the PDP led Government which had taken an initiative in this regard by constructing the quarters at Badgam, Khirbhawani and Mattan for the return and rehabilitation of displaced people in the Valley and to build a bridge between the two communities. Maintaining that Kashmir was incomplete without the Pandits, Mr Veeri said the community has made a tremendous contribution in the development of the state. The age old communal amity and brotherhood was the greatest identity of the composite culture of the Kashmir which received a lot of setback due to the present turmoil, he added.

He assured the displaced KPs that he will take up all their genuine demands with the Government.

Jat community holds rally, seeks OBC status

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: Demanding grant of OBC status, a large number of people belonging to Jat community held a rally under the aegis of Jat Kalyan Sabha at Samba.

The rally was held under the leadership of president of the Sabha Choudhary Kamal Singh whereas president Akhil Bharat Varshya Jat Maha Sabha, Choudhary Varinder Singh presided over the rally.

The rally was attended by several community members from Kathua, RS Pura, Bishnah, Suchetgarh, Marh, Jammu, Akhnoor, Khour, Nowshera and Mendhar.

The protestors were resenting that their community has been granted with the OBC status in states like Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Rajsthan, Gujrat, Madhya Pradesh, Western Uttar Pradesh but that J&K government has denied them reservation. They said that most of the communtiy members are living along the border areas in the State from Uri to Mendhar to Doultian Jattan, Kathua serving as first line of defence against any attack but the State Government is least bothered about their welfare.

Speaking on the occassion, Kamal Singh said that 99% of the community is living in rural areas and is lagging behind at several fronts like education, health and infrastructure. He further informed that participation of community in Government services is merely 0.25 percent and drop out rate of school children is 96 percent.

Meanwhile, Choudhary Varinder Singh assured full solidarity for the community and threatened that the community will support only that political party which will grant it OBC status. "If the demand is not conceded, Jats from all over the country will come to support the cause of community in this state and not even hesitate to destabilize the Government machinery," he said.

Prominent among other community leaders who spoke on the occassion were Dev Pal Singh, Choudhary Ranbir Singh, Choudhary Mahipal Singh, Jasbir Singh and Kuldeep Goswal.

Later, from the venue of rally, the participants organized themselves in the form of a peace march and proceeded towards DC Office and submitted a memorandum of demands to DC Samba.

SMGS hospital employees hold meet

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: The Medical Employees Association of SMGS Hospital held a meeting under the leadership of Farooq Qaser, president.

The meeting was also attended by Amar Parkash, Umesh Singh, Lokesh Singh, Neelam Jamwal, Surinder Kour, Shashi Bala, Deepak Koul and Tilak Raj etc.

In the meeting, the issue of calling off strike was discussed and appreciation was extended to Minister for Health and Medical Education, Pt. Mangat Ram Sharma for understanding and acceding the genuine demands of medical employees.

Intellectuals hail Third Front formation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: A meeting of coordination committee of intellectuals and professionals drawn from different walks of Jammu province, extended support to former Minister and senior leader Ghulam Hassan Mir, asking him to lead the Third Front, which was the only way left to give the people of Jammu and Kashmir a clean, stable, effective and credible Government.

The meeting which dwelt upon various aspects pertaining to coming Assembly elections vis-a-vis formation of Third Front resolved that various political parties have started concentrating on dynastic rule, which should be done away with.

Ghulam Hassan Mir, speaking on the occasion said that it was because of the fact that need for formation of Third Front became necessity.

Those who attended the meeting included S Narinder Singh, Maj Gen B N Dhar, Dr D K Kapoor, S Amarjeet Singh, Romesh Chander, Sheikh Sajjad, Abdul Jabbar Lone, Advocate Zulfikar Malik, Virinder Singh Chib, Advocate Satwant Singh, Vikram Sabharwal, Swaran Kumar (Kaka), Wali Mohd Wani, Advocate Sarfraz Hussain Shah, Advocate Rajinder Singh Sadyal, Nikku Bakshi, Raja Mohd Bhat, Nazir Ahmed Kitchloo, M N Zargar, Wasim Jalal and councilor Javed Ahmad Khan.

Preparations for Lecturers Day observed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: The All J&K Plus two Lecturers Forum today held its General House Meeting, wherein preparations for ‘Lecturers’ Day’ falling on April 9 was reviewed.

H D Qureshi, State chief of the forum, chaired the meeting while staff secretaries of Jammu district along with the members of house of representatives and the central executive were also present on the occasion and discussed at length the preparations for Lecturer’s Day to be held at Government Polytechnic, Bikram Chowk.

Qureshi informed in the meeting that 1000 delegates would participate in the day long event and elaborate arrangements have been made for the guests from Ladakh, Kashmir and other far flung areas.

Qureshi also announced the teams to accelerate the preparation process for upcoming event. D P Dutta, vice president was assigned with the responsibility of Rajouri and Poonch districts and Dr. Satvir Gupta, Pardeep Vij, Rauf Dar and Nagesh Arya will assist him.

Charan Dass, chief organizer was assigned with the responsibility of Udhampur, Doda, Reasi and Ramban districts and he would be assisted by Sunil Sharma, Riaz Hussain Mintoo, Verinder Dutta and Anil Sharma.

S. Gurcharan Singh Dutta, general secretary will be over all incharge of the arrangements besides, he will cover the Kathua, Samba and Jammu districts along with N S Jamwal.

NC pleads cause of farmers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 23: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (NC) has demanded the release of water in Ranbir Canal due to shortage of irrigation water in the absence of rain to save the farmer community.

This was stated by Ajay Sadhotra, provincial president of J&K National Conference while interacting to a deputation of farmers from Marh block. The deputation was headed by Thakur Baldev Singh, president Marh block who apprised him with the problems being faced by the farmer community.

Ajay Sadhotra said that there was no rain during this winter and people were facing shortage of irrigation water and situation like desert and drought has emerged. He appealed the State Government to release water in Ranbir Canal so that farmers could save their vegetables and crops.

Meanwhile, he also demanded that Government should order on spot assessment of the damaged crops occurred due to no rains and shortage of irrigation facilities.