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

JAMMU, Mar 24: The Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig today expressed optimism that new dispensation in the neighbouring nation of Pakistan would settle all bilateral issues including vexed issue of Kashmir with India.

While addressing a gathering in University of Jammu (JU) on the inaugural ceremony of two-day workshop on "Trans-Himalayan Tourism: Issues and Perspectives", he said that new Pakistan Government will adopt pragmatic and foresighted approach to solve all the pending issues between the two countries.

"A day will come when this issue (Kashmir problem) would be resolved and both the countries would be able to divert their huge Defence expenditures to address the basic needs of people like Medicare, Education etc.", he expressed optimistically.

Linking Kashmir problem with tourism industry, Mr Baig, who also holds the Tourism portfolio, said the State suffered a lot due to 19 years old problem of militancy but, on the other hand made it highly popular in the entire world and due to that people all over the world visits Kashmir out of curiosity.

He cited four issues i.e. lack of infrastructure, lack of awareness, lack of tourism culture and problem of militancy besides, lack of coherent and comprehensive tourism policy, which were confronting the growth of tourism industry. "This industry is very fragile and a small incident of terrorism has the potential to dislodge it", he added.

He, however, optimistically concluded his address with the words that India in general and the State in particular will emerge as the major tourism industry, as the nation is on the verge of becoming world superpower despite having several inequities.

Earlier, the workshop, being organized by ‘The Business School’, University of Jammu (JU) under UGC-Special Assistance Programme DRS-I, inaugurated with the lighting of ceremonial lamp. Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir, Prof. Reyaz Punjabi was the guest of honour while, Vice Chancellor JU, Prof. Amitabh Mattoo presided over and Prof. Kapil Kumar from IGNOU New Delhi was the keynote speaker.

In his presidential address, Prof. Mattoo stressed on the need to have tourism regulatory body to govern the tourism industry. He also advocated introduction of private players to boost the industry but, on the same time cautioned to preserve the cultural values and environment of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Punjabi raised the issues related to the infrastructural development and human resource development in the tourism industry. He said the industry strongly requires tourism professionals in order to deliver the service of global standards.

In his keynote address, Prof. Kapil Kumar pointed out that lack of professionalism was the main problem confronting tourism industry in India. He emphasized upon the need to firstly change the attitude instead of promoting privatization and other such moves. He favoured privatization of the industry but under strict Government regulations to safeguard industry as well as the interests of the professionals engaged.

Prof. Ashok Aima, Coordinator UGC-SAP, deliberated theme of the workshop and its significance in the region. He said faculty of management studies will continue to stimulate thinking among academicians, policy makers and scholars to contribute in the domain of tourism. Earlier, Prof. Keshav Sharma, Director, The Business School presented the welcome address and told about the importance of workshop, while the programme concluded with the vote of thanks by Prof. J R Dhotra, Dean Management Studies.

Later, in the day, two technical sessions on the theme "Destination Profiling and Capacity Building" and "Tourism Planning and Management" were held. The keynote speakers were Prof. Kapil Kumar, Salim Beig and Mohd Ashraf (former DGs Tourism), Ajay Khajuria (Director Tourism), Kanji Lal Gaur (IATO New Delhi) and Col Sumant Bhatia.

Telbal encounter
Parakram Padak awards for six cops

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda announced "Parakram Padak" awards for six police personnel of Jammu and Kashmir Police for their exemplary bravery during an encounter at Telbal Srinagar yesterday.

While Sgct. Bashir Ahmed, District Srinagar, Constable Irshad Ahmad, IRP10th, and Constable Mohammad Kabir IRP 10th have been awarded posthumously, SI Umesh Thakur, Constable Mushtaq IRP10th and Constable Ashok Kumar, IRP 10th who sustained injuries while eliminating self styled Lashkar-e-Tobia Divisional Commander Abu Faisal are also amongst the recipients.

The decision to this effect was taken at an impromptu meeting of Police Establishment Board presided over by the Director General of Police held at Police Headquarters here today.

While announcing the awards, Mr Khoda paid rich tributes to policemen who offered supreme sacrifices in their bid to neutralize terrorists who intended to disturb peace and public order in Srinagar city. He reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir Police is committed to tackle militancy and protect the lives and properties of the citizens to help restoration of peace in the State. He also announced that the next kin of the martyrs would be absorbed in the department and their welfare would remain on priority.

Director General of Police, while reflecting on police performance in tackling militancy said that 15 police and other security personnel had sacrificed their lives while eliminating 68 militants many of whom were self styled commanders during the current year, so far. Last year during the same period, 31 police personnel and security forces lost their lives while eliminating 58 militants, he added.

This year 14 civilians were killed up to March 15, all of them by militants. The civilians killed for the same period during last year in militancy violence was 31, Mr Khoda said.

Refugees stage protest demonstration

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: Refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971 held a protest demonstration at Dogra Chowk, near Press Club of Jammu in support of their demands here today.

Accompanied by women and children, the refugees presently residing in various areas of Jammu rural including R S Pura, Bishnah, Khour, Jourian and Akhnoor assembled near Dogra Chowk. They were carrying placards and banners in their hands depicting their demands. They were also shouting slogans against the UPA Government at the Centre and State Government headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad.

Under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir Refugees United Front, headed by Capt Yudhvir Singh (Retd), the refugees of Pak Occupied Jammu and Kashmir held demonstration for some time and then they dispersed. They were demanding their permanent settlement. Several leaders of the Front also addressed the gathering and criticised the Government for its indifferent attitude in resolving the pending issue of the settlement of refugees and providing them citizenship rights.

Capt Singh alleged that many families of refugees are still moving from pillar to post but could not get the land as promised by the Government. The deficiency in land could not be made up even till today. He said now Wadhwa Committee was formed by the Government to look into the demands of refugees. The committee submitted its report to the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on Nov 29, 2007 but unfortunately no decision has been taken by him in this regard even after three and half months.

General secretary Rashpal Singh Chib also spoke on the occasion and urged the Government to take early decision about the fate of refugees who are struggling for the last more than five decades now.

He also condemned the attitude of Kashmiri leadership for opposing the settlement of the refugees.

440 villages to be provided connectivity
under PMGSY Phase VI

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: 440 more villages having population 500 and above would be provided road connectivity at an estimated cost of Rs 118936 lakhs in Phase VI under PMGSY.

The decision to this effect was taken at a State Level Standing Committee on PMGSY chaired by Chief Secretary B. R. Kundal here today.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Planning Department Iqbal Khanday, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce Lokesh Jha, Secretary R&B Shailender Kumar, Secretary Rural Development Department Mohammad Sayeed Khan, Director Finance Ravi Mangotra, Special Secretary Forest Toshar Kumar Sharma and Coordinator PMGSY Sandip Gupta.

It was given out in the meeting that out of total 9333 villages in the State (as per 2001 census) 5796 have been provided road connectivity and remaining are being connected under prestigious Bharat Nirman Project envisaged by the Government of India to link hitherto unlinked habitations.

Out of total 143 sanctioned schemes under phase V of PMGSY, work on 116 schemes are nearing its completion, the meeting was told.

Describing Bharat Nirman project as one of the ambitious project of the Union Government, Chief Secretary stressed the need of building the capacity of engineers and other officials involved in implementation of the scheme.

He directed the Secretary Roads & Buildings to make new divisions if required to effectively monitor PMGSY. He said a coordination committee at grass root level under the chairmanship of concerned Tehsildar has already been constituted to clear cases of land acquisition. The Committee will submit the cases to the concerned collector who will directly forward it to the Secretary Revenue, he added.

Zila Sainik Board official arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 24: Crime Branch has arrested Assistant Secretary of Zila Sainik Board for duping an innocent person of Rs 7.50 lakh.

An official spokesman said that Assistant Secretary of Zila Sainik Board namely Mohd Amin Dar, son of Abdul Gani Dar of Maidanpora, Lolab presently residing at Jawahar Nagar, Srinagar took Rs 7.50 lakh from one Mohd Sultan Rawath, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din of Handwara on the pretext that he would arrange petroleum gas agency for Mohd Sultan.

However, neither the gas agency was arranged nor the money was returned to the rightful owner.

Acting on the complaint, the Crime Branch arrested the Assistant Secretary of Zila Sainik Board.

Meanwhile, one more accused in the fraudulent drawal of Rs 50 lakh from State Bank of India, Srinagar branch was arrested by the Crime Branch. He has been identified as Syed Khurshid Ahmad Shah, son of Ghulam Ahmed Shah of Dalal Mohalla, Srinagar.

Four accused persons have already been arrested for their involvement in the case.

35-day long strike of SRTC workers called off

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: A thirty-five day long strike of the State Road Transport Corporation workers and employees was finally called off today after signing of fresh agreement between the Government and the representatives of SRTC Employees Union.

The talks which were suspended on March 10 were resumed last evening between the representatives of the employees Union and the top government officials. The second round of talks, headed by Minister for Transport, Hakim Mohd Yasin and accompanied by Commissioner/ Secretary, Transport Dalip Singh were resumed this afternoon. MD of the Corporation, Manzoor ahmed Lone was also present.

Chairman J&K SRTC Employees Union, Shakeel Ahmed Kuchey, president Ashok Mehra, secretary All India Road Transport Workers Federation North Zone, Ram Asray Yadav, other union leaders-Mohd Amin Dar, Abdul Rashid Rahat, Deedar Singh, Paramjit Singh and Munir Ahmed represented the agitating employees. After long discussion and exchange of arguments, the Government officials and the Union leaders reached a final agreement and singed fresh agreement document. The strike was finally called off after a lapse of 35 days this evening.

Mr Kuchey after meeting told the Excelsior that strike has been called off as all the workers and employees would resume their duty from tomorrow (March 25). He said the Minister and Commissioner were very positive in their approach. The demands of the employees were accepted and the restriction added in the previous agreement on March 10 that Corporation would pay from its own resources was dropped. This addition proved as bone of contention last time. He said four month salary of the employees has already been released and 42 slabs of COLA have been assured to be released with the salary of March.

The management also agreed to strongly recommend the case of contractual and consolidated workers of the SRTC to Government for regularisation and also announced enhancement of Rs 300 in their package. The police cases against the Union leaders were also withdrawn and ASMO was also revoked. An assurance regarding regular payment of their salary in future has already come from the government, he maintained.

It may be recalled that earlier, an agreement was reached on March 10 but after some controversy over addition of few lines in document, the employees again went on strike. In Jammu, some of the employees resumed duty a few days back following intense pressure of termination and police raids but majority of operation of the fleet remained affected in the state. The Corporation suffered massive loss during the strike.

World Theatre Day programmes begin with Dogri play

By Ravinder Kaul

The programmes being organised by J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages in connection with World Theatre Day began with staging of Dogri play ‘Pind Kunne Joadeya’ at Abhinav Theatre here today. The play, written by Dhian Singh, was presented by Natraj Natya Kunj under the direction of young Abhishek Bharti.

It is a simple, rather simplistic, story having its origins in an Urdu couplet:

‘Barbaad gulistaan karne ko, bas ek hi Ulloo kaafi hai,

Har shaakh pe Ulloo baitha hai, anjaam-e-gulistaan kya hogaa’

Well, the play actually refutes the literal connotations of this couplet and asserts that it is not the Owls who are responsible for destruction of the social fabric of our society, but, on the contrary, it is the self serving politicians, bureaucrats and village heads who are to be blamed for all the evils existing in our system.

This message in conveyed in the play by actually presenting on stage a Swan couple and an Owl alongwith a plethora of village heads and commoners. A Swan couple, after getting uprooted from their home because of severe drought conditions, takes refuge in a distant unknown village. However, on seeing an Owl in that village they taunt him and accuse him of destroying the habitation by his sheer presence. However, the Owl, by exposing the true colours of the politicians and other village heads, proves to the couple that it is the human beings themselves, and not the owls, who are responsible for destruction of their habitation.

The story was told in a well rehearsed manner by the artistes who gave a good account of themselves. Abhishek Bharti in the role of the Swan, Manu Sharma as his mate and Romit Sawhney as the Owl acted well. The costumes were innovative and the set design, with a large Banyan tree in the backdrop was also imaginatively designed. Make up by Manoj Dhameer Shammi was good.

Music composed and executed by Satpal Sharma was quite effective. The director of the play Abhishek Bharti has a great potential in him and given more opportunities and some meaningful training, he can prove to be an asset to the theatre world of Jammu in the times to come.

JKNDF stages demonstration, demands passage
of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines Bill

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: To express their anger against the Government’s failure to ensure the protection of temples and shrines of Kashmiri Hindus in Valley as well as its failure to enact a law for their protection, the activists of Jammu and Kashmir National Democratic Front (JKNDF) staged a demonstration in front of Raj Bhawan here, today.

The demonstration was led by the working president of the Front, A K Dewani.

Addressing the demonstrators, Mr Dewani sought the immediate intervention of the Governor in the passage of Kashmiri Hindu Religious Places and Shrines Bill. "Unless and until the Bill is not passed by the State Legislature, there will be neither any check on encroachments of the Hindu shrines and temples in the Valley nor on the illegal sale of their properties by vested interests", he added.

Later the JKNDF also submitted a memorandum to Governor Lt. Gen S K Sinha giving the details of the religious places of Kashmiri Hindus which have been encroached in the Valley during last 18 years of turmoil.

The memorandum alleged though the matter was brought to the notice of Government from time to time but it failed to take the cognizance of the same and free these religious places from clutches of the encroachers.

It also demanded that till the passage of the Bill the Government should issue an ordinance in this regard.

Govt ignoring employees, SC/ST/OBCs: Yashpal

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: State unit president of the Bahujan Samaj Party, Yash Pal Bhagat has alleged that State Government headed by Ghulam Nabi Azad was ignoring the workers and employees of various departments and Corporations besides the members of SC/ST and OBC communities in the State.

Addressing a party workers’ meeting at Bishnah here today, the BSP State chief alleged that employees of various Corporations including SRTC, JK Minerals, JKI, JKTDC and others were facing starvation and the Government was unable to pay the salaries for the months together. Workers of silk factory were also at the verge of starvation. He said the employees of various departments were on the agitational path. They remain unheard by the Ministers and bureaucrats. The Government is least bothered about the plight of the workers and employees.

He pointed out that strong resentment was brewing among the youth of the State as there was no proper recruitment policy for them. Unemployed youth were sitting on ‘dharnas’ and agitating outside Divisional Commissioners’ office since long. The Government was unable to take a decision about them. He alleged that Government has proved as anti-employees, anti-youth and anti-SC/ST and OBC communities. The BSP leader urged the people to ensure the victory of BSP in coming elections.

Former MLA Samba Som Nath, block president Bishnah Ghar Chand, S L Dhigra and Satpaul general secretary also spoke on the occasion. They criticised the State Government for its alleged failure on all the fronts. Several leaders from other parties including Sat Pal, Capt Ram Chand, Ram Lal, Kala Ram, Vijay Kumar and Som Nath joined BSP on this occasion.

World TB Day observed
Modern testing lab being setup in CD hospital: Mangat

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma has called upon the medicos, para-medicos and NGOs to work with devotion and missionary spirit for curbing the Tuberculosis in the State. He underscored the need for intensifying awareness campaign against this dreaded disease in far-off, hilly and downtrodden areas.

Addressing on world T.B day here today at a function organized by State T.B. Cell, the Health Minister said the objective of observing world T.B Day is to bring about behavioural change in individuals, families and communities to make them cautious about this contiguous malaise.

Mr. Sharma said focussed attention was given on up-gradation of treatment facilities to T.B patients especially in far-off, hilly and downtrodden areas. He said Direct Observation Treatment (DOT) centres have been set up in almost all health institutions of the State for the purpose.

He said a modern testing laboratory first of its kind in the state is being setup in Chest Disease hospital Jammu where sputum culture would be carried out to diagnose resistant T.B patients. He said the building for the purpose has been constructed at a cost of Rs. 20 lakh while as the modern testing equipments are being providing by Union Health Ministry. He said a plan has been formulated for allotting resources to create district T. B. Centres in newly created districts also.

The Minister presented cheques and mementos to the NGOs for their endeavour to minimise the problems of the patients. He also distributed cash assistance to T.B patients on the occasion.

Principal Government Medical College Dr. Rajinder Singh and State Tuberculoses Officer Dr. Gurdeep Singh also spoke on the occasion and threw light on activities of the department for eradicating this dreaded disease from the society.

A galaxy of medicos, para-medicos, prominent citizens besides patients participated in the function.

Meanwhile, World TB Day was observed by District Tuberculosis Control Society Kathua here today. On this occasion awareness programme was organized in the premises of District Tuberculosis Centre Kathua. The programme was organized to disseminate information about TB and its control activities. The theme of the year 2008 is "I am stopping TB". The programme was graced off by Chief Medical Officer Kathua Dr Ashok Kumar.

District Tuberculosis Officer, Kathua, Dr J P Singh gave detailed information about TB and its control activities. He appealed the people to avail the facilities of diagnosis and treatment of TB which are available free of cost in all the health institution of the district.

Medical Superintendent, District Hospital Kathua Dr Jagdish Bhagat, BMO Hiranagar-Parole and other officers of various departments were present on the occasion.

Govt committed to uplift G&B community: Jugal

Excelsior Correspondent

REASI, Mar 24: Minister for R&B Jugal Kishore Sharma has said that the coalition Government led by Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad is fully committed to transform socio-economic status of Gujjar and Bakarwal (G&B) community to make them equal partners of development.

The Minister was speaking at Gujjar and Bakarwals one-day convention held at village Mansooh in district Reasi last evening.

The Minister said that Central and State Government have launched various poverty alleviation schemes especially for the uplift of Gujjar and Bakarwal community. A provision in the Annual Plan aimed at accelerating the developmental activities in their respective areas of habitations has also been kept. He exhorted upon them to work unitedly for their collective cause leaving no scope for party politics in developmental activities.

Mr. Sharma also assured them to make available basic amenities of life like power supply and drinking water which are still lacking under the Tribal Sub Plan.

The District President, Gujjar and Bakarwals, Ch. Murad Ali, Presided over the function while State President, Haji Choudhary Yaqoob, Sate Secretary, Haji Ch. Yousf and large number of people from the Reasi district participated in the convention.

Regarding filling up of the post of Vice Chairman, the Minister asked them to pass a resolution which will be recommended to the Government for further action at the earliest.

The Gujjar and Bakarwal leaders put up a number of demands through a memorandum which include social and political reservation, upliftment of the scheduled tribe community by providing adequate funds, provision of more mobile schools with teaching staff from the community, employment under RET, Integrated Child Development Services Project etc.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to their grievances and assured that their all genuine demands would be fulfilled in a phased manner. He asked for strengthening the hands of the Government by providing full cooperation in implementation of all development schemes for percolating the benefits at all the levels.

The Senior Superintendent of Police Reasi, J L Sharma, Tehsildar Reasi, Gandhrav Singh and District Social Welfare Officer, Yash Paul Mansotra Executive Engineer, R&B, officers from other departments were also present on the occasion.

Baig clarifies ban order on recruitment
JU scholars surround Dy Chief Minister

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: The Deputy Chief Minister, Muzaffar Hussain Baig was today surrounded by a group of Jammu University (JU) scholars in the university campus, here today.

Baig was in the university to inaugurate a two-day workshop organised by ‘The Business School’ when scholars led by Vikas Sharma, JURSEA president surrounded him protesting ban order issued by GAD directing all the departments to put on hold the recruitment process.

It is to mention that JURSEA had decided to ban entry of all the top Government functionaries in the campus to express their resentment against the said order.

Meanwhile, the Dy Chief Minister patiently listened to the scholars and assured that none of the recruitment process will be put on hold and everything would be conducted on time. He clarified that the order pertains only to the fresh notifications. Thereafter, he was allowed to leave for the venue.

However, JURSEA has threatened to launch a massive campaign if the Govt would fail to keep its words. JURSEA was supported by Jammu State Students Morcha (JSSM) and National Conference Students Union (NCSU).

Court awards life-imprisonment to accused in murder case

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: After 12 years long trial and investigation in a brutal murder case, Principal Sessions Judge Jammu J R Kotwal today awarded life-imprisonment to two accused.

According to the prosecution case, on April 26, 1996 the victim Lochan Singh, son of Harbhajan Singh of village Marh Bagh goes missing after he left private academy situated at village Karloop under Police Station Domana where he was employed as a teacher.

A police patrol party headed by ASI Abdul Aziz Bhatti found the body of Lochan Singh in a nullah at Deode-Kubbey area on April 28. Subsequently, a case was registered and investigation was initiated by the then SHO Domana Shamsher Singh Parihar.

The IO arrested both the accused—Bishan Dass alias Peepa and Ram Dayal. On their disclosure during interrogation, police recovered a weapon of offence.

During the investigation, it came to fore that accused Peepa was having relations with a girl for the past three years. In the meantime deceased Lochan Singh also developed relationship with the same girl. On the fateful day, the accused Ram Dayal spotted deceased talking with the girl at Karloop Nullah. Subsequently, Ram Dayal called Peepa and they stabbed Lochan Singh to death.

After hearing Public Prosecutor E A Tak appearing for the State and Advocate Kamal Chopra appearing for the accused persons and after going through the statements of prosecution witnesses, Principal Sessions Judge observed "recovery of the chain and locket of the deceased from the possession of one of the accused and the concealment of weapon of offence by other accused besides statement of prosecution witnesses, are sufficient to held the accused guilty of the murder".

With these observations, the court awarded life imprisonment to both the accused with fine of Rs 20,000 each.

Martyr Kabir laid to rest with full Police honour

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Mar 24 : The body of martyr Mohd. Kabir Chandel, constable IRP 10th Battalion who sacrificed his life fighting bravely with the militants at Telbal, Srinagar on March 23, 2008, was laid to rest with full Police honour at Graveyard situated in Udhampur town with full Police honour, today.

The body of the Police martyr was brought to his native village Gangera in the vicinity of Udhampur town last evening where large number of people were waiting to have last glimpses of their brave son who has made the whole village proud by his supreme sacrifice.

DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Alok Puri, Superintendent of Police, Udhampur, Anil Sharma, Dy. SP (DAR), Bodh Raj and Station House Officer, Udhampur, Inspector Jagdev Singh were present on the occasion and laid wreaths on the mortal remain of the martyr.

SVO organises paper reading contest

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Mar 24: Monica Sharma, a student of Government College for Women (GCW), Udhampur was adjudged as over all best in an Inter-College Paper Reading Contest on the topic "Role of Society in Curbing Corruption" organized by the J&K State Vigilance Organization in the premises of Government PG College, Udhampur, today.

Simran Preet Kour, student of GCW Udhampur clinched second position while Neha Sharma and Vivek Mathur of PG College, Udhampur jointly shared third prize who were awarded trophies by the chief guest. Other participants were also awarded certificates of merit for taking part in the paper reading contest.

Deputy Inspector General of Police, Udhampur-Reasi Range, Alok Puri was the chief guest on the occasion while Principal of the host college, Dr. A. S. Rishi presided over the function.

Among others Senior Superintendent of Police, Vigilance Organization, Nissar Ahmed, Dy. SP (HQ), Udhampur, Amit Gupta, Professors and students of host college, Women College, Udhampur and Govt. Degree College, Ramngar were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Alok Puri called upon the society as a whole and the student community in particular to take a lead in this direction to make the society free of corruption by discouraging the dishonest by cooperating the Law Enforcement authorities to provide an exemplary punishment to dishonest persons.

HRD Ministry releases Rs 3 cr for construction
of Degree colleges

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: Ministry of Human Resource Development (HRD) released Rs. 3 crore as a first instalment for the construction of four degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir. The other two instalments would be released after starting the work. These include Degree Colleges Uri, Bijbehara, Ramban and Bilawar.

This was disclosed at a high level meeting under the chairmanship of Minister for Higher Education Gulchain singh Charak conducted to review the construction of these colleges. These colleges would be constructed under Human Resources Development.

The meeting decided that after reviewing the detailed project report of JKPCC and NBCC, the construction work would be started at the earliest.

The meeting also decided to constitute a technical committee which can monitor the construction work of all the colleges which are under execution.

Among others Secretary Higher Education Khazar Mohammad Wani Director Colleges N. D. Wani, Joint Director Planning and Principals of Uri, Bijbehara, Ramban and Bilawar colleges were present in the meeting.

Floral tributes paid to freedom fighters

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24:The different institutions and organizations organized programmes to observe the 77th martyrdom day of great martyrs Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev, wherein rich tributes were paid to great martyrs.

District Congress Committee held a meeting at PCC head quarter, Shahidi Chowk wherein rich tributes and homage was paid to the trio of martyrs. A two minute silence was also observed in their memory. Ex-MLA and president DCC Jammu, Om Chopra chaired the meeting.

Prominent among others present on the occasion included Minister for Higher Education, Gulchain Singh Charak, Dy Chairman Council, Arvinder Singh Micky and Pardhuman Singh etc.

Bhartiya Janata Party also organized a programme to observe the martyrdom day at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Park, Digiana. Veteran BJP leader Jaswant Gupta along with hundreds of supporters paid heartfelt tributes to the great martyrs. Two minutes silence was observed on the occasion.

CPI (M) State secretary, M Y Tarigami also paid rich tributes to the Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. In a statement issued here, he said the martyrs were the great revolutionaries who launched an effective struggle for national liberation, democracy and social justice.

Duggar Pradesh Party organized a meeting at its head quarters and paid homage to great martyrs of the country. Addressing the meeting, Udhay Chand, president accused the successive national leaders of deliberately ignoring the great sacrifices of the freedom fighters.

All India Students Federation, Jammu region also organized a programme to observe the martyrdom anniversary of Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru. On the occasion, a massive gathering of students paid rich tributes to the martyrs and garlanded their portraits.

Later, Com Praveen Kesar, general secretary IPTA inaugurated Bhagat Singh Memorial Library. AISF State president, Vimal Manhas also addressed the gathering.

National Students Union of India (NSUI) and Jatt Youth Federation jointly organized a programme at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk near Jewel Cinema to observe the 77th martyrdom day of the martyr trio. The youth tying saffron turbans paid homage to the great martyrs. On the occasion, Manjeet Singh Jatt, president addressed the gathering.

Jammu State Students Morcha (JSSM) observed the day as "Trimurti Balidan Diwas". A programme in this regard was organized in Jammu University campus. Prof. Nirmal Singh from Deptt of History was the chief guest on the occasion. Dr. P S Pathania and Prof. D S Bhau were also present. On the occasion, rich tributes were paid to the martyr trio Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev.

Jammu State Morcha (JSM) took out "Yuva Rally" to commemorate the 77th Martyrs Day of great freedom fighters. The rally started from Poonch House, Talab Tillo and culminated at Pacca Gharat. The rally was led by Devinder Singh Jamwal, general secretary.

Congress Corporator and district vice president, Babal Gupta also organized a programme to observe martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. He along with local people paid homage to the great martyrs. Several prominent people of the area were also present on the occasion.

Pradesh Congress Seva Dal organized a blood donation camp at SMGS Hospital in observance of martyrdom day of Bhagat Singh, Rajguru and Sukhdev. The camp was held under the chairmanship of B S Sambyal.

Bhagat Singh Yadgar Committee, Udhampur took out a procession in Udhampur town and held massive public rally at Bhagat Singh Park on the 77th Martyrdom Day of great freedom fighters.

"Ghat" staged in Natrang’s theatre festival

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: On the second day of eight day long Natrang Theatre Festival, Dogri play "Ghat" directed by Balwant Thakur and based on the story of Krishan Chander was staged at Natrang Studio here today.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Balwant Thakur said that Natrang is committed to the cause of meaningful theatreand will continue to showcase relevant human issues.

"Ghat" dramatizes condition of a person who accidently falls into a pit and seeks help of passers by. The play artistically portrays how people from the ground level to the helm of affairs shirk their social and moral responsibilities. It points out as to how the concern for each other in our society is on the decline day by day.

Pankush Verma portrayed the character of the man who falls in ditch wheras Dimple Sharma as religious preacher, Mohit Sharma as political leader, Gaurav Janwal as police cop and Kamakashi Pattyal as foreigner also played their roles emphatically.

SOS Children’s Village constitutes body

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: SOS Children’s Village today constituted office bearers committee for the term of next three years in a general body meeting through elections, said a press note here today.

The election proceedings were conducted by ex-MLC and ex-vice-chancellor University of Jammu, YR Malhotra. After the outcome of elections, AK Arora was re-elected as President while Dr KL Gupta, SN Sharma and AK Khajuria were elected as vice president, secretary and treasurer respectively.

Other newly elected office bearers were Santosh Mangotra, Amarjeet Singh, PV Rawal, Swarn Jamwal, HB Khajuria, Veena Amla, Jagmohan Gupta and VK Bhagotra.

Prominent among others present on the occasion were OP Modi, Rama Malhotra, Urmila Arora, Goverdhan Singh, Yash Pal Gupta, NK Khajuria, Dr Sushma Malhotra, Urmila Sethi, Sat Pal Jain, Nirmala Mahajan and BK Arora.

Court returns closure report, directs for reinvestigation

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: Special Judge Anti-corruption Court Kartar Singh today returned the closure report filed by the Crime Branch in land transfer case and directed SSP Crime and Railways for reinvestigation of the case from some other Investigating Officer.

According to Crime Branch case, on a written report of complainant Hari Chand, a resident of Palouta, Samba, a case was registered against accused Hans Raj.

It was alleged in the complaint that the accused hatched a criminal conspiracy with the Revenue Department and managed to change the Khasra Girdawari in his name despite the fact that the complainant was in cultivating possession of the land.

The investigation of the case was entrusted to Inspector G L Sharma and during investigation no case was made out against the accused. Subsequently, a closure report was submitted in the Court.

The son of the complainant Kulbhushan, attorney holder of his father approached the court and filed a protest petition for wrong closure of the case. He also submitted that in January, 2007, he moved an application before the IG Crime for transferring of investigation from Inspector G L Sharma to some other officer of Crime Branch.

The IGP vide order dated January 24, 2007 directed SSP Crime Branch to transfer the case to some other person. However, the IO violated the order of IGP and submitted the closure report in the Court.

While disagreeing with the closure report, Special Judge Anticorruption observed "the Court has failed to understand as to what was the necessity for the SSP Crime & Railways not to transfer the investigation of the case to some other person as directed by IGP Crime & Railways".

With these observations, the returned the closure report with the directions to SSP to get the case reinvestigated from some other IO as directed by the IGP and submit the final report so that complainant may not feel prejudiced.

Agricultural Technocrats honour protesting volunteers

Excelsior Corespondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: On the occasion of its foundation day, Jammu and Kashmir Agricultural Technocrats Association today honoured technocrats who voluntarily sat on fast unto death in front of Divisional Commissioner’s Office in support of their demands.

Speaking on the occasion, general secretary of the association, Rajeev Sharma highlighted the efforts made by the technocrats due to which they got jobs under Rehbar-e-Ziarat.

Vice president of the association, Shakti Sharma rued that after engaging them under Rehbar-e-Ziarat, Government did not make any concrete policy for their regularization and suggested for SRO.

State president of the association, Surinder Radotra in his key note address, condemned the state Government for its alleged apathetic attitude towards them. He expressed hope that in the cabinet sub-committee meet which is supposed to be held on March 26, their problems might be disposed of.

Among others who spoke on the occasion were Vinod Sharma, Pankaj Kumar and Sanjay Puri.

Gharu Ram lays foundation stone of link road

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: Minister of State for R&B Ch. Gharu Ram has said that Azad-led Government is endeavouring a lot to connect every remote and far flung area of the State with major towns and cities throughout vast expansion of road network.

This was stated by the Minister after laying foundation stone of 0.5-kilometer long Thikrian village link road.

Addressing the gathering, Ch. Gharu Ram said that during the dispensation of present Government, scores of villages of Suchetgarh constituency were connected with Sub-Division R. S. Pura. For this purpose, the Government has provided sufficient funds especially in R&B sector. To connect the neglected villages with towns and cities, he informed that the Centre Government has recently sanctioned Rs. 11.80 crore for construction of 480 roads under PMGSY. To facilitate the masses of Birla village, he said that the Government has sanctioned Rs. 4.5 lakh for immediate of link roads. He asked the engineers to create durable assets by using quality material in development works.

Responding to the demands, the Minister directed the engineers to prepare estimate for construction of Raipur-Sangral, Baspur-Samka link roads and submit.

Later, the Minister inaugurated lane and drain at Jajowal.

Bhagwad Saptah from April 6

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: A week long ‘Shrimad Bhagwad Saptah’ to be preached by renowned Guru Swami Sukh Sagar Ji Maharaj is being organised by Jammu Yatri Bhawan, Haridwar at the Bhawan complex from April 6-13.

The Saptah will conclude on the auspicious occasion of Baisakhi festival after which the participants will undertake bath in river Ganga.

A large number of people from Jammu have confirmed their participation in Bhagwad Saptah at Haridwar, Jammu Yatri Bhawan, president, Pawan Shastri said.

Prior to Bhagwad Saptah, the Jammu Yatri Bhawan has decided to send 30 inmates of Vridh Ashram, Ambphalla for ‘Ganga Snan’ in Haridwar free of cost.

The Vridh Ashram inmates will leave Jammu for Haridwar on March 29 and return on April 2. Besides ‘Ganga Snan’, they will also be taken for sight seeing tour, Mr Shastri said, adding that all 30 inmates selected for ‘Ganga Snan’ have never visited Haridwar in past.

He added that some other people who too wanted to visit Haridwar for the first time can approach the Jammu Yatri Bhawan.

Lal Singh visits Basohli

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 24: Member Parliament Choudhary Lal Singh said he is doing his duty as true representative for the development and welfare of people and will continue to do the same.

He was speaking during his visit to various areas under Basohli Constituency.

Choudhary Lal Singh asked the youth to follow the footsteps of martyrs Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev and Rajguru.

He (Lal Singh) alongwith MLA Basohli, Kanta Andotra visited areas like Niyali, Sabaar, Bhlaakh, Maadta and Nagrota and addressed public meetings.

Later, both inaugurated a 3 km long road from Dhalmar to Niyali. MLA Kanta Andotra in her address asked the people to remain unite and work collectively for the development of the area.

Jatinder Singh, Cap Pratap, Zaakir, Aadi Hussain, Harnam Singh, Kuldeep besides Sarpanch, Panch and other people also attended the meeting.

Scooterist killed, minor girl injured in accident

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 24: One person was killed and a minor girl received injuries in an accident while as a man died under mysterious circumstances.

Police spokesman said that a scooterist was killed and a minor girl suffered injuries in a head on collision between a scooter and a mini-bus at Sherkhad Bridge in Kathua district.

On the receipt of information, a police party rushed to the spot and started rescue operation. Both were rushed to hospital where scooterist Palvinder Kumar, son of Ram CHand of Padyari was pronounced as brought dead.

The condition of minor girl namely Munisha Devi, daughter of the deceased was stated to be critical when reports last came in.

Meanwhile, one Naseeb Singh, son of Sri Chand of Badu under the jurisdiction of Billawar Police Station was recovered from Badu forests under mysterious circumstances.