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

JAMMU, Mar 30 : Underlining the importance of Public Service Commissions (PSCs) in creating capable administrative machinery to shoulder the responsibilities of nation building and implementing policy, programmes of a Government, the Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig said that the transparency and credibility in a selection process should be the hall mark of such statutory institutions.

The Deputy Chief Minister was addressing a valedictory function of one-day workshop on "Transparent, Credible selection procedures for Recruitment" organized by the State Public Service Commission in connection with its Golden Jubilee celebrations at Zorawar Singh Auditorium at Jammu University.

Equating the creation of Public Service Commission as a transition from autocracy to democracy, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the right to equality and opportunity is the hall mark of any democratic set up, adding this also, holds true to the functioning of the PSCs, whereby an individual gets an equal opportunity to participate and get selected irrespective of his affiliations. "The functioning of public service commission becomes imperative in order to do away the kinship concept, which is threatening the very existence of having flawless and upright bureaucracy", he maintained.

While commenting on the utopic concept, Mr. Baid said "we may not get a selectee who has both the qualities of head and heart, which are imperative for getting a right kind of recruit, but our endeavour should be to keep this consideration in mind, as ultimately his decision making can make an impact on the socio-economic set up’’.

Strongly advocating the need for accountability and transparency, Mr. Baig maintained that it is a key which dispels doubts leading to public credibility of an institution. " The Commission should hold more interactive sessions involving the academics, researchers, job aspirants and students and device ways and means for creating more transparency and credibility through public opinion" he opined.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the most important challenge of the commission is the credibility and it can be brought by appointing people of impeccable track record as their members. "The credibility comes by choosing the right kind of people to head the commission, whose credibility is undoubted in every spare of life rather than crabbing about the selection procedures.

Responding to the demands of the commission regarding infrastructure development, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the government is abreast with the need to modernise it and in this regard every sort of help whether material or intellectual would be provided so that the functioning of PSC does not suffer.

While commenting on so called political interference on the functioning of the commission vis-a-vis the selection process, Mr. Baig said that by making it more transparent the interference of any sort if any would be automatically done away with.

Dispelling the notion, of so called regional imbalances in selection process, Mr. Baig maintained that it is a handiwork of vested interests, which are bent upon creating a mole hill out of nothing.

The Vice Chancellor Kashmir University Dr. Rayaz Punjabi also spoke on the occasion and stressed on the need of holding more interactive sessions by involving academics, intelligentsia and students. M. S. Pandit, Chairman State Public Service Commission also spoke on the occasion.

The valedictory function was attended by the chairmen of various state public services commissions, members of the state public service commission, justice (Retd) O. P. Sharma, researchers and students.

Farooq optimistic about new Pak Govt

Excelsior Correspondent

Kalakote (Rajouri), Mar 30: Claiming that the State of Jammu and Kashmir was going through a difficult phase, National Conference patron Dr Farooq Abdullah has hoped that newly elected Pakistan Government will help in bringing peace and prosperity to the State.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting, here today, Dr Farooq said that both India and Pakistan need to work jointly for bringing peace to the trouble torn State of Jammu and Kashmir without which the relationship between the two countries will not improve.

Expressing optimism, he said that the newly elected Pakistan Prime Minister Makhdoom Syed Yousuf Raza Gillani should take personnel efforts so as the dialogue process between India and Pakistan get pace and people of the State are involved in the process.

"We are of the firm belief that peace to the sub-continent is possible only when the two countries are able to solve Kashmir issue", Dr Abdullah said adding, "This dialogue process is however, meaningless if the people of the State are not taken into confidence".

Coming down heavily upon the political parties playing religious card, the NC patron said that people were being misguided for pity political gains. "Secularism is the basic character of our society", he said and warned the people that some elements were creating a wedge among the people on the name of Gujjar and Pahari, which may prove fatal for the composite culture of the State.

Without naming anyone, he said, "Those people who are opposing Article 370 are neither friends of the State nor well-wishers of the country".

Dr Abdullah criticised the State Government for neglecting the far flung areas of the State, where development was far from the reality. "I am shocked as the road of this area remains dilapidated and people are still without the basic amenities", he said questioning the hue and cry being raised by the coalition alliance about development of the State.

He announced Rs 20 lakh from his MP fund for the water works scheme in the area. He hoped that this money would bring some relief to the people of this far flung area.

He asked the people to strengthen the National Conference by extending full support to the local MLA Rashpal Singh.

Others who addressed the public meeting include Ajay Sadotra, Mian Altaf, Mirza Rasheed, Brij Mohan Sharma and Rashpal Sharma.

Prakash Diwas of Guru Nabha Dass
celebrated with fervour, gaiety

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: The 435th Prakash Diwas of Guru Shri Nabha Dass Ji Mahraj was celebrated with full religious fervour and gaiety today.

In this connection a grand function was organised at Mahasha Sadar Sabha, Head Office, Dogra Hall here, today in which a large number of people drawn from different parts of Jammu participated.

Minister of Health and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma- was the chief guest. Among others who attended the function included, MLA Gandhi Nagar, Raman Bhalla, Balraj Puri, Vir Chand Mahasha, Ex MLC, R L Bharti, N D Rajwal, corporator, Som Raj Taroch, Maheshwar Dass Dardi, Girdhari Lal, Jagdish Raj, Arun Rajwal, Ramesh Lalotra, Ramesh Sarmal, Tilak Raj, Koushal Kumar Bandhotra, Anil Bharadwaj, Shammi Naryal, Vaishno Dutt, Bansi Lal Bharti, Mrs Indira Bhalla and R K Kalsotra.

Paying his obeisance to Guru Nabha Dass Ji, Mangat Ram Sharma urged the people to follow his teachings and maintain unity in their rank and file.

He said to ameliorate the lot of the poor and down-trodden people in the State, the coalition Government passed a bill to give them reservations in Government jobs as there was a complaint that the people belonging to S C communities were not getting proper benefits under SRO 296.

He assured the Sabha that the backlog in promotions will also be absorbed in due course of time.

Earlier the Sabha president, Bodh Raj felicitated Mangat Ram and Roop Lal Bharti. Mr Lal also submitted a memorandum to Minister which demanded that Guru Naba Dass Ji birthday be declared a State holiday in J&K, the Mahasha Community be given reservation in Upper House, construction of a colony for the members of the community in Jammu and reservation of one Lok Sabha seat for SCs in J&K.

A hawan was also performed on the occasion. The speakers also highlighted the teachings of Guru Nabha Dass Ji. Various people of the community including those who contributed for the arrangements of the Jhankis on account of the Prakash Diwas were honoured on this occasion also.

NC, BJP dividing people for petty interests: Lal Singh

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Mar 30: Member of Parliament from Udhampur-Doda and senior Congress leader Ch Lal Singh today conducted one day tour of Chenani to assess the problems of the people.

During his tour, the MP inspected Kendriya Vidyalaya School and inaugurated suspension bridge over River Tawi at Raaji-Bargunda. The bridge has been constructed under MPLAD fund within a record period of ten months.

The people sought the intervention of the Member Parliament in appointment of staff at Government Primary School, Bargunda and Government High School of the area. Mr Singh immediately directed the CEO Udhampur to appoint teachers as early as possible.

Addressing series of public meetings, he lambasted National Conference and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for spreading communalism and dividing people on caste and region.

"The leaders of National Conference are dividing Jammu region for their self interest", he said, adding "the grandson of Maharaja Hari Singh has joined the National Conference leaving behind the dignity of his forefathers".

He said that NC has destroyed the history of J&K and befooling people on the name of casteism and regionalism. "My aim of visiting remote areas is to educate and create awareness among voters to choose good leaders so that the country will progress", he said and advised the people to be unite and follow the path and principles of Mahatma Gandhi.

"The principle of Congress party is to serve the mankind in a better way", he said and advised the people not to be trapped in false propaganda of BJP and National Conference.

INTUC president Som Nath, Ashwani Khajuria, Rajinder Gupta, Rajiv Gupta, Somesh, Bhupinder Singh, Arjun Singh, Thakur Dass and officers of different departments accompanied the Member Parliament during his tour.

Closer cooperation in education sector discussed
Mattoo meets Sardar Attique

Excelsior Correspondent

Islamabad, Mar 30: The Vice-Chancellor University of Jammu, Padamshree Professor Amitabh Mattoo today met with the Prime Minister of Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) Sardar Attique Khan, and Ms Sherry Rehman, the Information and Broadcasting Minister of the newly elected Government.

During the meeting, the Vice Chancellor , Prof Amitabh Mattoo discussed the prospects and possibilities of closer cooperation between India and Pakistan and the two sides of Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister (PoK ), Sardar Attique Khan and Professor Amitabh Mattoo talked at length about closer cooperation in the education sector. Vice Chancellor also raised the issue of allowing Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Shardapeeth shrine in PoK.

Professor Mattoo conveyed the greetings of Gulam Nabi Azad , Chief Minister J&K state to Sardar Attique. Professor Mattoo was accompanied by Professor Nirmal Singh, Arun Joshi and Happy Mon Jacob during his meeting with Ms Sherry Rehman.

Sardar Attique Rehman assured the delegation of the new government's commitment to move the peace process forward and reducing the information deficit between the two countries. Sardar Attique invited doctors and engineers from Jammu and Kashmir to help in the reconstruction of Muzaffarabad irrespective of what religion they belong to in J&K.

Industrialists criticise withdrawal of Central Excise

Excelsior Correspondent

SAMBA, Mar 30: Association of Industries, Samba today condemned the withdrawal of Central Excise refund by the Union Ministry of Finance and apprehended that this step will hamper the growth of industries in the State.

In a meeting of the Association held under the chairmanship of its president Vinod Rishi, it was stated that Central Excise authorities have diluted the commitment made by the Central Government in 2002 which envisaged a special tax exemption and incentive package for the economic upliftment and creation of employment potential through industrialization in the State.

Stating that J&K suffered a lot due to turmoil and deserves special attention to come out of economic stress, Mr Rishi urged the Centre to understand the gravity of the situation and withdraw the notification.

He appealed the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh, UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi and State Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad to look into the matter and direct Central Excise authorities for cancellation of notification as early as possible.

The meeting was among others attended by Kuldeep Jamwal, general secretary, Tarak Banerjee, A K Gupta, Ashwini Bhat, S S Sarvanan, Prashant, Rakesh Sharma, B Ray, Rakesh Aggarwal, Ranjan Bansal, Nair, Anil Rohila and R S Saini.

All deptts join hands to ensure smooth yatra

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: For better yatra management and facilitation of the pilgrims during ensuing summer, a joint control room is being set up at Katra, the base camp of the Shrine. This was decided in a co-ordination committee meeting chaired by M K Dwivedi, Additional Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and co-chaired by Sanjeev Verma, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi.

Others present in the meeting were SP Katra Ashok Sharma, president, Municipal Committee, Katra, BMO Katra, tourist Officer, Katra and officers from PHE, PDD, PWD, Tourism and Shrine Board.

The control room will function under the close supervision of senior officers of district administration, police, tourism and health department and Shrine Board to provide assistance to the yatris round the clock, Mr Dwivedi said.

He added that the control room will also ensure that any complaint registered by the yatris is taken care of and action, as warranted under rules, is initiated within the shortest possible time with an intimation to the complainant.

Besides a Co-ordination Core Committee was constituted to address issues of yatra management, supply of drinking water and health facilities etc. for the base camp Katra. The members present in the meeting were of the view that unless there is a close co-ordination between Tourism Department, Municipal Committee, Katra, PHE, PDD, PWD, police and Shrine Board to facilitate the pilgrims, the Departments individually will fail in services and commitments.

The meeting hoped that hotel associations, restaurant and shopkeepers associations, travel associations and prominent citizens of Katra town will come forward to extend their support in improving the state of affairs of Katra and provide best services to the pilgrims visiting the Katra town from all over the world.

Truck loaded with whisky overturns, driver hurt

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: A truck loaded with whisky cases overturned on fly-over bridge near Indira Chowk here this morning leading to minor injuries to driver of the vehicle.

A police spokesman said that a truck bearing registration number JK02AD-8967 overturned on fly-over bridge while negotiating a curve near Indira Chowk. The truck got struck with the railings of the bridge and a large number of whisky cases fell down from it.

The truck driver sustained minor injuries in the mishap while conductor escaped unhurt, the police spokesman said, adding none was hurt in the falling down of whisky cases on the road from the fly-over.

The driver Ramesh Kumar, son of Thakur Dass of Kalakote was shifted to Government Medical College Hospital and discharged after first-aid.

Jammu Festival clubbed with Ram Navmi: Pandey

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: Divisional Commissioner, Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey, who is also the Chairman of the Festival Steering Committee and Director Tourism, Jammu Ajay Khajuria, who is the Member-Secretary and Nodal Officer today explained the salient features of Jammu Festival 2008.

Addressing a press conference, Divisional Commissioner Sudhanshu Pandey said that Department of Tourism is taking multifarious initiatives to give a boost tourism in the State.

Mr. Pandey informed that this year the Jammu Festival will be held from 1st to 15th April, 2008 and will extend to all the District Headquarters in Jammu Division. He said that a Car Rally called the " Rally of Lakes" will be held from Shimla to Jammu, which will provide exposure to the Lakes of the region and will also touch most of the popular and potential tourist spots. As part of the cultural bonanza, Sonu Nigam, Anoop Jalota, Bhajan Sopori and a host of other artists are expected to perform in various events of the festival.

Div Com said that the Festival will be inaugurated by the Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad on 1st April, 2008 with a Multi Media Lazer show and Fire Works at Fish Aquarium, Bahu Fort which is going to be held for the first time in the State.

The hoteliers will facilitates the tourists with 25 percent discount on lodging besides charging reasonable prices on ethnic Dogra food.

For the first time, the forts in Samba, Bhadarwah and Rajouri will be illuminated. Besides this year the festival procession will be clubbed with religious ceremony of Ram Navmi.

Other events to be held in the Festival were also disclosed which included Art Exhibition and other events at Kala Kendra, Jammu by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages including the Exhibition of paintings of N.D Jamwal from 2nd to 8th April, 2008, Exhibition of photos by A. R Nazki from 5th to 7th April, 2008, Basohli painting Art Camp from 8th to 15th April, 2008, Exhibition cum sale of Basohli paintings from 10th to 15th April, 2008, Dogra/Ethnic Marriage Scene in collaboration with J&K Tourism and Sahyog on 10th April, 2008 and Music and Dance programme "Rock Jammu Rock" by young artists on 14th and 15th April, 2008, Food stalls selling ethnic food items and children’s game will also be arranged to attact visitors for the duration of the festival, Hot Air Balloon Joyrides will be organized in the University grounds from 7th to 19th April, 2008, illumination, light music and ethnic food will be arranged at Mubarak Mandi for 6th to 15th April, 2008. Lighting of other heritage buildings in the city like GGM Science College, Ranbir Singh High School, Chief Minister’s Official Residence and the Ranbir Library will be done to give a festival look to the entire city.

Nukkad shows will be organized at Gole Market on 7th April, 2008 at 7.30 PM, Science College on 8th April, 2008 at 7.30 PM, Raghunath Mandir on 9th April, 2008 at 7.30 PM, Bakshi Nagar (Resham Ghar Colony) on 10th April, 2008 at 7.30 PM, Janipur on 11th April, 2008 at 7.30 pm and Rajinder Park on 13th April, 2008 at 11 am.

Besides, Philosophers Walk at 7 AM on 6th April, in Mahamaya area in collaboration with Summerland Travels Ltd., Jammu, Nature Walk at 7 AM on 8th April, 2008 from Amar Mahal in collaboration with Tawi Trekkers, Jammu and Heritage Walk at 7 AM on 9th and 10th of April, 2008 from Amar Mahal in collaboration with Master Tours and Travels, Jammu would also be organized. A regular programme of Trekking in Panchari hills called "Heritage Trek Expedition" will be organized from 12th April onwards in collaboration with the Youth Hostels Association of India, J&K Branch.

National Theatre Festival will be organized at Abhinav Theatre from 13th to 15th April by the J&K Academy of Art, Cultural and Languages in collaboration with the National School of Drama, New Delhi.

A floral/rangoli/raade competition and other activities will be organized at Zanana Park, Jammu on 15th April by Directorate of Floriculture in collaboration with the Ladies Club.

Sound and Light show will be organized by the Song and Drama Division of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Govt of India at Mini Stadium Parade Ground from 14th to 21st April, 2008.

The Festival will conclude with a Multi Arts Mega Cultural event based on local performing arts in General Zorawar Singh Auditorium on 15th April, 2008 at 8 PM.

Politicians deceived PoK refugees: SOS

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: SOS-International, an organisation of PoK refugees has alleged that previous Governments and politicians have deceived the refugees and not resolved their pending issues.

Addressing a public meeting at Malakpur in R S Pura today, Rajiv Chuni chairman of the organisation alleged that refugees are feeling cheated by various previous governments and the political parties. He said these parties only used them as vote bank and never bothered to resolve their issues seriously.

He stressed for the unity among various organisations of the refugees and said that for exterting maximum pressure on the government all the organisations should come at one platform. He said the refugees from PoK have suffered a lot and they continued to struggle for the last more than sixty years. They only faced exploitation at the hands of politicians.

Other refugee leaders, S R Dutta, Dr Tarlok Singh, Saroop Singh, Sardar Singh and R C Sharma also spoke on the occasion. They said that elections were drawing nearers and the refugees needed to give their thought on the issue and take a final decision in this regard.

Workshop at A S College inaugurated
Quality education need of hour: Charak

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Mar 30: Minister for Higher Education, Gulchain Singh Charak has said "relation between the teachers and the students is sacred and we have to take all possible measures to maintain it."

The Minister was speaking at an inaugural function organized by Amar Singh College Management in connection with two day workshop "Quality Education Assurance in Higher Education" here today.

The Minister stressed upon the teaching community to impart quality and job oriented education to the students to make them able to compete at national and international level. He said that society and the teachers have to take care of all aspects of the students as they are the future of the nation. Mr. Charak said that education system has been badly affected due to the turmoil in the Valley during last two decades and it is the dire need of the time to bring it back on the rails, adding that the Government has initiated revolutionary measures already in this behalf and many educational institutions were completed and more are under execution.

Among others the workshop was attended by ex-Vice Chancellor Kashmir University Professor Abdul Wahid, Director Colleges Dr. N.D. Wani, Principals of various colleges, educationists and other dignitaries.

Earlier, Mr. Charak inspected the site proposed for establishment of Government Women's College, Nawakadal in Iddgah area. He also inspected construction work of new museum complex coming up at a cost of Rs. 28 crore. The complex would be commissioned during August this year, the Minister was told.

Jugal lays foundation stone of roads

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Mar 30: To provide road connectivity to unconnected habitations in tehsil Chenani of district Udhampur, Minister for Roads and Bridges, Jugal Kishore Sharma laid foundation stone of three link roads.

These included T-Morh to Ther road, Nagulta to Rezard road and Gujed to Chirdi road.

Superintending Engineer, PMGSY, Batote, Imtiaz Ahmed, Superintending Engineer, Roads and Bridges, Udhampur, S.L. Bhat, Dy. SP (HQ) Udhampur, Amit Gupta, Tehsildar and BDO Chenani, Sarpanches and Panches besides people in large number were present on the occasion.

The Minister said that the State Government has approached the Government of India for according sanction to 38 more schemes under PMGSY Phase-VI for which an expenditure of Rs.140 crore would be involved. Expressing optimism over the early sanction of these schemes by GOI, the Minister said that nearly 251 Km road length would be constructed in near future covering left out habitations.

Cautioning the people about the divisive forces, the Minister asked the people not to believe in false rumors of vested interests. He called for maintaining communal amity and brotherhood which is essential for economic prosperity and over all development.

Among others PCC General Secretary, Narinder Sharma, senior leader of the area, Krishan Lal Bhagat and prominent persons of the localities also spoke on the occasion.

JKMPCL distributes bonus to milk producers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: For the first time in the co-operative set up, Jammu and Kashmir Milk Producers Co-operative Limited (JKMPCL) distributed bonus to milk producers of the State.

Dr. Mohammed Deen, chairman, Board of Directors handed over the bonus cheques to the milk producers affiliated with JKMPCL in different bonus distribution functions held across the State.

In Jammu, the functions were held at Akhnoor, Kathua and Milk Plant Satwari, while in Kashmir, at Milk Plant Cheshmashahi and other field head offices.

Addressing the milk producers at Kathua, Dr. Deen said, "For the viability of any organization it is utmost necessary that an honest and committed management is there and the present management is efficient enough to run the organization and fruits of commitment are today seen by way of distributing surplus money to the farmers".

Mehraj-ud-din, Chief Executive Officer, in his address at Akhnoor said that bonus distribution functions would be held every year and the milk producers of the State will be given every possible assistance.

He, however, informed that very soon bulk milk coolers will be installed, to prevent milk souring, at some places in Jammu division in addition to starting evening milk collection.

BJP Migrant Cell discusses KPs problems

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: A workers meet was organised by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Migrant Cell here, today in which the problems of the displaced Pandits were discussed.

All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference (ASKPC) chief, A N Vaishnavi presided over the meeting, while BJP general secretary, Ajay Jamwal was the chief guest. Party state secretary, Yudhvir Sethi, Surinder Sharma and president BJP Kashmir, Mohammed Yousf Sofi were the guests of honour.

Addressing the meeting, BJP Migrant Cell chief H L Chatta lambasted the NC, PDP and Congress for mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in 1989 and 90.

He alleged that Kashmiri Pandits suffered most during NC rule and even now they are not considered for any job in the Government. He asked the community to remain vigilant against the elements who are misleading them for their political interests.

He demanded that memorials be made in the name of martyr Prem Nath Bhat and Tika Lal Taploo at the places were they fell to the bullets of assailants.

He warned the Government for occupying the land of KPs and converting it into the construction of parks and buildings.

Addressing the meeting state secretary, BJP, Yudhvir Sethi assured the community that if the Party was voted to power it will grant age relaxation to Pandit youth who have been deprived of Government jobs over the years.

Addressing the meeting, Ajay Jamwal said if voted to power NDA will work for the upliftment and betterment of displaced Pandits. He urged the Pandits to be ready for contesting the forthcoming Assembly elections from J&K and Party has left five seats for them.

D N Kissu of Non Camp Displaced Union assured full support of his organization in the forthcoming elections.

A N Vaishnavi said the community should be ready to elect their representatives for the forthcoming elections to the State Assembly so that its voice is heard.

Others who addressed the meeting included Brij Lal Hali, M L Aash, Rattan Lal Sharma, Surinder Sharma, Mohammed Yousf Sofi, Sheela Handoo, Bharat Bhushan Gosani.

New varieties of popular trees introduced

Excelsior Correspondent

GANDERBAL, Mar 30: Minister for Forest and Environment, Qazi Mohammad Afzal has asked the officers of Social Forestry department to formulate a comprehensive project for mass plantation for bounding areas of Manasbal and its adjacent areas and submit the same to the government soon so that the project could take off well in time.

The Minister was addressing at a function organized by the Social Forestry department in collaboration with Manasbal Development Authority in connection with plantation day held at Manasbal today.

The Minister stressed for preservation, conservation and protection of magnetic attraction of various tourist spots, lovable meadows, springs, hidden source of water, evergreen forests, bio-diversity of wildlife and fauna and flora of the state.

The Minister exhorted for launching a sustained campaign to educate people about the importance of forests and aforestation.

He said that Social Forestry department has introduced new varieties of popular trees in Kashmir aimed at increasing productivity of poplar crop which shall result in better yield and good remuneration to the growers.

Secretary, Tourism Nayeem Akhter and District Development Commissioner, G.N. Bodha also spoke on the occasion.

IOC, AWWA organise awareness campaign

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: Indian Oil Corporation’s Indane unit of J&K, organised LPG safety awareness programme in collaboration with the Army Wives Welfare Association (AWWA) at Nagrota Military station near here.

This campaign was part of one month awareness programme of the organisation in the area. During this campaign more than 200 Army house wives from each unit attended this useful programme at Nagrota. A detailed lecture on LPG safety and conservation was delivered by Bharat Bhushan Sharma, Area Manager (LPG) from Indian Oil Corporation and Narender Sangral of M/S Unique Indane Sainik Colony, Jammu.

The speakers stressed for the safe use of the LPG and demonstrated many ways to handle the LPG cylinder and stove while cooking and fitting connecting pipe. They also stressed the importance of energy conservation in day today life. The LPG safety was also explained to the ladies present on the occasion. They took active part in the quiz competition relating to the LPG safety in the kitchen. It was suggested to use good quality gas pipe.

Alok Upadhya, Area Manager of the IOC, said that main objective of organising such programme in collaboration with Army is to educate Army wives about the LPG safety. They belong to different parts of the country and their husbands usually remain away on duty in this border State and only women and children remain in the staff quarters.

AWWA local unit members extended thanks to the OIC officials for organising such a useful programme.

Shiv Sadna organizes awareness programme

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: Five- day Awareness Generation Programme (AGP) was organised by Shiv Sadna and S S Institute of Professional and Technical Education at village Pargwal from March 26 to 30.

The programme was sponsored by SWB J&K (Jammu). The programme was attended by Mrs Brij Bala from SWB J&K, noted social activist, Prof Reeta Jitender, Pritam Singh, Head Master, Army Middle School Pargwal, Milkhi Ram, Sarpanch Pargwal, Chaju Singh ,Sarpanch Gurha Manhsa, Wahid Khan, Area Manager, Bajaj Allianz and Rajinder Singh Lambardar.

Two hundred fifty beneficiaries belonging to 50 families were covered and given awareness on different issues during the five days camp.

Mrs Suman Sharma Mahaldar, president Shiv Sadna in her address highlighted the issues concerning women for their development, empowerment and social life. She complimented the dignitaries and women who participated in the camp.

Milki Ram in his address said the women folk in Pargwal especially the girls need training in various professions and an awareness about the forming of SHGs so that Micro revenue generating unit could be established.

In her address, Prof. Rita Jitender urged the women to take a cue from Suman Sharma Mahaldar who is putting her efforts in development of rural areas. She urged the women to take benefit of the programme organised by Shiv Sadna.

The welcome address was made by Miss Nidhi Sambyal and vote of thanks was proposed by Miss Shivani member Shiv Sadna.

PDP Zonal President joins PDF
Hakeem for involving Geelani, Hizb chief with talks

Excelsior Correspondent

BEERWAH, Mar 30: Chairman of People's Democratic Forum (PFD) and Minister of Transport Hakeem Mohammad Yasin today reiterated that senior separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Hizbul Mujahideen "Supreme Commander" Syed Salah-ud-din should be associated with the dialogue process Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has started separately with the Pakistani leadership and political leaders of different ideologies in Jammu & Kashmir three years ago.

Addressing a well attended rally at village Rathsun, which has been a stronghold of different pro-Pakistan guerrilla organizations in the last 18 years of militancy, Hakeem Mohammad Yasin contended that holding a dialogue process with the mainstream politicians would never lead to resolution of the Kashmir crisis. He pointed out that armed struggle in Kashmir had erupted inspite of Indira-Abdullah Accord of 1975 and prior to that bilateral pacts between New Delhi and Islamabad at Simla, Tashkent and other places.

Hakeem said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had restricted his Kashmir roundtable initiative to the mainstream politicians who were comfortable with the state's accession to India. He said that four of the Working Groups constituted under the PM's initiative had submitted their recommendation and the last one was yet to formulate the same but none of the recommendations had been implemented to supplement the two-level peace process. He emphasized that senior separatist and militant leaders, like Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Syed Salah-ud-din, should be associated with the dialogue process which, according to him, should be a "serious and sincere exercise".

Hakeem said that New Delhi and Islamabad should take advantage of the "changing winds" in the Sub Continent and resolve all political crises politically and to the best satisfaction of all parties concerned.

He said that the state had developed enormously under the leadership of Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad who had given the real healing touch to the Kashmiris by making Police and armed forces accountable for each and every act of human rights abuse. He referred to the custodial killing of five civilians in Ganderbal-Sumbal area two years ago and said that detention and subsequent prosecution of SSP Ganderbal and Dy SP of SOG, besides many other officials involved in the heinous crime, had led to the end of human rights violation in Kashmir.

On this occasion, senior PDP leader and Zonal President Budgam, Sona-ullah Dar, joined PDF alongwith a number of his workers and followers. Hakeem admitted Dar into his party and said that a large number of other political activists, particularly those of PDP, would be joining the PDF in near future.

Gang of tyre thieves busted in Bani, 2 nabbed

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 30: With the arrest of two persons from Basohli area the police claimed to have busted a gang of tyre-thieves operating in the area for the last about one year.

Stolen tyres of various vehicles worth Rs 80,000 were recovered from their possession.

Giving details a senior police official said that a gang of seven thieves was operating in Bani, Basohli, Mahanpur and Billawar area for the last more than one year and used to take out the tyres of the vehicles parked on the road or in the open. Many such thefts were reported in the area in the past but the thefts could not be worked out. The thieves even stole away the tyres of some private company vehicles from Sewa Hydel project site in Bani.

Acting on a tip off, a Bani police party conducted a raid at village Gatti and arrested Naresh Kumar and Barkat Ali both residents of the same village. Stolen tyre worth Rs 80,000 were recovered from their possession. The tyres belonged to a Matador No JK08/ 0343 and a Tata Sumo JK08/ 2892 which were operating on the same route. They used to sell tyres on less rate to the local operators and some vehicle operators have also been picked up for questioning.

The police also have identified five more associates of this gang and raids were being conducted to nab them. The police hopes to recover some more tyres stolen and sold to various vehicle operators in the area. SDPO Basohli himself is supervising the operation.

Natrang Theatre Festival concludes

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: Natrang Theatre Festival-2008 concluded with the successful presentation of the play ‘Pinki, Bunty Aur Gangu.’ The highlight of the concluding function on the eighth day was the felicitation of the participants of ‘Natrang Theatre Festival’.

Director of the Natrang Theatre group, Balwant Thakur while speaking on the occasion lauded efforts of the artists to make yet another festival a success within a time interval of just six months.

The festival was focussed on the young team which surprised every one through the demonstration of their acting capabilities. He expressed his happiness over the way young team of Natrang took the lead in this particular festival and proved its confidence and professionalism in handling such an important theatre event. During current year, the group has performed a record 125 shows across the country.

In today’s play the story pertains to brother Bunty-8 yrs, sister Pinki-6 yrs and their friend Gangu-8. The three children are temperamentally very different. Bunty appears timid, his sister is full of puckish games and the Gangu is like a street smart toughie. The play is about the interaction between the children and how they accept each other. The play offers an ample opportunity to see the world through the eyes of children and to have a deeper insight into the child’s psychology and the transformation of their behaviour. Mohit acted as Bunty, Kamakshi as Pinki while Rohit Verma as Gangu.

Kranti Dal supports functionaries of Yatri Bhawan

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: General Secretary Kranti Dal, Jia Lal Verma who is also associated with the Jammu Yatri Bhawan, today condemned the supposed attempts by some vested interests to tarnish the image of Bhawan.

Addressing a media conference here today, Mr Verma strongly flayed the attempts by some vested interests to malign the image of functionaries of the Bhawan. He said that some local dailies have also indulged in the malpractises like blackmailing through malign propaganda. "Such attempts would not deter the functioning of trust, " he maintained.

He maintained that Bhawan is providing good services to all the pilgrims including decent accomodation and meals free of cost. While praising the present president of the trust, Pawan Shastri, he said that Mr Shastri is an honest person and is justifying his role.

Gayatri Parivar performing Mahayagya at Parade from Apr 2

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: Gayatri Parivar Jammu is performing 108 Kundiya Gayatri Mahayagya at Parade Grounds here for world peace and prosperity of mankind from April 2 to 5 this year.

For this the Yagyacharyas from Gayatri Teerath Shanti Kunj Haridwar will reach here on April 1, said Sh. Som Dev Pattaiya, special representative of Shanti Kunj Haridwar, while talking to reporters here today along with N P Sharma, chief trustee, A K Koul and Tarsem Nagar, trustees and Ram Paul Sharma.

He said the Yagya is being performed for the betterment of entire mankind and for the dawn of right intellect in every individual.

Pattaiya Ji said that hundreds of such Hawans are performed all over the world by the Gayatri Parivar under the blessings and spiritual guidance of Pt. Shri Ram Sharma Acharya— a great saint of the modern era and founder of Gayatri Parivar Sanstha.

He said Acharya Ji was greatly instrumental in propagation of Gayatri Mantra in every nook and corner of the country and abroad. Acharya Ji wrote 3200 books and thousands of articles in monthly magazine "Akhand Jyoti", he added.

On behalf of Gayatri Parivar of Jammu Som Dev Pattaiya made an appeal to people of Jammu to participate in this great spiritual function and seek blessings.

He said there is no fee for participation in this Yagya and all Sanaskars will be performed free of cost.

He also disclosed that Gayatri Parivar has so far performed 32 Ashawmed Yagyas and it is proposing to perform one in J&K also which most probably will be solemnized in Kashmir valley.

Thakkar lambasts State, Central Govts
for rising unemployment, corruption

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, Mar 30: Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) national president, Amit Thakkar today lambasted the Congress led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government at Centre and coalition Government in J&K for its failure in containing the rising prices, corruption, unemployment and terrorism.

Addressing Sankalap rally at Ram Leela Ground here, today , he alleged that UPA Government could not control the rising prices which has broken the back of common man.

He said the rising unemployment has become a cause of frustration for the unemployed youth. "Under the present ruling dispensation at Centre and the state, the youth does not see any solution to this issue" , he added.

Lambasting the Government, senior BJP leader and former MoS Defence, Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta also attacked both Centre and State Governments for the miseries of people. He alleged that it is because of wrong polices of the Governments since 1947 that the secessionists elements raised their ugly heads in different parts of the country.

The other BJP leaders who addresed the rally included Party state president, Ashok Khajuria, Thakur Ranjit Singh, Shamsher Singh Manhas, BJYM state chief Pawan Khajuria and Prem Lal Dogra.

Earlier Mr Thakkar visited the Mubarak Mandi where the unemployed engineers and ITI technicians are sitting on dharna to express his solidarity with them.

Expressing concern over the anti youth policies of the J&K Government, Mr Thakkar assured full support of BJYM to them. He said these issues will be taken by him with the BJP national leaders and also raised in the next session of Parliament.

He also assured them that BJYM will take up the issue with President of India and seek her intervention so that justice is delivered to deprived youth of the State.

Brahmin Federation welcomes 6th Pay Commission

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 30: President All India Brahmin Federation Prof Devendra Sharma, has welcomed the recommendation made by 6th Pay Commission, especially for suggesting replacement of national holidays by increasing proportionate restricted holidays.

Addressing a press conference here today, he expressed hope that the State Government may agree with the recommendations by which, he said that their longstanding demand for holiday on Lord Parsuram Jayanti can also be met if "Akshay Tritia" is listed as restricted holiday.

Expressing his concern over the reservation policies of the State and Central Government, Mr Sharma said that the reservation should be based upon economic criterion rather than existing caste criterion.

"The caste based criterion aims at the development of creamy layer of lower castes besides ignoring the poor belonging to other unpriviliged or underpriviliged castes," he said and added that the present reservation policy is creating deep fissures in the society.

Meanwhile he flayed the State Public Service Commission for adjusting doctors serving in Kashmir valley against the available posts in Jammu region. He maintained that such discriminative policies of State Governmentr are increasing unemployment in the region.

He also urged Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board to take up the restoration and maintenance of all the temples falling under Dharmarth Trust.

Among others who endorsed the views of Mr Sharma were I J Khajuria, Ved Prakash Balotra, S Yashpal Singh and Rampal Sharma.