Rs 42.23 cr annual plan for Kathua
Mangat calls for inter-departmental coordination,
involvement of MLAs in plan execution

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, May 2: The Annual Plan for 2008-09 of Kathua district have been approved at Rs. 42.23 crore with Rs. 36.14 crore as capital component including Rs. 22.44 crore as loan component from NABARD, central assistance etc. The capital component for 2007-08 was Rs. 30.83 crore.

This was disclosed by Chairman District Development Board Kathua and Minister for Health and Medical Education Mangat Ram Sharma. He urged upon the officers to strive hard to implement the plan proposals without deviations and with due consultation of the local elected representatives.  Inter- departmental coordination is imperative for the early completion of the major projects as they require the NOCs from various departments, he maintained.

The Minister enjoined upon the forest authorities to accord early clearance to the executing agencies so that the ambitious road projects in the hilly areas can be completed at the earliest. He also recommended an additionality of Rs. 10 crore as proposed by the MLAs to meet expenditure on account of MLAs proposals.

While replying to the querries of MP Ch. Lal Singh, Mr. Sharma constituted a committee of officers to speedily finalize the site for the construction of University Campus at Kathua so that the students may not suffer any more. He also issued instructions for the repair of border roads at the earliest

Minister for Higher Education, Gulchain Singh Charak, Minister for Rural Development, Mula Ram, Minister of State for Housing, Urban Development , R&B, Agriculture, Gharu Ram,  Minister for Power, Babu Singh, Member Parliament, Doda Udhampur Parliamentary Constituency, Ch. Lal Singh, MLA, Billawar, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, MLA, Bani, Prem Sagar Aziz,MLA, Hiranagar, Girdhari Lal, MLA, Basohli, Smt. Kanta Andotra, senior bureaucrats, Heads of various departments,  Presidents of MCs and district officers were present in the meeting.

Earlier, the District Development Commissioner Kathua Sarita Chauhan gave details about achievements during the Annual Plan 2007-08

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Rural Development, Mula Ram advocated for timely supply of seeds and fertilizers and declaring the agriculture as thrust area and enhancing the allocations under Education sector so that Prime Minister`s wish of universalization of education can be adhered to.

Minister of State for Urban Development, Agriculture, Gharu Ram stressed the need for timely supply of seeds and fertilizers to the farmers. He also called for the repair of the border roads.

MP. Ch. Lal Singh demanded early completion of building of Government Degree College, Basohli and early finalization of site for the proposed University Campus at Kathua. The chairman DDB constituted a committee to examine the case.      

MLA, Bani, Prem Sagar Aziz also demanded the starting of classes in newly sanctioned Degree College at Bani from the current session for which the Higher Education Minister agreed. He also sought early forest clearance for Bani-Duggan road and demanded more Anganwadi canters in his constituency. He also demanded a ST hostel at Bani for which the board unanimously accorded recommendation.

MLA, Basohli, Kanta Andotra  demanded opening of new degree college at Mahanpur and Tehsil status to Mahanpur for which the board unanimously agreed to recommend the demand to the Government.

MLA, Hiranagar demanded opening of more Higher secondary schools at Chhan Arorian, Gurah Mundian, Kore- punnu. He also demanded timely supply of seed and fertilizers and early completion of settlement process in Hiranagar Tehsil.

MLA, Billawar, Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma expressed dissatisfaction over the delay in land acquisition process of Government Degree College, Billawar for which the chairman assured early completion of the college building as the funds for the purpose have  been released. He also demanded early completion of receiving station at Billawar and provision of un-interrupted power supply.

Selection for post of Lib, Lab Assistants
HC directs State to appoint petitioners

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: In a petition seeking appointment, Justice Nirmal Singh of State High Court has directed the State Government to appoint the petitioners against the vacancies which were available under ST category after treating the private respondents in the earlier writ petition (1993) as the candidates belonging to the General Category.

The petitioners, who were eligible in terms of advertisement notice for the post of Library Assistants/ Laboratory Assistants and other posts in different departments of the State and belonging to Scheduled Tribe Category, applied for the post.

Total numbers of the posts to be filled were 156 out of these 16 posts were reserved for ST category. Remained unsuccessful, the petitioner challenged the selection process through a writ petition alleging therein that respondents have selected 16 candidates in the ST category out of these 3 did not belong to the ST category.

The Court disposed of this petition with a direction to respondents on November 19, 1998 to consider the claim of the petitioners. In pursuance of the direction of the Court, the respondents considered the claim of the petitioners and have passed orders on August 25, 1999, which was challenged in the present petition.

Justice Nirmal Singh after hearing Advocate O P Thakur appearing for the petitioners and Additional Advocate General BS Salathia appearing for the State respondents, observed that in the present case, this Court vide order November 19, 1998 disposed of the petition which was earlier filed by the petitioners with the directions to consider the claims of the petitioners, taking note of the assertions of the petitioners that the persons selected in ST category do not belong to the said category.

"A perusal of the order impugned in the instant case shows that the same has been passed in a casual manner. The consideration accorded to the case of the petitioners is no consideration in the eyes of law and case of the petitioners has wrongly been rejected by the respondents", the court observed.

The Court further observed that in the select-list 16 candidates have been shown to be selected under ST category but taking into consideration the observations made by the respondents in the order impugned that private respondents 3 and 4 in the earlier petition (1993), who belong to General Category have been wrongly shown to be selected against ST category it can be said that the vacancies remained unfilled in the ST category and the petitioners who were the candidates available in this category, were wrongly denied the benefit of appointment.

With these observations, the Court allowed the petition and directed respondents to appoint the petitioners against the vacancies which were available under ST category. This shall, however, be done after verifying the certificates of the petitioners so far as the ST category is concerned. The appropriate orders of appointment should be issued after completing the formality within a period of one month from the date a copy of this order is made available to the respondents by the petitioners.

The petitioners are also entitled to all the consequential benefits minus monetary benefit, the Court ordered.

Chhamb DPs’ deputation meets Assembly Speaker

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Chhamb Displaced Persons Association members led by its president, S R Nagial met the Speaker J&K Legislative Assembly, Tara Chand here today and apprised him of the problems and pending demands of the displaced persons.

Mr Nagial while discussing the issue with the Speaker disclosed that condition of many displaced persons staying in the camps was pitiable. Their demands could not be settled despite long struggle. He said the Government constituted Wadhwa Committee but its report was not made public and no efforts were taken up for its implementation.

He demanded that supplementary list of the left over families of 1971 displaced persons be forwarded to the Government of India for payment of cash compensation in lieu of deficiency in allotable units of agriculture land. He also sought the forwarding of the list of landless families of 1971 DPs for payment of ex-gratia relief amounting to Rs 7 lakh each family.

The refugee leader further demanded 10 % reservation quota to the wards of DPs of 1971 and 1965 in the Government jobs, schools, colleges and other professional courses and treating all these displaced persons residing closer to the actual line of control as they are shown to be belonging to their original villages in Chhamb when their state subjects were issued to them.

The Speakers disclosed that they have already taken up the issue with the PM’s Working Groups at New Delhi. Remaining issues of the DPs will be taken up with the Chief Minister and the Union Home Minister.

Commercial Tax Deptt imposes Rs 21.55
lakh penalty on dealers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The sleuths of Commercial Taxes, Lakhanpur have imposed penalty worth nearly Rs 21 lacs on the dealers, who were clandestinely importing goods into the State.

According to an official press note, sleuths of the department under the direct supervision of Deputy Commissioner, Inderjeet Singh conducted surprise physical checking of traders vehicles attached with several registered transport companies of the State on April 29 and 30 consecutively.

During the entire process it was found that undervalued and undeclared taxable goods were being transported into the State against the provisions of J&K VAT Act 2005.

Meanwhile, the goods were seized besides penalty as well as security amounting to Rs 21,55,871 including Rs 3, 55, 770 and Rs 18,00, 101 on April 29 and April 30 respectively was slapped on the erring transporters.

The Deputy Commissioner has appealed the traders to refrain from such practices, which are in violation of J&K Vat Act 2005. Mr Singh also resolved to continue with such special operations in future as well.

Be aware of people selling dreams: Baig

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, May 2: Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig has asked the people not to fall prey to political gimmicks of certain politicians who are selling dreams in order to grab power.

"The coalition Government has devised a fast track mechanism to fill the vacant posts available in the State thereby the menace of unemployment, which has become a global phenomenon would be addressed to a certain extent", he asserted.

Addressing people of Baramulla and Sangrama constituencies at Banquet Hall, Srinagar today, who had gathered to felicitate him on his return after performing ‘Umrah’, the Deputy Chief Minister said since coalition Government came to power, it has been sincerely endeavouring to find solution to Kashmir issue with honour and dignity. He added that resolution of the issue is imminent as both the Congress led Central government and political leadership in Pakistan were keen to find an amicable solution of the issue.

Exuding confidence that trade links on Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawalkote roads would be resumed soon, he said this would boost economic and tourism related activities across the LoC. "Both the countries are keen to develop tourism in the State, which would help strengthen relations between the people living across the LoC", he maintained.

Referring to the development scenario in Jammu and Kashmir, the Deputy Chief Minister said historical achievements have been registered by the present coalition Government on all fronts during its five and half year’s tenure. "Besides taking the historical decisions of creating new administrative units, the coalition has provided basic amenities to the people living even in the remotest areas of the State", he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated Government’s resolve to alleviate poverty, unemployment and economic deprivation of the people. He called upon the party activists to rededicate themselves to the services of people.

A galaxy of PDP leaders also spoke on the occasion and hailed the contribution made by the Deputy Chief Minister towards overall development of the State.

Registration for Swami Amarnath yatra begins

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The registration for annual Swami Amarnath yatra has started on all the registration counters of J&K Bank all over the country from today.

According to a J&K Bank spokesman, the registration which started from today will continue upto July 30. The two month long Swami Amarnath Ji yatra will commence from June 18 and it will culminate on August 16.

At J&K Bank Registration Counter Exhibition Ground, here 472 yatris were registered on the first day today.

The spokesman said total 4000 yatris are to be registered daily throughout the country. Out of them 2000 each will be registered for Baltal and traditional Phalgam tracks.

The spokesman said, besides the J&K Bank has kept the facilities of on-line registration also available for the yatris and they can avail these facilities too.

He said approximately 2,80000 yatris will be registered during this period on all registration counters throughout the country.

Medical employees suspend strike after Govt assurance

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: In the face of State Government's assurance to consider long pending demands of the Medical Employees, JK Medical Employees Association together with JK Medical Employees Federation have suspended their ongoing strike for a fortnight.

The employees had been protesting in favour of demands including two and half day extra salary for additional work, regularization of consolidated, contractual and basic pay to all employees according to their respective grades.

In a joint press statement issued here today, secretary general of both the organizations, Vinod Sharma and Bishan Verma said that the strike has been suspended till May 15, in view of hospitalized patients and assurance given by the Government to mull over their demands.

Meanwhile, both the employee leaders expressed hope that the State Government may take up the matter on priority basis with the opening up of secretariat in summer capital.

Earlier, a joint meeting of both employee bodies was held to hail the Government's decisive move. Prominent among others who attended the meeting were Farooq Kesar, Kamal Jeet Sewheny, Davinder Rathora, Jarnail Singh, Deepak Khajuria, Chain Singh, Naresh Kumar, Ashok Manhas and Gharu Ram.

Minority Forum warns against acquisition
of migrants’ land at Veerinag

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The J&K Minority Forum in its meeting here , today held under the chairmanship of Ravinder Koul expressed grave concern over the acquisition of land belonging to Kashmiri Pandits at Verinag in Anantnag district of South Kashmir by State Government without their consent.

In a statement the meeting said that on one hand, the Government is making claims about the return of the displaced Pandits back to Valley and on the other it was grabbing their left over land and property.

The meeting said Verinag is not the only place where the Government has grabbed the migrants land and property but earlier in villages of Sagam, Wanpoh, Shopian town, Sopore, Handwara and other places of Kashmir Valley hundreds of kanals of displaced KPs land has been acquired by Government without informing of its owners.

The meeting accused the authorities of violating the laws pertaining to retaining of migrant properties. It said the owners of land are camping in Verinag demanding restoration of their property and a large number of local people are also supporting them. But State Government is hell bent to acquire the migrant property despite the assurances of Chief Minister that no property of KPs will be acquired by Government.

The Forum also warned that in case Government failed to restore the property of displaced Pandits at Verinag its activists will go on fast unto death.

Eco package not acceptable to displaced KPs: KSD

Excelsior Correspondent

NEW DELHI, May 2: Kashmir Samiti Delhi (KSD) has said that the economic package announced by Prime Minister at Jammu and simultaneously by Home Minister in Lok Sabha was not acceptable to displaced Pandits from Valley unless and until the condition of return to Kashmir Valley are withdrawn from it.

The Samiti, which met under the leadership of Dr. L N Dhar its president said KPs who have been displaced due to militancy 18 years back have suffered a lot over these years facing economic crisis. It said the economic package could be a healing touch for their sufferings if it would have not been linked to their return as return and package are two different issues altogether.

It said the situation in Kashmir Valley is not different than previous years and return of Pandits is not possible in view of the reports that militants were waiting on border and LOC to infiltrate in near future.

The meeting also cautioned the community against those self styled leaders who for their petty interests were trying to negotiate with Government agencies and warned them of serious consequences.

The meeting which among others was addresed by Samiti general secretary, Rakesh Koul demanded rehabilitation of migrants at their present place of stay till Kashmir situation is settled. It said KPs are not a commodity which can be dispatched to Kashmir to please any political party or the Government and demanded that all displaced KPs irrespective of their place of stay be given benefits of package.

Confederation’s concern over delay in modifying SRO 294

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organizations in its meeting here, today held under the chairmanship of R K Kalsotra its president discussed various issues pertaining to the SC/ST/OBCs.

As per a release, Mr Kalsotra expressed grave concern over delaying tactics adopted by the Government in issuing modified SRO 294 due to which the members of these communities were facing many hardships.

He alleged that Government was still filling the posts through promotions as per the SRO 294 of 2005 which is detrimental to the interests of these communities.

Roshan Din Choudhary, vice president of the Confederation said the eligibility criteria for different posts has been fixed as 50 percent in 10+2 and no concession has been given to SC/ST/ OBCs as per the reservation rules. He also alleged that Government was not providing age relaxation of five years to SC/STs viz a viz general category in recently issued advertisements.

The meeting expressed serious concern over the fixation of metric as eligibility criteria for Class-IV posts saying this will deprive the weaker sections of the society from employment opportunities.

JRB Dayalachack branch shifted to new premises

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, May 2: Jammu Rural Bank (JRB) Dayalachack branch was shifted to its new premises today.

While inaugurating its new premises O P Sharma, Chairman of the bank, took the occasion to make people aware about various credit and deposit schemes and how these could be helpful to the people of the area.

On the occasion JRB Chairman gave the history of the bank and felt proud to say that Jammu Rural Bank is operating in five district of Jammu Province and has a network of 91 branches and over all business of 950 crores.

Chairman appreciated the role and support of general public in mobilizing good business for the branch. Branch Manager, Sat Pal Choudhary, welcomed the guests, while M L Sharma, Area Manager JRB Distt Kathua was also present.

‘Dogri Writing Style’ book released

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: " Dogri Writing Style " book jointly produced and published by the Central Indian Institute of Languages (CIIL), Mysore and Dogri Sanstha, Jammu was released by Prof Ram Nath Shastri at an impressive function, held here this evening.

This manual, which provides guidelines for writing in Dogri, will be an important milestone in standardisation of Dogri language.

The Minister for Higher Education, Gulchain Singh Charak was the chief guest, while Prof Udaya Narayana Singh, Director, CIIL, presided over the function.

At the outset, Prof Lalit Magotra, president, Dogri Sanstha, in his welcome address, spoke about the efforts put in for the production of this manual which will prove very important in standardised use of Dogri and its smooth development. He said it was the work of a team of experts who did a pioneering work for Dogri.

Endorsing the view that the Dogri Manual will be very useful for the writers and readers, Mr Gulchain Singh Charak said it will lead to further promotion of Dogri language. He said after inclusion of Dogri in 8th Schedule of Indian Constitution, it is faced with new challenges of development and gaining popularity among the masses. The Minister assured of his every possible support in such endeavours.

The Minister said efforts are on for preservation of cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir and stated that work on Rs 28 crore museum building complex at Srinagar is going apace and is likely to be completed by July this year. Restoration of Mubarak Mandi, Jammu has been earnestly taken up, he added.

Prof Ram Nath Shastri traced the growth and development of Dogri from poet Dattu to setting up of Dogri Sanstha in 1944 and subsequently to the present day. He opined that this Dogri Writing Manual will prove very useful and task for the Dogri writers starts now.

Prof Udaya Narayana Singh, Director, CIIL, in his presidential remarks, stated that style book is an important step for this language. He outlined the tasks ahead for further accelerated growth and development of Dogri language.

He disclosed that just before the Constitutional status, he had prepared a 25-page detailed note on Dogri language and sent it to the then Prime Minister of India. Dogri is a promising language, he added.

Dr Malik Arjun of CIIL also spoke about this guide book which is outcome of hard and sustained work by a team of experts and the Dogri-speaking community at large.

Bhagawan Gopinath Trust distributes relief to Angoi fire victims

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Bhagawan Gopinath Trust, Udaywala Bohri which has been rendering service to humanity since its inception today dispatched the relief for the fire victims of Angoi in Kishtwar district.

The relief contains house hold goods, blankets, clothes, food items, umbrellas etc. It will be distributed among the fire victims by the volunteers of the Trust themselves.

102nd Jayanti of Swami Lakshman Joo celebrated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The 102nd Jayanti of Ishwar Saroop Swami Lakshman Joo Mahraj the last doyen of Kashmiri Shaivism was celebrated here at Ishwar Ashram Bhawan, Mahinder Nagar with religious fervour and gaiety.

Hundreds of devotees drawn from different parts of Jammu participated in the function to pay their obeisance to Swami Ji. The function started with pooja and archana in the morning. The lectures on the life and teachings of Swami Ji were also given by the scholars and the devotees paid floral tributes to this great scholar of Kashmiri Shaivism.

The speakers also threw light on the life and teachings of Swami Ji and his contribution to Kashmiri Shaivism.

The devotees were served with prashad after pooja and archana. Besides Mahendar Nagar Swami Ji’s Jayanti was also celebrated at his Ashram at Ishbar, Nishat in Srinagar, Ishwar Ashram Bhawan, R/5, Pocket D Sarita Vihar, New Delhi and Ishwar Ashram Trust, Kashyap Bhawan, Anderi E Mumbai where a large number of devotees participated.

JKCEA elects president, gen sec

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: J&K Cements Employees Association (JKCEA) today elected Abdul Rashid Ragoo and Firdous Ahmad as its president and general secretary respectively, election for which were held on April 29.

The election process was conducted by adhoc body under the chairmanship of Sona-ulah- Shah and supervised by District Labour Officer, Pulwama.

While speaking on the occasion, both the leaders threw light on the achievements made by the association over the years and promised workers to highlight their demands on all the fronts.

Meanwhile, president of Public Sector Federation, AR Mir and president EJAC have congratulated both the leaders.

Snatcher arrested by Gangyal Police

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Police today arrested a youth soon after he snatched purse from a woman containing Rs 8500 cash.

A police spokesman said that purse of a woman Anu Radha, wife of Rajiv Mishra of Jeevan Nagar was snatched by a youth soon after he came out of the Punjab National Bank at Gangyal.

Though the woman raised alarm yet the snatcher could not be apprehended by the people. Later, the matter was brought to the notice of Gangyal Police.

On the receipt of information about the snatching, a police team from Gangyal headed by SHO Sub-Inspector Javed Ahmed under the direct supervision of SDPO City South, Sukhdev swung into action and apprehended the snatcher. The purse containing Rs 8500 cash was recovered from his residence.

The snatcher has been identified as Jarnail Singh, son of Mangal Singh of Model Town.

A case has been registered against him at Gangyal Police Station.

44 wooden logs seized

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, May 2: Police today recovered 44 wooden logs from a house and launched hunt to nab the absconding accused.

Police spokesman said that on a specific information, a police team from Thathri Police Station conducted a raid in the house of one Hans Raj, son of Kunj Lal of Thathri and recovered 44 wooden logs—20 of Deodar and 24 of Kail, from there. However, the accused managed to escape from the house.

A case has been registered in this regard and hunt was launched to nab the absconding accused.

Recruitment process by SSRB, PSC not
fair, alleges JURSEA

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The JURSEA has expressed dissatisfaction over the functioning of Service Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) and Public Service Commission (PSC).

Addressing a press conference, Vikas Sharma, president Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA) alleged that both these state recruiting agencies have been favouring blue eyed candidates, as according to him, the deserving and highly educated youth were being disqualified.

Taking dig at SSRB, he said the recruitment process for the post of "Naib Tehsildar" was initiated by the board a few years ago, but the same has not been completed.

He further added that even the roll number slips to a large number of aspirants of Naib Tehsildar have not been provided, while examination date was approaching near.

"This time a unique process was adopted by the board to disburse the roll number slips, which has not paid well and caused only hardships to the students", Mr Sharma apprised.

He also mentioned about the recruitment process for the post of "Patwaris", which he said was initiated in the year 2005 and selections for the all the districts were made except Jammu and Udhampur districts for obvious reasons.

He, however, demanded that SSRB should ensure that each and every aspirant of "Naib Tehsildar" could get his roll number slip and also the release of selection list of the Patwaris.

In addition, he also demanded to raise the upper age limit for recruitment from 37 to 40 years.

Others who also spoke included Swarn Singh, Rakesh Chib and Aman Sharma.

Student thrashed over trivial matter

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: A student was allegedly thrashed by his school Principal over a trivial matter here this afternoon.

According to report, Manik Sharma, son of Ramesh Kumar Sharma, a ninth standard student of Shiksha Niketan Higher Secondary School, Jeevan Nagar was severely thrashed by the school Principal over a trivial matter.

Parents of the student alleged that Principal even tried to strip off his pant after stripping off his shirt and shoes. When Manik prevented him from doing so, he again started beating him in front of entire class and even pulled him from hair, parents further said.

Later in the evening, parents, after getting the MLC of their ward, lodged a complaint at Satwari Police Station.

When contacted, SHO Satwari confirmed the matter. He apprised that a case has been registered and Principal was called to the Police Station for questioning and efforts were being made to resolve the matter amicably between both the parties.

Lecture on Biodiversity Conservation held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Mar 2: A lecture on Biodiversity Conservation was delivered in Ankur Vidyalaya Public School, New Plots today by O P Sharma, Joint Director, State Forest Research Institute.

Dr P L Koul, Principal GDC , Akhnoor presided over . In his lecture Mr Sharma explained the meaning of Biodiversity and why there is need of conserving fast disappearing fauna and flora.

He laid stress on medicinal plants and some animal species facing danger of extinction. The lecture was followed by interaction in which students asked questions to clear their doubts about Biodiversity and need of its conservation.

The lecture was organised by Indian Society for Popularization of Science as a part of National Environment Awareness Campaign. The welcome address was made by Prof B L Koul, Head of the Society. He stressed the need of sensitizing students about environment and its protection.

The function was conducted by Ms Sunita and P N Bhat Principal presented the vote of thanks.

Taj inaugurates godown at Drugmula

Excelsior Correspondent

KUPWARA, May 2: Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Taj Mohi-ud-Din inaugurated the Food godown constructed by the Food Corporation of India at a total cost of Rs. 4.37 crore at Drugmula Kupwara today. This is the first big godown constructed in the State.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Government is committed to provide all basic facilities to people living in border and far flung areas of the State. He said not only inhabitants of Drugmula-Kupwara, Uri but inhabitants of Karnah and Machail would be facilitated by the godown.

While reviewing stock and supply position of essentials, the Deputy Commissioner apprised the Minister that foodgrains are available to cater to the requirements of people of the area for one month more.

Secretary Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Khalid Habib, Director, Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Abdul Majeed, General Manager, Food Corporation of India Farooq Ahmad Khan and senior Congress leader Ghulam Rasool Kar were present at the function.

Peer launches website of Directorate of School Education

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 2: The Directorate of School Education launches a website of its own here today. The website was launched by Secretary School Education G.A. Peer in presence of senior officers and academicians of the Education department including Director School Education Kashmir, Mohammad Rafi.

The website hosts a lot of data on the spread and significance of the school system including the flagship schemes like Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Mid-Day Meal for school children, Teacher Education and Continuous Comprehensive Evaluation (CEE) etc. The teeming thousands of teachers, students, parents and other stake-holders can down-load data on the working of schools, teaching and training institutions. The website shall, in due course, graduate to a dynamic platform where questions and queries about seniority, promotion, pension, GPF, recognition and renewal of private schools and public grievances can be appropriately handled.

The website address is www.dsek.nic.in

Clerks’ strike enters 37th day

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: The open down strike of the clerical cadre employees entered the 37th consecutive day today.

The employees agitating under the banner of Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh All Departments Clerical Staff Association, held protest demonstrations at their respective offices throughout the state. They are demanding that anomalies in their pay grades be removed. Employees leaders including Ram, Kumar and Rehmat Ullah Malik have criticised the state government for ignoring the genuine demand of the clerical cadre employees and claimed that agitation would continue till their demands are redressed.

School building inaugurated

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Chief Education Officer (CEO) Jammu, Suresh Sharma inaugurated the building of Govt Primary School Nagrota about 14 kms from here today.

The school building has been constructed under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA). The Zonal Education Planning Officer Dansal was also present on the occasion besides prominent persons of the area.

The CEO also paid surprise visit to Govt Middle School Panjgrain and and Govt Pry School Sarmohi in Dansal. Entire staff was present in the schools.

BJYM nominates office bearers

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2; Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) in its meeting here today held under the chairmanship of its president Pawan Khajuria nominated Surinder Singh Choudhary as the vice president of the Party.

Sanjay Baru was nominated as general secretary. Vipan Shastri, S Balwinder Singh, Vikas Kumar and Abhinav Salgotra were nominated as secretary, publicity secretary,additional publicity secretary and additional treasurer respectively.

High Court orders re-trial of 8 Afghans detained since 1997

SRINAGAR, May 2: Setting aside the acquittal order of a lower court,High Court has ordered re-trail of eight Afghan nationals detained in different jails for the past 11 years for their involvement in militancy in the state.

Allowing the acquittal appeal of Additional Advocate General of the state M A Rathore, the High Court directed the authorities to produce all the eight Afghans before the Principal Sessions court on June 25.

The court allowed acquittal appeal of the State setting aside order of principal sessions judge, Kupwara, who had acquitted eight Afghan militants on the ground that the prosecution could not provide sufficient evidence against them.

However, in his appeal Mr Rathore alleged that the court had closed the case without giving proper opportunity to prosecution to produce evidence.

The trial of the case was concluded in just 72 days, he told the High Court which later accepted his contentions and ordered retrial of the case.

Advocate Nazir Ahmad Ronga, president of the Kashmir Bar Association (KBA) who represented the accused said that he has no objection if the acquittal appeal is allowed.

However, he demanded that the accused should be produced before the Court on every hearing of the case.

Mr Ronga submitted before the Court that earlier they were not produced for eight years when the case was in the court principal sessions Judge, Kupwara.

The accused Afghans were arrested on October 31, 1997 near Line of Control (LoC) in north Kashmir. Later, a challan was produced against them before a local court in 1998 under section 14 Foreigners Act and 7/25 Indian Arms Act in fir 187/97.

They were booked under Public Safety Act (PSA) and lodged in the jails outside the State. (UNI)

2 make attempts to end lives

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Two persons allegedly made attempts to end their lives in separate incidents.

Police spokesman said that two persons identified as Suman, wife of Dalip of Gangyal and Sunil, son of D K Nath of Canal Road allegedly consumed poisonous substance at their respective.

They were rushed to Government Medical College and Hospital when spotted unconscious by family members. Doctors immediately provided them stomach wash treatment followed by other medicare. Their condition was stated to be out of danger when reports last came in.

Police has taken cognizance of the incidents.

Meanwhile, two persons from neighbouring State Punjab were found unconscious in a Punjab Roadways bus at General Bus Stand. Both were reportedly administered poisonous substance by some unidentified persons before taking away their belongings.

They have been identified as Madan Lal and Som Raj.

Four gamblers arrested

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 2: Police today arrested four gamblers and recovered thousands of rupees from their possession.

Police spokesman said that a police party from Gandhi Nagar Police Station conducted a raid in Nanak Nagar area and arrested four gamblers. An amount of Rs 7370 was recovered from the gamblers.

They have been identified as Karan Singh, son of Khushari Ram, Krishan Veer, son of Lakbir Singh, Nazir Khan, son of Abdul Hakeem and Vaski Nandan, son of Ram Parsad, all the residents of Uttar Pradesh and presently residing in Digiana area.

A case under Gambling Act has been registered against them.