Protest demonstrations held at various places
Employees’ one day strike paralyzes work in Govt offices

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: The work in all the State Government offices remained paralyzed today as the employees observed one day strike and boycotted work in support of the striking clerical cadre staff and to press the Government for immediate settlement of their burning demands.

After boycotting the work on the call given from a common platform by various associations, the employees held protest demonstrations in the premises of their respective departments to lodge protest against the Government for its dilly dallying tactics in resolving their grievances.

A mass rally was also taken out from Mechanical Engineering Department, Bikram Chowk to express anguish over the criminal silence maintained by the Government regarding removal of anomalies in the pay scales of clerical cadre. The striking employees also made attempts to block Tawi bridge but they were not allowed to do so by the police.

Due to employees’ strike, the work in all the Government offices in Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur, Ramban, Reasi, Doda and Kishtwar districts remained paralyzed. Even majority of the Government vehicles remained off the roads as drivers and cleaners in the Government departments also observed the strike.

However, the employees allowed the emergency services in the hospitals across the region.

While addressing employees at different places, their leaders warned the State Government that in case the demands of the employees were not conceded at the earliest they would be left with no other option than to go for decisive struggle.

They demanded that grievances of clerical cadre staff, medical staff and ousted employees of the Sales Tax and Excise Departments should be redressed at the earliest. They also demanded regularisation of all contractual, consolidated, adhoc employees, casual and seasonal labourers of all the departments, Rehbar-e-Taleem, community and Anganwari workers.

The other demands which were highlighted by the employees during the protest demonstrations in all the districts of the region included enhancement of minimum wages from Rs 70 to Rs 150 per day, technical grades to the employees, who have been performing technical jobs in Ranbir Government Press, Health, PHE, PDD, Estate and PWD Departments, removal of pay anomalies in various cadres, reduction in qualifying service for full pensionary benefits from 33 years to 21 years, enhancement of retirement age from 58 to 60 years, benefit of earned leave and leave encashment to teachers community, revival of LTC, uniformity in HRA rates and granting of B-1 status to Jammu and Srinagar cities.

Meanwhile, the strike of clerical cadre entered into 45th day today. The leaders of the agitating clerical staff hoped that following complete one day strike in all the offices, the State Government would learn a lesson and concede the burning demands of the employees without wasting any time in order to prevent the employees from intensifying their struggle.

The agitating clerks have also started receiving support from the political parties in opposition with National Conference’s provincial president and MLA Ajay Sadhotra expressing concern over the callous attitude adopted by the Coalition Government.

"The clerical cadre is the backbone of all the State Government departments and deserves to be encouraged and given a pat on their back", he said and urged the Government to concede their demands at the earliest.

People protest, blame hospital staff for infant’s death

Excelsior Correspondent

RAJOURI, May 10; The people held a demonstration at Gujjar Mandi Chowk, here, today in protest against the negligence of Rajouri District Hospital employees that resulted into the death of a newly born baby.

The people staged a dharna at Gujjar Mandi Chowk and disrupted the movement of vehicular traffic in the town demanding action against the two nurses of the Hospital and another female junior employee whose negligence led to the death of the newly born baby.

According to reports Ziatoon Akhtar wife of Shokat Hussian of Saim Samad Rajouri who was admitted in Rajouri district Hospital yesterday felt labour pain during the night.

The two nurses on duty in Hospital Shehnaz and Mehjabin took the ill fated woman to labour room for delivery after their junior colleague refused to call the Gynecologist.

However, Shokat said the child delivered by the lady developed the problem soon after the birth and when the baby was examined by the Pediatrician, Dr Zakir Shah in the morning, he referred him to GMC Jammu for treatment saying that it was a case of premature delivery. But Showkat had not reached even 100 feet away from the Hospital when the child died. In total frustration the father took the baby to Gujjar Mandi Chowk where the people assembled and staged a dharna.

However situation was brought under control with the intervention of SHO, Rajouri who took the mater with the Hospital authorities. Meanwhile, the Superintendent Rajouri Hospital has attached Parveen Kumari to CMO’s Office while he has called explanation of other two staff nurses.

Ex-gratia, Govt job sought for kin of accident victims
Ramban, Kishtwar MLAs for immediate upgradation of existing roads

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: Concerned over the frequent road mishaps in their constituencies, MLA Ramban Dr Chaman Lal Bhagat and MLA Kishtwar Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo have demanded immediate measures for improvement and upgradation of roads to check reoccurrence of such incidents.

In a joint statement, both the legislators have sought the improvement and upgradation of Batote-Kishtwar, Batote-Banihal and other roads besides, raising buttress walls. They also sought the intervention of Chief Minister for ensuring upgradation work on war-footing basis.

Demanding strict enforcement of traffic rules, both emphasized on the need to impose restriction on the plying of old passenger vehicles on these roads, as according to them, they were mostly responsible for the mishaps, and said only good condition buses and mini-buses should only be allowed to operate.

Both the legislators stressed upon the traffic authorities not to allow the carriage of vegetables and merchandise on the roof tops of the buses and matadors, which lead to many vehicles turning turtle.

Bhagat and Kichloo also demanded immediate ban on quarry work particularly on Batote-Kishtwar roads, which hinders smooth flow of traffic as well as trigger land slides and shooting stones.

Both the MLAs have asked the Govt to set up a high level committee of experts to fix responsibility for repeated road accidents and suggesting measures to put an end to such unfortunate incidents besides, formulating a policy to provide ex-gratia relief of Rs five lakhs and Govt job to next of the kin of the victim killed in such accidents.

British High Commissioner meets Governor
India, Pak enjoy best ever cordial relations: Sinha

Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, May 10: Governor Lt. Gen. (Retd) S K Sinha today said that Indo-Pak relations have taken a dramatic and favourable turn during the past couple of years and the situation is conducive for resolving all unsettled problems.

In an hour-long interaction with British High Commissioner in India, Sir Richard Stagg at Raj Bhavan here this morning, General Sinha said that there has been flexibility in approach towards solving problems on both sides and hoped that restoration of democracy in Pakistan would further strengthen the bilateral relations, which will steer the region to peace and prosperity.

The Governor expressed happiness over Pakistan's march towards democracy, saying it will help the neighbouring country to resolve all its problems.

General Sinha elaborately discussed the impact of recent elections in Pakistan and Nepal and said that the polls under international scanner have provided an opportunity to the people to express their will freely and fearlessly.

He said Jammu and Kashmir is also going to polls later this year and this unfolds an opportunity to the people and parties to demonstrate their representative character. 'Any claim to be the representative of the people of Kashmir is hollow unless that claim is supported by the people through an electoral process', he observed. On the basis of any media support or support from a foreign country, one cannot become a mass leader. He said that the coming elections hold a prospect of resolving various issues and satiating the democratic urges of the people.

On terrorism, the Governor said that India has been combating this menace for much longer than any other country of the world. He said the world has to find solution to conflicting demands of fundamentalism and secularism.

When asked how he envisions the future of the Indo-Pak region, the Governor said that economic issues will dominate and prevail over the political problems. Through economic development, a peaceful Kashmir can be a part of an economic union in South Asia on the lines of European Union.

Prabandhak Committee’s concern over encroachments

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: Tirathraj Kapal Mochan Prabandhak Committee has expressed concern over the encroachments in Bonbatpora Shopian temple and damage caused to the walnut orchard at Nagbal Degam.

A delegation of the Prabandhak Committee visited the various shrines in the area to asses the losses suffered by these shrines over the years of turmoil.

The delegation also called on District Development Commissioner, Shopian and other Revenue authorities and demanded immediate removal of the encroachments.

The District Development Commissioner assured the delegation that the encroachments will be removed soon. Later the delegation also brought the matter in the notice of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir at Srinagar who issued orders for construction of road from Batpora Bridge to Kapal Mochan on priority basis.

The delegation also brought the matter in the notice of SSP Pulwama who assured them all cooperation in conducting the annual yatra to Kapal Mochan. The delegation was headed by P N Pandita, chairman, T N Padroo, P K Koul, V S Lahori and V R Sathu.

ISM doctors, staff protest against
locking of offices, drug stores

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: A demonstration was today staged by the ISM doctors and other staff members in protest against the alleged locking of Drug Store and Assistant Director, ISM’s Office by Director Health Services.

The protesting ISM doctors and staff members while criticizing the Director Health Services action termed it authoritarian and arbitrary.

Raising slogans they demand immediate unlocking of the offices and stores as the action has hampered the supply of ISM medicines to other parts of Jammu Division.

However when contacted the Minister of Health Services and Medical Education, Mangat Ram Sharma said that he took up the issue with Director Health Services Jammu after the matter was brought in his notice by Director ISM.

The Minister said instructions were given to Director Health Services to unlock the Drug Stores of ISM and cooperate with his sister organization.

Criticizing the action of Director Health Services, Dr Mahesh of ISM said instead of locking the offices, the Director Health Services was supposed to take the Director ISM into confidence. He said how the drug stores and office of Assistant Director ISM was locked without any directive from higher ups in the Health and Medical Education Department.

Terming the action of Director Health Services uncalled for, Dr Mahesh said as per the guidelines of Union Ministry there should be complete harmony and ISM and Allopathic should work under one roof.

"We were left with no alternative except to launch protest as the annual supplies to district hospitals have been hampered after the locking of offices",said Dr Rohit of ISM.

8 stolen bikes seized
Motor cycle lifters gang busted, 3 held

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: Bagh-e-Bahu police today busted a gang of motor cycle lifters by apprehending two accused and was hunting two others. Eight stolen motor cycles have so far been recovered from the thieves while more recoveries were expected.

Two arrested motor cycle lifters have been identified as Prabhjit Singh son of Darshan Singh, a resident of Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar, Malik Market, Bahadur Singh son of Sandoor Singh R/o Janipur.

Two members of the gang, who were still absconding, were Manpreet Singh alias Milka R/o Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar. Malik Market and Vivek Charak alias Honey R/o By-Pass, Channi Himmat.

SSP Jammu Alok Kumar told a press conference at Bagh-e-Bahu police station that eight motor cycles, stolen by the thieves from different places across Jammu, have been recovered from the two arrested thieves.

Mr Kumar said police was trying to apprehend the two other gangsters, who were still at large.

SP City (South) Zahid Manhas and SDPO East Bhim Sen Tooty were also present at the press conference.

The motor cycle lifters gang was busted by a Bagh-e-Bahu police station party headed by SHO Sub Inspector Paramjit Singh. He was assisted by ASI Deepak Sharma.

Congregations

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: Various communities are performing religious congregations across Jammu on May 19 with zeal and zest at their respective places of worship.

The congregation of Iddar Mahajan Biradari is being held at Datti Da Mandir, Krishan Nagar, opposite Science College Jammu on May 19, which will commence with Hawan at 10 am followed by Datti Da Langar after 1 pm. Biradari president has appealed its members to participate in the congregation and obtain blessings of the deity and partake Prashad.

Bi-annual congregation of Akhil Bhartiya Bangwathia Mahajan Biradari, Bishnah, will be held on May 19. All Biradari members have been requested to take part in the congregation and invoke blessings of Kul Dati.

Annual congregation of Sawhney biradri will be held on May 14 at Devsthan Karwanda, Kot Bhalwal.

The biradri has requested all members to join the congregation.

Rich tributes paid to 1857 martyrs

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10 : Rich tributes were paid to the martyrs of 1857 during several functions organised today.

Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Ex-Union Minister, Mayor JMC, Kavinder Gupta, Commissioner JMC, Jeet Lal Gupta, Joint Commissioner JMC, J.S Tandon, Brig Suchet Singh, Joint Director Information, S.K Sharma, Corporators and prominent citizens paid tributes at a function organised in the premises of JMC.

On the occasion, efforts of the Gallant warriors who laid down their lives to give freedom to the nation and safeguard the boundaries of Mother India were recalled.

On the occasion, 9 mobike rally was organised from Gandhi Nagar to Rani Talab in which more than hundred youth participated and enchanted patriotic slogans.

Sanskar Bharti held function at Sainik Colony where candles were lit to pay homage to martyrs. Similar functions were held at different parts of Bagh-e-Bahu, Trikuta Nagar and Gandhi Nagar.

The programs were held under the stewardship of Suchet Singh, Sukhdev Misra, Prashotam Shastri and Seema Sangra.

According to a RSS activist, the organization held such functions at 104 different places in and around the city. He said that the prime aim of such programs was to evoke patriotism in people and remember martyrs for the sacrifices laid by them for the country.

Meanwhile, traders community of Lakkar Mandi also held a function at main chowk, wherein hundreds of people paid rich tributes to the martyrs.

Similarly, in Sunder Bani township of Rajouri tehsil motorcycle rally was held. The rally started from Army ground and came to an end at Degree College.

The mobike rally led by Vinod Kumar was participated by the youth of area. The rally was organized by a non-governmental organization, Sathi together with the local unit of RSS.

Beopar Mandal Udhampur held a similar program under the stewardship of president Ramanand Bharia. Several locals lit mud lamps and paid rich tributes to the martyrs.

Also, Panun Kashmir observed the day as Martyrs Day at its headquarters and paid rich tributes to the war heroes of 1857.

Present on the occasion were Dr Agnishekar, Daya Krishan Koul, Sanjay Moza, Virendar Raina, Ashu Tosh, Rajesh Dar, CP Koul, Vijay Bhat, Sanjay Koul and others.

Rs 39.31 cr annual plan for Pulwama

Excelsior Correspondent

Srinagar, May 10: The 2008-09 annual plan for Pulwama district would be Rs.3931.55 lakh with Rs.526.30 lakh as Revenue and Rs.3402.25 lakh as capital components. The Plan was approved today at the District Development Board meeting held at Pulwama under the chairmanship of Minister for Finance Tariq Hameed Qarra who is also Chairman of the District Development Board Pulwama.

Rs. 407.83 lakh have been kept under agriculture and allied services, Rs.178.62 lakh under rural development, Rs. 15.47 lakh under Industries, Rs.25 lakh under energy, Rs.460 lakh under communication and Rs.2844.63 lakh under social and general services.

Earlier District Development Commissioner, Pulwama gave resume of the achievements made under annual plan 2007-08

On the occasion the MLAs raised the various issues pertaining to demands and problems of their respective constituencies which related to health care facilities, education, communication, drinking water, etc.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister stressed for completing the projects within stipulated time. He called for coordinated and collective efforts for achieving the targets and creating community assets. He further said that the overall developments depends upon coordination of officers of administration and cooperation of people. He urged upon officers to redouble their efforts to achieve the targets well in time. He also asked them to work with dedication and zeal and pay attention towards creation of community assets.

The meeting was among others attended by Minister of State for R&B Mohammad Khalil Bandh, besides legislators Syed Bashir Ahmad, Mir Zahoor Ahmad, Dr. Ghulam Nabi Bhat, District Development Commissioner Pulwama Mehraj Ahmad Kakroo, Heads of various departments, SSP Pulwama Ali Mohammad, Chief Planning Officer Azmat Ali and District officers/sectoral officers.

Moungri mela to start from May 14

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, May 10: Shiv Parvati Cave Shrine mela would be held from May 14 to 16 at picturesque Sar Dabber at village Moungri of block Panchari in district Udhampur.

This was divulged by the District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, O.P. Kalandria to media persons during a press conference held here today.

Mr. Kalandria said that Udhampur district is abundant with many religious shrines and efforts are afoot to popularise these by organizing fairs and festivals so that maximum visitors could be attracted to visit these destinations.

He said, this year adequate arrangements of transport, drinking water supply , security, electricity, medicare, sanitation etc. have been made by the district administration for the facility of visitors in general and devotees in particular thronging to the Cave Shrine.

Expecting huge rush to the mela site this year, Mr. Kalandria said that additional buses from Udhampur, Khour Gali and Lander would ply to avoid over loading. Department of Youth Services and Sports would organize rural sports meet in which local youth of the area would exhibit their sports talent besides scintillating cultural programmes highlighting local folk of the area would also be organized with the assistance of Education Department and Nehru Yuva Kendra at the venue of mela.

On the concluding day of the mela on May 16, 2008, wrestling match would also be organized by the J&K Indian Style Wrestling Association wherein reputed wrestlers from State and outside would participate.

Mr. Kalandria appealed the general public to visit the mela site from May 14, 2008 onwards in large number and have a glimpse of natural beauty of the surrounding lofty hills of Bhamag area.

Social security cover for veteran
artists, writers in offing: Zaffar

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: A scheme to provide social security coverage to veteran writers and artists living in penury condition in Jammu and Kashmir is being prepared, stated the recently appointed Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, at his first interaction with media persons, here today.

The Secretary said that this welfare scheme will be submitted to the Chief Minister, Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is president of the Cultural Academy, for approval and provision of corpus fund for it.

Answering a question, Mr Manhas said " I totally agree for having a social security scheme for providing assistance to artist or literary figures who are living in penury condition at old age and a scheme will be prepared shortly".

Replying another question about Institutes of Music and Fine Arts (IMFA), Srinagar and Jammu, the Secretary informed that principally it has been decided to transfer these institutions to Universities of Kashmir and Jammu respectively.

Mr Manhas assured that literary, artistic and other cultural activities will be further geared up with more vigour and innovations. Recalling his 25-year long association with the Academy, he asserted "my present job is challenging and I will put in my best in it and show results".

The Academy will extend adequate opportunities for development of all languages and preservation and promotion of distinct cultural heritage of our pluralistic society.

Describing culture as a sensitive subject, the Secretary sought co-operation from the media and all sections of society including writers, artists in this delicate and pivotal job of carrying forward cultural activities. He also issued 25-Point Programme for boosting cultural activities in literary, artistic and various other spheres across Jammu and Kashmir.

PPAF to launch awareness among youth, masses

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: People To People Awareness Forum (PPAF), a NGO working to make people aware about their rights and duties, today declared to launch an awareness campaign among the youth asking them to desist from drugs and anti-social activities.

Addressing a press conference here at Press Club, Kirtan Singh, president of the forum, said that PPAF will soon launch the campaign in all the various districts of the State with an aim to motivate the youth to take part in developmental activities.

"Our youth are confused at the moment due to unemployment and are vulnerable to several social evils including drug addiction and anti-national activities. Sensing this thing, we thought of launching this campaign", he added.

He also explained that a campaign will also be launched to educate the masses about their duty to elect honest and dedicated legislators and parliamentarians. "Within a week we will frame a cell at district levels which will start the campaign thereafter in their respective areas", he maintained.

Among others who also spoke to mediapersons included Satwant Dogra (vice president), Anil Kohli (secretary), Harinder Singh (organizer), Hussain Baksh (organizing secretary) and V K Sethi (spokesman).

Pooja to attend first International School Congress

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: Mrs Pooja Malhotra, Chairperson, TS Group of Educational Institutions, has left for Portugal to attend first International School Congress being organized by Lamacaes School Cluster in Braga, Portugal, on the topic ‘Environment, Health and Education’. She is the only person from Jammu and Kashmir to have been invited in the said global Education Congress, being held there.

Migration of Pandits a temporary phase: Shankaracharya

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: Jagat Guru Shankaracharya, Swami Adodkshyanand Ji Mahraj under whose spiritual guidance Ati Maharudra Yagya avam Raj Rajeshwar Tripur Sundri Maha Archana is being performed at Dushera Ground Gandhinagar here, visited Purkhoo Migrant Camp today to ascertain the problems of displaced Kashmiri Pandits putting up there.

Shankaracharya Ji, while speaking to a gathering of Kashmiri Pandits said the mass exodus of KPs from the Valley is a slap on Indian nation. The Pandits have a glorious past and they have contributed a lot to Indian politics and culture, but the increasing killings of its members led to their mass exodus from Valley 18 years ago, he added.

Expressing optimism, he said that the glory will again return to Kashmir and he is hopeful that Pandits will return to their homes and hearths with honour and dignity. "It will be a dischargement of our duty towards the mission started by Adi Guru Shankaracharya Ji centuries back.

He said before announcing any package for the displaced Pandits, the Government should have taken care of their security. Maintaining that Kashmir is crown of India, he said it will continue to be so in future.

Maintaining that turmoil and mass exodus of Pandits is a temporary phase, he said Lord Rama had also faced the migration and lost the thrown, but he continued the traditions which led to success at last.

Addressing the gathering MLA Gandhi Nagar, Raman Bhalla said that UPA Government at Centre and coalition in the state has taken many steps for the welfare of the displaced Pandits.

The migrant colonies in Gandhi Nagar have been provided all the basic amenities and there is not a single colony in this Assembly segment which is without the facility of roads and lanes, he stated.

Mr Roshan Lal Raina a migrant leader in his address highlighted the problems of the displaced Pandits.

Hurdles in execution of National
Highway project discussed

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey today convened an officers meeting to review ongoing development works of National Highway Project.

Project Director National Highway Authorities Col M. K Jain, Director Tourism Ajay Khajuria, Chief Engineer, XEns and other senior officers of the concerned departments attended the meeting.

The meeting highlighted various hurdles hampering execution of National Highway Project like land for construction of flyover is not yet handed over, encroachments are required to be removed, 145 electric poles coming in the alignment of ROW required to be shifted, proposal for raising the height of high tension line, 71 trees to be removed on priority to start the construction work, shifting of Forest Check Post outside the ROW, removal of temporary storage building of CPWD, 2 gantries erected by Tourism Department needs to be removed, permission for slope stabilization in forest land from Narwal to Sidhra, handing over of land for construction of approaches for Basantar Bridge, land for wayside amenities truck parking complex etc near Basanter Bridge, land for construction of amenities parking complex shops etc near Chichi Mata Mandir, handing over of possession of land at Harsath village, handing over of land on either side of Railway Under Bridge (RUB ), shifting of electrical utilities at Hiranagar, Kathua, High Tension Line at Bari Brahmana and Kunjwani Junction, discharge of rain water in Irrigation canal at Jammu Bypass and handing over of land as per revised layout of Toll Plaza near Lakhanpur

Mr. Pandey asked the officers to work with zeal and dedication so that the National Highway Project would be completed within stipulated timeframe. He assured the officers of full co-operation from government for early completion of the project.

AISF demands degree college at Thathri

Excelsior Correspondent

DODA, May 10: All India Students Federation (AISF) has demanded the opening of degree college at Thathri Tehsil, as students of the area have to cover a long distances for higher education.

Earlier, AISF state council held a meeting with the students of the tehsil, wherein students highlighted problems being faced by them especially of not having degree college in their tehsil.

They apprised that students of the tehsil have to cover distance of over 50 kilometers for getting higher education. AISF leaders were also made aware about the deplorable condition of some of the primary and middle standard Govt institutions.

While speaking, Vimal Manhas, state president, condemned the tall claims being made by the Chief Minister of improving education infrastructure. He also demanded from State Govt to open a degree college in the tehsil to redress the problem of students.

Among those who were the part of council included Riaz Atish, general secretary, Salman Khan, Suresh Parwana, Mohsin Ahmed, Ajit Kumar, Sunil Kumar, Vijay Kotwal, Sudhir Manhas and Akash Manhas.

Musical, dance evening organised

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: In connection with 6th death anniversary of son-of-soil and founder of Saraswati Sangeet Kalamandir (SSA) Dr. J. R. Sharma, a musical and dance evening was presented by the renowned local artists and students of the institution at Abhinav Theatre here this evening.

Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak was the chief guest on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Charak said that SSA a premier institution of Indian Classical Music and Performing Arts established by Late Dr. J. R. Sharma in 1949. He said that the institution has made a commendable contribution in promoting the Indian classical music amongst the music lovers which is an integral part of rich cultural heritage.

Paying rich tributes to its founder, he described Dr. Sharma as master of classic music who trained number of disciples who are presenting working in Doordarshan Kendras, Radio Stations and different institutions across the country. He said that he was a simple and thorough gentle throughout life that devoted his entire life for the cause of Music.

The students of SSA and renowned artists of Jammu region presented colourful cultural items including Saaz Aur Awaz, Sargam, Group song, Dogri dances, Ghazal on Santoor Recital, Mimicry, Solo and Duet songs

Focus on conservation, renovation of
Mughal monuments: Charak

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: To develop adventure tourism in Rajouri district like climbing, tracking expedition through passes, meadows, mighty mountains, develop hill resorts and pilgrimage destinations for promotion of pilgrimage tourism, Minister for Higher Education Gulchain Singh Charak today reviewed the status of ongoing development works initiated by the Tourism Development Authority (TDA) Rajouri at a high level meeting held here this afternoon.

Minister of State for PHE, Industries and Commerce Dr. Romesh Chander Sharma, MLA Kalakote . Rashpaul Singh, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sudhanshu Pandey, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri . Sheikh Refiq Ahmed Dar, Director Tourism Ajay Khajuria, Chief Conservator Forests, Chief Executive Officer Rajouri Development Authority Javed Ahmed and other senior officers of Tourism, Forests and Revenue were also present in the meeting.

Mr Charak said that government has released Rs. 92 lakh under state plan for construction of Guest House at Rajouri and renovation of Tourist Dak Bunglow at Shahdara Sharief.

He directed the TDA Rajouri to introduce eco-tourism in consultation with Forest Department so that the forest can also be protecting from encroachment. He asked the TDA to start the construction works of new projects after the consultation of respective areas MLA.

Initiating the process of tourism department in the district, he said that a Yatri Niwas at Mangla Devi has been taken up for construction which is nearing completion at a cost of Rs. 90 lakh to provide accommodation to thousands of pilgrims visiting scenic locations. He said that TRC at Rajouri is being constructed under Jammu-Poonch tourist circuit besides a Tourist Guest House Building at Rajouri has been completed by Tourism Department and a prestigious TRC at Shahdara Sharief is coming up which is likely to be completed by July 2008.

Mr. Charak said that the historical Mughal Monuments on Mughal road have been envisages for conservation and preservation. He said that Tourism Department has taken up the projects for formulation of DPR’s of all these monuments which will be finalized and submitted to the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India for its approval on the lines of Mubarak Mandi complex Jammu and other historical monuments like Qila-e-Reasi and Qila-e-Poonch.

VHP’s concern over fresh infiltration bid

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 10: Vishaw Hindu Parishad (VHP) has criticised the Government for its failure in containing militancy in the State and said the recovery of arms and ammunition from different places in the J&K and fresh infiltration bid by terrorists in Samba Sector are serious issues.

"The claims of Government that situation is fast returning to normalcy in trouble-torn J&K state are totally hollow", said VHP State chief, Dr Rama Kant Dubey while talking to mediapersons here, today.

He said recovery of arms and ammunition in Purmandal jungles and other places of the Valley and the fresh infiltration bid made by the terrorists to sneak in Indian territory has proved beyond doubt that Pakistan continues backing the terrorists and the training camps still continue on its soil.

Dr Dubey said the militants are still active in state and the Government should take elaborate measures to crush them.

He said Indian Government should not trust Pakistan as the neighboring country has never been sincere towards India in past. There are five power centres working in Pakistan and they will never like that relations between India and Pakistan should improve. So instead of taking care of Pakistan’s welfare, Indian Government should take measures to contain terrorism fully, he said.

Dr Dubey also stressed on coordination among different agencies to root out the terrorism from J&K.

Lal Singh inaugurates upgraded school

Excelsior Correspondent

KATHUA, May 10: Member of Parliament Ch Lal Singh and MLA Basohli Kanta Andotra today visited Mara Patti in Basohli and inaugurated upgraded Higher Secondary School.

The school has been upgraded with the intervention of MP and MLA. It was the long pending demand of the people of the area and with this the students especially girls will get higher education in their home town.

Speaking on the occasion, MLA said "I understands the problem of girls students of the area and that is why I had recommended Higher Secondary School for Mara Patti", adding "I always worked for the upliftment of the ladies and will continue to provide every facility to the people of my constituency".

Ch Lal Singh, on the occasion, said "it is the responsibility of all the people to work for the development of State which is progressing towards new era under the present Government".

He said that people should give mandate to Congress as it is the only secular party which believes in unity among every society of the society while other parties have been dividing people on the name of caste and religion.

He advised the students to work for the unity of the country and follow the path of Mahatma Gandhi.