Successive
J&K Govts responsible for present
plight of people: BJP
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
Accusing Congress, People's Democratic Party
(PDP) and National Conference (NC) for being a
party to the decision under which 800 kanals of
land at Baltal were snatched from Shri Amarnath
Shrine Board (SASB), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)
today asked the people to be watchful against
these parties and their activities.
This allegation
was levelled by BJP state president, Ashok
Khajuria, party senior leader and former MoS
Defence, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta and former BJP
president and National Executive member, Dr
Nirmal Singh while addressing party’s
Swabhimaan rallies at Domana and Marh near here.
These parties with
such action have hurt the sentiments of the
people of Jammu, alleged Ashok Khajuria who asked
the people to take note of the barbarities
committed by the Governor’s administration
on the peaceful and armless people, who had
assembled in the Abhinav Theatre on the call of
Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti (SAYSS) for
honouring the families of martyrs yesterday.
He also blamed the
successive Governments who ruled the J&K for
the plight of the people of the two
constituencies.
Addressing the
rallies Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, lambasted the
successive Governments in the State for denying
political power to the people of Jammu and
accused the Jammu based Congress and NC leaders
of betraying the people in their constituencies
to please their Kashmiri masters. He alleged that
all these parties have played the role of a
spoiler and opposed all those moves which were
aimed at empowering the people of Jammu province.
Dr Nirmal Singh in
his address blamed the Congress and NC for
fudging census figures in order to enable Kashmir
to enjoy disproportionate representation in the
Assembly so that it could also exploit the people
of Jammu and Ladakh and continue to establish its
hegemony on these two regions.
He also ridiculed
the Hurriyat Conference for giving
Nizam-e-Mustafa orientation to the banking system
in the State.
Daya Krishan
Kotwal another senior leader of BJP said that
moves are afoot to compromise national and
Jammu’s economic interests with the
dangerous idea of opening cross LoC trade.
The rallies were
organised by Bharat Bhushan and Ch. Sukhnandan,
incharge Raipur Damana and president Kissan
Morcha of the Party respectively.
Others who
addressed the rallies included Shamsher Singh
Manhas, Bansi Lal Bharti, Brig (retd) Karan Singh
Kotwal, Suraj Parkash Padha, Karan Singh Chib and
Omi Khajuria.
Medical
teams rush to Charan as
diphtheria breaks out
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI,
Sept 21:
State Medical department has rushed four
teams of doctors to Charan (Tarala) village in
Rajouri where Diphtheria has broken out.
An official
spokesman said that on the instructions of
Director Health Services Jammu Dr Jasbir Singh
and DC Rajouri Sheikh Rafiq Ahmed, teams of
doctors under the supervision of Dr V K Gupta
(SMO, WHO) visited Charan and adjoining hamlets
today and took various initiatives to control the
disease. Over 700 people alongwith their children
in the age group of 0 to 15 years reported to the
teams for medical examination.
At least 82
children were clinically screened and 14 slides
were taken for examination. Over 385 children of
the area were given on the spot vaccination at
the village camp. Dr Vijay Gupta, Dr Vijay Sahni,
Dr M K Koul, Dr Deepika Vaid, Dr Swarn Singh and
Muktar Wani CHO, Mohd Sadiq Khan DMEIO rendered
their services. A sub-centre in the village has
been set up and Dr Swarn Singh has been deputed
there alongwith other staff for one week. BMO
Kandi and Medical Officer PHC Taralla were
directed by the DC to monitor the situation on
daily basis and report to the Administration and
the directorate.
A child died on
September 16 at the village due to outbreak of
this disease and four have been referred to Jammu
so far.
Charak
highlights Congress achievements
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
Former Minister and senior Congress leader
Gulchain Singh Charak has said that Congress led
Government ensured massive development and
achieved a lot during its short regime of over
two and half years in the State.
Addressing a
meeting of Congress workers of Block Bishnah at
village Seora today, Mr Charak educated the
people about the achievements of the Congress led
Government in the State and also major projects
undertaken in the State. He said the party would
go to the public with its report card and people
will definitely realise this fact that Congress
believes in development peace and progress and
not indulges in hollow slogans.
He assured the
people that problems of the area will be taken up
with the concerned authorities for immediate
redressal. Some of the problems included repair
and replacement of broken electric poles,
construction of Pully and lanes, settlement of
old age pension cases, permanent matador service
from Bishnah to Jammu via this village for the
school going children etc.
Mr Charak also
impressed upon the Governor to initiate an
inquiry in yesterday’s episode of Abhinav
Theatre and appealed the the people to maintain
peace and communal harmony.
Others who spoke
in the meeting included Sarpanch Harminder Singh,
Gurnam Singh, Master Allah Rakha, Suriyya Begum
and Dr Durga.
Vivekananda
Kendra holds seminar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
A seminar on the ‘importance of
universal brotherhood in the present day
context’ was organised by Vivekananda Kendra
Kanyakumari Branch, Jammu here today which was
held in commemoration of historical speech of
Swami Vivekananda delivered in Chicago (USA)
during the ‘World Congress on Religion’
on September 11, 1893.
While welcoming
the dignitaries, speakers and inteligentia in the
seminar, Dr O P Gupta, Sanchalak, said during
last one year a cultural quiz involving 500
school children drawn from 20 schools, a rally of
prominent citizens on National Youth Day, a
langer at Khir Bhawani, Tulmula in Kashmir Valley
and distribution of ration to 12,000 families
during the recent struggle of the nationalist
people of Jammu against the anti-national and
separatist elements for restoration of land to
Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) was made by the
Kendra.
He said the Kendra
was the first organization to start this work
which gave sustenance and strength to the just
struggle.
Speaking on the
occasion, convenor Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh
Samiti (SAYSS) was honoured for providing
unblemished and successful leadership during the
recent struggle for restoration of land to SASB.
In his address
Mukul Kaneatkar, secretary, Vivekananda Kendra
International, gave detailed information of the
activities of the Kendra for promoting universal
brotherhood and harmony based on living in
harmony with the nature.
The vote of thanks
was proposed by Gian Chand Sanhotra (Vibagh
Parmukh) for five North Indian states. Other
speakers included Sarv Dharma Divakar Jain
Acharya, Ramneek Muni Ji Mahraj, Dr Jitendra
Singh and Shakeel Ahmed Sheikh, advocate.
DDG
visits NCC camp at Nagrota
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
Deputy Director General NCC J&K, Brig S K
Sharma visited NCC Pre-Thal Sainik camp-2008
being held at Nagrota about 15 kms from here.
Nearly 600 boys
and girls belonging to different regions of the
State including Ladakh, Kashmir and Jammu are
attending the camp. The camp schedule is in
consonance with the aims of the NCC wherein the
cadets are put through a tough curriculum
comprising of yoga, firing, obstacle training,
first aid, map reading, tent pitching and living
camping accommodation.
In spite of the
busy schedule, cadets also utilise this
opportunity to understand and learn different
cultures of State.
Brig Sharma while
addressing the cadets highlighted various
qualities of courage, truthfullness etc. to be
developed by the young cadets. He also
felicitated the Thal Sainik contingent selected
during the camp to represent J&K NCC
Directorate in the national level competition at
Delhi.
Karmapa
rescued at Baralacha Pass
by IAF choppers
Excelsior Correspondent
LEH,
Sept 21:
Karmapa, the second highest spiritual leader
of Tibet who was stranded at Baralacha Pass
enroute Himachal Pradesh from Ladakh for last two
days due to road blockade caused by heavy fall,
rescued today with the help of helicopters and
brought back to Leh safely.
As the information
about Karmapa came to Leh, the Ladakh Buddhist
Association quickly approached the Chief
Executive Councilor, Ladakh Autonomous Hill
Development Council, Leh Chering Dorje to rescue
the stranded leader.
The CEC
immediately approached the State Government and
requistioned deployment of IAF helicopters to
carry out the rescue operations. The IAF alloted
two helicopters and started rescue work without
losing any time and rescued Karmapa, his sister
and secretary from the lap of Baralacha Pass.
The CEC who was
the supervising the rescue operation himself went
to the site to airlift Gyalwang Karmapa. He said
that the operation was a difficult one in the
view of heavy accumulation of snow.
Later, talking to
mediapersons, Karmapa said that it was a
difficult experience amid heavy snowfall. He,
however, said that several passengers including
foreigners and army personnel were also stranded
on the way and appealed for their evacuation as
well.
Meanwhile, he
extended thanks to LAHDC Leh, State Government,
IAF, LBA and LGA for their joint efforts to
rescue him.
Bandhs
should not become permanent feature: NC
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
A meeting of National Conference leaders was
held here today under the chairmanship of
president J&K National Conference, Jammu
province Ajay Sadhotra. The meeting expressed
deep concern over the yesterday's episode, which
unfortunately occurred at Abhinav Theatre.
The party's
provincial president said in the aftermath of
Government and Samiti agreement such developments
are unfortunate and do not help in creating
atmosphere of peace. He further said that party
leaders and workers must remain vigilant in
combating the elements which encourage divisive
politics in the State and called upon the
different political parties to rise to the
occasion and play their role in strengthening the
unity and harmony among all the sections and for
strengthening State's integration.
Regarding the 48
hour bandh call given by Shri Amarnath Yatra
Sangarsh Samiti, he said his party honour the
sentiments of the masses, but such frequent
bandhs should not become a permanent feature as
such protests / bandhs harm the day-to-day life
of common citizens, students, daily earners,
transporters, industrialists, shopkeepers and
moreover, shatter the economy of the State.
He said the role
of the people of Jammu is highly appreciable who
observed calm and communal brotherhood during the
agitation. He expressed confidence that the
people of Jammu shall rise to the occasion and
will further strengthen the bonds of secularism.
Those who were
present on the occasion included Rattan Lal
Gupta, sr. vice president, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed,
vice president, Ram Paul, former Minister, Ch.
Talib Hussain, ex-MP, Jagjeevan Lal, ex-MLA,
Tarlochan Singh Wazir, MLC, Ch. Mohammad Hussain,
ex-MLC, Chander Mohan Sharma, district president
Jammu Urban, Mahinder Gupta, district president
Jammu Rural "B", Th. Kashmira Singh,
ex-MLC, Pardeep Bali, Vijay Lochan and others.
Traders
seek extension in filing IT returns
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
After the refusal of the Central Board of
Direct taxes for extending the date of filling of
Income Tax returns pertaining to audit related
cases, representatives of various trade
organisations shared their grave concern and
urged the president Chamber of Commerce and
Industry Ram Sahai to take up the issue again by
involving premier organisations like FICCI, CII
and PHDCCI as it has become very difficult to get
the balance sheets audited in such a short time.
The office bearers
of several trade bodies pointed out that due to
curfew and bandhs for over two months in the
recent past and continuous closure of banking
activities for over forty days the assessees have
been left with no other alternative than to ask
for this extension.
Mr Sahai while
responding to the plea, assured the Jammu traders
that matter is being taken up seriously with the
concerned authorities and influence of premier
bodies is also being sought for settlement of the
case. Chairman, Central Board of Direct taxes is
being approached to seek this extension.
Bhalla
lays foundation stone of Rs 32.80
lakh Community Hall
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
Former Minister of State and ex MLA
Gandhinagar Constituency, Raman Bhalla today laid
the foundation stone of Rs 32.80 lakh Community
Hall for Ravi Dass Biradri at Gangyal. The
Community Hall will be constructed by JDA.
Addressing the
function, Mr Bhalla said that he had made a
promise with the people of the area in this
regard. However the work was delayed due to two
months bandh in Jammu, he added.
He said there was
no community hall for weaker sections of the
society in the area and with its construction
their problem will be solved to a great extent.
Highlighting his
achievements Mr Bhalla said that a tube well
constructed by ERA at Bablina is near completion
and will be commissioned soon.
He also announced
that Bablina Primary School has been upgraded to
Middle School and Leprosy Hospital Gangyal was
named as Rajeev Gandhi Hospital and given the
status of a Sub District Hospital.
Mr Bhalla while
asking the people to be ready for elections
appealed them to strengthen the secular forces in
the state.
The function was
organised by Satish Sharma corporator who assured
the people that all efforts will be made to
redress their problems.
Those who
addressed the function included Puran Chand
Verma, Dr Mohan Lal Khajuria, Din Dayal Sharma,
Ashok Thapa, Tarseem Lal and Buta Ram.
Gangyal
Police seizes 200 bottles of corex,
80,000 crackers
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
A team of Gangyal Police led by SHO, Basanti
Bhat seized 200 corex bottles and 80,000 crackers
during a naka in the area today and arrested four
persons.
The police also
seized the vehicle JMUH 1939 carrying the
contraband. The corex bottles were hidden in
flour bag. Two youth from Jain Bazar have been
arrested and cases registered under Section 20
NDPS Act against them.
The two youth one
from Janipur and another of Roop Nagar were also
arrested for illegally carrying 80,000 crackers
and the case has been registered against them.
The nakas were
laid under the supervision of SDPO South Sukhdev
Singh and SP South Mubassir Latifi.
ASCOMS
doctors continue strike for 2nd day
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
All Resident Doctors Association of Acharya
Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences and
Hospital, Sidhra, Jammu continued their strike
for the second consecutive day.
No Resident Doctor
were not present in the hospital, which affected
the routine working of the hospital to a very
large extent.
Only the senior
faculty members were managing the patient care
along with emergency services. Though the
administration has invited the agitating doctors
for talks but they refused to surrender to
administration’s half-hearted proposals.
They made it clear to hold talks only with the
Vice-President of the Trust, D. V. Batra.
JU open
today, exams deferred
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
In the wake of ongoing 48-hour bandh call
given by Shri Amarnath Yatra Sangarsh Samiti
(SAYSS), the University of Jammu (JU) has
deferred all its examinations scheduled for
tomorrow.
An official
announcement in this regard was made by Office of
Controller Examination this afternoon.
However, the class
work in all the teaching departments besides,
working in all the offices will not be affected
in any way.
Meanwhile, all the
examinations slated for today were held in a
smooth and peaceful manner.
BOSE
conducts NMCM Scholarship Exam
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
The State Board of School Education (BOSE)
has successfully conducted the National Means cum
Merit Scholarship in all the districts of the
State.
The examination
was conducted by the Academic Division of BOSE
strictly on the guidelines of NCERT, New Delhi,
told Dr Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Director Academics
BOSE.
Under the
scholarship, an amount of Rs 500 per month will
be awarded to successful candidates from Class
9-12 and it was for the first time that such a
scheme was introduced by the BOSE in
collaboration with NCERT.
Meanwhile, BOSE
Chairman Prof NA Ganai has said that this
scholarship scheme will benefit poor and rural
students studying in Government schools and added
it would be a regular feature from here on.
5 booked
under Excise Act, liquor seized
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR,
Sept 21:
Sleuths of J&K Excise Department
Doda-Udhampur Range conducted raids in Panchari
area and booked five persons under Excise Act
today.
The teams under
the supervision of ETO Udhampur-Doda and led by
Inspector Anil Chandan, Karan Singh SI and other
staff conducted raids at village Mali, Pathiladha
and Thandal and booked five persons for selling
illicit liquor. Those booked are identified as
Ram Ditta, son of Basdev, Sansaro Devi, Badri
Nath, Prabh Dayal and Pawan Kumar. Besides
several bottles of liquor, 300 kg of lahan was
also recovered and destroyed on the spot.
Kathua
people suffering for want of PRCs
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA,
Sept 21:
The people from various tehsils of district
Kathua are suffering for the last over six months
as concerned Revenue authorities have not given
the powers to any Additional Deputy Commissioner
or any other local officer to issue Permanent
Resident Certificates (PRCs).
The candidates
especially those who have applied for the posts
in Education department or other government
departments are main sufferes as the concerned
authorities (SSRB) have refused to accept even
their under process certificates issued by the
Tehsildars.
Great resentment
is brewing among the people of the district over
the attitude of neglect on the part of State
authorities which failed to bother about the
plight of the people.
Improve
water supply in Udhampur town
We the residents
of Udhampur town bring to the kind notice of the
authorities concerned the pitiable condition of
water supply in the town. Water is supplied for a
very short time and under very low pressure.
Though the consumers pay their water dues on time
yet they are made to suffer for reasons best
known to the concerned authorities.
We, hence request
the District Development Commissioner to kindly
see our plight and take steps so that the water
crisis in the town is solved once for all. We
hope our pleas will not go unheeded.
Residents of
Udhampur
through Rohit
Kumar, Pawan Kumar, Kuldeep Kumar etc.
Repair Trilokpur Gole Gujral road
We, the residents
of Trilokpur Road, Gole Gujral, Jammu want to
bring to notice of Governor of the State our long
pending demand of extending municipal limits to
Trilokpur Area. It is just 2 Km from main Talab
Tillo road. We have presented our request several
times to Municipal authorities but till now no
action has been taken. The roads of the area are
in dilipidated condition, smelling and sticking
throughout season. To add to the residents woes,
during rains resident of afraid to walk on roads
full of water. During summer season, heavy dust
is present during traffic hours posing serious
health hazard and residents especially to elderly
and children. We have full hopes from Governor of
the State. We request the Governor to kindly
allot funds so that the road is relaid and our
problem is solved.
Verinder
Trilokpur Road
Gole Gujral Jammu
Release pension of State Social
Welfare Board pensioners
We the pensioners
of Welfare Extension Projects part of State
Social Welfare Board, have not received our
pension since April 08. The Welfare Extension
Projects have been closed and the serving staff
has been adjusted in other Departments i.e.
Social Welfare / Anganwari w.e.f. 1.4.08 but
nothing has been done in favour of the pensioners
who have put 30 to 35 years of the service with
the Department and have been paid pension upto
Mar 08. We request the authorities concern to
look into our case sympathetically.
Aya Singh
Prayal Hiranagar
Non-availability of Fertilizers
at Sunderbani
As the time for
sowing wheat etc is approaching near and the fact
that without fertilizers good crops are not
obtainable, non-availability of the same in the
market is indeed a matter of great concern and
tension for the farmers of this area. It has been
a bad practice in the past too that such material
was issued to the consumers only at a nick of
time causing immense rush and inconvenience. As
ours is an agriculturist country, any slackness
and negligence in providing fertilizers and seeds
etc not only put the farmers to the loss but
entire country suffers indescribably due to
paucity of eatable commodities. Thus, it is
highly necessary to facilitate the farmers a
month ahead of the sowing season so that they
find no problem in getting required fertilizers
and seeds. It is hoped that necessary action
would be initiated immediately to ensure
availability of fertilizers etc in our area.
Keshwa Nand Sharma
Sunderbani
Electric supply
I want to bring in
kind notice of Power Development Department to
increase electric supply to rural areas where
paddy crop is totally depend upon irrigation of
pumping set and tube well. It seems that monsoon
season has completely exhausted its quota of
rain. Paddy crops at present is dying for want of
water particularly basmati rice. Many of our
state mainly border belt of Bishnah and Samba
Tehsil have sources of irrigation of pumping set
and tube wells. These of no use when there is
frequent power cut. Burning of transformer at
Gladni power station has affected these areas
badly like other parts of our State. Before some
days, there was a news in this newspaper that new
transformer has been installed at Gladni power
station. But to our surprise there is no
improvement in power supply. Frequent power cut
is being imposed as earlier. Power cut has made
life miserable of common man. If there is no rain
in next 15-20 days, farmers community will suffer
a great loss.
On behalf of
farmers community of these areas, I earnesly
request to concerned authority to impose minimum
power cut in these areas. Electric supply be made
regular at least for next 30 days.
Divisional
Commissioner Jammu is humbly requested to
personally look into this matter and issue
suitable instructions to Power Development
Department to ensure regular electric supply in
the border areas of Bishnah and Samba Tehsil.
Your this act can serve as a boon to farmers.
Loss of paddy crops can be avoided particularly
to farmers of these areas and generally to the
State.
Pira Ram Mahotra
Village Nandpur
Camp
Teh Samba
Improve BSNL Cellular Service
Kindly refer to a
news report was published in this paper, titled
‘’BSNL’s Cellular service worsens
day by day’’ published in this paper
15th Sept, 08.
In the above
context, I, as a BSNL subscriber and a common
citizen fully agree with the correct contents of
the said report and it is very much correct that
the tall claims of the BSNL authorities about
increasing the strength of the BSNL’s towers
for Cellular Service and the capacity of Mobile
switching centre MSc turned hollow as the network
related problems have been compounding with every
passing day-worsens day by day creating
resentment among about 8.50 lakh BSNL subscribers
both pre-paid and Post-Paid subscribers.
It may not be out
of place to mention it here that the SMS-Message
Service which is now functional for the past over
two months needs to be restored soon.
Hope, the BSNL
authorities listen who may kindly take measures
to Improve Cellular Service for the greater good
of all in the State.
Ashok K Koul
(Lalpuri)
Ajit Colony Gole
Gujral, Jammu
Cover Nallah at Paloura Phase-I
The residents of
Paloura Phase I request the concerned authorities
to kindly cover the Nallah in the Colony. The
foul smell emnating from the Nallah has made the
lives of the people miserable due to foul smell.
In additions to
the above problem the strict lights it becomes
difficult for the people to walk in dark. We hope
that the concerned authorities will look into the
matter and take steps to ameliorate our problem.
Ravinder Sharma
Paloura Phase I
Jammu
CAPD
employees demand re-organization of Deptt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
The executive body of Consumer Affairs and
Public Distribution (CAPD) Employees Association
has demanded the re-organization of CAPD
Department.
In a meeting held
today under the chairmanship of Sat Pal Khajuria,
vice president, the members of executive body
demanded that re-organization of the Department
by regularizing the post of assistant directors,
tehsil supply officers and area inspectors, as
number of low grade employees were working on
higher posts on pick and choose basis and
creating irregularities.
The meeting also
highlighted some other demands that included
sanction of Rs 3000 per month as POL charges in
favour of all the field officers/ officials,
clearance of DPC of all categories, fixation of
ration/ sugar quota from Directorate instead of
Secretariat, adjustment of store/sale depot
accounts etc.
Meanwhile, Deepak
Kumar, provincial president, appealed to the
authorities for immediate settlement of all the
pension cases.
Mushtaq
Kak takes a bow in Bollywood
By Ravinder Kaul
As a theatre
director, Mushtaq Kak is quite well known, having
performed his plays in almost all the major
Theatre Festivals around the country. He is
recipient of the Best Director awards for 'Andha
Yug', 'Mallika', and 'Pratibimb'. He has directed
more than 100 plays till date, some of which
include 'Manto Bakalam Khud' based on short
stories by Saadat Hasan Manto, Anton Chekhov's
'Cherry ka Bagicha', Vijay Tendulkar's 'Ghasi Ram
Kotwal', Krishan Chander's 'Ek Gadhe Ki Wapsi',
Sharad Joshi's 'Alladad', Vasant Kanetkar's
'Kasturi Mrig', Moti Lal Kemmu's 'Nagar Udaas',
Federico Garcia Lorca's 'The Blood Wedding',
Meera Kant's 'Kali Barf' and 'Ant Haazir Ho',
Shakespeare's 'Macbeth', Premanand Gajvi's
'Mahabrahman' and 'Chekhov in My Life' based on
Lydia Avilov's autobiography. His production
'Andorra' has been a big hit.
Till the time he
moved to New Delhi, Mushtaq Kak was one of the
most successful theatre directors of Jammu. In
Delhi too he earned laurels for himself as the
Artistic Director of Shri Ram Centre of
Performing Arts for nine long years. Mahindra and
Mahindra Award for Excellence in Theatre was
conferred on him. Of his plays, 'Mahabrahman' and
'Alladad' were adjudged best plays of Delhi for
the years 1999 and 2000 respectively. More than
anything else, he received the appreciation of
theatre loving audience and drama critics in full
measure. His shows used to be jam-packed with
viewers and these received rave reviews from the
critics as well.
Yet, after earning
accolades for his abilities as an imaginative and
exciting theatre director, Mushtaq Kak has
changed track and moved into the uncharted
territory of film acting. His first film as an
actor 'Hijack' has just been released and is
currently running, in theatres around the
country, including one in Jammu. In the film,
Mushtaq plays the role of the head of a group of
terrorists who hijack a plane in order to seek
the release of another dreaded terrorist. He has
been given two different getups in the film. One
as a hardcore terrorist with rugged looks and the
other as a suave, sophisticated and well dressed
person who boards a plane and eventually succeeds
in hijacking it. Although, the film has not been
able to impress many critics, they have all been
unanimous in their opinion about the acting
prowess of Mushtaq Kak. Writing in premier film
journal Screen, well known film critic Tarun
Adarsh opines "The main terrorist Mushtaq
Kak leaves a mark.". Daliya Daspurkayastha,
the film critic of bollywoodmantra.com writes
"Mushtaq Kak is top notch". Eye TV
India Bureau says on smashhits.com "Mushtaq
Kak plays his role very well". Another
popular film portal bollywood.com records
"Mushtaq Kak was impressive". These are
excerpts from only some of the film reviews
carried by the leading film magazines and web
portals of the country. In fact, most other film
critics have also given a big thumbs up to
Mushtaq Kak for his debut as a film actor.
It is not that
Mushtaq Kak is new to acting. In fact, he started
his career in theatre as an actor and has acted
in a number of plays till date. But somewhere
along the way Mushtaq changed track. He started
concentrating on theatre direction and his acting
career took a backseat. Now, after so many years
in theatre and after proving his mettle as a
director, he has once again changed track. In the
words of the poet:
"Ae
rehbar-e-kamil chalne ko, tayyaar to hoon par
yaad rahe
Uss waqt mujhe
bhatkaa dena, jab saamne manzil aa jaaye".
Yet, it is not
that Mushtaq has given up his love for theatre.
He has many exciting theatre projects lined up in
the near future. He is working on a prestigious
national project commissioned by Government of
India that will result into a production to be
presented across the country. His play 'Macbeth'
will be presented in a highly respected theatre
festival in Europe late next year. He also has a
few other theatre projects in hand.
However, despite
his engagements as a theatre director, Mushtaq's
film career has also taken off on a very positive
and rather brisk note. Another film 'Sikandar',
in which he has enacted an important role, is
releasing shortly. The film has been directed by
Piyush Jha and was shot entirely on location in
Kashmir. The film has Ayesha Kapoor (the actor
who enacted the childhood role of Rani Mukherji
in the film 'Black') and Farzan Dastoor (the
young star counting Sardar boy in the film 'Kuchh
Kuchh Hota Hai') in lead roles. Besides acting,
Mushtaq has also trained the two young actors for
the film and worked in the capacity of an expert
on Kashmir related issues in the film. Another
film in which he has acted has just been released
in the Toronto International Film Festival. The
film is titled 'Amal' and has been directed by
Canadian director of Indian origin Richie Mehta.
Well known actor Naseeruddin Shah has also
performed a major role in the film.
While one is proud
of the achievements of Mushtaq Kak, a son of the
soil, in the field of theatre, one wishes him all
the luck, and everyone is aware that, apart from
talent, one needs loads of luck to succeed in big
bad Bollywood, for his forthcoming film projects.
May he be next in line to well known theatre
actors who have earned a niche for themselves in
films like Amrish Puri, Naseeruddin Shah, Om
Puri, Anupam Kher and Pankaj Kapoor.
Govt
should perform its obligatory duty : Aijaz Jan
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH,
Sept 21:Aijaz
Jan, provincial Secretary J&K Youth National
Conference has expressed serious concern over the
acute shortage of drinking water, electricity,
ration, LPG cooking gas, kerosene oil and other
basic essentialities in Poonch.
"What to say
of providing extra quota of ration during the
holy month of Ramadan, it is very unfortunate
that the Government has not provided the usual
quota of ration and other basic essentialities to
the general masses" he said, adding that a
sense of neglect has housed the hearts and minds
of the people with this casual approach of the
Government.
Even as the
electric supply plays hide and seek in this
border district, it has even affected the water
supply due to regular disruption in water pumping
system. Whereas power supply remains severely
affected and is supplied just for few hours. In
some areas in the town here and on its outskirts
water supply remains disrupted for days together,
he said.
Aijaz said though
the State Government makes false claims of
supplying power and water but on ground they have
failed to provide solace to them.
Youth NC leader
demanded that Government should take immediate
measures to provide ration, LPG cooking gas,
kerosene oil and other basic essentialities to
the people of Poonch keeping in view the on-going
month of holy Ramadan.
MHAC
celebrates birthday of Maharaja Hari Singh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:The
113th birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh
was celebrated with great fervour and festivity
at Maharaja Hari Singh Agricultural Collegiate
(MHAC) Nagbani, Jammu, here today.
On the occasion, a
"havan" was performed by Capt (retd)
Dewan Singh, Manager Local Managing Committee of
MHAC, Principal Yogesh Khosla, staff and students
of the school. Vedic mantras were also chanted
followed by singing of devotional songs.
The students of Sh
Ram Chander Memorial Trust Orphan School Ban
Bathera, Jammu, were also invited to join the
occasion, as per tradition of MHAC. Later, the
students had lunch and picnic in the school
premises.
Speaking on the
occasion, Capt Dewan Singh recalled his
association with Maharaja and narrated few
incidents elucidating the impartial and
benevolent nature of the late ruler of J&K
and founder of MHAC Nagbani. Vote of thanks was
presented by Principal Yogesh Khosla.
Prices
of various commodities revised
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI,
Sept 21:
The District Price Control Committee that met
here under the chairmanship of Deputy
Commissioner, Sheikh Rafiq Ahmad fixed rates of
various commodities to ensure fair pricing and
honest business practices ahead of festivals.
The meeting fixed
rate of mutton at Rs. 120 per kg while local
(desi) chicken and broiler chicken will sell at
Rs. 90 and Rs. 60 per kg respectively. The rate
for cheese has been fixed at Rs. 95 per kilogram.
Buffalo milk will
sell Rs. 17 while that of cow Rs. 16 per kg. The
rate for local eggs has been fixed at Rs. 36 per
dozen, while broiler eggs Rs. 30 per dozen. Each
broiler egg should weigh 100 grams minimum and
for below 100 grams it will sell only Rs. 28 per
dozen.
Addressing the
meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed for
intensifying market checking operation to prevent
profiteers from indulging into unscrupulous
business practices. He called for strict
adherence to approved rate list, stressing for
ensuring its display in all concerned business
establishments.
Tehsildars in the
district were directed to monitor line in their
respective areas to ensure full protection of
consumer interests in collaboration of CAPD and
police officers during festivals as well as
thereafter.
88th
birth anniversary of Pt Prem Nath Shastri
celebrated
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
The three-day long celebration of 88th birth
anniversary of Pt Prem Nath Shastri one of the
most illustrious Kashmiri Pandits of the present
era concluded with Puran Ahuti of Maha Yagya at
Raj Kamal Garden, Udaywala, near here today.
The function was
organised by Pt Prem Nath Shastri Sanaskritik
Shodh Sansthan. It started with Bhoomi Pujan on
September 19. This was followed by Geeta
Anushthan which was performed yesterday. In the
evening a Bhajan Sandhya was organised in which
Shanti Lal Sidha presented Bhakti Sangeet. The
Maha Yagya started late in the evening yesterday
and Puran Ahuti was performed this afternoon. The
devotees were served with Prasad after Puran
Ahuti.
During
today’s function Pt Prem Nath Shastri
Memorial Award was given to renowned Ghazal
singer, Vijay Malla. The award was conferred to
him by Swami Chaman Lal Bamzai of Nand Bab Ashram
and Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsang Ashram,
Muthi.
Besides the
students of KP community who excelled in Class
10th and 12th examinations during session 2007-08
were given away the certificates of merit by Pt
Omkar Nath Shastri, chairman of the Sansthan.
He disclosed that
a Sanaskritik Samelan will be organised by the
Sansthan during the completion of 325 years of
Vijeshwar Panchang and 89th birth anniversary
celebrations of Pt Prem Nath Shastri from
September 8 to 11 next year at Jammu in which
scholars from India and abroad will participate.
Among others who
addressed the gathering included Jyotshi Avtar
Krishan Shastri and Raj Nath Kilam, president
Welfare Association, Om Nagar Udaywala.
Free
medical camp at PHC Kanachak
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Sept 21:
A day-long free medical camp was held at
Primary Health Centre (PHC) Kanachak by Bee Enn
Charitable Society, Jammu, here today.
In the camp,
emphasis was laid upon the prevention and control
of diseases. A total of 275 blood sugar tests
were done free of cost for early detection of
diabetes. Besides, 574 patients were examined
with various ailments and provided with free
medicines.
On the occasion,
Manoj Kotru spoke at length about the diabetes
and complications related to it. Also, free
consultation in various disciplines was provided
to the patients by a team of doctors that
included Dr YP Gupta, Dr K Sambyal, Dr Chandan
Tikoo, Dr AK Dubey, Dr Neeru Kharoo, Dr Pankaj
Gupta, Dr Anubha Ganjoo and Dr Vandana.
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