GM Shah
laid to rest
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Jan 7: Family,
friends, relatives, including Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah and National Conference Patron Farooq
Abdullah, and a large number of well wishers
today participated in the last rites of former
Chief Minister Ghulam Mohammad Shah as he was
laid to rest in his ancestral graveyard at
Chattabal in downtown city.
Shah was laid to
rest with full State honours with a police team
performing the ceremonial reversal of guns. The
Government yesterday announced a State funeral
for Shah and declared a public holiday today and
three-day mourning on account of the death of the
former Chief Minister.
Omar Abdullah flew
in from Jammu and drove straight to Shah's
residence on Maulana Azad road as the former
Chief Minister's coffin was carried in the form
of a procession to the nearby Polo Ground for
Nimaz-e-Jinazah (funeral prayers).
More than 2000
people including many National Conference MLAs
and Congress Minister Taj Mohiuddin participated
in the funeral prayers which were led by the
Mouliv Mohammad Maqbool, the Imam of Syed
Mohammad Mantaki Mosque.
Initially, Omar
and Farooq stood in the third row of the mourners
at Funeral paryers but were persuaded by Shah's
son and Awami National Conference Vice President
Muzaffar Shah to come to the first row, which
they reluctantly agreed.
Ministers in
Omar-led Government Abdul Rahim Rather and Ali
Mohammad Sagar, National Conference MLAs Nasir
Aslam Wani and Irfan Ahmad Shah were among those
present. National Conference General Secretary
Shiekh Nazir Ahmad and Shiekh Mustafa Kamal,
younger brother of Farooq, also took part in the
funeral prayers.
Shah, 88, passed
away following brief illness at Sher-e-Kashmir
Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura last
evening.
Shah was later
buried at his ancestral graveyard in Chattabal
locality of down town city.
Shahs and
Abdullahs had an estranged relationship for the
past 24 years following a tussle for power in
1984 which saw the deceased leader pulling down
the Government headed by his brother-in-law,
Farooq, with the help of 12 disgruntled NC MLAs
and Congress.
Shah ascended the
throne of the State but in the process his wife,
Khalida, lost contact with her brothers and their
families.
It was the grief
of Shah's demise that probably brought the
brother Farooq and sister Khalida face to face
for the first time in more than two decades.
The NC patron
visited Shah's residence to share the grief and
affectionately put his hand over the head of his
wailing sister. Farooq Abdullah stayed at the
residence of brother-in-law till his coffin was
taken from the house to the funeral ground.
However, as soon
as the funeral prayers were over, both Omar and
Farooq headed to their respective residences.
Although none of
the top leaders of People's Democratic Party
(PDP) attended the funeral prayers, former Chief
Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed visited the
bereaved family to offers his condolences. Sayeed
is believed to have been instrumental in ascent
of Shah to the post of Chief Minister and both
leaders were known to be very close to each other
even afterwards.
Newly inducted
minister in the State cabinet, Abdul Rahim Rather
told reporters that Shah was a great
administrator and had carried out important works
during his tenure as the Chief Minister of the
State. "He was an able administrator and a
freedom figher. We will miss him," he added.
Rather's cabinet
colleague and Congress leader Taj Mohiuddin said
Shah's death "is a personal loss to me. I
had personal relations other than party relations
with him. He was great leader and great
person."
Senior Congress
leader and Rajya Sabha Member Karan Singh
expressed grief and deep sorrow over the demise
of the former Chief Minister.
"We have lost
an veteran political leader, an established
administrator and a great personality, possessed
the best human values and was a close associate
of the Royal family," Singh said in a
statement issued here.
Highly
polluted 62 metal, chemical units in J&K
sound alarming bells
By Gopal Sharma
JAMMU,
Jan 7: While
the tourist states like Himachal, Uttranchal and
Kerala have hardly three to five non-ferrous
metal recycling units, the J&K state which
attracts lakhs of tourists every year has
attained the dubious distinction of having
alarming number of such highly polluted
industrial units.
More startling
revelations regarding presence of these highly
polluted industrial units are that no
‘land-fill site’ is yet available as
even day in the State to store this hazardous
waste. Ignoring public health, the Pollution
Control Board and State Health department have
yet to take cognizance of the level of pollution
being created by these industrial units placed in
the ‘Red’ category.
Himachal Pradesh,
which has been awarded as most environmental
friendly state recently despite a package of
incentives given to it and the industries coming
up in that region, only three non-ferrous units
have been allowed by the government in the entire
state. The package of incentives which were given
to J&K attracted a lot of investment and
various industrial houses set up their factories
here. Apparently, due to lack of clear policy for
the type of industries to be given permission and
impose restrictions, all type of industries
including 62 highly polluted non-ferrous metal
and chemical units were given permission,
ignoring impact on the health of residents of the
state.
The presence of a
large number of non-ferrous metal and the level
of pollution being generated by them have started
ringing alarming bells for the state authorities
to act in this direction. There had been some
protests in the past at Samba and Kathua where
mushrooming growth of such highly polluting units
were allowed by the authorities. Though some
units were given notices and forced to stop
operation, many of them have again started
functioning after fulfilling criteria but it has
been alleged that many of them avoid to run their
pollution devices as the running cost is very
high and extra power is consumed for the
operation.
A scientist from
PCB told the Excelsior that recycling of
non-ferrous metal wastes to manufacture ingots is
a highly polluting process and comes in ‘Red
Category’, as per Pollution Control norms.
All such non-ferrous metals infact come in
hazardous wastes as per Schedule 4. Many states
have devised a policy not to encourage such units
and tourism states are more cautious about giving
permission to such units, he maintained.
According to data
compiled the approved capacity of these sixty odd
existing units mostly located at Samba, Kathua,
Bari Brahmana and Gangyal, is to the tune of
4,80,000 mt tonnes of metal scraps. The amount of
hazardous waste that is being generated by these
units would be 5% of the assessed capacity or
240,00,000 kg yearly. This waste is bound to
create havoc in the tourism state of J&K
where no hazardous management measures have been
taken by creating Transport & Safe Disposal
(T&SD).
Chairman, State
Pollution Control Board, Dr C M Seth when
contacted said no doubt environment impact
assessment study was essential for allowing such
units to exist in the particular area but the
Central Pollution Control Board provides
clearance to these non-ferrous metal units before
installation or operation after they fulfill the
requisite guidelines and criteria. Dr Seth said
these units have installed pollution control
devices and it is mandatory for them to ensure
the use of such devices so that pollution emitted
by these is properly controlled.
Responding to a
question, he said CPCB and SPCB jointly monitor
the operation and pollution level of these units.
Restrictions were also imposed on the operation
of pesticide, menthol and other such units
falling in the category several months back. They
were directed to contain the pollution level and
install adequate and affective pollution control
devices. While several units were allowed
operation after they fulfilled guidelines, many
pesticide units were still non-operational. He
said large industrial area measuring nearly 3000
kanal of area is being developed near Govindsar
in Kathua and Ghati village of Rajbagh (Kathua)
besides another at Lachhipora in Kashmir. Fresh
instructions have now come from the Government to
have environment impact assessment study before
going for creating industrial estate, Dr Seth
added.
FC
Planning to probe LA complex fire incident
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: The
Government has appointed S. L. Bhat, Financial
Commissioner, Planning and Development
Department, as Inquiry Officer to enquire into
the fire incident which broke out in the
Legislative Assembly Complex, here yesterday
afternoon.
This follows the
directions of the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah
to have the incident enquired into.
The Development
Commissioner, Power and the Director General,
Fire Services, will assist the Inquiry Officer.
According to a
Government order issued here today, the terms of
reference of the Inquiry Officer include
ascertaining the cause(s) which resulted in the
breakout of the fire, establishing whether there
has been any lapse on the part of the Assembly
Secretariat/Staff In-charge Electric Maintenance
Wing, fixing specific responsibility of any
person or persons involved and suggesting
remedial measures to avoid recurrence of such
incidents in future.
The Inquiry
Officer will submit the report within a period of
seven days.
GBI to
come up with Pretty Day Apartments in Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: Gallon
Builders Private Ltd (GBI) is coming up with
Pretty Day Apartments at Jammu. A small township
of 500 flats and situated at a stone’s throw
from main city , the GBI offers world class
apartments to people.
Disclosing the
salient features of these apartments at a press
conference here today, Ajay Mengi, Architector,
Mohammed Anwar Managing Director and Akash
Malhotra Executive Director of GBI said initially
78 flats will come up in twin towers.
They said the
flats will have 24 hour water supply, central
security system and all other facilities.
The flats are
being constructed at an 1.5 acre of land having
swimming pool, health club and other facilities
as well, said Mr Mengi.
He said the local
architectors have also been taken into confidence
while designing the flats and it resembles with
Mubarak Mandi Complex.
The cost of the
flat starts from Rs 25 lakh onwards and people
interested in booking a flat have to deposit Rs
two lakh initially, he added.
He said the GBI
has a track record of conceptualizing and
implementing projects in residential and
commercial domain. The Gallon Plazza at Malviya
Nagar and various residential projects in South
Delhi stand testimony of their in-depth
understanding of contemporary architectular
preferences. The Company lays special emphasis on
quality adherence to ensure optimum value for its
customers, he added.
Mr Mengi said the
Pretty Day Apartments is an exclusive project
coming up at a very convenient location in Jammu
with proximity to civic, education and health
support systems. It is slated to be one of the
most sought after residential projects in Jammu,
he added.
He said the Pretty
Day Apartments is a masterpiece that can’t
be defined —"it is just a work of art,
a palace that radiates luxury from all corners
and a palette of comfort,"he added.
He said Pretty Day
Apartments promises to be Jammu’s newest
landmark soaring to the skies as it offers world
class apartments for the people of Jammu. The
building will bear GBI Stamp of quality.
He said each
apartment will be fully furnished with concealed
wiring and pluming, water purifier, granite
cooking platform in kitchen, ceramic floor tiles
besides the building has round the clock power
backup, covered car parking for guests, gym,
jogging park and much more.
Govt
intends to delay Budget Session: Harshdev
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: Panthers
Legislature Party leader and MLA Ramnagar
Harshdev Singh today alleged that Government
intends to delay Budget Session.
In a press
statement issued here today, NPP leader said so
much time was consumed in administering oath to
the newly elected MLAs despite the fact that 11th
Legislature stood constituted with effect from
December 31, 2008 as per notification. He
regretted that neither the date for administering
oath to the new members had been announced nor
any steps initiated in this regard thus revealing
the utter lack of concern and ignorance of those
at the helm of affairs. He said that constitution
of Assembly is simultaneously followed by
announcement of protem Speaker and oath to all
newly elected members, which alone provides
legitimacy to their office.
Mr Singh alleged
that delay in administering oath appeared to be
deliberate so as to have time for the Budget
session, which as per the prevalent practice used
to commence in January. He said that the lapse
was required to be taken cognizance by the
Governor who was the constitutional head of the
State.
NPP legislator
urged the Governor to intervene and ensure that
the state legislature goes for at least 100 days
in a year as per the consensus reached at
national level in this regard so that problems of
the people could be debated in the Assembly and
resolution evolved. He demanded minimum 60-day
Budget session for deliberating important issues
of public importance.
Home
guards take out rally, reiterate demand
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: Reiterating
demand for absorption in Police Department, the
home guards under the banner of All J&K Home
Guards Welfare Association today took out a rally
in the City.
The rally
commenced from Mubarak Mandi and marched upto
Civil Secretariat after passing through Pacca
Danga market to highlight the long pending demand
of home guards who have been sitting on dharna
since two years at Mubarak Mandi Complex in
support of their demand.
Addressing the
rally, president of the Association, Kamla
Sharma, expressed optimism that the new
dispensation in the State will redress their
demand. She demanded from the Government to raise
new Auxiliary battalions of Police to absorb all
the home guards to mitigate their sufferings.
She added that the
Association has pinned hopes on Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah for redressal of their demand, as
in the past also, in the NC regime, home guards
were regularized in Police Department.
Removal of
CRPF jawan from services
HC quashes order, orders
reinstatement
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: Justice
Y P Nargotra of State High Court has quashed the
order of removal of CRPF jawan from service in
the year 2001 and ordered that he shall be
reinstated in service forthwith, with all
consequential benefits.
The judgment was
passed in a petition filed by one Ravinder Kumar
Singh, then Havaldar in CRPF, who was removed
from services on the basis of two different dates
of birth issued by the two different authorities.
After having
rendered service of more than 24 years, the
petitioner applied for volunteer retirement.
While his school leaving certificate which was
produced at the time of appointment was showing
date of birth August 16, 1951, the matriculation
certificate issued by Bihar Vidayala Priksha
Samiti was, however, reflecting his date of birth
August 16, 1953.
On this, the
Commandant decided to hold departmental enquiry
against the petitioner for having suppressed his
actual date of birth at the time of his
recruitment and after the finding of the
departmental enquiry, the petitioner was removed
from service on April 20, 2001, which was
challenged by the petitioner in the High Court
through Advocate Surinder Kour.
While allowing the
petition, Justice Y P Nargotra observed "the
respondents cannot validly assume only on the
basis of variation in the two certificates over
description of the date of birth of the
petitioner, that petitioner’s correct date
of birth is the one which has been incorporated
by the Board in his matriculation
certificate", adding "there is no
evidence available to dispute the correctness and
genuineness of the school leaving certificate on
the basis of which the petitioner was recruited
in the force".
The Court further
observed that the respondents having accepted the
correctness of the date of birth as mentioned in
the school leaving certificate while recruiting
the petitioner would not be legally justified for
turning around after about 30 years, thereafter
to say that date of birth of petitioner recorded
in the said certificate was wrong simply because
his matriculation certificate was giving a
different date of birth, especially when the
petitioner was not claiming any benefit on such
date of birth.
With these
observations, the Court quashed the order by
virtue of which the petitioner was removed from
service and ordered that petitioner shall be
reinstated in service forthwith with all
consequential benefits, where-after his request
for voluntary retirement shall be considered as
per the rules.
Induct
Jan into Ministry:Pahari Forum
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH,
Jan 7: The
Pahari Welfare Forum, J&K in an emergency
meeting today demanded the induction of MLA
Haveli Poonch Ajaz Ahmed Jan into the Council of
Ministers to give representation to the Pahari in
the legislative Assembly.
The meeting was
held under the chairmanship of Lokesh Kumar
Sharma in which large number of Pahari people
participated. The meeting urged Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah to induct Jan into ministry to give
due representation to Pahari, backward and border
region.
The members said
that the young CM has pinned his faith in the
power of young generation to deliver the goods
and we the people of Pahari areas urged him to
fulfill his commitment.
Shakeel Azad, M M
Khan, Ravinder Kumar, Kalab Abbas, Manmohan
Singh, Ranjeet Singh, Harbans Singh, Iqhlaq Khan,
Shiv Kumar Sharma, Sunil Kumar Sharma, Arun
Sharma, Shafiq Mir, Anwar Khan, Najmal Jafri,
Magray, Asif Manhas, M M Dar were the others who
were present in the meet.
No
change in age limit for CCE
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: The
Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (PSC)
has clarified that the age limits for the
Combined Competitive Examination (CCE), 2009 has
not been changed or modified.
According to a
communication received from the PSC, the upper
age limit prescribed for CCE, 2009 has been fixed
at 35 years for General (Open) Category
candidates and 40 years for Reserved/In-Service
Category candidates, as on January 1, 2008, in
terms of notification issued by the Government
vide SRO No: 397 dated 30.12.2008.
The communication
further states that in the previous Combined
Competitive Examinations held in the year 2005,
the age limits for both General and Reserved
Categories had also been fixed at 35 and 40
years, respectively.
Kathua
youth ends life
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA,
Jan 7: A
youth allegedly committed suicide by consuming
some poisonous substance at his residence here
last night.
The boy,
identified as Hardev Singh (23), son of Narender
Singh of Tara Nagar, Kathua was immediately
rushed to district hospital in serious condition
by family members. The doctors later referred him
to GMC Jammu in view of his deteriorating
condition. He died in hospital here, the police
said.
Kathua police has
registered a case for investigation. The reason
behind this extreme step was being ascertained.
CRPF
jawan ends life
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH,
Jan 7: A
Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawan
allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself
with his service weapon in district Poonch today.
Identified as
Pargat Singh, resident of village Tikri in
Barnala district in Punjab, he was posted in 193
Bn located in Poonch. He shot himself with his
service rifle at around 0630 hrs at ITI Complex
in Poonch town," an official spokesman said.
Police said he
died on the spot while reason behind the suicide
was yet to be ascertained.
A case has been
registered and investigations under Section 174
CrPC have been initiated.
Various
organisations, groups pay homage to
GM Shah
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: Leaders
of all the political parties as also social and
cultural organisations have deeply condoled the
death of Ghulam Mohammad Shah, former Chief
Minister who passed away at Srinagar yesterday.
The Pradesh
Congress Committee, in a condolence meeting paid
homage to late G M Shah, former Chief Minister of
J&K and son-in-law of Sheikh Mohammad
Abdullah on his sad demise at Medical Institute,
Soura, Srinagar yesterday. Mr Shah was president
of Awami National Conference.
Paying tributes
Dharam Pal Sharma, ex MP and senior vice
president, PCC, said " Mr Shah was an able
administrator, great politician and freedom
fighter. He stood by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah
through thick and thin.
Other Congress
leaders who also paid homage included Amrit
Malhotra, Gurmukh Singh, Hari Singh, Yash Pal
Khajuria, Praduman Singh, Vinod Sharma, Ravinder
Sharma, Janak Raj Gupta, Shah Mohd Chowdhary etc.
Mangat Ram Sharma,
veteran Congress leader also condoled the death
of Mr Shah and paid him rich tributes.
All India Congress
Party leader held a meeting under chairmanship of
Janak Raj Gupta, ex-MP at which the death of G M
Shah, former CM was condoled. Mr Gupta expressed
that the State has lost a great politician, able
administrator and above all a well wisher of
India and J&K State.
The meeting
attended by about 40 senior Congress leaders paid
homage to the departed soul and two-minute
silence was observed.
National
Conference, District Rajouri held a condolence
meeting to mourn the demise of G M Shah, former
Chief Minister and expressed grief over his
sudden death and highlighted the services of the
late leader. The meeting was presided over by
district secretary, Qazi Mushtaq Ahmed.
All India Muslim
Personnel Law Board condoled the sad demise of G
M Shah at a meeting presided over by Hazrat
Molana Ghulam Qadir which described Mr Shah as an
energetic and dedicated leader. His departure is
a great loss to the community, he added.
Chairman, Khidmat
Foundation, Sayeed Ahmed Habib has also condoled
the death of G M Shah.
Peoples Democratic
Party held a condolence meeting at its party
office and attended by its senior leaders and
workers to pay tributes to former Chief Minister,
GH Shah and highlighted his qualities as an able
administrator and intelligent politician.
PDP leaders
expressed heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved
family and prayed for the eternal peace to the
departed soul. The leaders who paid tributes
included Ghulam Nabi Lone, Chairman, Legislative
Council, Rangil Singh, Daman Bhasin, Rafiq
Hussain Khan, Choudhary Zulfikar (MLAs), Ved
Mahajan, Murtaza Khan (MLC), Falail Singh, Shanti
Devi, Deepinder Kour, Surjeet Kour.
Mohammad Dilawar
Mir has also expressed profound grief and shock
over demise of former Chief Minister, G M Shah.
In a condolence message, he described Mr Shah as
a statesman who has left indelible mark as an
able administrator.
JK National
Panthers Party working committee in its emergency
meeting condoled the death of former Chief
Minister Ghulam Mohammad Shah at Srinagar last
evening.
In a condolence
message, the party felt that Mr Shah was the last
surviving founder of the National Conference. The
party expressed its condolence to the bereaved
family.
Nationalist
Congress Party president, Thakur Randhir Singh
expressed profound grief over sad demise of
former Chief Minister G M Shah and while paying
him homage described late Shah as an able
administrator and a friend of friends who always
stood with his principles. He has conveyed his
heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family.
Ex Legislators
Welfare Council, at a condolence meeting held at
Jammu paid homage to the veteran leader for his
capacity and ability as an administrator and
politician. The meeting was attended by
ex-legislators including Qazi Jallaludin, Gul
Rafiqui, Rampal, Choudhary Pyara Singh, Prem Lal,
Brij Mohan Sharma and Malik Ghulam Hyder.
Young Star Cricket
Club, Doda in a condolence meeting presided over
by Manzoor Ahmed Bhat expressed grief and sorrow
over said demise of G M Shah.
Jammu and Kashmir
Trade Union Congress held a condolence meeting
presided over by Subash Chander Sharma which
deeply condoled demise of former Chief Minister,
G M Shah. The meeting among others was attended
by Mr Mangat Ram Sharma, Madan Lal Sharma, Deedat
Singh and a large number of workers. A two-minute
silence was observed.
Governor,
CM pay tributes to Karbala martyrs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: Governor,
N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today
paid tributes to the sacrifice of Hazrat Imam
Hussain (AS) and other martyrs of Karbala.
In a message, the
Governor said that the martyrdom of Hazrat Iman
Hussain (AS) reminds mankind of the true values
and high morality. "The underlying message
in the sacrifice of the Karbala martyrs is that
one should not deviate from the path of
righteousness, whatever be the price to be paid',
he added.
The Governor hoped
that the people would re-dedicate themselves to
uphold and devote to the noble cause of truth and
harmony. He prayed for the restoration of
communal harmony and complete peace and normalcy
in the State the people to be able to lead
meaningful and productive lives, without fear of
any kind.
Paying rich
tributes to the supreme sacrifice of Hazrat Imam
Hussain (AS) and other martyrs of Karbala, the
Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, has said that the
path of truth, piety and righteousness always
prevails.
On the eve of
Aashoor-e-Muharram, the day of martyrdom of
Hazrat Imam Hussain (AS), grandson of Prophet
Muhammad (SAW), Abdullah said that the great
sacrifice made by Syed-u-Shohda and his
companions 1400 years ago in the burning deserts
of Karbala, is still fresh in our memory and
reminds us of the high principles of human
dignity and morality. Even in extreme adverse
circumstances, their faith did not shake and they
did not deviate from the path of righteousness,
he added.
The Chief Minister
said that as we revisit the events of Karbala, it
is important to spread the message of Imam
Hussain (AS) to stand firm on the path of
righteousness even in the face of the gravest
challenges. He hoped that on this day, all of us
rededicate ourselves to the cause of truth and
virtue and also pray for return of complete peace
and prosperity in the State.
Dharna at
Mubarak Mandi continues on 644th day
Unemployed electricians ask Omar
to fulfill
pre-poll promise
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7:The
unemployed ITI electricians, who have been
sitting on dharna since 644 days in support of
their demand, today asked the Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah, who has just taken over the reins, to
fulfill his pre-poll promise of absorbing all the
unemployed ITI electricians in Power Development
Department (PDD) on Rehbar pattern.
Addressing a press
conference, chairman All J&K Unemployed ITI
Electricians Association, Rakesh Sharma expressed
happiness over the formation of new State
Government with Omar Abdullah as its Chief
Minister.
He mentioned that
National Conference (NC) had promised in its
election manifesto to redress the demand of
unemployed electricians and now, since the party
has formed the Government the time has come for
it to implement the same.
"Even,
NC’s alliance partner Congress had also
promised to redress our demand during
electioneering so, it’s perfect time for
both the parties to act on their poll promise
without any further delay and bring an end to
their nearly two-year long struggle," Sharma
added.
Meanwhile, Sharma
urged upon the members of the Association to stay
united for their cause and assemble at Mubarak
Mandi on January 12 to decide about the future
course of action. However, the dharna in front of
Divisional Commissioner office would continue.
Those sitting on dharna on 644th day were Vinod
Sharma, Sunil Kumar, Rajesh Thappa, Vishal
Sharma, Irshad Ahmed, Kamal Kishore, Vimal Dev
Singh and Sidhu.
ISM
organises free medical camp, community
awareness programme
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: One
day free medical Camp and Community Awareness
Programme was organised by Indian System of
Medicines (ISM) at Government Ayurvedic Hospital
here today .
The Camp was
inaugurated by Dr Abdul Kabir Dar, Director ISM
and CEO J&K SMPB.
Speaking on the
occasion, Dr Kabir stressed upon the ISM
community to work for popularizing the ISM. He
said joint efforts are needed in achieving the
goal.
Dr Kabir Said ISM
is gaining the ground and it is fast becoming
popular internationally. This is the only system
which cures life style diseases, he added.
In the community
Awareness programme many farmers and other people
participated in the exhibition organised by SMPB
to make people aware about the schemes of NMBF.
About 506 patients
were examined and provided free medicines in the
camp.
On the increasing
public demand and response to the camp, Dr Kabir
announced that another free medical aid camp will
be organised on January 15, 16 and 17 at
Ayurvedic Hospital Jammu.
Dr Kashmir Singh,
Dr R M Misri, Dr K K Kapoor, Dr Mahesh Sharma, Dr
Deepak Kachru and Dr Manju Koshal examined the
patients. They were assisted by para medical
staff including Ashok Naru, Sudesh Kumar, Adrash
Kumar, Himat Singh and Ram Raj.
Ousted
Excise employees pin high hopes on Omar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: Ousted
Class-IV Employees of Excise and Taxation
department have pinned high hopes on the Chief
Minister Omar Abdullah and expect that coalition
government would give sympathetic consideration
to their request.
Talking to
media-persons here today, president of All
J&K Excise & Commercial Taxes Class IV
Ousted Govt Employees Association, Adil Rashid
Khan said that ousted employees were protesting
for the last many months demanding their
re-adjustment. Many of them have rendered more
than ten years of service but were thrown out.
Mr Khan pointed
out that many of them became overaged and now
have the responsibility of their families. They
are facing starvation. Previous government gave
assurances but their issue was not settled. He
said nearly 209 employees have been thrown out
and the government should take sympathetic view
regarding their re-absorption. He said they had
approached former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi
Azad, Dy CM and Finance Minister and then
Governor N N Vohra but only assurances came from
their side.
On behalf of the
Association, Adil Khan urged the Chief Minister
to understand the genuine and justified problem
of nearly 200 youth and provide them justice as
their families and children have been made to
suffer for no fault on their part.
Gupta
for stern measures to tackle cross
border terrorism
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: Calling
for stern measures to tackle the menace of cross
border terror, the former Union Minister and
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Legislative Party
leader, Prof Chaman Lal Gupta has maintained that
Lashkar -e-Toiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed and other such
outfits are the auxiliary apparatus of the
Pakistan Army and are being employed for low cost
war with India.
Addressing a
gathering at the border village of Jhandi in
Hiranagar Sector, Prof Gupta said it is good that
the Centre has some what realized the ground
realities but the leaders of the Congress led UPA
Government owe an explanation that why earlier a
soft approach was adopted and why the POTA was
abolished in Jammu and Kashmir, why all POTA
cases were put under the carpet and also why the
guards were lowered at sensitive places.
Referring to the
proxy war launched by Pakistan in late eighties
under Operation Topac framed by the Pak military
ruler Gen. Zia -ul-Haq, Prof Gupta said that
various terrorist outfits were raised under a
policy for having low cost war as Pakistan had
suffered defeats in regular wars of 1947, 1965
and 1971.
He said this proxy
war still continues although in 2001, Pakistan
was forced by the Vajpayee led NDA Government to
stop this non sense. It was only in 2001 that
Pakistan publicly promised that its soil would
not be allowed for cross border terrorism, he
added.
He said after the
change of guard at New Delhi, the Congress led
UPA dispensation adopted some strange posture
under their vote bank policy which encouraged the
secessionists and resulted in continuance of
cross border terrorism.
Others who
addressed the meeting included MLA Hiranagar
Durga Dass.
Jammu
Yatri Bhawan releases Panchang for 2009
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: The
Jammu Yatri Bhawan today released the 9th edition
of Panchang (Almanac) for the year 2009 at a
simple function here. The Panchang, which is in
the shape of a calendar was released by K K
Arora, (retd) Chief Engineer, Yash Paul Abrol a
leading businessman of the City and Mahant Ram
Lubiya Ji, Mahant of Ram Mandir Bari Brahmana.
The function was
attended by a galaxy of people including
religious scholars and intellectuals. The
chairman, Jammu Yatri Bhawan, Pawan Shastri said
the Panchang carries full information about the
religious days and festivals which have a lot of
significance in our lives.
He said the
Panchang links people to their past thus keeping
alive the traditions and culture.
He also informed
that on the Somawati Amawasya falling on January
26 the Jammu Yatri Bhawan has made special
arrangements for the yatris visiting Hardwar to
have a special dip in the river Ganga and offer
prayers.
The Yatri Bhawan
has also made all arrangements for the boarding
and lodging of the pilgrims at Hardwar. He also
appealed the yatris intending to visit Hardwar on
the occasion to inform Jammu Yatri Bhawan by
January 15.
Shastri Ji also in
an appeal to Railway authorities has urged them
to run a special train from Jammu to Hardwar
during the day to coop with the rush of pilgrims.
ReT
teachers highlight demands
Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR,
Jan 7: Rehbar-e-Taleem
Teachers Association, district Kishtwar, urged
the newly elected Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah
for redressal of their grievances.
The demand was
popsed in a meeting of ReT teachers under the
presidentship of Tahir Masood. Speaking in the
meeting Masood demanded implementation of demands
of ReTs of the district, who have completed five
years of regular services.
Chairman of the
association Jaffer Ahmed Kotwal, Satish Kumar Sen
and Shokat Ali also spoke on the occasion.
Association president Masood appealed the Chief
Minister to intervene to resolve their long
pending demands or elose they would be left with
no alternative than to hold a rally in Kishtwar
on January 20.
Others who
attended the meeting included Ajaz Malik, Shabir
Ahmed, Shoket Mir, Khaliq Hussain, Zakir Hussain,
Saima and Anju Bala.
Jammu
girl bags Gurbani listening contest, wins car
Excelsior Correspondent
AMRITSAR,
Jan 7: Miss
Surgeet Kour daughter of late Hardev Singh of
Nanak Nagar, Jammu, has won Maruti car for
standing first in the religious competition of
listening Gurbani organised by Bhai Guriqbal
Singhji of Mata Kaulanji Taksal, Amritsar
recently.
The competition
was for below 12 years of age and held throughout
the country. Nearly 1.5 lakh children
participated in the contest.
Next such
competition is scheduled to be held on April 20,
2009 and would be put live on PTC channel in
which six Alto cars and many more prizes worth
lakhs of rupees will be distributed among the
winners of age below nine years.
For participating
in the forthcoming competition, the contestant
must be below nine years of age and just learning
20 Pauris of Jap Ji Sahib.
Khirbhawani
Asthapan Committee holds meet
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Jan 7: The
Prabandhak Committee Khirbhawani Asthapan Manzgam
was held today under the chairmanship of T N
Padroo to discuss the issues related to the
Shrine.
Also, the meeting
took several decisions with regard to the present
developments of the Shrine. The committee
expressed satisfaction with the completion of
work in the temple despite all odds.
Further, the
district administration was emphasized to take up
these works in hand immediately so as to save the
property of the holy and ancient Shrine from the
erosion.
Those who attended
the meeting were V S Lahori (general secretary),
A K Raina (treasurer), Bharat Bhushan (secretary)
and Kuldeep Raina (chairman).
Dalits
have high hopes from Omar: Lochan
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Dec 7: While
congratulating Omar Abdullah as new Chief
Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, All J&K Dalit
Mahasabha has said that Dalits and down trodden
members of the society have high hopes from the
young Abdullah.
Addressing a press
conference here today, chairman of the Sabha
Vijay Kumar Lochan said that Scheduled Caste
(Dalit) community, poor and down-trodden members
of the society have high hopes from dynamic
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah. The
community hopes that Omar will take care of their
aspirations and provide equal justice and
opportunities to the people from this community.
Mr Lochan said new
Chief Minister is well aware of the problems of
the Dalits in the State. They are fighting for
justice, seeking proper share of reservation in
every field, non-clearance of back log vacancies,
development of their Bastis and others. He said
immediate steps are required to be taken by
resolving problem of unemployment in the region.
Fast track recruitment process and speedy and
time bound completion of development works are
vital issues for the success of the government,
he maintained.
Sabha hopes that
young Omar will come up to the expectations of
the people and deliver good to all the
communities and regions.
Sabha also
welcomed the decision regarding induction of Tara
Chand as DyCM in the State government and
extended gratitude to the Union Government for
providing such a high post for the first time in
J&K history to a member from Dalit community.
Members hoped that Tara Chand will work for the
social upliftment of the community. Sabha
extended full support to Omar Abdullah and Tara
Chand for the success of the coalition
government.
Simer Dass general
secretary, B D Bhagat and S S Basson also spoke
on the occasion.
Children
return from motivational tour
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Jan 7: The
13 days educational cum motivational tour
comprising of 20 boys and 10 girls who came from
various schools of border villages in Jammu was
flagged in by Brigadier VS Saini, Commander,
Tiger Artillery Brigade, today in a colorful
ceremony attended by parents, various dignitaries
from Military and Civil Administration.
The team got the
opportunity to come across the vibrant culture
and rich tradition of the country wherein they
got the opportunity to visit various historical
and religious places like Golden Temple,
Jalianwala Bagh, Rock Garden, Red Fort, Qutub
Minar, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikiri and Ajmer
Sharif. They also visited Indian Millitary
Academy where they interacted with the Officers
and Cadets and paid visit to the famous Chetwode
Hall. They also got an opportunity to interact
with various dignitaries including Chief Minister
of Uttranchal, Major General (Retd) BC Khanduri.
Speaking to the
media, the much elated children expressed their
joy and happiness and recollected their
experiences of the educational tour.
Arrangements
for Muharram made in Kargil
Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL,
Jan 7: In
order to provide easy access to devotees to
attend Imambaras for performing mourning session
and ensuring Ashoora, the Chief Executive
Councilor, LAHDC, Kargil, Kachu Ahmad Ali Khan
made a round of different roads in Kargil city
from where Muharram-ul-Haram procession was to
pass through.
The CEC, Kacho
Ahmad Ali inspected the medical camps and other
facilities being made for the Muharram
procession. He also inspected all other
arrangements being made by the administration
with regard to the Muharram procession at Islamia
School, Public Park and Qatilgah.
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