No respite
for traders in Kashmir
Suffer losses due to
restrictions, face penalties from Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
May 2: After
suffering heavy losses owing to two days of
restrictions on movement of people during the
third phase of Lok Sabha elections, the traders
of Kashmir valley have been burdened with
penalties by the State's Sales Tax department for
not filing returns in time.
The Sales Tax
department refused to accept the Value Added Tax
(VAT) returns forms for the fourth quarter on May
1 and 2 from traders here saying they will not
accept the document unless a penalty of Rs 1,000
each is paid by the traders.
Finance Minister
Abdul Rahim Rather told EXCELSIOR he will look
into the matter but could not be of any help as
he was away campaigning for elections to Srinagar
Lok Sabha seat.
A Commercial Taxes
Officer at 'L' Circle of the city said he was not
bothered about curfews and strikes. "There
were 28 days to file the returns. Where were
these people for that many days. I will not
accept any return forms without penalities,"
he added.
There was an
undeclared curfew on the last two days (April 29
and 30) of filling of the Value Added Tax (VAT)
returns for the fourth quarter here as the
Anantnag Lok Sabha constituency went to polls. On
the next, May 1, normal life in the valley was
once again affected due to a bandh call of the
separatist Hurriat Conference and restrictions in
the downtown area of the Srinagar.
The Sales Tax
department on previous occasions had extend the
date of accepting the VAT returns when the Valley
witnessed shutdowns and curfew-like situations,
however, this time the department has chosen to
levy penalties on the traders who have already
been suffering owing to hartals and curfews.
"We have
suffered immense losses due to curfews and
hartals but the Government is being inconsiderate
this time as they cannot look beyond the current
elections and mudslinging politics," said a
businessman from Srinagar who did not wish to be
named.
He said most of
the traders fill their VAT returns on the last
day and they are being troubled with
"unnecessary and preventable penalties"
as the situation was "beyond their
control."
"We cannot be
held responsible if curfew was imposed on April
29 and 30 and when all Governmental offices
remained shut on those days," the
businessman said.
Another young
trader, Aijaz Ahmad, said the Government is
making life "harder" for the youth who
have started their own business after failing to
procure Government jobs.
"On one hand,
the Government, especially the Chief Minister
makes big statements that the youth should start
entrepreneurial business but the Government
offices makes life harder with us by neglecting
our concerns," he said.
He added that he
has been hassled by the Sales Tax department ever
since he applied for a TIN number in order to
import goods.
"Every
Government says they will end corruption but I
have been paying bribes at the Sales Tax
department ever since I applied for a TIN number.
The corruption is rampant everywhere and the
Ministers only hurl big hollow statements,"
the trader said.
Ahmad further
alleged that a businessman's VAT return form was
accepted after he paid a bribe. "The
department needs an excuse to mint money from the
people who have been suffering from the time of
Amarnath crisis," he alleged.
The young
businessman further moaned that the Government is
"only for" people working in the
Government sector.
"The
Government has assured pay hikes to its employees
with the Sixth Pay Commission report but they
have nothing for us besides increasing our
sufferings," he said.
While the
Government employees continue to enjoy various
benefits, it is imperative that the State
Government should ensure that its policies help
the people, in particular the youth engaged in
private sectors. If the Government cannot help,
they should at least alleviate the losses of
traders by avoiding levying preventable penalties
on them.
Reviving
Indo-Pak talks my mission: Farooq
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
May 2: Asserting
that India and Pakistan were committed to
permanent resolution of Kashmir issue, National
Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah today
said reviving the peace process between New Delhi
and Islamabad and strengthening friendship
between the two countries would be his mission.
"I have taken
as a mission to revive the dialogue process
between India and Pakistan and strengthen the
ties between the two countries," Dr Abdullah
said addressing an election rally at Palpora in
Eidgah area of the city.
Dr Abdullah, who
is National Conference candidate for Srinagar Lok
Sabha seat, said India and Pakistan were
committed to finding a lasting and permanent
solution to Kashmir issue.
"In this
regard, restoration of autonomy as proposed by
National Conference would be an acceptable
solution to the people," he said.
The former Chief
Minister said his party would also make serious
efforts to paving the way for resumption of
dialogue process between Centre and the
separatist Hurriyat Conference.
"National
Conference has always believed that Kashmir issue
can only be resolved through a dialogue process.
Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had started this process
by visiting Pakistan in 1964 but the mission
could not be accomplished due to the death of
then Prime Minister Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru,"
he said.
Dr Abdullah said
Tashkent and Shimla agreements were signed
between the two countries after that but there
were no concrete results obtained.
He said the entire
international community including the United
States have been stressing for resolution of
Kashmir issue but it has to be realized that
people living in the three regions of the State
are the real masters of this land.
Dr Abdullah said
the problems of Kashmir cannot be solved through
shutdowns and stone-pelting. Such incidents have
taken a heavy toll on employment opportunities
which could have been generated by tourism, he
said.
Dr Abdullah said
tourism was the backbone of the Kashmir's economy
and a peaceful atmosphere was necessary to ensure
that more and more people come to visit the
Valley.
Several senior
leaders of National Conference and Congress
leader Sardar Surinder Singh also addressed the
rally.
Tension
in Kathua village over water supply snapping
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA,
May 2: Tension
gripped village Pallarh today after the people
from adjoining Nannan village snapped water
supply after beating up of a PHE employee
deployed at the tube well providing supplies to
both these villages.
Reports said a
common tube well provides water supply to both
these villages. The residents of Pallarh used to
complain about the poor water supply by the PHE
Motor-man Kuldip Singh to their village. Some
villagers from Pallarh allegedly had heated
arguments with the Kuldip Singh and they gave him
sound thrashing.
As Kuldip belonged
to the other village, he narrated the incident to
the people of Nannan. As a mark of protest, the
irate villagers along with the motorman snapped
the water supply to the entire Pallarh area. Over
the water supply issue, the people from both the
sides went to the confrontational path and
started gathering. The situation turned
explosive.
The police party
from Kathua led by SHO rushed to the spot to
prevent any further clash between the villagers.
Some officials from PHE Mechanical and Civil wing
also reached the spot. They sorted out the
matter. A case was registered against those who
damaged PHE pipes and snapped supplies and also
against those who beat up the PHE worker. The
water supply to the Pallarh village was however,
restored this evening.
India,
Pak should revive reconciliation process: Mufti
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
May 2: Calling
on India and Pakistan to revive the
reconciliation process, opposition People's
Democratic Party (PDP) patron Mufti Mohammad
Sayeed today said New Delhi and Islamabad should
focus on the resolution of the Kashmir problem in
a more meaningful way.
"As the
people's stakes in the peace and resolution
process have grown manifold, the Government of
India must revive the process of understanding
and reconciliation within the State for the
resolution of the problem, as was done after the
2002 elections" Sayeed said while addressing
a series of public meetings in Beerwah and
Khansahib Assembly segments of the Srinagar
Parliamentary constituency.
Sayeed said at the
same time bilateral initiatives between India and
Pakistan on Kashmir must also move side-by-side
to workout a comprehensive solution of the
problems of Jammu and Kashmir.
He said having
suffered immense miseries for the last six
decades, the main cause of this distressing
situation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir is
the unresolved Kashmir issue that has jeopardized
the security, peace and prosperity of the State
and the region. "PDP's vision of Self-Rule
lays the roadmap for amicable settlement of the
issue in an environment of broader, permanent and
just understanding and cooperation between India
and Pakistan," he said.
The former Chief
Minister said the remarkable feature of the peace
process that was evident between 2002 and 2005
was that for the first time in the State's
history, the State Government had initiated,
catalyzed and driven the process, instead of
being a passive recipient of the bilateral
initiatives.
Sayeed said,
unfortunately, after the change of guard in 2005,
the peace and reconciliation efforts took a back
seat and despite having three Roundtable
Conferences on Kashmir by Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh and constitution of five Working Groups,
there was little movement forward on the
resolution of the problem and not a single
recommendation of the Working Groups has been
implemented till date.
"It is
because of the dallying attitude of the
Government of India and the lack of a political
and economic agenda for governance with the State
Government, that the people have again started
losing faith in the democratic institutions and
processes leading to cynicism and
alienation," he said.
PDP candidate for
Srinagar Parliamentary constituency Moulvi
Iftikhar Hussain Ansari and PDP leaders Dr
Mohammad Shafi, Saif-ud-Din Bhat and Aga Sayed
Mehmood also addressed the meetings
Khajuria
accuses UPA of betraying Ladakh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: While
welcoming the Ladakh Union Territory Front (LUTF)
in NDA camp, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) , state
president, Ashok Khajuria accused the Congress
led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) at Centre
and previous Congress led Government in the State
for betraying the people of Ladakh region.
Talking to media
persons here, today along with BJP MLA and
president, Party’s Kissan Morcha, Ch.
Sukhnandan, Mr Khajuria reiterated the BJP’s
charges that neither the UPA nor the State
Governments were serious about the progress and
prosperity of Jammu and Ladakh regions. Both
these regions were ignored by them and all
attention was paid to Kashmir Valley, he added.
Substantiating his
charges Khajuria said be it share of jobs in
Civil Secretariat, admissions in professional
colleges, allocation of funds etc, the UPA at
Centre and successive State Governments failed to
treat Jammu and Ladakh regions at par with
Kashmir.
He said the
decision of Ladakh Union Territory Front to snap
its ties with UPA and join NDA is result of anti
Jammu and anti Ladakh policies being pursued by
UPA Government.
Maintaining that
six year NDA rule was golden period for Jammu and
Kashmir, Khajuria said during that Government all
three regions were treated equally in all matters
and at all levels.
He claimed as far
as Ladakh region is concerned it received special
attention and economic boost in terms of
sanctioning of Central schemes like power
projects, national highway, domestic tourism and
other spheres of development.
Terming the UPA a
sinking ship Khajuria said it stands no where as
its constituents have been parting ways and it is
now confined to dynastic rule only.
Exuding confidence
that UPA led by L K Advani will return to power
at Centre, Khajuria assured that there will be no
discrimination and all the three regions of the
State will get equal treatment.
He also announced
that BJP will campaign for LUTF candidate,
Thinless Angmo in the Lok Sabha elections. The
senior leader of the Party, Dr Nirmal Singh is
presently camping in Ladakh to garner support for
her, he added.
Div Com
discusses demands of displaced persons of 1947
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Divisional
Commissioner Jammu Dr. Pawan Kotwal today
convened a meeting of officers of Revenue and
Rehabilitation Department to discuss the problems
and demands of displaced persons of 1947.
The meeting was
attended by Additional Development Commissioner
Kathua, D.R.Sharma, ACR Jammu Rajinder Singh and
representatives of the J&K Sharnarthi Action
Committee.
During the
meeting, the Divisional Commissioner was apprised
of various demands of the Association which
include implementation of Wadhwa Committee Report
and Agrarian Reforms Act of 1954, change in
criteria for allotment of residential plots to
eligible displaced persons at Kharian, R.S.Pura
and allotment of land and release of funds for
construction of community hall.
They have also
requested for release of funds sanctioned by the
Government through relief package in 2000,
mutations of displaced person basties setup on
common land under Common Land Act of 1956 and
allotment of land for residential plots. Their
other demands include extension of date for
filling up of land deficiency forms and
computerization and decentralization of records
at district and tehsil level for the facility of
the people.
Dr. Kotwal giving
a patient hearing to the demands put forth by the
members of the committee and assured that all the
necessary steps will be taken to provide relief
to the people .He directed the concerned
officials to take appropriate and timely actions
to mitigate the problems faced by these people.
Boy
trapped in high tension wires at CTM
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA,
May 2: A
boy was partially burnt after he got trapped in
the high tension electric wires in CTM Colony
near Kathua town today.
Reports said the
incident took place when minor Shubam, son of a
CTM factory worker Satya Narayan was collecting
unripe mangoes from the tree by using an iron
rod. During the process, the rod touched the
wires and he got trapped in the wire and then
thrown down with severe shock on the ground.
The people rushed
for help and they immediately shifted the boy to
Kathua hospital in factory vehicle. The doctor
provided preliminary treatment and immediately
referred him to GMC Jammu. He was struggling for
life.
Impressive
Kathak dance performed by artists
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: An
impressive Kathak dance presentation by talented
students of Kathak Kala Kendra, Jammu, organised
by Nami Dogri Sanstha was held at Abhinav
Theatre, here this evening.
These dance
performers, who were disciples of Nrityacharya,
Guru Vishwa Nath Kohli, won appreciations and
applaud from the large number of people attending
the programme.
The Kathak dance
artists, who participated in the show included
Shruti Sharma, Chahat Gupta, Veegesha Gupta,
Dhawani Gupta, Arushi Gupta, Aadhar Koul, Sharma
Sisters from Presentation Convent School Gandhi
Nagar, Aadhya Sharma, Itika Sharma, Bhumika
Sharma and Shubrika Sharma, Priyanka Raina,
Puinika Basin, Kritigya Bhat and Illa Sharma.
Instrumentalists
in the programme included KL Verma on Harmonium,
Neeraj Verma on Tabla, Charan Singh on Sitar,
Rakesh Anand on Flute and V N Kohli on Pardant.
The programme
commenced with lighting of traditional lamp by D
C Raina, who was chief guest.
Mr Raina had a
word of high appreciation for the artists for
their skillful performance of Kathak dance and
also praised the Nami Dogri Sanstha for
organising this classical show. Zorawar Singh,
principal, KC Public School, Rajesh Sharma,
chairman, Saraswati Educational Trust and S S
Anand Lehar also spoke on the occasion.
Later, Vishwa Nath
Kohli was conferred with title of "Nritya
Shiromani Samman", presented a shawl,
citation and trophy.
Sajjad
Lone condemns police action on KP migrants
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
May 2: People's
Conference chairman Sajjad Gani Lone today
condemned the police action against Kashmiri
Pandit protestors at Muthi in Jammu during the
third phase of voting for Lok Sabha in which four
persons were injured.
Lone said the
filling up of the mandatory 'M Form' for the
Kashmiri Pandit migrants was making things worse
for the community.
"They
(pandits) have been living in very bad conditions
for the last 20 years. The way they are being
disenfranchised will make the matters
worse," the separatist leader, who is
contesting the elections from Baramulla Lok Sabha
constituency, told EXCELSIOR.
Claiming that his
father and People's Conference chairman late
Abdul Gani Lone had close relations with Kashmiri
Pandits, Lone said he will support the Kashmiri
Pandits through all their travails so that they
can return to their ancestral homes.
"We will make
all efforts to ensure that our Kashmiri Pandit
brethren return to Kashmir valley with dignity
and honour," he added.
Police on Thursday
resorted to cane charge to disperse the agitating
Kashmiri Pandit migrants at Muthi who were
protesting against the Election Commission of
India (ECI) for its failure in simplifying the
voting procedure for displaced Pandits from
Valley.
Only 2083
displaced people form Valley turned up for voting
out of 10,000 voters who had filled up their M
forms for the Anantnag-Pulwama Lok Sabha
constituency.
However, the total
number of registered migrant voters for this
constituency is 30,000 and only one third of them
had filled up their M Forms for casting the vote.
Many Kashmiri
migrants said the voting procedure for the
displaced Pandits was cumbersome and it was the
reason that majority of them have disassociated
themselves from election process.
KV Miran
Sahib celebrates Annual Day
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Kendriya
Vidyalaya (KV) Miran Sahib today organized a
colorful and impressive function at General
Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu
(JU) here to celebrate its Annual Day.
Chairman of the
Vidyalaya Management Committee (VMC) and
Commander 162 Infantry Brigade, Brig Lalitt Pande
was the chief guest of the function while, the
officiating Assistant Commissioner of KVS Jammu,
P K Koul presided over.
In his address,
the chief guest appreciated the enthusiasm of the
students who presented different items during the
function. He also lauded the achievements made by
the school during the concluded session.
Earlier, he along
with Mr Kaul lighted the traditional lamp to
declare the function open. Thereafter, students
presented "Saraswati Vandana" followed
by range of cultural items besides, other music
and dance items to enthrall the audience.
Principal C R
Bhagat presented the annual report of the school
and highlighted the achievements made by the
school on different spheres during the previous
session.
Mrs Suman Pande
distributed the prizes among the students for
their outstanding performance in various
activities.
The programme
concluded with the vote of thanks by Mrs Sneh
Lata.
Thieves
decamp with cash, gold
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA,
May 2: Some
thieves broke into a house during broad day light
in Krishna Colony of Kathua town and decamped
with cash and 25 tola gold ornaments today.
Reports said the
theft took place in the house of Krishan Singh,
an employee in the Handloom Development
Corporation. His wife is a teacher. Both of them
had gone to attend their duty. No one was at home
during day. When they returned in the afternoon,
they found their house opened and things
scattered around in the rooms. They found their
nearly 25 tola gold ornaments and Rs 50,000 cash
stolen from the house.
They immediately
reported the matter to police. Residents of the
locality had also gathered there. The police
registered a case and started investigation. Some
suspects were rounded up by police in this
connection.
Jagmohan
author of PDP's Self Rule: Rather
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR
May 2: Asserting
that the National Conference is committed to
permanent peace and political stability in the
state for all-round development and economic
growth, State Finance Minister A R Rather today
said the ruling party would play pivotal role in
improving the Indo-Pak relations.
"Our
endeavour will be to work for resumption of
Indo-Pak dialogue and the internal talks between
the Union Govt. and the separatists to open
venues for settlement of all issues relating to
Jammu and Kashmir", Rather said addressing
public meetings in Chrar-e-Sharief constituency
of Srinagar Lok Sabha seat.
He said the
National Conference would take initiative in this
direction as soon as the new Government takes
over at the Centre.
He said good and
friendly Indo-Pak relations were imperative for
peace and development in the Sub-Continent
especially in Jammu and Kashmir.
Blaming PDP for
propagating dual traits in politics, the Finance
Minister said the opposition party has made
policy of deceit and division its bench mark.
"On one hand
this party appeased BJP by demanding scrapping of
Indus Water Treaty to stop water to Pakistan and
on the other, the leadership of this party
deceives people by willfully abstaining from
voting and fanning emotions on crucial
issues," he added.
Asserting that the
NC would continue to advocate its Autonomy
proposal at all fora, Rather cautioned the people
against the nefarious designs of PDP.
He said PDP works
under the direction of RSS and BJP to create
confusion in the political scenario of J& K.
"This party divides the people by floating
imaginary ideas like self rule. In fact Jagmohan
is the author of PDP's self rule, the contours of
which are not even clear to the PDP leadership
itself, Rather added.
Rather said
indulging in baseless propaganda against National
Conference and its leadership have become the
tradition of the PDP since it has been created by
BJP to mislead the people of Jammu and Kashmir by
emotional, blackmailing and divisive politics.
Rather asked the
people to cast their vote in favour of NC
candidate from Srinagar-Budgam Parliamentary
constituency Farooq Abdullah to seek their proper
representation at Centre and speedy development
of their area.
Curb
menace of unauthorized constructions :
DyCM to JMC
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: The
Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand has exhorted
upon the Municipal Authorities to initiate
measures to safeguard the properties owned by the
Corporation and the enforcement wing should
maintain a constant vigil in identifying the
illegal encroachments and eviction thereof.
The Deputy Chief
Minister said this on the occasion when JMC Jammu
Municipal Corporation enclosed a chunk of its
prime land measuring 5 kanal 18 marlas at Narwal
and covered it with fencing thus saving this land
from encroachment. This chunk of prime land
acquired by JMC can be utilized for commercial
activities thus augmenting the revenue generation
of the Corporation.
On the
instructions of the Deputy Chief Minister, the
JMC has launched a special drive to identify
encroached properties and to vacate the same
accordingly. The enforcement wing of corporation
has been strengthened enough to do the job.
Tara Chand has
urged upon the corporators to come forward and
extend their cooperation in enabling JMC to
deliver better civic services, adding that,
Government was fully aware of the problems being
faced by the Corporators and necessary
instructions have already been issued to the
concerned authorities to take into confidence the
Corporators while executing the development
works.
The Deputy Chief
Minister enjoined upon the Municipal authorities
to strictly implement building construction
by-laws and curb the menace of unplanned and
unauthorized constructions, so that better civic
amenities can be extended smoothly to the city
dwellers.
Omar
making anti-PDP noise to cover up
his failure: Mehbooba
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
May 2: Intensifying
its election campaign in ruling National
Conference bastion of Kangan, opposition People's
Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti
today said a politically bankrupt and
administratively ineffective Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah was making hysterical noises against her
party only as a cover up for his failures.
Addressing series
of public meetings in Kangan Assembly segment of
Srinagar Parliamentary constituency today,
Mehbooba said "Instead of crying hoarse
against the PDP, Omar Abdullah should apologize
to the people for having failed to fulfill his
commitment on Sadak, Paani, Bijli and Rozgaar.
"As
'apologizing' is the only political trait that
Omar Abdullah has mastered, it is time he should
use this characteristic feature again for having
failed the people of the State," she said.
Mehbooba said Omar
has been assigned the task of berating PDP by his
masters in Delhi as PDP was fast emerging as the
only credible option for the people of the State.
The PDP president
said people should not expect much from a person
like Omar Abdullah whose lust for power made him
to upstage his own father overnight with the help
of his mentors in Delhi to grab the Chief
Ministership in the State.
"If one can
be so cruel to his own father, what expectations
people would have from such a power-hungry
person?" she asked.
She said the
conscientious voters of Anantnag and Pulwama,
despite official intrigues, have shown the NC
candidate his rightful place. She expressed hope
that the people in Srinagar-Budgam and
Baramulla-Kupwara Lok Sabha constituencies would
follow the suit.
Reminding Omar of
the promises made by him during electioneering to
2008 Assembly polls, Mehbooba said the people
want to know where is the much-parroted Truth and
Reconciliation Commission on human rights
violations.
"Where have
the one lakh jobs that were to be given in the
first three months of the new Government gone,
what happened to the promise of one job to each
family, where is the stipend for the educated
unemployed youth and what happened to the
commitment of bringing down educational
qualification for recruitment of police
constables to middle pass?" she asked.
The PDP president
said Kashmir's political landscape has undergone
a sea-change during the past six years and the
people are now extremely conscious of their
political, economic and administrative rights as
they have tasted real empowerment during the
PDP-led Government.
Kashmir
to host first International Medical Conference
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
May 2: Jammu
and Kashmir for the first time will host an
international medical conference as the 55th
Annual Conference of Indian Association of
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons -
"CTCON 2009" -- will be held at
Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre
from May 14 to 17, a senior doctor of SKIMS said
here today.
Describing the
holding of the conference in the city as a
"milestone" and a "memorable
day," Head of the Department of
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery-SKIMS, Dr A G
Ahangar said "this is a rare honour which
has been given to us by the Indian Association of
Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgeons".
He asserted that
the conference will "change the
destiny" of the people here besides putting
SKIMS on the national and international medical
map.
He said around 150
papers will be presented during the three-day
conference which is being held in the summer
capital of the State for the first time since its
inception more than five decades ago.
Dr Ahangar said
eminent national and international experts will
be interacting and deliberating on various
cardiovascular and thoracic ailments, discussing
their diagnostic modalities and latest management
strategies for the benefit of the medical
fraternity as well as the patients.
"Experts from
America, England, Italy, Germany, Switzerland,
Czech Republic, Kuwait, Bangladesh, Nepal,
Pakistan besides surgeons and entrepreneurs from
India such as Dr. M.S. Valiathan, Dr. K.M.
Vherian, Dr. Naresh Trehan, Dr. U. Koul and many
others have confirmed their participation,"
he added.
Ahangar said CTCON
2009 will also promote medical tourism in the
Kashmir valley.
"The
conference will promote medical tourism here as
we already have performed surgeries on patients
from Uttar Pradesh, Northeast and many other
parts of India," he said.
Ahangar said with
the reopening of Srinagar-Muzaffarabad road,
patients can come from across the Line of Control
as well once the movement of people improves.
He claimed that
cardiac surgeries done in SKIMS are cheaper as
compared to other Indian states as well as the
rest of the world.
"A surgery
which costs Rs.30 lakh in America, Rs.10 lakh in
Europe and two to three lakh rupees in Delhi,
costs only Rs.50,000 here," Ahangar said.
Governor of the
State N.N. Vohra will inaugurate the seminar on
May 14 with a message from the President of India
Pratibha Patil.
Create
Sangha type constituencies for
empowerment of KPs:
JKNUF
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Jammu
and Kashmir National United Front (JKNUF) has
demanded political empowerment for Kashmiri
Pandits and demanded creation of Assembly
constituencies for displaced Pandits on the
pattern of Sangha Assembly Constituency in
Sikkim.
This demand was
made by JKNUF in its meeting here, today. The
meeting was chaired by president of the Front, A
K Dewani. It said when there is already a
provision of having a Constituency which has no
geographical boundaries in Sikkim since 1947 to
give representation to Buddhist monks why the
same type of arrangements can,t be created for
displaced Kashmiri Pandits.
Mr Dewani said the
Sangha Assembly Constituency has only 3085 voters
while the number of Kashmiri Pandit voters is
quite seizable. If such an arrangement can be
worked out for a small population why not for
Kashmiri Pandits, he asked?
He said the JKNUF,
which is championing the cause of KPs and other
minorities will take up this issue with the Union
as well as State Government as creation of Sangha
type constituencies is only way to political
empowerment of the community.
He said the
displaced Kashmiri Pandits are already seeking a
council to address day to day demands and run
their own affairs efficiently.
Taking serious
exception to police lathi charge on KPs on April
30, he said the time has come when entire
community should struggle for creating Sangha
type arrangement for displaced Pandits.
Others who were
present in the meeting included Vijay Chiken,
Nanaji, Bansi Lal, R K Sehgal and S S Bali.
Vision
Kashmir for judicial probe into KPs genocide
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Vision
Kashmir has demanded constitution of a Judicial
Commission to probe the genocide of Kashmiri
Pandits and issuance of white paper regarding
insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir.
This demand was
made in a meeting of the organization here, today
which was chaired by Sunil Fotedar its convenor.
It also demanded
that displaced Hindus be declared as an
economically, and socially deprived community
warranting socio-economic package for their
upliftment, constitution of State Minority
Commission and granting of minority status to the
community living in exile, appointment of a
custodian to take into control and look after the
left over properties of the uprooted community in
the Valley and passage of Kashmiri Hindu Shrines
and Religious Places Bill.
The meeting
accused the NC for the present plight of the
community and said that the Party was never
sincere towards the Pandits. It alleged that NC
always tried to lure the uprooted community with
hollow slogans.
The meeting
resolved that Vision Kashmir which stands for
carving out of a separate enclave for KPs in
Valley is committed to launch a protracted
struggle to achieve its goal.
The others who
addressed the meeting included V K Koul, its
organising secretary, Sanjay Raina its secretary,
A K Bhat, Vikram Razdhan, Avtar Krishan Raina,
Raja Ji Tutoo, Ajay Bhat, Sandeep Parimoo and
Pawan Kumar.
Sham
inspects health institutions
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR,
May 2: The
Minister for Health, Horticulture and
Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma has asked the
doctors and para-medical staff to dedicate their
wholehearted services in providing best treatment
to the ailing masses with a missionary zeal and
spirit to get admiration and blessings from the
suffering humanity.
The Minister was
on an inspection-tour of district hospital,
Udhampur to supervise the medicare facilities
being provided to the patients, here today.
Mr. Sharma took
round of the different units of the hospital
including Emergency, Ortho-Surgical, Gynae and
General Medicine wards, Blood Bank, Radiology
section, Operation Theatre, Pathology Laboratory,
Disaster Ward, District Disability Rehabilitation
Centre, Medical, Surgical and Dental OPD sections
and interacted with the patients.
MLA Chenani, K.C.
Bhagat, District Development Commissioner,
Udhampur, Ajay Khajuria, Director Health
Services, Jammu, Dr. Jasbir Singh, Chief Medical
Officer, R.K. Sharma, Addl. SP, Bhupinder Singh
and Medical Superintendent, District Hospital,
Dr, Arun Sharma were among those who accompanied
the Minister.
Interacting with
the doctors, he enquired about the basic problems
being faced by them while discharging their
duties. He asked the medicos to discharge their
duties to the entire satisfaction of the patients
and render exemplary services.
Meanwhile, the
Minister also inspected the health care
facilities at Primary Health Centres at Tikri,
Chenani and Dansal and Allopathic Dispensary,
Nagrota.
The hospital
authorities at these institutions apprised Mr.
Sharma of the problems and other infrastructural
requirements like filling up of posts of doctors,
para-medical staff, ambulances, C.T. Scan etc for
the improvement of these health institutions.
He issued
on-the-spot instructions to Director, Health
Services, Jammu to post a lady Gynaecologist at
PHC, Dansal at the earliest to address the
grievances of the general public.
Sharma inspected a
park at Jhajjar Kotli which is being maintained
by the Department of Floriculture. He called for
creating more facilities in the park so that more
and more tourists are attracted to the spot. He
also visited parks at District Hospital,
Udhampur, Jakheni and Kud.
Avantika
honours Principals of Jammu schools
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Avantika,
a non-governmental organization (NGO), today
organized an impressive function at MHAC School
Nagbani to honour the Principals of various
reputed schools of Jammu with Smt Sarla Chopra
Award.
Capt Dewan Singh,
Manager LMC, was the chief guest of the function.
M L Abrol, President Avantika J&K, and H S
Jamwal, Commissioner Avantika, were also present
on the occasion.
Dr Anand Aggarwal,
National Director Avantika, presented the award
to the Principals and told in brief about his
organization. He said the award was a sort of
recognition to the efforts of those educationists
who have worked for the betterment of the
society.
Among the
recipients of the award were Prabha Jain, Renuka
Aima, Preetika Jamwal, Chander Kanta, Sushma
Thapar, Krishna Bhatti, Usha Shamindra, Saroj
Singh, A K Pandita, Vidya Sagar Sharma, Dr B B
Chauhan, M L Abrol, M P Sharma, Ram Sevak Sharma,
R K Bharti, Vipan Kumar Sharma, T N Kumar,
Jorawar Singh, K C Singh Mehta, B N Sarkar,
Yogesh Khosla, M L Abrol, and H S Jamwal.
A progranmme of
vedic invocations and patriotic songs by the
students of the school was also organized on the
occasion.
CSOs,
Enggs flay Govt on SRO-93
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Combined
Services Officers (CSOs) have urged the State
Government to implement Bhat Committee
recommendations without any further delay.
While showing
great resentment against the SRO-93, these
officers pointed out that as per recommendations
of this committee, all direct appointees of PSC
upto the basic pay scale of Rs 7500 have been
kept in the PB-3. But in the SRO all the direct
entrants of the PSC have been clubbed with other
pay scales of SSRB recruits thus zeroing the
demarcation between Gazetted and non-Gazetted
officers. The fresh appointees after 1-1-2006 are
the worst victims as the impunged SRO has not
provided any safeguards to them. They are getting
no pay hike.
They urged the
authorities concerned to review the SRO and
remove anomalies.
Meanwhile, All
J&K Coordination Committee of Engineers, in a
meeting held here today under the chairmanship of
R K Kohli, urged the state government to remove
pay anomalies. The speakers in the meeting
criticised the government on SRO-93 and said that
pay anomalies in case of junior engineers have
not been removed.
Newly
appointed lecturers flay SRO 93
Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH,
May 2: The
newly appointed lecturers from different Higher
Secondary schools of Bhaderwah today held a
meeting in which discussion was held over the
discrepancies in the SRO 93.
The meeting
expressed that their entire cadre has been
deceived by the State Government through this SRO
and demanded that they should be placed in the
third pay band instead of second.
They further
demanded that Rule 8 of SRO 93 must be cancelled
for providing justified conversion of the pay of
lecturers appointed on or after January 1, 2006.
Among those who
were present in the meeting included Dr Waris, Dr
Yahya Bakhtiar, Dr Vineet, Shakeel Ahmed, Arshad
Hussain, Pawan Kumar and Zahoor Ahmed.
Two
kidnappers held
Drug-peddler arrested with 580
capsules
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Police
today arrested a drug-peddler and recovered 580
intoxicant capsules from his possession in Jewel
Chowk area.
Accused has been
identified as Perduman Kishen Raina son of
Pushkar Nath Raina, a resident of Pamposh Colony,
Janipura.
A case against the
accused has been registered at Nowabad police
station. Arrest was made by a police party led by
SHO Nowabad Inspector Arun Jamwal under the
supervision of SSP Jammu Manohar Singh and SP
City (North) Randeep Kumar.
Meanwhile, police
today took custody of two kidnappers on the
directions of court.
Reports said the
kidnappers had approached the court for bail. The
court rejected the bail and asked Nowabad police
to take custody of the accused.
A Nowabad police
team rushed to the court and took custody of
kidnappers, who have been identified as Royal
Singh son of Manu Singh R/o Dalpatian Mohalla and
Ravinder Singh son of Prithpal Singh R/o Shopping
Centre, Bakshi Nagar.
They were involved
in the kidnapping of Talwinder Singh of Digiana.
Retired
SOs, AAOs discuss revised pension scale
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: In
a meeting of J&K Retired Section Officers,
Assistant Account Officers, Senior Scale
Stenographers and Statistical Officers
Association wherein the provisions of SRO-94
pertaining to the pensioners were discussed
minutely.
Under the
leadership of Govind Ram Sharma, the association
expressed great resentment for depriving the
benefits of 50% of the minimum of the pay band
and applicable grade pay in the revised pay band
in favour of the pensioners who have retired
before 1.1.2006.
The association
condemned the callous attitude of the State
Government for ignoring the pre 1.1.2006
pensioners from the benefits though the said
provision was made during the last 5th Pay
Commission revision by making amendment thereby
equal benefit was provided to all the pensioners.
Criticising the
State Government for snatching the quantum of
additional benefits in favour of State pensioners
after attaining the age, they said the senior
citizens were also deprived of the benefits given
during the 5th Pay Commission revision.
The association
appealed Chief Minister to intervene personally
in the matter and direct the concerned
authorities to make necessary amendments in
SRO-94.
Extension
lecture held at Dogra Edu College
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Dr
J N Balia, Lecturer from the Department of
Education, Jammu University, delivered an
informative and interactive lecture at Dogra
College of Education, here today.
The topic of the
lecture was " RCEM Approach and Lesson
Planning".
During the course
of this interactive lecture, Dr Balia explained
the different approaches to lesson planning at
B.Ed level for class room teaching. He stressed
upon the sue of RCEM approach in lesson planning
as a pre-requisite to teaching in the class room.
Dr Balia
deliberated upon the different stages and steps
of this type of planning and discussed in detail
each stage and steps with clarity of thought,
ideas and expression. He cited number of examples
in his lecture.
His two-hour
presentation was self-explanatory and followed by
question-answer session with the students and
faculty of the college.
Earlier, Dr Kiran
Luthra, principal, Dogra College, in her welcome
address also threw light on the topic.
CRPF
jawan injured in accidental fire
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA,
May 2: A
jawan of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) got
injured due to accidental firing from his service
weapon at Mandli in Billawar here last night.
According to
report, the jawan, Hans Raj, was on duty at
Mandli CRPF Post late last night when his weapon
accidentally went off and the bullet pierced into
his bicep muscle. The injured jawan was later
shifted to GMC Jammu from the local hospital and
stated to be stable.
Meanwhile, the
police has taken cognizance of the incident and
registered a case in this regard at Billawar
Police Station.
Nomads
allege misuse of Tribal funds
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: J&K
Khana Badosh Gujjar & Bakerwal Tehreek
-e-Insaaf has alleged misuse of funds provided by
the Central Government for the welfare of the
tribals in J&K State.
In a meeting of
the members of the organisation held here today,
its president M A Kohli pointed out that Central
government provided huge funds for the economic
upliftment and welfare of the tribals in J&K
but unfortunately the funds were misused. He
alleged that concerned authorities have diverted
funds to other sectors depriving nomad Gujjars of
their legitimate rights. Mr Kohli also demanded
separate Tribal Ministry and stressed for proper
monitoring of the Central funds released for
J&K.
ICELA’s
concern over devastation of forests
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2:
Indian Council for Environ Legal Action (ICELA)
J&K Chapter has expressed concern over the
devastation of forests by fires in Kalidhar
(Jammu) Devi-De-Pindian-Manthal (Reasi), Chenani
(Udhampur) forests causing damage in crores of
rupees by loss of green cover and leading to
rising temperature as also loss to wildlife and
fertile soil.
The ICELA state
convernor and former legislator Ashok Sharma
informed the authorities including Forest
Minister Mian Altaf, Divisional Commissioner,
Jammu, Dr Pawan Kotwal and CCF, Jammu Abhey Kumar
about the forest fires.
Mr Sharma lamented
that no forest fire policy has been formulated by
the State Government.
Retiring
officers given affectionate send off
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Several
Government officers and official, who retired on
attaining age of superannuation on April 30,
2009, were accorded warm and affectionate send
off by their respective offices.
Hans Raj Parihar,
Zonal Education Officer, Marwah in Kishtwar
district, who retired on superannuation on April
30 last was accorded a warm and resounding
farewell by the people of the area from where he
retired. He was instrumental in activating
various schools which were closed due to
militancy and earned for him name and fame
besides bringing on line the derailed education
system in far flung areas.
Raj Kumar Sharma,
Headmaster, Middle School, Neka (Bani), who
served for more than 36 years in Educa-tion
Department was given a warm and affectionate
farewell by the staff and students as also people
of the area.
Dr Kapil Gupta, a
ISM Doctor, retired after rendering over 29 years
unblemished services to the healthcare of
mankind. He is the sixth in his generation of
having opted out for Ayurveda in his family, his
great grand father having practiced in
Shakkargarh, now in Pakistan. A large number of
people including Sarpanch Punjab Singh wished the
retiring doctor a happy and healthy life after
retirement.
Acute
shortage of ration in Bhalessa: Niaz
Excelsior Correspondent
DODA
May 2: Former
Minister & senior Congress leader Shri
Mohammad Sharief Niaz has alleged acute shortage
of ration in Bhalessa tehsil of Doda district.
He has appealed
the State Government for immediate restoration of
supply of ration to the area to avoid further
starvation to the people of this area.
Mr. Niaz also
demanded that compensation may immediately be
released in favour of the owners of land and
structures which stands acquired by the
Government for cons truction of roads and other
developmental activities in the Bhalessa area. He
has also urged that all the damaged electrical
transformers be replaced immediately so that
electricity be restored to these areas which has
been plunged into darkness.
DB
acquits two persons sentenced to life
imprisonment by trial
court
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: The
Double Bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court
comprising of Justice, Virender Singh and
Justice, Y P Nargotra has acquitted the two
accused Mohammed Qasim and Naseem Bano who were
convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by
Principal Sessions Judge, Rajouri on April 17
last year for allegedly causing death to one
Munir Hussian husband of Mst. Naseem Bano.
The Court, while
passing the judgement after hearing the advocates
from the appellants and respondents maintained
that the prosecution has not been able to prove
the charges against any one of the two accused
beyond the shadow of the reasonable doubts and as
such by extending the benefit of doubt, it
acquitted both of the accused.
The Principal
Sessions Judge in its ruling had convicted and
sentenced u/s 302/34 RPC for life imprisonment
and fine of Rs 30,000 and u/s 364 RPC accused was
again sentenced to imprisonment of life and a
fine of Rs 20,000 (both sentences to run
concurrently).
The Accused Naseem
Bano was sentenced to imprisonment of life u/s
364/34 RPC and a fine of Rs 30,000 was imposed on
her.
It is worthwhile
to mention here that accused Naseem Bano is wife
of deceased Munir Hussain and against the
judgement of trial court a criminal appeal was
filed by both the accused through their counsel K
L Pandita who along with Sumir Pandita appeared
in the case. Shaista Hakim,Deputy Advocate
General appeared for respondents.
According the
prosecution case, the accused Mohammed Qasim who
was an employee of JKAP was having an extra
martial relationship with Naseem Bano, wife of
Munir Hussian. On the intervening night of August
15 and 16, 2003, he along with other people in
connivance with Naseem Bano entered the house of
the deceased Munir Hussain and forcefully took
him to a place about one and half kilometer away
from his house and killed him by silting his
throat.
On a written
complaint P/S Budhal registered a case and
accused Mohammed Qasim and Farooq Were arrested
on August 17, 2003. Later the challan was
produced in the court of law. However, the trial
court acquitted Mohammed Farooq from the charges
and convicted the other two.
7
mobiles, cash seized from call girls
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Police
have recovered seven mobile telephones and Rs
50,000 cash from the possession of two girls and
a woman, who were arrested yesterday for running
a call girl racket in Trikuta Nagar yesterday.
Police sources
said the mobiles seized from call girls and the
woman have given police the telephone numbers of
several prominent and other persons, who were
their ‘customers’.
Police said the
woman, Madhu Kumari of Kanachak had two marriages
and had frequently been shifting rented houses to
run the call girl racket to dodge the cops.
Some more arrests
were expected on the basis of arrests of call
girls, who were arrested along with two
customers.
Police said the
girls—Anjali and Sofiya, hailing from
Kishtwar, have been sent to Women Cell for
sustained questioning.
Social
guide camp inaugurated in GMC
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Deputy
Commissioner, Jammu, Dr Mandeep K Bhandari today
inaugurated a seven day social guide camp at
Government Medical College Jammu.
Thirty volunteers
of Youth Red Cross of IECS Polytechnic and North
Polytechnic, Purkhoo camp joined hands with staff
of GMC and SMGS hospital to enhance their
services towards better patient care.
Dr Bhandari, who
also happened to be Chairman District Red Cross,
called upon the people to discourage the use of
polythene and tobacco in the hospital premises.
The volunteers
will be regularly guided by their respective
programme officers—Rajnish Maqotra and
Sonica Koul under the supervision of Dr Rakesh
Khajuria, Administrator, Associated Hospitals and
Dr Romesh Gupta, Medical Superintendent, GMC
Jammu.
Dr Kum Kum Sharma,
Acting Principal, Dr Mahesh Gupta, Co-ordinators,
Youth Red Cross Society, Jammu, Dr Manoj
Chalotra, Deputy MS GMC, Dr Satish Sharma, Deputy
MC SMGS and Dr Rabinder Khajuria, Incharge GMC
Control Room were also present on the occasion.
IGP
reviews arrangements for Amarnath yatra
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
May 2: Inspector
General of Police K Rajendra today reviewed
security arrangements for Shri Amarnath Yatra
commencing from June 7.
The IGP directed
all officers to remain alert and vigilant to
thwart any nefarious designs of anti-social and
anti-national elements during the yatra. It was
decided to provide fool-proof security from Jammu
to Banihal to the yatries.
The IGP stressed
that a frequent checking /search operations
should be launched in the suspected areas.
"There is tremendous decrease in terrorism,
but the same has not finished yet, as is evident
of recent killings of dreaded terrorists in the
mountainous district of Doda. It is time to
remain extremely vigilant and alert as terrorists
seem to be determined to disturb the peace in the
region", he added.
The meeting
amongst others was attended by DIG Ramban,
Doda-Kishtwr Range Hemant Kumar Lohia, DIG
Udhampur-Reasi Range Gulzar Singh Salathia, DIG
Jammu Range A Q Manhas, SSP Udhampur Surinder
Gupta, SSP Kathua Garib Dass, SSP PCR Jammu Amjad
Parvez Mirza, SSP Samba Ragubir Singh, SSP Jammu
Manohar Singh and SSP Ramban Sunil Dutt.
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