Political
parties call on PM, air views about situation in
J&K
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Oct 28: Delegations
from all the mainstream political parties today
called on Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh here
this evening and apprised him of their views
about the situation obtaining in and problems
faced by Jammu and Kashmir.
The Prime
Minister, who is currently on a two-day visit to
Kashmir, met the delegations of National
Conference, Congress, People’s Democratic
Party (PDP), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),
National Panthers Party (NPP) and CPI(M) at
SKICC.
The National
Conference delegation was led by Rajya Sabha
Member Mohammad Shafi Uri and included Ajay
Sadhotra, R L Gupta, Sharif-ud-Din Shariq, Feroze
Ahmad Khan, Ghulam Nabi Rattanpuri and Choudhry
Mohammad Ramzan.
"We had a
detailed discussion with the Prime Minister on
all issues concerning the state. We put forth our
party’s view point with regard to dialogue
process - both internal as well as external - and
suggested ways and means for carrying it
forward," Uri said, adding "we also
raised the economic and developmental issues with
the Prime Minister".
"The PM has
already announced various packages for the State.
We discussed Indus Water Treaty and compensation
aspect as the State loses the potential of
generation of lot of electricity due to it. We
also sought special assistance from Centre for
setting up new power projects so that the State
can become a self-sufficient economy," the
veteran NC leader said.
Pradesh Congress
Committee (PCC) president Prof Saifuddin Soz said
he led a 50-member delegation of Congress
ministers and leaders from the State to meet the
Prime Minister.
"We informed
the Prime Minister that Congress party is
required to be strengthened in the State so that
people can be served better," Soz said.
Asked if there
were any specific demands or suggestions put
forth by the members of the delegation, he said
"the State leaders got an opportunity to put
forth their views on the issues facing the State
to the Prime Minister".
The PDP delegation
led by party president Mehbooba Mufti submitted a
detailed memorandum to the Prime Minister
reiterating its stand on various issues including
dialogue to address the internal and external
aspects of Kashmir issue, withdrawal of troops
from civilian areas, revocation of Armed Forces
Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and Disturbed Areas
Act, release of all political prisoners in the
State and human rights violations.
After the meeting,
Mehbooba Mufti said that she suggested to the
Prime Minister banking and communication
facilities are needed for ensuring that the
cross-Line of Control trade moves on from barter
system to being more fruitful. Similarly, the
travel procedure should be made easier.
Ms Mehbooba said
she also urged Singh to address the issue of
passports for the relatives of former militants.
"There are cases where the militant has been
killed many years ago but his children are being
denied travel documents," she added,
Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) delegation urged the Prime Minister
that people from all walks of life should be
taken into confidence before initiating a
dialogue on Kashmir issue.
Led by BJP State
president, Ashok Khajuria, the delegation said
that UPA Government should not take any step
which dilutes the Indian sovereignty in Kashmir
and gives any kind of respectability to the cult
of gun, recognizes and rewards communalism.
It said the use of
such terms as "quiet diplomacy" and
"back channels diplomacy" by Union Home
Minister P Chidambaram during his recent visit to
the Valley has alarmed the nationalist forces in
the state and across the country.
It demanded that
Union Government should do things in a
transparent manner and take the nation into
confidence. The delegation also objected to the
statement that the problem in J&K is unique
because of the unique history and geography of
the state. It wanted to know what is unique about
Kashmir to qualify for a special treatment.
NPP delegation,
which was led by party chairman Prof Bhim Singh,
also raised a wide range of issues and suggested
that without dividing the State, regional
assemblies for three regions should be set up to
overcome the feeling of regional discrimination
within the State.
"We suggested
that regional assemblies be set up with separate
funds for each region. This will go a long way in
overcoming the feeling of discrimination within
the regions," NPP MLA Harsh Dev Singh said.
He said the
Panthers’ Party asked the Prime Minister to
evolve a system which will ensure that all three
regions are developed equitably. "All the
three regions should not only be part of dialogue
but equitable development as well," he
added.
Mr Harsh Dev said
the Prime Minister was reminded of the
delimitation issue, which was included in the
common minimum programme of the previous
PDP-Congress Coalition Government formed under
his guidance in 2002.
"We also
raised the issue of refugees from Pakistan and
demanded that they be granted state subject
rights. We also highlighted the problem of
unemployment in the State and asked for measures
to ensure that the youth of the state do not get
lured to wrong ways due to unemployment," he
added.
CPI(M) State
secretary M Y Tarigami, who led a three member
delegation, said "we told the PM that
dialogue at different levels must be initiated
and strengthened with all shades of opinion
within the State".
Mr Tarigami said
the aspirations of different regions, communities
and ethnic groups of the State shall be
accommodated while finding a solution to the
vexed Kashmir issue.
Remain
alert against militants: GOC to people
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: With
intelligence inputs hinting at shifting of their
focus by armed terrorists towards low-lying areas
for sneaking in, GOC Cross Swords Division Maj
Gen K Majumdar today appealed the people,
particularly veteran soldiers, in the border area
to be on guard and help provide inputs of any
suspicious movement to counter the
militants’ designs.
The internal
disturbances in Pakistan and snowfall plugging
various infiltration points in the higher reaches
of Pir Panchal has alarmed Army and it had
started taking steps to ensure zero movement of
militants close to the Line of Control (LoC) as
well as in interiors.
Intelligence
reports indicated that ISI men across the LoC
could push infiltrators from low-lying areas in
Jammu and Kashmir after winters plug infiltration
routes in the higher reaches.
"We have
erected hoarding having helpline telephone
numbers at every vital location in the villages
across the border areas to facilitate
communication regarding suspicious movement, if
any," Maj Gen Majumdar said while addressing
the Ex-Servicemen Rally at Akhnoor today.
"Besides
emergency contact detail, mobile number of the
Adjutant of Army unit responsible for the
particular area have also been displayed in the
hoarding for easy approachability, he said.
Referring to the
Ex-servicemen as "trained
population’’, Maj Gen Majumdar said
``although veterans have hanged uniform, their
experience is not less and it could help Army in
fighting militancy.’’
The Division
Commander appealed the veterans to stay vigil and
help provide information to the nearby army
formation.
According to Zila
Sainik Welfare Board, there are more than 66,000
veterans (Ex-servicemen) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Qila
Darhal Defence Day was observed at Darhal War
Memorial in Nowshera sector of district Rajouri
today. This Day is being observed every year to
honour the martyrs who laid down their lives
defending their mother land against Pakistani
invaders during 1947, 1965 and 1971 wars. Notable
among the battles were the valiant efforts by
local villagers who held out at Darhal Fort
against all odds between Sept 4 and Oct 28, 1947,
till the arrival of Indian Army.
Today’s event
at the War memorial included a solemn guard of
honour to the martyrs, wreath laying ceremony and
a community prayer meeting. Wreaths were laid by
Commander of Nowshera brigade and other military
and cilvil dignitaries.
Rehman
favours autonomy for J&K
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: After
the constitution of the state body by Party
national patriarch, Mulayam Singh Yadav and
national general secretary, Dr Ram Gopal Yadav
the state unit of Samajwadi Party (SP) has
decided to constitute the party at regional,
district and block level within 15 days.
This was disclosed
by the state president of the Party and former MP
Sheikh Abdul Rehman while talking to reporters
here today.
Lambasting the
Congress and BJP, he said there is total
polarization in both these parties and they are
the chips of same block. There is no difference
with regard to economic, foreign and defence
matters of the two parties were concerned as both
have remained in power at Centre and always
patronised the exploitive class of the people, he
added.
He said besides,
the two parties have remained involved in
corruption, nepotism and anti farmers, anti
labour and anti working class policies and in
order to woo people on communal liens the BJP has
adopted the Hindutva while Congress is harping on
pseudo secular policies.
Sheikh Rehman
reiterated that his party was working to frame a
united front of secular and socialist parties at
national and state level to fight the policies of
both Congress and BJP.
Criticising the
coalition Government led by Omar Abdullah, he
said people are fed up with it as it has failed
to deliver the goods and tackle the problems of
striking doctors, SRTC and Housing Board
employees.
Favouring the
autonomy for the State , he however said its
benefit should be translated at grass root level.
The autonomy should not remain confined to a
political clan who will loot the State exchequer.
Its benefit should percolate down to Panchayati
Raj system in the State and there should also be
regional and subregional autonomy, he added.
On the occasion
Santosh Suri who had contested Assembly election
from Reasi joined the SP. Besides Kailash Gupta,
Asha Rani and Raj Rani social activists from
Jammu also joined the party.
Others present in
the press conference included Th. D K Singh vice
president SP, Fayaz Ahmed Bhat, general
secretary, Mohammed Shafi, treasurer, Amrit
Varsha, Mahilla Wing chief and Col. (retd) B S
Choudhary, president Ex-servicemen Cell.
Govt
offices inspected
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA,
Oct 28: On
the directions of District Development
Commissioner, Kathua, Sanjeev Verma, SDM Billawar
inspected various Govt. offices and
establishments in tehsil Billawar for checking
the punctuality and attendance of Govt.
employees.
SDM inspected the
Sub Divisional Agriculture Office Billawar ,Sub
District Hospital Billawar,BMO Office,ITI
Billawar located at Bhaddu ZEO Office Bhadu,Hr.
Secondary School, Bhaddu,Middle School Dramani,
High School Gurah Kalyal. Offices of DFO, BDO
ZEO,TSO, Assistant Registar Cooperatives, TSWO
Billawar.
CAO Kathua was
asked to explain his position as why no formal
order was issued to look after office work by
second senior most officer of SDAO office during
the leave period of SDAO Billawar. The subject
Matter Specialist N K Sharma and Jr. Assistant
Dewan Singh of the SDAO were found absent.
At SDH Billawar
Dr. Sameer Padha, Dr.Rajesh Kumar, Dr.Garima and
Dr.Deepshikha were found absent.
CMO Kathua/BMO
Billawar were asked to explain their position as
to why they failed to exercise control over the
staff working under them and why proper record of
attendance and leaves availed by the medical
staff was not maintained.
Superintendent ITI
Billawar, who was on tour to Kathua was asked to
explain his position regarding the non
maintenance of Movement Register to justify his
tour of the district headquarters.
Principal of
Higher Secondary School was on official tour to
CEO Office Kathua and perusal of attendance
record showed that said Principal is often on
official tour to CEO office without any justified
official work. Moreover much against the service
rules he has taken 20 casual leaves during
current calendar year. Strict disciplinary action
against the officer has been recommended.
Headmaster in
charge M .S Dramani Subash Chander was
unauthorizedly absent. On inspection H.S Gurah
Kalyal was found functioning smoothly records
were properly maintained.
Sectoral officers
were directed to initiate disciplinary
proceedings against erring officials.
9 ADs of
CAPD transferred
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: The
Government today ordered the transfers and
postings of nine Assistant Directors and a Tehsil
Supply Officer in the department of Consumer
Affairs and Public Distribution (CAPD).
Ved Parkash ,
Assistant Director, Trade and Store Jammu has
been transferred and posted as Assistant
Director, CAPD Samba. He will also hold the
charge as AD Jammu Rural till further orders.
Abdul Qayoom,
incharge AD Reasi has been shifted and posted as
Assistant Director Trade and Store Jammu. T P
Singh Incharge Assistant Director Mills, Jammu
has been shifted and posted as Incharge AD
Udhampur vice Rajinder Singh Wazir, who has been
posted as Incharge AD Rationing Circle-III Jammu.
Romesh Chander
Bhagat, Incharge Assistant Director, awaiting
orders of posting is now placed as Incharge AD
Reasi. Zaffar Ullah Bhatt, Assistant Director,
Kishtwar is transferred and posted as Incharge
Assistant Director, Ramban.
Bal Krishan
Panotra, Incharge AD Rationing Circle -III Jammu
is shifted and posted as incharge AD Mills,
Jammu. Ram Krishan Incharge AD Enforcement has
been shifted and posted as I/C AD Rationing
Circle -I. Mohd Iqbal Incharge AD, awaiting
orders of posting is now posted as AD
Enforcement.
TSO Kalakote,
Abdul Gani (ST) has been shifted and posted as
I/C AD Kishtwar.
PoK
refugees observe ‘Virod Divas’, demand
home land
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Refugees
from Pak occupied Kashmir (PoK) observed
‘Virod Divas’ and staged protest
demonstration, followed by a day long dharna at
Bikram Chowk near Tawi bridge here today.
The protest
programme was organised under the banner of SOS
International, an organisation of PoK refugees.
Its chairman Rajiv Chuni was leading. Many
elderly displaced members participated in the
protest programme.
The community
observed the day as Virod Divas, to register its
protest against the sheer discrimination
committed by the successive Governments. Most of
the speakers criticised the UPA Government led by
Dr Manmohan Singh and alleged that this
Government has also proved as Kashmir centric.
While addressing
the gathering, Rajiv Chuni said that PoK refugees
are the longest sufferers in the world and the
first to bear the brunt of terrorism 62 years
ago. He said the PoK refugees remained
instrumental to save the State from the clutches
of Kabailis and now which is part of India. He
accused the Government of adopting double
standards while handling the issues of migrants.
He pointed out
that Prime Minister is eager to shower more and
more sops on Valley migrants but has no concern
for migrants from Jammu region. The policies of
Dr Manmohan Government are Kashmir centric and it
exposes the Union Government for its biased
attitude.
General secretary,
Dr Gurmeet Singh demanded separate home land for
over 12 lakh refugees from PoK and said that
Government has failed to ensure their
comprehensive settlement. He said the identity
and culture of this community has been eroded
with passage of time and it should be restored by
making separate home land.
Suchwant Singh, J
S Mangal, Y R Gupta, J N Thapar, Udhey Chand and
others spoke on the occasion.
Youth
involved in Pappi’s killing held from Punjab
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Samba
police with the help of their Punjab counterparts
today apprehended a murder accused involved in
the killing of Swaran Singh alias Pappi Financier
after nine years from Gurdaspur.
SSO Samba Thakur
Raghubir Singh said the murder accused was being
searched for past quite some time and was finally
captured this morning by a joint team of Samba
and Gurdaspur.
He has been
identified as Rajesh Kumar alias Raju son of
Madan Lal Jogi, a resident of Dhariwal, Punjab.
The accused was
absconding in case FIR No. 83/94 registered under
Sections 302, 120-B RPC and 4/25 Arms Act in the
murder of Pappi Financier, who was shot dead at
Bari Brahmana.
All eight accused
involved in the murder including Raju had been
awarded life imprisonment by the court. Excepting
Raju, all others were lodged in District Jail,
Jammu.
Police party of
Samba district in the arrest of Raju was led by
SDPO Bari Brahmana Munish Anand and SHO Bari
Brahmana Inspector Mohammad Aslam Choudhary under
the supervision of SSP Samba Raghubir Singh.
Blast
rocks hotel in Bhaderwah
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: A
blast rocked restaurant of Hotel Broadway in
Bhaderwah town of Doda district this afternoon
but failed to cause any injuries.
The blast was
reported to have been caused by a crude explosive
device, SSP Doda Parbhat Singh said.
The blast occurred
under a table of the restaurant of Hotel Broadway
at Seri Bazaar, Bhaderwah at 4.15 pm. The crude
device fitted with fuse and gelatin was planted
by the militant(s) under a table and detonated
before fleeing, he said.
Minor damage was
caused to the hotel but there were no casualties.
Police parties
rushed to the spot for investigations. A search
operation was conducted in the area but no arrest
has been made so far.
37
trucks cross LoC
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Thirty
seven trucks exchanged sides at Chakan-Da-Bagh on
Line of Control (LoC) through Poonch-Rawlakote
route on second day of weekly trade today.
Official sources
said 12 trucks left Poonch for Pakistan occupied
Kashmir (PoK) from Trade Facilitation Centre
(TFC) at Rangarh. The trucks carried coconut,
bananas and brown cardamom worth Rs 57.24 lakh.
From PoK, 25
trucks reached Poonch carrying only dal moong
worth Rs 1.66 crore.
Total trade from
Chakan-Da-Bagh today stood at Rs 2.23 crore while
yesterday it was to the tune of Rs 2.63 crore.
VP Singh, Trade
Facilitation Officer (TFO) Poonch and Sarfaraz
Ahmed, TFO Hajeera (PoK) were present at
Chakan-Da-Bagh during cross-LoC movement of the
trucks.
BDO
Ramnagar arrested with woman in quarter
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Block
Development Officer (BDO) in the Rural
Development Department and posted in Ramnagar
(Udhampur) was arrested by police alongwith a
young woman in compromising position during a
raid last mid night.
Sources said that
a police party led by SHO Ramnagar, Mr Niaz
acting on a specific information conducted raid
at his official quarter and arrested BDO, Abdul
Aziz Qureshi alongwith the woman, hailing from
Sial village near Udhampur. Both were caught in a
compromising position.
Inspector Niaz
when contacted confirmed that BDO was arrested
and was bailed out this afternoon. He said the
woman, Bimla, who hails from Sial near Udhampur,
was sent for Medical examination to
Sub-Divisional hospital, Ramnagar. He said
incident also created some communal tension in
the area but was defused with the intervention of
some prominent citizens and the police action. He
said that cases have been registered against both
the accused persons.
Director, RDD
Jammu, J L Bhagat when contacted late this
evening expressed his ignorance over the matter.
He said that he was on tour to district Kathua
and his ACD from Udhampur did not inform him so
far about the incident. He, however, maintained
that he will be placed under suspension and
department will recommend action to the
Administrative department.
YAIKS
warns Govt against delaying employment package
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Youth
All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS) in its meeting
here today chaired by its president, R K Bhat has
expressed grave concern over the delaying tactics
of the Government in implementation of employment
package for displaced Hindu youth from Valley.
The meeting
alleged that despite making a commitment in Apex
Committee meeting that the employment package
will be implemented soon no headway has been made
in this regard till date.
The meeting said
that over 40 days have elapsed since the Revenue
Minister made the announcement in Apex Committee
meeting regarding the implementation of the
package.
Thereafter a Sub
Committee of four Secretaries was constituted to
prepare the modalities for the implementation of
the package but it is unfortunate that till date
this Committee has not submitted the report which
was to be presented to Government by October 15.
The meeting said
this appears that the Government was hoodwinking
the displaced Pandits and the delaying tactics
adopted by it have added acid to injury.
Mr Bhat warned
that in case the Government continues its
delaying tactics the YAIKS will resume agitation
and the Government will be responsible for
consequences.
He also made an
appeal to members of Apex Committee not to attend
the future meeting till the previous resolution
on employment package is implemented.
Others who
addresed the meeting included J L Pandita, Sunil
Dhar, Bineth Pandita, Ashwani Kumar, Vinay Raina,
Naresh Kumar, Satish Zutshi, Ajay Safaya and
Sanjay Ganjoo.
Dhanvantri
Library holds poster making contest
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: A
poster-making competition on the theme
"Tobacco Health Hazards" was organized
by Dhanvantri Library, University of Jammu (JU)
here.
A total of 22
students from different colleges and teaching
departments of the University took part in the
competition.
Ms Ashima (Zoology
Deptt, JU) claimed the first prize in the
competition while, Abhishek Gupta (Sant Rocha
Singh Degree College) and Madhu Bala (Adarsh
College of Education) got second and third prizes
respectively.
The lone
consolation prize was awarded to Ms Savinay
(Zoology Deptt). Besides, the certificate of
participation was given to all the participants.
Prof Naresh Padha,
Incharge Librarian, gave away prizes and
certificates to the winners and the participants.
The event was conducted by Samita Wadhera.
Abrogation
of Article 370 only solution to Kashmir
issue: BJP
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) while reiterating its demand
regarding abrogation of Article 370 said that it
is the only solution to present problem in the
State.
In a statement
issued here today, Party spokesman, Ramesh Arora
said that Centre must understand that it is the
proxy war which has led to present problem in the
State.
He warned that no
solution will be acceptable to the nationalist
people of the State to Kashmir issue if they were
not taken into confidence. The people will react
and reject it with full might, he added.
Arora cautioned
the Centre not to commit another blunder as was
committed by Pt Nehru in 1947 while taking the
J&K dispute to UNO and compelling constituent
Assembly to keep special status of J&K.
Arora said
accession is not a political issue. Autonomy or
self rule have no locus, as it is not possible to
have it without changing the Constitution of
J&K and also of India.
He also accused
the Central leadership of encouraging the forces
which were black-mailing State as well as Centre
by raking up the Kashmir issue.
Sahyog
India organizes camp for disabled persons
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28:
Sahyog India in collaboration with Chief
Medical Officer, Health and Family Welfare, Jammu
district, organized Physical Disability Board
camp to issue Disability Certificates, Railways,
Bus Concession Certificates and Identity Cards to
deserving disabled at "Sahyog India",
Prerna Institute of Rehabilitation and Research
today.
The camp was
inaugurated by Chief Guest M K Dwivedi, District
Development Commissioner Jammu, who expressed
satisfaction regarding the selfless social
services for the rehabilitation of persons with
disabilities viz. mentally challenged, visually
impaired, blind, deaf, hearing impaired, cerebral
palsy and multiple disabled in border areas.
Commandant Vineet
Kumar, 135 Bn, BSF, as also SDM R S Pura Ms
Sheetal Nanda also spoke on the occasion, who in
their address made an appeal to the people to
make the endeavour of Sahyog India a grand
success.
Founder president
of Sahyog India Dr Ashvini Jojra expressed
resolve that the Organization has been wedded to
the well being of persons with disabilities and
needy since its inception that too with out any
funding by State or Central Government
institutions for the past over two decades, while
a lot more was to be done to improve lot of
disabled persons under the ambit of Sahyog India.
Meanwhile a team
of doctors which rendered selfless services under
the directions of Dr Shahid Rehman Mughal
included Dr Mukhtiar Ahmad, Dr Deepak Tickoo, Dr
Naveed Mirza, Dr Kamal Gupta, Dr Farman, Dr
Sanjeev Kapoor, Mr Shaffaket Hussain and Bahadur
Singh. S Jasmeet Singh, C L Bhatia, S Gurmeet
Singh also attended the camp.
All 6 panel
members taste success
JURSEA elects Chib as new
president
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Rakesh
Chib has been elected as the new president of
Jammu University Research Scholars Executive
Association (JURSEA), elections for which were
held in the campus here today.
The results were
announced by Prof N K Tripathi, election
commissioner, in the afternoon. He told that Chib
(Statistics Deptt) polled 20 votes while, his
lone rival Ajay Taloor (Geology Deptt) managed to
get only nine votes.
Also, Babita
Thakur (Economics Deptt) won the contest for the
position of vice president. She secured 23 votes
while, her rival Renu Gupta (Education Deptt)
could muster mere six votes.
However, Kuldeep
Kumar Sharma (general secretary), Javed Iqbal
(treasurer), Anupa Sharma (organizing secretary)
and Sunil Sharma (joint secretary) were declared
elected unopposed.
Prof Jasbir Singh
(HoD Economics) and Ramesh Mangotra were
presiding officer and returning officer
respectively for the elections.
Meanwhile, the
supporters of Chib celebrated his victory and
took out a procession in the campus. They danced
to the tune of drum beats and distributed sweets
among scholars and students.
VHP
leader for unity among Hindus
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Vishaw
Hindu Parishad (VHP) international vice
president, Bal Krishan Naik today stressed on
unity in the rank and file of Hindu community.
Addressing a
function of VHP activists here, he said if Hindu
is united all the problems confronting the nation
will be solved automatically.
Mr Naik said
entire world is looking towards India for
guidance and if we succeed in forging unity
irrespective of caste, creed and colour the day
is not far away when India can emerge as Vishaw
Guru and regain its past glory and fame.
The present
problems facing the nation including terrorism
and secessionism will be things of past once the
entire Hindu Samaj is one and thinks on one line,
he added.
Neither there will
be any threat of conversion from Christians nor
Muslims once the Hindu Samaj exhibits unity, he
said, adding that Hindu culture and civilization
is one of the oldest civilization in the world
and we have contributed a lot for the property of
mankind from ages together.
The VHP leader
also stressed on giving a moral education to the
children to make them useful citizens of
tomorrow. "We have to imbibe the good habits
and principles among our children so that they
will not go astray from their roots and rich
culture"he added.
The VHP leader who
is on two days visit of the state also addressed
a meeting at Katra yesterday.
Lok
Adalats continue under ‘Mega Lok Adalat
Week’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: In
connection with ongoing ‘Mega Lok Adalat
Week’, Lok Adalats were held at district and
tehsil levels across the Jammu province wherein,
hundreds of cases were taken up and disposed off,
besides, realization of lakhs of rupees.
At District Court
Complex here, the Lok Adalat was held at six
benches. Bench No 1 was presided over by Sanjay
Gupta (1st Addl Judge) and Rajesh Sekhri (Addl
Distt Judge) which took up 24 cases, out of which
12 got decided and an amount of Rs 88,14,922 was
realized. Bench No 2 was presided over by Sanjeev
Kumar Bhagat (Addl Distt Judge) and M R Chak (Sub
Judge) that took up five cases and settled three
besides, Rs 3 lakh was realized as permanent
alimony.
Bench No 3 was
presided over by Y P Kotwal (Special Judicial
Mobile Magistrate) and Sunit Gupta (Excise
Magistrate) that took up 44 cases and settled 35
of those. Bench No 4 was presided over by Vinod
Chatterji Koul (2nd Addl Distt & Session
Judge) and Parvez Iqbal (Sub Registrar) which
took up 11 pre-litigation cases and settled 10 of
those.
Bench No 5 was
presided over by R N Wattal (Electricity
Magistrate) and Naushad Ahmed Khan (Addl Mobile
Magistrate) which took up 200 cases and settled
164 of those. And, Bench No 6 was presided over
by R S Jasrotia (Railway Magistrate) who took up
127 cases and disposed all.
Lok Adalat was
also held at Munsiff Court Bishnah under the
chairpersonship of Ms Spalzes Angmo in which 56
criminal cases were taken up and out of those 49
were disposed off besides, on spot realization of
Rs 15,970 as fine.
At Samba, the Lok
Adalat was held in court premises of Principal
District and Sessions Judge. Chairman Distt Legal
Services Committee Suresh Kumar headed the first
bench while, Chief Judicial Magistrate headed the
second one. A total of 197 cases were taken up
during the adalat and 155 of those were settled
besides, realization of Rs 63,850 as fine amount.
For Udhampur and
Reasi districts, the Lok Adalat was held at Katra
for settlement of MACT cases. The adalat took up
39 cases and settled 26 of those awarding Rs
50.35 lakhs to effected persons. The first bench
was headed by Principal Distt and Sessions Judge
(Udhampur) A K Sharma while, the second one was
headed by Principal Distt and Sessions Judge
(Reasi) R K Watel.
A Lok Adalat was
held in the court premises of Sub Judge Katra
under the chairmanship of Sub Judge Katra Kamlesh
Pandita. In all 40 cases were taken up amongst
which 28 cases were settled and a compounded fine
of Rs 15,190 was recovered on spot.
The first ever
Mega Lok Adalat of Ramban district was held at
Batote. The first bench was headed by Principal
Distt and Sessions Judge (Ramban) Bala Jyoti
while, Principal Distt and Sessions Judge
(Kishtwar) G K Pandita headed the second one. A
total of 36 MCAT cases were settled during the
Lok Adalat and an award of Rs 74,12,777 was
passed in favour of the claimants on spot.
At Doda, the Lok
Adalat was held in the court premises of Chairman
Tehsil Legal Services Committee (CJM) Doda under
the chairmanship of A H Shah, Chairman District
Legal Services Authority Bhaderwah. In the
adalat, 91 cases were settled/ disposed. A fine
of Rs 49,065 was also realized on the spot.
KP Sabha
worried over delay in implementation
of package
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Kashmiri
Pandit Sabha (KPS) has expressed grave concern
over the delay in framing of modalities for the
implementation of employment package for
displaced Kashmiri Pandit youth.
In a statement
signed by its senior vice president and Apex
Committee member, K K Khosa said the delay has
led to apprehensions in the minds of thousands of
deserving youth of the community who are
anxiously waiting for the report.
The statement said
in view of the assurance given by Revenue
Minister and MoS Revenue in the Apex Committee
meeting regarding the settlement of the demands
including implementation of employment package,
enhancement of relief, age relaxation and one
time payment of compensation for which the
community had launched dharna for 40 days would
be met within three months, the 40 day long
dharna was lifted in migrant camps.
On this assurance
the community members had expressed satisfaction
and showed willingness to cooperate with the
Government, but instead of formation of Sub
Committee no concrete modalities have been spelt
out till date, the statement added.
The Sabha has
impressed upon the Government to immediately take
steps for the implementation of those three
demands so that the process initiated for the
rest of PM’s package could be taken up in
the next meeting of the Apex Committee which is
supposed to be held in December.
Ajaz
takes stock of people's problems
Excelsior Correspondent
REASI,
Oct 28: In
order to address the general demands and
grievances of the public of Chinkah and Arnas
area of the Reasi district at their door steps,
the Minister for Haj, Auqaf and fisheries, Ajaz
Ahmed Khan visited village Chinkah and convened a
joint meeting with the sectoral officers and
general public.
Speaking on the
occasion, Mr. Khan said that the State Government
is well aware of the general demands relating to
development of this area and is fully committed
to percolate the benefits of all development
schemes down at corners of the Reasi district. He
said that road connectivity, adequate provision
of power supply, irrigation, medicare facilities
and drinking water supply are the main demands of
this area and the Government shall consider their
demands on priority. He apprised the general
public that Rs. 3.50 crore are being spent for
water supply schemes in the district and Rs. 20
crore would be spent on providing power supply at
all the left out hamlets and morhas of the State
during this financial year.
Keeping in view
the demand for a stadium, he said that Rs. one
crore would be spent for 2 No stadiums and Rs one
lakh for play grounds at panchayat level next
five years. Under R&B sector, he said that
Rs. 20 lakh for Chinkah Kakda road, Rs 1.55 crore
for Arnas Thakrakote road, Rs 7.96 crores for
various roads under PMGSY and Rs. 38 lakh for
Panassa Primary Health Centre building would be
made available soon. Rs. 5.93 crore are being
spent under NREGA this year
The Minister also
distributed 72 appointment orders among the newly
recruited teachers which include 26 from Chinkah
educational zone and 46 from Arnas zone on the
occasion.
Various public
representatives presented number of demands which
include, road connectivity, drinking water,
medicare, shortage of staff in educational and
health institutions, provision of power in left
out hamlets of Arnas block, shingling, metalling
and black topping of road from Rud nalla to
Arnas, etc.
The Minister gave
a patient hearing towards their demands and
inquired from all the concerned departments on
the spot and assured the public that their all
genuine demands would be considered in phased
manner on priority.
Bajwa
asks workers to expose mis-deeds of coalition
Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: People's
Democratic Party (PDP) today asked its workers to
strengthen the party at grass root level to
effectively highlight problems of the masses on
every platform. Party further exhorted its
workers to expose the misdeeds of
Congress-National Conference coalition before the
people.
Addressing a
meeting of the senior workers of party after
launching membership drive in Arnia former Rajya
Sabha member Trilok Singh Bajwa called upon the
cadre to take message of the party in every part
of this region. The meeting was organized by
Chatter Saini and addressed by senior leaders of
the party.
He said that
during the last ten months National
Conference-Congress coalition regime has failed
to solve problems of the masses. He pointed out
that instead of solving problems of the masses,
this regime has further compounded woes of the
people by its wrong policies. He especially
mentioned that whole State has been confronting
with the scarcity of ration and poor people have
been bearing maximum brunt of anti-people
policies of this Government.
Lecturers’
Forum reiterates demand
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: All
J&K Plus Two Lecturers’ Forum has
expressed satisfaction over the decision of State
Government to concede the demands of striking
doctors.
The central
executive of the forum that met here under the
chairmanship of H D Qureshi, president, expressed
full faith on the commitments of Finance Minister
with the cadre regarding their placement in Third
Pay Band.
The house hoped
that the Government will not take any decision in
isolation in favour of any section of the
employees which will further aggravate the
situation instead of solving the problem.
Addressing the
meeting, Qureshi said that cadre was all set to
face any challenge if Government deviates from
its commitments made with the state level
delegation of the forum at Srinagar.
Among others also
spoke included D P Dutta, Manmeet Bali, S
Gurcharan Singh, Charan Dass, N S Jamwal, Tarsem
Singh and Didar Singh.
Self
rule proposal only solution to Kashmir problem:
PDP
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI,
Oct 28: District
president of PDP and MLA Darhal Choudhary
Zulfikar Ali today said that Self-Rule proposal
of his party was the only practical solution of
the Kashmir problem as wishes of all regions and
sub-regions have been incorporated while
formulating this visionary document.
Addressing a
function after launching membership drive in
Rajouri, Choudhary said that there was a need to
evolve consensus on Self-Rule proposal. Both
external and internal dimensions of Kashmir
problem would be addressed through this proposal,
he added.
He called upon the
party workers to educate masses about this
proposal as it was the only solution which would
be acceptable to all stakeholders. "Through
our Self-Rule proposal we have been demanding
more powers for the State and if our state would
become economically self-reliant, all regions and
sub-regions would be equally benefitted", he
said, he added.
Employees,
workers hold demonstration
Excelsior Correspondent
KISHTWAR,
Oct 28: The
employees of public sector and other
organizations today held a demonstration here
under the banner of All India Trade Union
Congress (AITUC) in support of their demands.
Those who
participated in the demonstration included
members of NHPC Workers Union, Joint Employees
Front, Drivers/ Cleaners Union, Dehati Labour
Unions and Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh. All were led
by Comrade SK Sharma, AITUC J&K general
secretary.
The demonstrating
employees and workers asked the Government to
immediately arrest the price rise, check
violation of labour laws, create national funds
for unorganized sector and stop the process of
disinvestment.
Among those who
addressed the gathering included S K Sharma, Shri
Dhar Sharma, Vinod Parihar, Ishtiyaq Ahmed Malik,
Kulbhushan Manhas, Javed Iqbal and Farooq Ahmed.
Housing
Board employees’ strike enters 21st day
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: The
peaceful token strike of All J&K Housing
Board Employees Association has entered 21st day,
here today, in front of the office of the
Managing Director, J&K Housing Board Green
Belt Park, Gandhi Nagar.
The employees of
the Association are on dharna under the
chairmanship of Bal Krishan Sharma, senior vice
president and demanding implementation of 6th Pay
Commission and also grant of pensions to the
employees of the Housing Board on the pattern of
SDA/JDA staff.
Meanwhile, the
representatives of the Association also met
senior officers of the management and apprised
them of their demands, but meeting remained
inconclusive. The Association members further
decided to continue their token strike till
October 31, this month.
BSP
urges CM to settle demand of Homeguards
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Bahujan
Samaj Party (BSP) state president, Tulsi Dass
Langeh today urged the Chief Minister, Omar
Abdullah to look into the problem of Homeguards
jawans personally and settle these once for all.
In a statement
issued here, he demanded that the pay of
homeguards jawans be increased under Minimum
Wages Act. He also demanded the regularisation of
their services on the pattern of daily wagers
whose services were regularized after completion
of every seven years.
Mr Langeh who
visited the Purani Mandi and interacted with the
agitating homeguards jawans there also expressed
grave concern over the sad plight of Homeguards
jawans who were getting a paltry sum of Rs 400
per month since long where as the pay grades of
other employees and MLAs have been revised time
and again.
Congregations
of Biradaris
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Numerous
communities are celebrating their annual
congregations at their respective place of
worship with religious fervour and enthusiasm and
their organizers have extended intimations to
Biradari members to participate in the Mails
alongwith their families to invoke blessings of
their deities.
Kartik
Purnima-Khichri Mail being organized by Kaliveer
Charitable Trust, Sunjwan will be held on
November 1, wherein chanting of Vedas by School
Children and Meditation would also be performed.
Special programme of devotional songs had also
been organized on the occasion.
Congregation of
Sapolia Padha Biradari is being held on November
2 at Bua Ji Baba Ji Mandir, Paloura. The
programme will start with Havan and Pooja
followed by Bhandara.
Katal Rajput
Biradari is holding its congregation at its
Kuldev Asthan at Kotli (Samba). The function will
start at 9 am with Pooja and Havan followed by
Kirtan. Langer will also be served to Biradari
members.
All India
Malgooria Mahajan Biradari has also decided to
hold its congregation on November 2, starting
with Havan and flag hoisting followed by
distribution of Prashad prepared at the community
kitchen.
The annual
congregation of Sangotra (Mahasha) Biradari is
also being held on November 2, at Bua Dati
Temple, village Khairi Kothe (Dehri). The minibus
for Rehal, starting from Jewel Chowk Jammu passes
through Khairi Kothe and the devotees of the
Biradari can drop there and take part in the
Mail.
Barkulia Biradari
is holding its annual congregation at
Sati-Sajawati temple at Birpur on November 2.
Langer would be served to devotees after holding
of Havan and Poojan in the morning at the
Devsthan.
Annual Mail of
Abrol (Vakru) Biradari is being held at Satyawati
Dev Asthan, Kot Bhalwal on November 2, where the
Havan and Pooja would mark culmination with
holding of Bhandara for devotees thronging the
site of the congregation.
Mohtra Biradari
would be holding its annual Mail on November 2 at
the Devsthan of Baba Bhanu at village Fankha,
about 8 km from Samba on Sumb Road. Havan and
Poojan would be followed by Bhandara.
Annual
congregation of Balotra Biradari is being held on
November 2 at its Devsthan Chak Jhareli, Rounki
Bouli Doob (Samba), wherein festivities would
start on November 1 with holding of Ramayan
Paath, the Puran Ahuti of which would be held on
November 2 at 10 am. After general body meeting
and other rituals elections for the new office
bearers of the community would be held.
Bucha Mahajan
Biradari is holding its annual congregation on
November 2 with zeal and zest at Pittan Barh
(Udhampur) where in Havan would start at 9 am and
Bhandara after 1 pm.
Akhil Bhartiya
Jojra Biradari is holding its annual congregation
at village Flora in Suchetgarh sector of R S Pura
tehsil on November 2. The festivities would start
with Pavittar Asnan with Sacred Jal in holy
Mangal Sarovar, followed by Darshan of holy deity
of Baba Mangal Dass Jee Maharaj in the morning.
The festivities
would include 3 spiritual discourses, sermons and
Bhajan and Kirtan, which would be followed by
traditional Langer ‘Khichri and Dahi’.
Annual
congregation of Jandyal (Mahajan) biradari will
be held on November 2 at Devsthan Baba Sahaj Nath
Ji at Gole, Talab Tillo. Hawan will be held at 8
am followed by hoisting of flag at 10 am,
‘patal puja’ at 10.30 am and bhandara
at 11 am. All biradri members have been requested
to attend the meeting.
Youth
fired upon, 4 miscreants escape
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28:
A youth was fired upon by four miscreants but
the bullet narrowly missed him at New Plots near
Prem Sweets Shop this evening. All four accused
were absconding.
Reports said
Sanjay Dogra son of Kasturi Lal Dogra, a resident
of New Plots, riding on a motor-cycle, was
intercepted by four miscreants, riding on two
bikes and was fired upon by one of them with a
country made pistol.
However, the
bullet hit Dogra’s motor-cycle and he
managed to escape from the spot.
All four
miscreants fled away from the spot before the
arrival of police.
Police have
identified the accused as Rohan alias Kalu son of
Majeed R/o Gorkha Nagar, Mohitesh alias Munna R/o
Shakti Nagar, Sonu son of Soga R/o Jawahar Nagar,
New Plots and Vinay Kumar alias Vinoo son of
Balak Ram R/o Jawahar Nagar.
Police have
registered a case against the accused and
launched a hunt to apprehend them.
Police parties
comprising SP City (North) Randeep Kumar, SDPO
Bakshi Nagar Shiv Kumar Chouhan, SHO Janipura
Bharat Sharma, SHO Bakshi Nagar Shashi Thakur and
Incharge Sarwal police post Shiv Dev Singh rushed
to the spot for investigations.
NC
committed to upliftment of women: Dutta
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Oct 28: Provincial
president of National Conference Vijay Laxmi
Dutta has said that NC was committed for the
upliftment of women and weaker sections of the
society.
Addressing a
workers’ meeting at village Khambe in R S
Pura today, Mrs Dutta said that National
Conference is the only party which is committed
for providing justice to the women. She said the
party has already announced 33% quota to the
women folk in Local Bodies and Panchayat
elections.
The women in large
number should come out and actively participate
in the party activities besides carrying message
of the party leader Dr Farooq Abdullah up to the
masses, she said and appealed the people to
render cooperation to the Omar government which
is performing very well. She also gave awareness
to the women about the welfare measures /
projects undertaken by the government and various
agencies.
Other NC leaders
including T S Tony, Satya Jamwal, district
president, Manveer, Daljit, Rama and Joginder
Kour also spoke on the occasion.
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