Historic
photo exhibition on Ambaran
Dalai Lama lauds Sharma brothers,
says will visit Akhnoor
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW
DELHI, Apr 2: Tibetan Spiritual leader
Dalai Lama today appreciated the work being done
by Sharma brothers --- Madan Lal Sharma, Lok
Sabha member from Jammu and his brother and Jammu
and Kashmir Health Minister Sham Lal Sharma ---
for developing Ambaran, an ancient Buddhist site
in Akhnoor tehsil. Impressed by a historic photo
exhibition on Ambaran in particular and Akhnoor
as a whole at the Capital's Ashoka Hotel today,
the spiritual leader and exiled ruler of Tibet
told Madan Lal Sharma: "As a Buddhist I
appreciate your work."
He also accepted
an invitation extended by the duo to visit
Akhnoor and said "I will come."
Dalai Lama spent
about 20 minutes at the exhibition organized by
noted Tibet expert and journalist Vijay Kranti
and his photographer-son Akshat Kranti. The
father-and-son team had spent considerable time
in Akhnoor to take on-the-spot photographs. Apart
from the discoveries of stupa and relics made at
Ambaran the exhibition highlights the historic
Akhnoor Fort, majestic Chenab river, Jia Poto
Temple, Gurudwara Tapo Asthan and Bhagwan
Parsuram temple as well as a magnificent pathway
constructed along the Chenab river.
Ambaran is
gradually attracting wide notice as an ancient
Buddhist site --- the first of its kind excavated
in the Jammu region and believed to be the oldest
in Jammu and Kashmir which has been known as a
cradle of Buddhism in the past and still
preserves the religion in its pristine glory.
Akhnoor is also
the only Harappan site found so far in Jammu and
Kashmir.
Dalai Lama evinced
keen interest in photographs and made pointed
queries to Dr B.R. Mani, Joint Director-General
of the Archaeological Survey of India and Vijay
Kranti, who is also his biographer.
To a question
about the estimated time of existence of the
Buddhist site at Ambaran, he was informed that it
was between "first century BC and third
century BC". Mr Kranti explained that the
timing showed that Buddhism may have existed in
Jammu about 1000 years before it went to Ladakh
and Tibet.
Dr Mani, who is
presently posted in Delhi, has been associated
with the excavations during his stint in the
border State earlier. He pointed out that the
discoveries so far indicated that there might
have been a huge monastic establishment on the
spot in Ambaran and there was need, therefore,
for carrying out further excavations.
Mr Kranti
announced that a similar exhibition at a larger
scale would be held soon in Jammu.
Among those who
had turned up included Balbir Punj, Bharatiya
Janata Party member of the Rajya Sabha and a good
number of senior bureaucrats and Buddhist
scholars.
80 pc
micro hydel projects set up by Army
non-functional
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Nearly
80 per cent of over 979 Micro-hydel Power
projects set up by the Army with the cost of over
Rs 12 crores under ‘Operation
Sadbhavna’, BADP and MNRE, were non
functional in the State. This issue was raised in
the Upper House today by the National Conference
legislator, Vijay Bakaya during ‘Question
Hour’. He said funds to the tune of over Rs
12 crore provided to the Army by the Union
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and
under BADP have gone down the drain and what
action the Government will take in this
regard,"
He asked how many
people in the State have benefited from these
projects as the Army had to raise over 1000 such
micro-hydel power projects in remote and far
flung villages. He alleged that as per his
information over 90% of these micro-hydel
projects were lying defunct.
Another NC Member
from Poonch M R Qureshi pointed out that the
funds provided to the Army to public exchequer.
"It was the matter of accountability and why
such projects were not taken up in hand by the
civil administration," he asked. Jahangir
Mir also expressed his concern over the failure
of these projects and drew the attention of the
Government towards this serious issue, seeking
probe.
While replying on
behalf of the State Government, Minister incharge
Science and Technology, IT and Animal Husbandary,
Aga Syed Ruhulla Mehdi admitted that as per his
information nearly 80 per cent of these projects
were non-functional in the State. He said over
1000 Micro-hydel power projects were to be
executed by various Army formations.
As per the
information provided by the Army, 979 MHPs have
been installed in the State by various Army
formations. An amount of Rs 3.68 crores were
released under BADP and Rs 8.70 crores under MNRE
through JAKEDA to the Army. Rs 12.38 crore funds
were provided under the Scheme. Under Op Sadbhana
, there were 300 projects, under MNRE scheme 435
while under BADP 265.
The Minister said
that after the Government received many such
complaints, a survey was conducted. It was found
by the IREP team that out of the 524 MHPs for
which the survey was conducted, 388 ( 74 %) were
found non functional, 37 were found non-existent
and 18 % (99) test functional. For the rest
remaining projects the survey was in progress. He
endorsed the claim of NC member Mr Bakaya and
admitted that nearly 80 percent of the MHPs were
not functional.
Responding to
other question, Mr Mehdi said these projects were
to be installed to generate electricity with
output of 3-5 KVA in each case. The details of
the output generated so far are not available as
these MHPs were under the control of Army. On an
average 15 to 20 households were to be benefited
from each project. In order to inspect the MHPs
the department of Science and Technology and Tech
constituted Block Level Committees in July
2007consisting representatives from Army, PDD and
RDD thereby requesting the concerned DCs to
facilitate inspection so that same are handed
over to the concerned Village Level Committees.
In June, 2009 the department asked the Project
Officer IREP in the district to work as Nodal
Officer for inspection of these projects. They
stated that the survey has been completed in
respect of 524 units.
Mr Bakaya sought
to know whether the Government will take some
effective steps so that this mess is not repeated
again and initiative taken for ensuring proper
functioning of the remaining projects. The
Minister however, admitted that for the remaining
functional units, a local person after search
will be engaged to monitor the functioning of MHP
units in their respective areas.
Pensioners
Association serves 30 days ultimatum to Govt
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Jammu
and Kashmir Pensioners Association under the
chairmanship of its President Govind Ram held a
protest demonstration in protest against the
Government for not fulfilling their demands. They
were raising anti government slogans. The
association served an ultimatum to the Government
to redress their issues within a period of 30
days otherwise pensioners/family pensioners will
launch an agitation in order to bring their
issues in the notice of the Government.
Addressing the
gathering, Govind Ram, accused the Government for
compelling them to come on to roads for redressel
to their demands. He said State Legislators, MLAs
and MLCs have enhanced their own salaries and
pension besides other benefits, but
discriminating in providing equal benefits to
them. He further said that callous attitude of
the Government is creating hardships into the
lives of pensioners.
Highlighting the
demands, he urged the Government to pay six per
cent DA in one installment, medical allowances be
enhanced to Rs 300 to Rs 1000 per month in favour
of State pensioners, additional quantum of
pension in favour of pensioners after attaining
the age of 65 to 100 and above, and many other
demands.
Among others
present were ND Sharma, Jagdish Dogra, Swarn
Singh, Ram Lal Dogra, Dessa Singh, OP gupta, KL
Basotra, Kamal Bhardwaj, SL Gandotra and others.
Court
stays election of President Central Mahajan Sabha
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: In
an application filed by Kuldeep Gupta, president
Ward No.15 of the Sabha, Forest Magistrate Jammu,
Sandeep Kour has stayed the election to the post
of President of Jammu Central Mahajan Sabha till
next date of hearing. In the petition, the
appellant has sought declaration of process of
holding of election of Jammu Central Mahajan
Sabha as illegal and in-violation of the
Constitution of Sabha and alleged that the
provision of the Constitution have been violated
to adjust the person, who is close to Ramesh
Gupta.
The entire
exercise is aimed at defeating the provisions of
the constitution. The Returning Officer whose
status is not more than caretaker is violating
the norms and regulation of the Constitution of
the Sabha in holding election and adjusting his
friends and relatives, the petitioner said.
After hearing
Advocate Anil Sethi appearing for the petitioner,
Forest Magistrate, Jammu, Sandeep Kour observed,
"the Court is satisfied that prima-facie the
applicant has a strong case in his favour and
moreover the same appears to be urgent in nature
that being in the immediate indulgence of the
Court in the matter is found imperative".
"In view of
that the issuance of prior notice to the
non-applicants, the process of holding the
election to the post of President Jammu Central
Mahajan Sabha Jammu is stayed till next date of
hearing", the Court said. However, the order
will be subject to objection of the other side.
The Court also
issued notice to All India Central Mahajan Sabha
through its General Secretary/President, Jammu
Central Mahajan Sabha, Election Commissioner JCMS
and Romesh Gupta and fixed April 5, 2011 for
appearance and objections to the applications.
Baisakhi
Mela arrangements discussed
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR,
Apr 2: Arrangements
to celebrate historic 3-day Baisakhi Mela at
Devika site, from April 14, were discussed at a
meeting of district officers of various
departments and prominent citizens held under the
chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur,
Baseer Ahmed Khan, here today. It was decided in
the meeting that Executive Engineer PHE would
ensure barricading and drinking water
arrangements while Executive Officer,
Municipality ensure proper cleansing of the site
besides First Aid-cum-Awareness camp by Health
Department. Executive Engineer, PDD would ensure
uninterrupted power supply during the Mela days.
In the meeting
special emphasis was laid on the fool proof
arrangements pertaining to the systematic
installation of stalls according to the set norms
of the Fire and Emergency Services. For the
purpose, Assistant Director, Fire Services was
asked to prepare a comprehensive lay out plan for
the installation of different stalls at the venue
of mela keeping in view all precautionary and
safety measures. Civil Defence and Red Cross
Volunteers would educate the people in general
and vendors in particular about the safety
measures in the use of gas cylinders etc.
For the awareness
of common masses about the different Government
sponsored schemes especially designed to
ameliorate the socio-economic status of poor
people, the departments of Health, Agriculture,
Horticulture, Sheep and Animal Husbandry,
Sericulture, Handloom and Handicrafts etc. would
put up their departmental stalls.
The Deputy
Commissioner called upon the officers for putting
in their dedicated and coordinated efforts in
making arrangements pertaining to their
respective departments so that mela culminates
successfully.
Dy
Chairman adjourns council sine-die
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU
Apr 2: Deputy
Chairman, Legislative Council Arvindar Singh
Micky today adjourned the House sine-die on the
conclusion of budget session. Giving details of
the business transacted in the House, he said
that 502 questions were received, of which 489
were taken up. He said 14 resolutions were also
taken up for discussion, out of the total 42
received by the council secretariat.
He said 40 Calling
Attention Notices were received, of which 28 were
taken up. Of the total 8 half an hour discussions
received as many as 3 were taken up, he said ,
adding 2 discussions under Rule 60-A . He said 6
Private Members' Bills were taken up out of the
total 7 received. He said all the 19 Government
Bills were taken up during the course of session.
He appreciated the
members for their cooperation in running the
business of the House smoothly. He also praised
the staff of the Council Secretariat for their
dedication, even as he recorded his appreciation
for the media, Information and other concerned
departments for discharging their professional
duties to his best satisfaction.
Mr Micky said the
business in the house was transacted as per the
conventions of the parliamentary democracy. He
said opposition was given ample time to raise
their issues and the Government also replied
satisfactorily. He said both treasury and
opposition members displayed patience which
helped to create congenial atmosphere during
discussions.
Earlier, Minister
for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather, Minister for
Medical Education, R.S.Chib, Ajay Sadhotra,
G.Q.Paradesi, B.A.MAgray, M.Y Taing, Murtaza
Khan, Mohammd Rashid Qureshi, Showkat Ahmad
Ganai, Altaf Ahmad, T.S. Wazir and Najeeb
Sohrwardi also recorded their observation on the
conclusion of the session.
Khir
Bhawani MPC asks revenue
authorities to demarcate area
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: The
newly elected office bearers of Khir Bhawani
Asthapan Manzgam, (Kulgam Kashmir) Prabandak
Committee held a meeting here today in which
various decision s regarding the development of
the shrine were taken.
The meeting
demanded that the revenue authorities should
demarcate the area of the shrine so that there is
no encroachment in future.
The meeting also
demanded enactment of law for protection of Hindu
shrines and religious places in Kashmir and
demanded that the Bill in this regard be passed
immediately so that all the religious places of
Hindus in Kashmir are protected properly.
The meeting was
presided over by T N Padroo ex president of the
Committee. He administered the oath to newly
elected General body headed by Kuldeep Raina as
its president.
Others who took
oath on the occasion included V S Lahori, Arvind
Koul Avtar Krishan Raina, Bharat Bhushan Koul,
Kanya Lal Koul, Vinay Koul and Rakesh Raina.
Explosives
seized
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Troops
of Counter Insurgency Force (CIF) and police
today recovered a consignment of ammunition and
explosives from a nullah at village Malhas in
Mahore area of Reasi district. The recoveries
were made after a two days long search operation
in upper reaches of village Malhas.
Recoveries
included seven UBGL grenades, two Pakistan made
hand grenade, five LMG magazines, five rifle
magazines, six radio set antennas and one
detonator.
A small hideout of
the militants was busted along the nullah,
official sources said.
A couple of
militants of Hizbul Mujahideen outfit are being
chased in the area by security forces and police.
SMC
contractors call on CM
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: The
representatives of Srinagar Municipal Corporation
Contractors' Anjumn called on Chief Minister,
Omar Abdullah here and presented him a memorandum
of demands.
The SMC
contractors among other things requested for
shifting of Works Division of SMC from Regal
Chowk commercial area to the SMC building at
Karan Nagar. They also demanded for replacement
of document system in the tendering process and
application of rate schedule of PWD on Municipal
works.
The
representatives also apprised the Chief Minister
of various issues relating to the SMC functioning
and welfare of the members of the Anjuman.
The Minister of
State for Housing and Urban Development, Nasir
Aslam Wani was present on the occasion.
The Chief Minister
gave patient hearing to the Contractors' Anjuman
and said that its genuine demands would be
considered positively.
PWF
compensation given in addition to relief: Akhoon
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2 : Minister
for CAPD and Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon today
said that J&K Passenger Welfare Fund (PWF)
Rules provide for payment of compensation to the
victims of road accidents travelling in a
commercial vehicle which is sanctioned by a
committee under the chairmanship of concerned
Divisional Commissioner in the respective
Divisions.
The payment of
compensation under the Passenger Welfare Fund can
be paid in addition to any other relief which may
be sanctioned by the Government.
Replying to a
Calling Attention Notice of Ajay Sadhotra, the
Minister said that the committee has decided to
pay ex-gratia relief of Rs. 3,25, 000 in favour
of the dependents of the deceased / victims of
mini bus accident which took place at village
Kussar Nallah for 13 dependents at the rate of
Rs. 25000 per dependent.
He said a payment
of ex-gratia relief of Rs. 1, 50, 000 has been
sanctioned in favour of 15 seriously injured
persons at the rate of Rs. 10,000 per person.
Mr Akhoon said a
payment of ex-gratia relief of Rs. 1, 35, 000 has
been sanctioned in favour of 27 minor injured
persons at the rate of Rs. 5000 per person.
The Minister
further said that the compensation under the
Passenger Welfare Fund has not been disbursed in
any case as the mechanism laid down by the
Finance Department requires that the remittances
to the Passenger Welfare Fund have to be
transferred from Mufasil Treasuries to the Civil
Secretariat Treasury. The process is on and the
amount so deposited in the fund is likely to be
operated soon on receipt of this amount in the
Civil Secretariat Treasury, in favour of all the
affected families of accidents of the year 2010
onwards. He said over loading was the main reason
behind the accident.
2
thieves arrested with cash, stolen goods
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Channi
Himmat police today arrested two thieves and
recovered from their possession Rs 45,000 cash
and Rs 1 lakh worth goods, which they had stolen
during the thefts.
The thieves have
been identified as Anwar Hussain son of Amir
Hussain R/o Rajasthan, presently putting up at
Sector No. 7 at Channi Himmat and Mohammad Noor
son of Noor Islam R/o Kolkata, at present
residing at Bagh-e-Bahu.
From their
possession, police recovered Rs 1 lakh worth
goods and Rs 45,000 cash, which they had stolen
from a provisional store at Sector No. 1 in
Channi Himmat on March 23.
A shopkeeper, who
had purchased the stolen goods, has also been
arrested. He was identified as Ali Johar of Qasim
Nagar.
A case has been
registered against the accused at Channi Himmat
police station for further investigations. The
stolen goods would be restored to the shopkeeper
after completion of legal formalities.
A police party
from Channi Himmat led by SHO Inspector Ajay
Jamwal made the arrests under the supervision of
SP City (South) Rajeshwar Singh and SDPO East
Mukesh Kakkar.
3 bovine
smugglers arrested
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Kathua
police today arrested three bovine smugglers who
were carrying 11 oxen from Kathua and were on
their way to Jammu.
According to
reports a police party of Police Post Industrial
Estate Hatli More, Kathua headed by SI Nayat Ali
incharge Police Post intercepted a truck bearing
registration number P B JK0 3 B-9041 near Hatli
More, Kathua which was carrying the bovine
animals.
Those arrested
included Rashid Ahmed, son of Mohammed Khan of
Kokernag, Kashmir, Yasir Ahmed, son of Zabar
Ahmed Gujjar of Doru Anantnag and Ayub Khan son
of Hasham Din Gujjar of Domail Jajjar Kotli.
A case FIR No
99/2011, U/S 188RPC, 3/5 cruelty to Animal Act
was registered against them.
6th
tremor hits Valley in 11 days
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
Apr 2: A
moderate intensity earthquake, sixth within a
span of 11 days, was felt in Kashmir valley this
morning.
Coordinator
Disaster Management Cell Kashmir, Aamir Ali said
that an earthquake of magnitude 4.7 on Richter
scale occurred at 0924 hours. The jolt was
epicentred in Xinjiang border in Ladakh-China at
36.5 degrees north latitude and 70.9 degrees east
longitude.
The tremor follows
one on previous night at 1900 hours when an
earthquake of magnitude 4.9 was felt with
epicentre at Hindukush Afghanistan at 36.54 N,
70.91E, he added.
It is worthwhile
to mention here that Kashmir valley, which falls
under Seismic Zone V, was hit by four more
tremors prior to the last two earthquakes.
A moderate
intensity earthquake occurred on March 29 and two
tremors with same intensity were felt within a
span of three hours on March 23. The
highest of these moderate intensity tremors was
felt on March 21 when the jolt recorded 5.8 on
Richter scale and prompted people to rush out of
buildings fearing repeat of 8 October 2005 which
left trail of destruction besides claiming
hundreds of lives in several parts of J&K and
Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.
Court
extends police remand of Salim Beigh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: In
the much publicized Supari killing case,
Municipal Magistrate Jammu, S S Bali today
extended police remand of Salim Beigh, then
Superintendent Kot Bhalwal Jail, his PSO Surinder
Kumar and Sunny Choudhary alias Sunny Baba.
After hearing
Senior Prosecuting Officer Harimder Singh, the
Court extended police remand of Salim Beigh, then
Superintendent Kot-Bhalwal Jail, Surinder Kumar,
then PSO of Salim Beigh and Sunny Choudhary alias
Sunny Baba by five days.
Salim Beigh was
arrested on March 24, 2011 while as Surinder
Kumar and Sunny Choudhary on March 25 and 28
respectively.
2
IGNOU learners from Jammu get Gold Medals
22nd Convocation of IGNOU
organized at Regional Centre
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Indira
Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) organized
its 22nd Convocation which was held today at
IGNOU Maidan Garhi New Delhi Headquarters and
simultaneously at its 24 Regional Centres across
the Country including Regional Centre Jammu via
tele-conferencing.
Kapil Sibbal,
Union Minister for Human Resource Development
delivered the Convocation address at IGNOU
Headquarters at Maidan Garhi, New Delhi. Over
2.15 Lac students all over the country were
provided Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates.
Convocation at Jammu was held at Auditorium,
Govt. College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu.
Abdul Gani Malik, Minister for Higher Education,
Labour and Employment, J&K was the guest of
honour on this occasion at Regional Centre Jammu
who awarded Degrees and Diplomas to the eligible
learners.
A total of 1167
learners from Regional Centre Jammu were
successfully declared eligible to receive
Certificates, Diplomas and Degrees out of which
326 learners were awarded Degrees and Diplomas in
the Convocation function at Jammu.
Two learners of
IGNOU Regional Centre Jammu that two of our
Learners namely Sheetu Raina of MA (Public
Administration) programme and Satnam Singh of MA
(Sociology) programme have brought laurels to the
City of Temples by getting Gold Medals in their
respective programmes. These two learners have
topped in their respective programmes throughout
the Country. Satnam Singh has also been chosen
for Prof. Ram Reddy Memorial Gold Medal 2011.
Five IGNOU friends
including R K Koul, Chief General Manager, BSNL
J&K Circle, Dr. Aneeta Soodan, Principal SPMR
College of Commerce, Dr. Raj Kumar, Deputy
Registrar (Services), University of Jammu, Sh.
Sunil Singh Bandral, Chief Manager, Advertising
& Marketing, Take One Channel, Imtyaz Ahmed,
Assistant Director, Hospitality and Protocol,
J&K Govt. and four distinguished students
were felicitated on the occasion. Abdul Gani
Malik, termed the concept of Open and Distance
Education as a revolutionary one. He lauded the
initiative of IGNOU to reach to the rural and
tribal areas, low literacy areas, physically
challenged, jail inmates and Govt. and Non-Govt.
sectors, where education through conventional
system was not possible for many reasons. He
assured IGNOU Authorities of all possible help as
far as spreading Education to every corner of the
Region is concerned.
Regional Director,
K K Bhat, presented the Regional Centre report.
Slathia
for industrialisation in far flung areas
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Minister for Industries and
Commerce, S. S. Slathia assured that the
Government will continue to attach top priority
to the development of industrial sector within
the State and take all initiatives required to
promote industrialization that would pave way for
overall socio-economic development for the
benefit of the State. He was addressing the
officers of SICOP while reviewing the overall
performance of the Corporation during FY 2010-11.
Managing Director
SICOP, R.K. Razdan informed the Minister that
during the FY 2010-11, the Corporation has
achieved a total Business Turnover of Rs 651
crores that accounted for Total Income of Rs
16.50 crores and the Net Cash Surplus of Rs 3.52
crores had accrued during the said period.
S.S. Slathia
appreciated the highest ever financial
achievements of SICOP that had percolated benefit
to large segment of SSI sector within J&K
State and he emphasized upon the officers to
continue to work with same zeal so as to ensure
that the Corporation maintains its viable
financial stability in the coming period also.
He noted with
satisfaction that all the units of SICOP have
shown positive results and stressed upon the
management to further activate the District
offices, particularly located in the far flung
areas, so that the benefit of the State
Industrial Policy reaches to these remote areas
also. He also directed that SICOP should ensure
implementation of all the Projects in hand within
the stipulated timeframe provided by the
Government.
D D
Kashir to telecast ‘Kyuth yi du-reyar’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: The
shooting of DD serial for D D Kashir "Kyuth
yi du-reyar’’ concluded today. The
serial is focused on the ways and significance of
promoting high values of love, peace and
brotherhood among different sections of the
society.
The story of the
serial revolves round two families Akbar Khan
(Kamal Handoo) and Sarfaraz Beig (Vijay Dhar) who
want to retain their ego and they fight with each
other.
However two other
characters in the serial Dillawar and Shabnam try
to bring them closer and bridge the gap between
the two families.
The serial is
produced by Sunil Koul who is also its associate
director while it has been directed by Ravi
Tickoo.
The leading actors
in the serial include Arvin Tickoo, Shabnam,
Jitender Jyotshi, Saroj Tickoo, Kavita, Bansi
Mattoo, Satish Pajnoo, Kaounsar, Basher Ahmed,
Chand Ji, Ishan Khordi etc.
The Mahurat of the
serial was performed by Education Minister,
Peerzada Mohammed Syed with the debate
competition. The Minister on that occasion said
that Kashmiriyat is a strong weapon to fight
hatred and bringing peace and harmony in the
state that has undergone a traumatic phase of
violence during the past two decades.
During the
shooting resident J&K Media Art Association,
P N Pandita and general secretary JKPCC, Migrant
Cell, Hira Lal Pandita were also present.
Installation
of Traffic signal lights at Sainik
Colony demanded
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Former
Corporator Ward No 70,Sainik Colony Mrs Namrata
Sharma while addressing a meeting of the
residents of the area has demanded installation
of traffic Signal lights on National Highway at
Sainik Colony.
While appreciating
the Government decision to install 52 traffic
signal lights in Jammu Mrs Sharma said that the
Sainik Colony being one of the biggest colony of
the city be also considered for the installation
of the traffic signal light. She made an appeal
to the JMC and Traffic Department authorities in
this regard.
Congregation
at Chichi Mata on Apr 4
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: The
management committee of Pujya Chichi Mata Ji,
Samba, consisting of Akhil Bhartiya Chukarna,
Lakhotra, Pharaian, Basotra, Mansotra Brahmin
Biradari and Dabgotra Biradari is going to
celebrate Navratras at Devi Asthan on April 4,
2011.
Hoisting of flag
will be held at 9 am on April 4 and Kanya Poojan
at 9.30 am which would be followed by Navratra
Langar at 9.40 am till April 10. Prasad would be
distributed amongst all the devotees. All
Biradari members have been asked to participate
along with their families to get invoked
blessings of the deity.
Athwas
felicitates artists, writers Migration of Pandits
was tragedy for majority in Kashmir: Sagar
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Maintaining
that the migration of Pandits in 1989-90 was a
great tragedy for majority community in Kashmir,
Minister for Rural Development and Parliamentary
Affairs, Ali Mohammed Sagar, today said that
madness of some people and agencies was behind
the exodus of the minorities from Valley.
Addressing a
function in connection with celebration of Athwas
Day here today, the Minister said the migration
was a setback to Kashmiri culture and ethos. He
stressed on preservation of richness and age old
beauty of Kashmiri culture.
While lauding the
role of Athwas working in cultural field, he said
there is need of Athwas (joining hands) between
majority and minority communities in Valley and
expressed the hope that Athwas will take an onus
to itself in this regard.
While lauding the
role of artists Sagar became nostalgic and
recalled the role of the young artists of his
time in Kashmir who through stage framed the
Youth Federation during mid seventies and that
became a forceful youth movement in the State and
some amongst them are at present Ministers,
legislators and political leaders.
Mr Sagar while
recalling the role of his Party and its founder
leader Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah, said the late
leader was champion of secularism. Paying
tributes to Pushkar Bhan a legendary artist and
writer on whose achievements and life a film was
screened by Athwas on the occasion, he said that
till date no such programme like Pushkar
Bhan’s Zone Dab fame was ever produced by
Radio Kashmir Srinagar.
The Film was also
dedicated to this multifaceted personality.
The function was
presided over by Vijay Bakaya, MLC. He also
assured all help from the Government to the
organizations working for enrichment of culture
and expressed the hope that the Athwas will
celebrate this day in Kashmir next time.
Secretary Cultural
Academy Zafar Iqbal Manhas also spoke on the
occasion. The programme was organized in
collaboration of J&K Academy of Art Culture
and Languages.
On the occasion
Ksheminder Raina Memorial Awards were conferred
to Dr R L Shant, Farooq Nazki, P L Handoo, Bharti
Zaroo, N D Jamwal and Mushtaq Ali for their
outstanding contribution in the field of art,
culture and languages of the State.
In his address
Bihari Kak, president Athwas, said his
organization is planning to establish a mini
cultural center in the State to nourish and
preserve the richness of culture.
He also
highlighted the problems of artists and others
associated with art. He made a strong plea to DD
authorities Srinagar to release the payments of
displaced producers and artists. He alleged that
despite the requests to DD Srinagar regarding
release of these payments no concrete steps were
taken by them in this regard till date.
A colorful
cultural programme was also presented by the
budding artists. The vote of thanks was proposed
by Vijay Dhar, senior artist. The music was
composed by Kuldeep Saproo while song was
composed by Ravi Bhan and anchoring of programme
was done by Kusum Tickoo while Vinod Chopra was
programme coordinator.
Bhalla
inaugurates painting exhibition 'Paradise on
Earth'
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: An
artist mostly is driven by emotions that he
considers vital for his creative expression. For
a visual artist, the stimulus is mainly the
images that surround him and it is his
prerogative to re-interpret the selected images
and represent the same with a touch of
transformation and novelty.
This was stated by
the Minister for Revenue, Relief and
Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla after inaugurating
painting exhibition at 'Paradise on Earth' at
Kala Kendra organized by Sushma Sahni of Nanak
Nagar, here today.
Mr. Bhalla greeted
Mrs. Sahni and said in paintings there is sheer
love and memory of salubrious, ideality homeland
which remains sole inspiration and motivation for
her paintings. He said her semi-abstract
paintings in water colors and acrylic, using
different techniques including drip, splashes,
application thick impasto, bestow a poetic feel
to the subjects which are mainly landscapes, some
times with endless horizon.
The Minister said
the solo show of her paintings titled 'Paradise
on Earth': Outpouring emotions, which opened at
the Kala Kendra is a visual treat for the
spectators. Notwithstanding her being hearing and
speech impaired, her longing for Kashmir, finds
expression mostly as a kind of celebration of the
picturesque that many a times rises to sublimity.
Mr. Bhalla
appealed the younger generation to participate in
painting activities in a big way besides pursuing
academic education. He asked the teachers to
provide quality as well as moral education to the
students so that they become a good artist of the
country.
Additional
Secretary, Art, Culture and Languages, Savita
Bakshi, painting lovers, eminent personalities
and students were present on the occasion.
Later, the
Minister also visited Channi Rama and inspected
the ongoing construction works of Multipurpose
Community Hall, coming up at an estimated cost of
Rs. 80 lakh.
Court
rejects bail of accused in abetment to suicide
case
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Judicial
Magistrate R S Pura, Manjeet Rai today rejected
the bail application of seven accused allegedly
involved in abetment to suicide.
According to the
police case, Miran Sahib Police arrested Natha
Ram, Raj Kumar (both real brothers), Davinder
Kumar alias Thoba, Rajinder Kumar alias Billu,
Romesh Lal, Dev Raj and Rajinder Kumar alias
Pinku, all the residents of Tootray Tehsil RS
Pura on March 9, 2011 under Section 306/34 RPC.
It was submitted
that 18 year old daughter of accused Natha Ram
was allegedly abducted by one Mohan Lal, a
resident of Tootray and the accused party and
relatives of the abducted girl started
terrorizing and harassing the family members of
Mohan Lal forcing them to leave the village.
It was further
alleged that the son of the complainant namely
Sohan Lal committed suicide due to harassment and
terror meted out to him by 8 persons including
absconder Kalu Ram.
After hearing
Advocate D P Choudhary appearing for the
applicants and Senior PO Anil Dev Jamwal for the
State, the Court dismissed bail application of
the accused.
Woman
ends life;one killed, another injured in mishaps
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
Apr 2: A
woman ended her life by consuming poisonous
substance in Kulgam district while as one person
died and yet another was injured in road
accidents in Kashmir on Saturday.
A police spokesman
said that a lady (name with held) of Sanyadi
consumed some poisonous substance at her home,
falling under the jurisdiction of Police Station
Damhal Hanjipora, Kulgam. The lady was shifted to
SDH Damhal Hanjipora where she died. After
completing all legal formalities the body was
handed over to her legal heirs for last rites.
Police has registered a case in this regard.
Meanwhile, one
person died and another was injured in two
different road accidents in Kashmir valley.
A Tata Sumo
bearing registration number JK13-7453 driven by
Mohammad Rafeeq Parray son of Ghulam Hassan
resident of Gopalpora hit one girl namely
Sabreena Akhter daughter of Alif-u-Din Paswal
resident of Checki Wattoo at Checki Wattoo,
resulting in her on spot death. After completing
all legal formalities the body was handed over to
her legal heirs for last rites. The driver of the
vehicle was arrested and the vehicle was seized.
A Tipper bearing
registration number JK13-1714 collided with a
Honda City Car bearing registration number
DL2CM-4855 on National Highway at Sanat Nagar
Chowk, resulting in injuries to car driver
Mohammad Ashraf Rather son of Abdul Rehman
resident of Rambagh Srinagar. Both the vehicles
were damaged in the incident. The injured was
hospitalized.
Truck
load of liquor seized
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar,
Apr 2: In its continuous drive against
narcotic smugglers, drug peddlers and
bootleggers, Kulgam police today achieved a major
success by seizing a truckload of liquor at
Qaimoh.
A police spokesman
said that during the intervening night of April 1
and 2 a special naka was laid at Qaimoh and
police signalled truck bearing registration
number JK08A-4257 to stop for checking, but the
driver on seeing the police party stopped the
truck at a distance and fled away from the spot
taking advantage of darkness. On checking the
vehicle it was found that 3816 bottles of
Bagpiper and Officer Choice Whisky were stacked
in the truck. During the scrutiny of documents it
was found that challan purported to contain 106
sacks of Potatoes but during checking only 30
sacks were found in the vehicle which had been
loaded in the rear to conceal the liquor and to
avoid suspicion and checking by the Police.
HC’s
directive to SSP Kathua
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: In
a habeas corpus petition filed by one Parasram of
village Bhatwal in Kathua district alleging that
his daughter was kidnapped by the private
respondents on pistol point on March 3, 2011,
State High Court Jammu Wing directed the SSP
Kathua to locate the girl and produce her in the
court on next date.
After hearing
Advocate HC Jalmeria and perusal of documents
placed on record, Justice J P Singh observed,
"the Court is satisfied that the
petitioner’s daughter aged 16 years is in
illegal custody of private respondents Kamal
Kishore and six others", adding
"despite registration of FIR, the police
does not appear to have taken steps to recover
her".
With these
observations, the Court issued notice to State
through Commissioner/ Secretary Home, IGP Jammu
Range, SSP Kathua, SHO Police Station Billawar
and private respondents. In the meantime, the
Court directed SSP Kathua to see the
petitioner’s daughter was located and
produced in the Court on the next date.
3
Private Bills withdrawn in LC
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Apr 2: As
many as 3 Private members Bills moved in the
Upper House today were withdrawn following
assurances by the Government.
A Bill to amend
the Jammu and Kashmir Code of Criminal Procedure,
Svt 1989 (L.C. Private Member's Bill No. 3 of
2011) moved by Naresh Kumar Gupta and A Bill to
amend the Jammu and Kashmir Code of Criminal
Procedure, Svt 1989 (1933 A.D) (L.C. Private
Member's Bill No.4 of 2011) moved by Murtaza
Ahmad Khan were withdrawn after Minister for Law,
Justice & Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad
Sagar assured the House that Government intends
to bring in a comprehensive legislation on the
subject which encompasses the amendments moved by
the members.
A Bill to provide
for making provisions to protect the interest of
farmers in the State and for matters connected
therewith and incidental thereto (L.C Private
Member's Bill No. 6 of 2011) moved by Ajay Kumar
Sadhotra was also withdrawn after Minister for
Medical Education, R. S. Chib gave a resume of
the steps being taken by the Government for the
welfare of the farmer community.
Police
Public School inaugurated
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI,
Apr 2: DIG
Rajouri Poonch Range (Administrative officer
Police-Public School Rajouri) Rajesh Kumar along
with SSP Rajouri Anand Jain inaugurated newly
established Police Public School at District
Police Lines here. More than 50 other civil
dignitaries including Deputy Commissioner
Rajouri, and parents of kids were present on the
occasion.
The Police Public
School has been initially started from Nursery to
5th. Till date 46 Children have sought their
admission in different classes. Well qualified
staff selected through a high panel committees
consisting of DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range, Chief
Education Officer Rajouri and Sr. Superintendent
of Police Rajouri has been appointed to provide
value based education to the children.
The aim of opening
the school is to provide quality education to the
children of police personnel, police martyrs and
children of far flung areas. The prominent of
Rajouri town appreciated the role of Police for
taking keen interest to maintain relation with
public by providing such type educational
opportunity to the public of district Rajouri.
Chhari
Mubarak for Purmandal taken out
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Chhari
Mubarak for holy shrine of Purmandal was taken
out from Ranbireshwar Mandir here this morning.
Hundreds of people accompanied the Chhari
Mubarak.
The arrangements
for the Charri Mubarak were made by J&K
Dharmarth Trust chairman, Dr Karan Singh. The
sacred yatra is undertaken every year on Chaiter
Choudashi before commencement of Navratras.
The holy mace was
led by Mahant Rishi Ban Ji, Mahant Ranbireshwar
Temple, Shalamar, amidst chanting of Vedic
Mantras and slogans. As yatra left the Shiv
Mandir the slogans Har Har Mahadev rented the
air.
On the occasion
special pooja was performed by president of the
Dharmarth Trust Thakur Divakar Singh along with
secretary of the Trust, Ms Vijay Gandotra. Former
Minister Th. Gulchain Singh Charak was also
present on the occasion.
Bar
accords farewell to CJ
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Bar
Association Jammu (BAJ) today in grand function
organised at District Court Complex, Janipur gave
warm farewell to Chief Justice of State High
Court, Justice Aftab Hussain Saikia before his
laying the robes (demitting office).
On the occasion,
Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla, Justice Virender
Singh, Justice J P Singh, Justice Sunil Hali and
Justice Hasnain Masoodi were present.
Addressing the
gathering B S Slathia, President of Bar
Association welcomed the Chief Justice and Judges
of High Court to the farewell function organized
by the Bar while upholding its age old rich
traditions.
He acknowledged,
appreciated and praised the rich qualities of
head and heart of the outgoing Chief Justice,
besides a human being par excellence. He further
appreciated the outgoing Chief Justice for always
being responsive to the concerns of the Bar
Association and taking steps for elevating the
status of the institution.
Chief Justice, in
his address, appreciated and praised the
co-operation extended by the members of the Bar
Association Jammu during his tenure in the
dispensation of administration of justice. He
also appreciated the persuasive capacity of the
Jammu lawyers particularly the young lawyers
while arguing cases in the courts.
All the office
bearers of the Bar Association Jammu including
Young Lawyers Association presented memento to
the outgoing Chief Justice.
M U Salaria, Vice
President, BAJ presented vote of thanks where as
Vikram Sharma, general secretary conducted the
proceedings.
Among others
present in the function were J R Kotwal,
Registrar General High Court, A K Shan, Principal
Session Judge, Jammu, Aslam Goni, former Advocate
General, V K Grover, President, Tax Bar
Association.
3
members stage walk-out in Council
PDP member alleges backdoor
appointment of MP’s son
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: People’s
Democratic Party member Murtaza Khan today raised
the issue of alleged back-door appointment of the
son of MP Mohd Shafi in the Sports Council and
maintained that his issues for which he had
proposed discussions were ignored by the
‘chair’ only to shield the
Parliamentarian.
The issue was
raised by the PDP legislator immediately after
the House commenced today’s business. He
pointed out that he had requested for the half an
hour discussion on the two important issues and
also forwarded the short notice questions about a
month back, but the chair ignored his plea. He
termed it as conspiracy and attempt to protect MP
Mohd Shafi whose son was appointed through
backdoor in the Sports Council. He alleged that
he had earlier been also appointed through back
door and his appointment was cancelled by the
Court.
Mr Khan lodged his
protest and moved into the well and after raising
allegations staged walk-out from the House. Two
more members Sayed Rafiq Shah from NPP and Haji
Ali Mohd Bhat also staged walk out from the House
after they were not allowed to express their
views on the concluding day of the Budget Session
by the Dy Chairman, Arvinder Singh.
The PDP MLC
Murtaza Khan again staged walked out of the House
after the Government failed to respond to the
supplementary of the Member on the locks put on a
mosque in Jammu by some people. The two other PDP
members Asgar Ali and Nizam-ud-Din Khatana who
also followed Mr Khan, however, returned from the
door with the intervention and assurance of the
Law Minister Ali Mohd Sagar.
The issue was
raised by Congress MLA Subhash Chander Gupta
regarding the illegal occupation./encroachment of
Hindi shrines in the State. Naresh Gupta raised
the question regarding illegal encroachment by
some influential politicians at Ved Mandir and
also around Mahamaya temple in Bahu Range and
sought action from the Government. Asgar Ali also
raised the question and alleged that a senior
retired bureaucrat has put a lock on a mosque
near DC office in Jammu and whether Government
will take cognizance. The Minister of State for
Haj and Auqaf N A Wani assured that Government
will look into the matter.
Kawa
College organizes seminar on "anti
corruption"
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
Apr 2: Kawa
Institute of Management and Technology in
collaboration with Anti Corruption Directly
(India) here today organized seminar on
"anti corruption in which the speakers
highlighted the menace of corruption.
On the occasion,
Abdul Gani Malik, Minister for Higher Education,
Labour and Employment was the chief guest.
While speaking,
speakers highlighted the menace of corruption in
various sectors of the society and also suggested
methods to curb the same. They said that
corruption is a deep rooted disease which is
increasing day by day and is affecting the
overall development of the country.
Abdul Gani Malik
in his speech stressed upon to organize such kind
of events at different levels to aware the
public. He also appreciated the efforts of the
college for organizing this event.
MS Katoch also
spoke on the occasion and highlighted his views
on the topic.
Atlast, Raman
Sharma presented vote of thanks.
Others present
were Anjana Bovouria, Center Head, Dr Anita Bali,
Priya Raina, Moksha Sharma, Amandeep Kour, Bharat
Singh and Rakesh Arora.
6050
selections made by PSC just in 3 years : Rather
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu,
Apr 2: J&K
Public Service Commission (PSC) is an autonomous
body, which makes selections to gazetted posts of
different departments in a transparent and
systematic manner.
This was stated by
Minister for Finance, Abdul Rahim Rather while
replying the discussion on functioning of PSC in
Legislative Council today.
The Minister said
the organisation also conducts DPCs for promotion
to gazetted posts in strict observance of
gazetted cadre rules in vogue in the respective
departments, adding it also conducts departmental
examinations for the employees before their
promotions.
Mr. Rather said
the PSC regularly conducts examination for
Combined Civil Service Officers, which he said
consists of three parts-prelims, mains and
interview. There is fixed criteria for these
examinations, he said, adding while the prelims
is simply screening test, mains examination
carries 1950 marks and the interview 250. The
selection is made on the basis of marks fetched
by the aspirants in mains and interview, he said
while ruling out scope for any interference.
The Minister said
there is no precedence to publish the marks
obtained by the aspirants at prelims stage, as it
is mere screening. It has neither bearing with
the overall merit of the candidates nor any
weightage for final selection.
He said ten
thousand candidates were provided marks
certificates by the Commission within 5 days. He
said that no member of PSC is involved with the
selection process if he has close relative like
son, daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, etc
appearing for interview. This, he said, is done
to rule out any chance of nepotism.
Mr. Rather said
during last three years, the PSC has made 6050
selections as compared to 3506 selections from
2000-07. He said the coalition Government
activated the prestigious recruitment institution
to ensure that the posts referred to it are
filled up speedily.
He said the
organization selected 398 Combined Civil Service
officers in a record shortest possible time by
working even during summer un-rest last year. He
said transparency and credibility are the
hallmarks of the recruitment organization.
Earlier, NC member
Ajay Sadhotra stressed for transparency and
proper procedure for the appointments and
recruitment process in the PSC. Murtaza Khan, M R
Qureshi, K N Suhrawardy, Rafiq Shah and Sheikh
Ghulam Rasool also participated in discussion.
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