Governor
calls for revival of reading habit
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
July 17 : N.
N. Vohra, Governor, has emphasized the need for
all the required measures being taken for
effective revival of the reading habit and
promotion of the best books on all subjects and
in all languages.
The Governor, as
chief guest, was addressing at the inaugural
function of the 7-day long book exhibition
organized by the National Book Trust, India, in
collaboration with Urdu Akadmi Jammu and Kashmir
at the SP College here last evening.
The Governor
stressed the need for adequate importance being
given for the promotion of Urdu and other
languages. He urged the National Book Trust to
publish the notes in Urdu which were exchanged
between the then Education Minister, Maulana Abul
Kalam Azad, and other eminent national leaders
during the debates in the Constituent Assembly
and Parliament and republish the very useful
books which were brought out by the Trust in the
earlier years and are no longer available.
Referring to his
several meetings with the functionaries of Urdu
Akadmi Jammu Kashmir, the Governor, who is the
Chancellor of the Kashmir and Jammu Universities,
said that he would soon be having a meeting with
the Ministers for Higher Education and School
Education, Vice Chancellors of Kashmir and Jammu
Universities, Commissioners /Secretaries of
Higher Education and School Education
Departments, besides the representatives of the
Urdu Akadmi, to discuss ways and means for
promotion of Urdu language in the State. He said
that, though perhaps no more than a symbolic
gesture, the Raj Bhawan has had all the sign
boards in its Secretariat also written in Urdu.
The Governor
released three books, one each in English, Urdu
and Hindi, brought out by the National Book Trust
on this occasion.
Later, the
Governor inaugurated the book exhibition. He went
around the exhibition hall and evinced keen
interest in the titles at display.
Peerzada Mohammad
Sayeed, Minister for School Education, speaking
on the occasion, said that books are very
important companions of any individual and these
have no substitute for acquiring knowledge. He
said that all out efforts are being made to
promote reading culture in the State and called
upon the intellectuals, academicians and writers
to supplement these efforts to secure the desired
results.
The State Chief
Information Commissioner, G. R. Sufi said that
language is not only a medium of expression but
it represents the cultural heritage of the
people. Referring to Urdu language, he said that
all the communities in the country have
contributed towards its growth and promotion. He
added that Urdu is not only official language but
also a link language of the State.
Syed Haider M
Rizvi, representative of the National Book Trust,
Javed Matjee, Secretary General, Urdu Akadmi
Jammu and Kashmir and the Principal of the SP
College, Prof. Zahoor Ahmad Chatt also spoke on
the occasion.
BJP
Prabharis meet suspended MLAs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: The
newly appointed Prabharis of BJP for J&K,
Jagdish Mukhi and Dr Anil Jain today held one by
one meeting with four suspended MLAs of the party
out of seven, to ascertain their views afresh on
April 14 cross voting by them in the Legislative
Council elections.
The four suspended
MLAs were Prof Garu Ram, Jagdish Raj Sapolia,
Baldev Raj Sharma and Durga Dass. Each MLA held a
close door meeting with Prabharis.
Earlier while
addressing a press conference along with BJP
state president Shamsher Singh Manhas the two
Prabharis had indicated that they will like to
meet every one including the common man to have a
feed back on the prevailing situation in the
State and the party.
"We are
meeting common people in the State to carve out
fresh strategy. We are meeting party activists to
get a first hand information on various opinions
on different subjects confronting the
party", Mukhi said.
"We also held
meetings with Party's Core Group, senior leaders,
state office bearers, MLAs, district and Morcha
presidents at the party headquarters, where they
briefed about the ongoing programmes on the
issues of corruption, black money and price
rise," he said.
On the alleged
cross-voting in Legislative Council elections,
Mukhi said he will gather information from the
"horse's mouth" on this issue.
On whether there
will be any reconciliatory move by the BJP to
rope in the suspended MLAs, he said, "We
will be able to tell you after hearing opinions
of all. You are posing this question to an
outsider who is new to J&K".
Farooq,
Sagar inaugurate SARAS Mela
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
July 17:
The Union Minister for New and Renewable
Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah along with Minister for
Rural Development, Panchayti Raj, Law, Justice
and Parliamentary Affairs Ali Mohammad Sagar
today inaugurated 56th SARAS Mela at Exhibition
ground here.
The 13-day SARAS
Mela is being organized by Rural Development
Department, in which 178 stalls have been
installed by various self help groups of 22
States of the country. The products showcased by
different States in the exhibition include
handicrafts, food items, handlooms and furniture
and furnishing items.
Speaking on the
occasion, Dr. Farooq highlighted the need of
organizing such type of Melas which he said go a
long way in providing the artisans the much
needed market and also serve as forum of exchange
of ideas between the artists of different States
of the country.
Dr. Farooq said by
these types of fairs, the artisans as well as the
costumers get benefitted as the goods sold are at
much lower cost than the market prize and the
concept of middle man and commissioned agents is
also done away with.
Mr. Sagar while
speaking on the occasion said that it has been
endeavour of the rural development to provide the
artisans better facilities for promoting and
selling their goods. "By making more self
help groups we are trying to provide much needed
employment to the people living in rural, urban
areas as well as promote the local and indigenous
art and handicraft," he added.
Hospital
Development
Committee discusses
various issues
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: A
meeting of the Hospital Development Committee of
SMGS Hospital, Jammu was convened today under the
chairmanship of Minister for Medical Education,
Youth Services and Sports R. S. Chib and MLA
Jammu East Ashok Khajuria to discuss various
issues pertaining to up-gradation of the building
besides making available more facilities to the
patients and their attendants.
The Minister and
MLA reviewed the works completed during the year
2010-11 in the hospital and issued instructions
to the Executive Engineer Civil to complete the
remaining works of the hospital at the earliest.
The Minister was
apprised of the problems being faced by the
hospital administration. It said that the two
existing waiting halls are in very shabby
condition and requires upgradation. The Minister
assured for providing sufficient funding for the
renovation of the existing waiting hall and
construction of new one. MLA announced Rs 6 lakh
from his Constituency Development Fund for
upgradation of existing waiting hall, auditorium
and purchase of two new ambulances for the
hospital. The Executive Engineer was directed to
start the works with immediate effect.
Other issues
discussed included repair and
renovation/upgradation of Auditorium, enhancement
in Medical Slip, visitor pass, replacement of
private security with SPOs of Police department,
New sun-shades for hospital, demolition of old
staff quarters and construction of new staff
quarters, shortage of doctors and para medical
staff etc.
Principal Medical
College Dr. Rajinder Singh, HOD ENT Dr. Aniece
Chowdhary, Medical Superintendent SMGS Hospital
Romesh Gupta, Deputy Medical Superintendent Dr.
Dara Singh and other concerned officers and
doctors attended the meeting.
PDD
employees threaten to go on strike
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
July 17:
The Electrical Employees Union (EEU) of Power
Development Department (PDD) has threatened to go
on indefinite strike from July 25 in case their
demands are not met immediately.
In a statement, a
spokesman of EEU said that a meeting of the union
was held under the chairmanship of Abdul Salam
Rajpori. He said that employees have already
presented a charter of demands to the Government,
adding that these have not been conceded by the
Government so far.
"The
Government should immediately release the arrears
under the sixth pay commission recommendations,
regularize services of daily wagers and increase
the age of superannuation from 58 to 60 years. We
have set a time frame of July 25 and in case the
demands are not met by that time we would go on
with an indefinite strike," said the
spokesman.
'Kabab
Mein Haddi' staged in Natrang's Sunday Theatre
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: In
its weekly theatre series 'Sunday Theatre',
Natrang presented Hindustani adaptation of
Balwant Gargi's famous play 'Kabab Mein Haddi'.
The play was directed by Neeraj Kant.
On the occasion,
Natrang director Balwant Thakur informed that
Natrang is going to present a new children's play
'Khichdi' written and directed by Sumeet Sharma
on July 20, at Police Auditorium.
'Kabab Mein Haddi'
as the name suggests is a story of one intruder
between two lovers. Naseem and Safdar are two
college friends. Naseem is in love with Jameela.
Both are post-graduate students studying in a
University. Jameela is putting-up in the girls
hostel whereas Naseem and Safdar are living in a
rented accommodation. Despite having engaged they
hardly find any space and avenue to meet each
other to share their feelings. Jameela's hostel
warden is very strict and hardly allows her to
move out and this side, Naseem's sticky friend
Safdar hardly leaves him alone. Both have been
shown making attempts to meet each other but in
vain.
Mustering courage
and pulling in all resources they plan their
outing on Friendship day. The movement they
step-out, Safdar makes his un-wanted entry and
offers to escort them throughout their outing.
Both try to convenience him that they can move on
their own but this foolish friend is not ready to
buy their arguments and forcefully accompanies
them. The real comedy unveils here when Safdar
spoils their every precious moment by intruding
between them by creating funny situations.
This super comedy
was presented in a very beautiful manner by the
young actors of Natrang. Rahul Singh as 'Naseem',
Sunil Bhardwaj as 'Safdar' and Sajra Qadir as
'Jameela' played their respective characters with
professional ease. Neeraj Kant executed the
lights. The show was coordinated by Mohd. Yaseen
and Sumeet Sharma did the presentations.
Dr David
delivers lecture on chemical research at JU
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: To
celebrate the International Year of
Chemistry-2011, the Department of Chemistry,
University of Jammu (JU), organised guest lecture
on "Chemical Research: Power of Combined
Techniques in Analysis Methods" here today.
Dr David A
Harkins, Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, USA, was
the resource person on the occasion. He spoke
about his ongoing research work in the field of
Uranium enrichment and elaborated on the various
analytical techniques used in the research. He
also highlighted the various aspects used in
chemical research and combined techniques in
analysis methods during the lecture. He stressed
on modern techniques and advised the
scholars/students to enrich their potential in
the field of chemical research by going through
different research work across the world.
Prof Meena Sharma,
Head, Department of Chemistry, presided over the
lecture. In her address, she highlighted Dr
David's contribution in field of chemical
research. She also expressed her gratitude to Dr
David for delivering such an informative lecture
at University of Jammu.
Large number of
students and scholars besides faculty members
attended the lecture.
Appoint
SC candidate as PSC member: Piran Ditta
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17:
All J&K Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha has
demanded appointment of a Scheduled Caste member
to the J&K Public Service Commission and
preparation of seniority list of SC employees as
per the roster.
Addressing a press
conference here today, state president of the
Sabha Piran Ditta urged the Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah to intervene personally and appoint a SC
member to the Public Service Commission. He said
after the retirement of R L Bharti as member PSC,
the post has fallen vacant. An able and highly
qualified member from the community be inducted
as PSC member.
The Sabha leader
further pointed out that in the recently prepared
seniority list of KAS officers, the SC members
have been placed at the bottom. This will deprive
SC members of their promotional opportunities.
Pirna Ditta also stressed for revamping of SC,ST,
OBC Development Corporation. He said this
Corporation was established for the
socio-economic development and educational
upliftment of these communities but the
functioning of the organization was not good and
its officials were least bothered about the
welfare of the target groups.
The Corporation is
without the Board of Directors for the last so
many years and the officials are unable to launch
various welfare schemes and take some decisions.
In the absence of
Board lot of Central funds are being surrendered
and the communities suffering.
The Sabha taking
serious note of these issues sought the
intervention of the Chief Minister in this
regard. General secretary of the Sabha Raj Kumar
was also present.
Mahesh
posted as SHO Domana
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: SSP
Jammu Anand Jain today ordered posting of
Inspector Mahesh Sharma as SHO Domana police
station against a vacancy.
The vacancy had
arisen after the shifting of range of Inspector
Devinder Singh from Jammu-Kathua to Doda-Ramban.
Mr Sharma took the
charge of Domana police station today.
Malik
launches GDC Paloura website
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17:
Minister for Higher Education and Labour and
Employment Abdul Gani Malik today launched the
website of Government Degree College Paloura
www.gdcpaloura.com at a simple but impressive
function.
Speaking on the
occasion, the Minister said that Government
Degree College Paloura is a newly established
College and become one amongst a few colleges in
J&K those who have their websites. He
informed that all the Government colleges would
have their website soon in the State, adding that
website provides all sort of information to the
viewers regarding the college administration,
faculty, games, fees etc.
He said that
coalition Government headed by Chief Minister
Omar Abdullah was committed to provide better
education facilities to the State especially in
far-flung areas, adding that various Degree
Colleges have already been established in the
State to meet this goal.
Malik said that he
was very happy to see the progress made by the
college in recent years and also promised all
possible help with regard to infrastructural
development of the college.
The Minister also
appreciated the efforts made by the Principal
GDC, Prof. (Dr.) Heema Aggarwal for the
development of college in a very short period.
Rotary
Club distributes stationery
material among students
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: Rotary
club and its ladies wing Innerwheel Club, held a
mega camp in the rural village Dhoke Waziran,
near Nagrota to look after the three service
avenues of health, hunger and education.
The camp was the
initiative of Raman Wazir, who is also the
Sarpanch of the village, while as Rotarians in
large numbers were also present. More than 1000
notebooks and other stationery items including
black boards were distributed among the students.
On the occasion more than 50 ornamental trees
were planted on the event of Van Mahautsav,
around the Panchayat Ghar.
Nearly 200 trees
of different varieties were also distributed
among the villagers to make the village
environmentally healthy.
While speaking,
Aseem Tandon, president, promised that the
education related supplies will continue through
out the year to the students of the village.
Among others
present were Dushyant Chowdhry, Sunil Jain, Raman
Sherpuri, Atul Modi, Subash Gandotra, Jaswant
Rai, PS Jaggi, Joginder Abrol, BB Jolly, K Rai,
Vikas Gupta, Moninder Kukreja, Jatinder Gandhok,
VK Tandon and Vikas Mahajan, assistant Governor.
From Innerwheel
members Navneet Kukreja, president, Preeti
Gandhok, Dr Shivani chowdhry, Anita jolly, along
with Veena Tandon and Dr Santosh Gupta were also
present.
Bhalla
inaugurates tube well at Greater Kailash
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17:
Minister for Revenue, Relief and
Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla on Sunday inaugurated
325 meter deep drill 25000 gallon discharge
capacity tube well, commissioned at an estimated
cost of Rs.79.10 lakh.
After inaugurating
the tube well, Mr. Bhalla addressed a large
gathering and said that with the commissioning of
tube well, a populace of 13500 souls of Greater
Kailash and its adjoining areas would get relief
from drinking water scarcity. He asked the
Economic Reconstruction Agency to immediately
start the laying of water supply pipes in
uncovered areas of lane No.55 and lane No 56. He
informed that the Government has earmarked Rs. 2
crore for the project including laying of water
supply pipes, restoration of road and other
allied works. He asked the executing agency to
complete all the allied works within one month so
that the adequate drinking water facilities could
also be provided to the residents of lane No. 55
and No 56.
The Minister said
that the Government is making all out efforts to
develop every corner of the State on modern
lines, adding that there is no constraint of
funds in providing all basic utilities to the
people across the State.
Responding to the
local demands, the Minister assured the residents
of Greater Kailash and Sainik Colony that the
left out areas which comes under Samba district
would also be included in Jammu Municipal
Corporation. For the convenience of the people,
he informed that Government has submitted a
detailed project report to Central Government for
construction of Kunjwani-Sainik Colony linked
double-lane fly over, adding the project would be
started soon after Centre's nod.
Later, at Nanak
Nagar, Sector No. 13, Mr. Bhalla conducted a
public darbar and listened development related
demands of the people residing in Sector-7, 8, 10
and 13 which included construction of tube well,
up-gradation of lanes and drains, regular
sanitation and replacement of existing
transformer with a higher capacity. Mr. Bhalla
also attended a function organized by Child Line
1098 at Gandhi Nagar where he was the chief
guest.
The Minister
assured the residents that their genuine demands
would be redressed in a phased manner.
On the occasion,
the Minister donated one ambulance to Child Line
1098 for providing transport services to slum
children.
Open
colleges at Majalta, Chenani: NPP
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR,
July 17:
The J&K National Panthers Party has
demanded opening of Degree College at Majalta and
Chenani tehsils of Udhampur district.
In a press
statement issued here today, NPP leader and MLA
Ramnagar Harshdev Singh strongly criticized the
State Government for its policy of neglect and
deprivation of district Udhampur represented by
opposition and sought early opening of Degree
colleges in Majalta and Chenani.
He said that the
biased approach of State Government towards
district Udhampur has evoked strong resentment
among the general masses of the area who are up
in arms against the ruling Ministers. They are
gearing up for the massive agitation.
Mr Singh said that
Government should either announce colleges for
both these tehsils or get ready to face the
public wrath. He called upon the public to be
prepared for the peaceful agitation against
delinquent ministers. NPP leader said that both
Majalta and Chenani fulfill the eligibility
criteria and feasibility requirements for opening
colleges. He alleged that UGC had sanctioned
colleges for Udhampur but Minister for Higher
Education Abdul Ghani Malik wrongfully shifted it
to his native village in Reasi district,
violating the eligibility criteria.
Clerical
Staff body to stay away from July 18 prog
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: The
Jammu, Kashmir & Ladakh All Departments
Clerical Staff Association has resolved to stay
away from JCC’s July 18 program being held
at Srinagar.
In a meeting of
the clerical body held here today under the
leadership of Sukhbir Singh Sudan, Ravi Singh
Bhau, Ravi Kumar and Ravi Razdan , the members
outrightly rejected the ‘Secretariat
Chalo’ program of the JCC in Srinagar
tomorrow. They said their organization has
nothing to do with the programme. They said that
EJAC is not a single body and there were several
such committees. They said that employees should
not be misled by the statement of a Jammu based
so called clerical employees’ leader. They
have demanded that government should remove the
pay anomalies of the cadre besides releasing pay
arrears.
Others present in
the meeting included R P Sharma, C L Koul, Anoop
Sharma, Udhay Chand, Hamid Hussain, Kuldeep
Kotwal, Kamlesh Dutta, Anita Sharma, Kirpal
Singh, Onkar Sharma, Sarita Wadhera and Birbal.
10 injured
in separate incidents
19-yrs old girl commits suicide
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: A
19-years-old girl today allegedly committed
suicide while two allegedly attempted to end
their lives by consuming some poisonous substance
at their respective residences.
Ten persons were
also injured in separate incidents and shifted to
Government Medical College and Hospital here for
treatment.
A police spokesman
said that Shallu Choudhary, daughter of Babli Ram
of Sai Khurd under the jurisdiction of Arnia
police station allegedly consumed some poisonous
substance at her home. She was shifted to R S
Pura hospital by family members when spotted in
unconscious condition. Later, doctors referred
her to GMC by seeing her deteriorating condition,
where she breathed her last.
The body was
handed over the legal heirs after legal
formalities for last rites.
The spokesman
added that two other persons were also referred
to GMC after they allegedly consumed some
poisonous substance at their respective
residences.
They have been
identified as Krishna Lal, son of Laju Ram of
Mongri, Udhampur and Gulshan, son of Badu Ram of
Kotli Mian Fathey, R S Pura.
Reportedly, they
were responding to the treatment when the reports
last came in.
Meanwhile, ten
persons were shifted to GMC for treatment after
sustaining injuries in different incidents at
different places in Jammu city and its outskirts.
They have been identified as Shashi Pal (40), son
of Mangal Ram of Pargwal, Kuldeep Raina (47), son
of Tulsi Ram of Lamberi, Sunderbani, Tilak Raj
(51), son of Nand Lal of Khour, Raj Kumar, son of
Bhopinder Singh of Bihar, presently at Muthi
Maira, Riya (15), daughter of Ram Chander Gupta
of Daulatpur, Kanpur, Prinka Devi (13) daughter
of Khusi Ram and Khushi Ram (32), son of Dhuni
Chand, both residents of Kishtwar, Sanjay (23),
son of Chander Paul of Bari Brahmana, Ram Vir
(21), son of Ram Bhajan of UP, presently at Samba
working in a factory, and Ajay Kumar (16), son of
Pritam Chand of Raiper Satwari.
They were
responding to the treatment when the reports last
came in.
Police has
registered the cases at respective police
stations and initiated enquiries.
3-day
workshop on micro finance concludes
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: A
three-day workshop on micro finance with special
focus on Self Help Groups and Farmer clubs JLG
and KCC, which was inaugurated by M L Sukhdeve,
CGM, NABARD on Thursday, concluded today.
The General
Manager NABARD, V V Satyanarayana was the chief
guest on concluding function. He, while
addressing a group of lead district managers and
other officers from J&K and HP, laid special
emphasis to enhance flow of credit to micro areas
under the ambit of PS lending by the Bank.
Mr Satyanarayana
had interactive session with the participants and
got feedback and gave numerous clarifications. He
was happy to note that a group of over 40 senior
officials of State Bank had gone to far flung
villages situated at Indo-Pak border to gain
experience and urged all the participants to
redouble their efforts to help rural poor in
general and overall enhancing share in
agriculture lending in particular to achieve 18
per cent national bench mark of total bank
credit.V P Sharma AGM SBI from LHO Chandigarh
assured that the team is fully pumped up and
desired end will definitely be achieved very
shortly. Harkesh Katoch official incharge
provided material of expected role to all the
participants which is in vogue as per the Lead
Bank scheme guidelines.
Transport
sector remains neglected: Gupta
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: State
Secretaries of People's Democratic Party Bharat
Bhushan Gupta and Hussain Ali Wafa have strongly
condemned the callous attitude of State
Government towards the transport sector,
particularly in hilly regions of Jammu province.
After an extensive
tour of the districts of Rajouri, Poonch, Jammu,
Samba and Kathua, the senior PDP leaders said
that the coalition Government has left the
Passenger Transport Department to the mercy of
weather and God as no monitoring or regulatory
provision is in place. They said that Government
has limited its role to issuing customary
statements of condolences when some major
accidents take place.
Mr Gupta, who is
also president of Jammu-Poonch Bus Service
Association, said that Government's attitude
towards the transport sector smacks of
vindictiveness even as lives of thousands of
daily passengers are at stake.
The mess at
General Bus Stand of Jammu is always in the shape
of a massive tragedy in making, he warned. Mr
Gupta said that during his tour of five of the
ten districts of Jammu province, he found that
the Regional Transport Offices are completely
understaffed and this situation has taken the
transport industry to hostage. He said ARTO
offices at Rajouri and Kathua are at verge of
shutdown in view of complete lack of staff.
Govt
neglecting people's aspirations: PDP
Excelsior Correspondent
BILLAWAR,
July 17:
People's Democratic Party (PDP) exhorted its
workers to come out on streets to expose misdeeds
of National Conference led coalition in the State
as it has failed to come up to the expectation of
the people.
Addressing a
meeting at Billawar, general secretary of PDP,
Thakur Balbir Singh said that State has been
plunged into chaos as Chief Minister Omar
Abdullah has failed to identify himself with the
common people of the State.
He said that
failure of the Government to connect itself with
the people would have serious repercussions in
future as alienation of masses has been
increasing with every passing day.
Calling upon the
party workers to educate the masses about the
misdeeds of this Government, PDP general
secretary said that those ruling the State were
not aware of the aspirations of the people due to
their distances with the common masses.
PDP leader further
said that it was all due to the wrong policies of
this regime that miseries of the people have been
increased manifold since formation of this
regime.
Krishna
Nagar residents’ plea to JMC
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: The
inhabitants of Krishna Nagar today urged the
Municipal Commissioner to visit in their locality
to inspect the dilapidated lanes and demanded
immediate desilting of the nallah at various
places.
The inhabitants in
a meeting today demanded immediate desilting of
the nallah, so that it may not get flooded during
the rainy season, creating problems for them.
They urged the
Municipal Commissioner to direct his engineering
staff to get the dilapidated tiles replaced and
also initiate necessary steps for the repairing
of the drains and lanes.
Soz
hopes India, Pak to announce series of CBMs
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
July 17:
President of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh
Congress Committee (JKPCC) Prof. Saif-ud-din Soz
today hoped that India and Pakistan will announce
a series of confidence building measures (CBMs)
after forthcoming Foreign Ministerial talks to be
held next week at New Delhi.
While addressing
public rallies in the Budgam district, Soz said
that the civil society in Pakistan is in favour
of friendly relations with India.
"In fact
Pakistani civil society has identified CBMs.
These CBMs can bring relief to the people and
help in easing the tension, he said."
Soz said these
CBMs include relaxation in visa regime,
establishment of Indo-Pak parliamentary forum,
promotion of trade between the two countries and
unrestricted air travel.
"I have been
informed about these CBMs by my friends in
Pakistan and following this I have taken up the
issue with Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and
Home Minister, P. Chidambaram. These are small
but significant steps in bringing the two
countries and the people living in these
countries closer, the PCC chief said."
Soz said that both
the internal and external dialogue would be
strengthened in the days to come. "These
would help in easing the tension. And peace alone
can guarantee life with dignity for the people of
the state, he added."
"I am very
much hopeful and optimistic that the dialogue
between New Delhi and Islamabad; and New Delhi
and Srinagar would gain momentum. All these
attempts are aimed to bring the people of Kashmir
out of trouble, Soz said."
PHE Minister Taj
Mohi-ud-din along with some other Congress
leaders also addressed the gatherings.
Jagati
migrants list demands
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: Jagati
inmates in a meeting today has urged the
Government to solve their demands.
The meeting
demanded that the shopkeepers who were running
their shops in different camps be allotted shops
at Jagati; round the clock power supply to camp;
payment of electricity bills by Government;
establishment of four ration depots; allotment of
fire wood for cremation of dead bodies;
construction of cremation ground; posting of
staff in health centers; establishment of police
post, K oil depot, plantation of parks along main
road, providing of transport facilities, posting
of zonal officers, ensuring check on rates of
essential commodities, construction of three
temples and establishment of a Library.
The meeting also
demanded advertisement of remaining 3000 posts
and advertisement of additional 500 posts for
class four.
Committee
elected
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: Tehsil
Development Committee, Battal, Majalta, today
held a meeting under the chairmanship of Ranjit
Singh, social worker who elected an all party
committee.
In the meeting, RS
Pathania, Congress leader, was elected as
president while as Om Parkash as vice president.
Besides Karpal Singh was elected as working
president, Raghubir Singh as general secretary,
Kusum Jasrotia as joint secretary, Uttam Singh as
publicity secretary, Shankar Dass as office
secretary and Gouri Singh as cashier.
Meanwhile, B D
Gupta was elected as chairman while as SS Sumbria
as vice chairman, Former Director Doordarshan and
Radio Kashmir Jammu was elected as central
advisor and Chain Singh and Hem Raj Gupta as
assisting advisors. Mohd Din was elected as
coordinator cum secretary and Kuldip Singh, Mohan
Lal Sharma, Bodh Raj, Mohd Salim, Dewan Singh,
Sharan Singh, Rameshwar Sharma, Faleil Singh,
Mulkh Raj, Charan Dass as its executive members.
Project
Gujjars’ demands in final report: TRCF
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: Tribal
Research and Cultural Foundation (TRCF) urged the
Interlocutors appointed by the Central Government
to pay attention to the problems of the Gujjars
and Bakerwals.
In a statement
Javed Rahi, secretary, TRCF, said that they have
mailed a ten page documents to Interlocutors
demanding powerful projection of their plights.
He said that have sought their favorable
recommendation to the problems being faced by the
community.
He said that they
have urged them for political empowerment of
Gujjar community through extension of political
reservation section 49 of the Constitution of
J&K to Scheduled Tribe communities too, as
Scheduled Castes under the same section were
already enjoying the reservation in the State
Assembly.
He highlighted
various other demands related to Gujjars and
Bakerwals including rehabilitation of nomad
Gujjars on Government, EP, Auqaf lands, extension
of Forest Right Act 2006, food security for
nomadic population especially for Gujjars and
Bakerwals, establishment of tribal university,
health and education policy for nomads,
establishment of milk plants, mutton Consuming
mandis to boost their economy, representation of
Gojri language and culture in Indian
constitution, besides various other demands. He
further said that being a suppressed tribal
community Gujjars and Bakerwals deserve special
attention of State and Union Governments. He also
demanded separate Tribal Council within the State
on the pattern of Leh, Kargil Hill Councils, so
that their tribal uniqueness could be protected
properly.
Newly
found Murti installed in temple
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: The
newly found Murti of Mata Anjana with Lord
Hanumana in her lap in Herpora, Handwara, was
today installed in the temple at Handwara amidst
chanting of Vedic hymns by president of Handwara
Welfare Committee Bushan Lal Pandita.
Besides the
religious scholars and Kashmiri Pandits the local
Muslims were also present on the occasion.
The Murti was
found while a local Muslim of the area Ghulam
Ahmed Sheikh, was digging a field outside his
house. He informed the Pandits and other members
of Hindu community who took the Murti in their
custody and later installed it in the Handwara
temple.
Discourses
on Rishi cult
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMAMU,
July 17: A
satsang was organized at Sanjeevani Kuteer,
Krishana Satsangh Bhawan, Wazir Bagh, Suriya
Vihar, Bohri, today by Anand Swami Pran Nath Bhat
Gareeb on Rishi Cult.
Swami Ji, while
delivering religious discourses threw light on
Rishi Cult prevalent in ancient times. He said in
Rishi cult the Guru used to be supreme and the
torch bearer of the path of divinity. During the
Satsang the devotees also followed the dress code
by making use of turban while participating in
the Satsang and pooja.
He said the use of
turban was prevalent in Gurukuls of ancient
Rishis. He also threw light on the Guru Vandana
(Guru Astoti) compiled by Swami Ji in his
Sanjeevani part II and explained it verse by
verse.
He said the
Gurukuls were the centers of spiritual learning
and Guru Shishya bond resonated the vibrant
atmosphere of Gurkuls. Commenting on Guru-Shishya
relationship, Swami Ji stressed the need of a
firm bond based on supreme faith in Guru and
quoted the 18th chapter of Shrimad Bhagwat Geeta
in this regard.
He said in this
chapter Lord Krishna tells his disciple Arjuna
that unshakable faith in Guru will take him to
highest horizon of peace and perfection and his
scattered fragments of mind will be united and
all the worries regarding the constraints of
religion will get wiped off and salvation or
total emancipation will surface.
40th
Tree-talk campaign in Lolab
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
July 17:
The 40th Tree-talk campaign was today held
from Zangli to Chandigam in Lolab valley of
district Kupwara, wherein large number of
participants including poets, writers, forest
officer, musicians, voluntary groups, teachers
and students participated.
While appreciating
tree- talk DFO Kamraj Mr Lone said that Kupwara
is a mountainous district with picturesque places
like Lolab, Machhil, Farkian Top,Saadhna Top,
Ragini , Ram ki Ladi, Keran, Karnah etc, drained
by hill streams like Lolab, Kehmil joinig to form
famous Pohru nala which is again fed by another
stream Talri. It is said that earlier name of
this place was Kopar which means Hut in shambles.
Mohd Yousuf, a
well known literary personality said that trees
are God’s loveliest manifestations and need
to be worshipped like Gods. Lolab is known for
its better quality Deodars and other conifers.
Its second species is Lebanese Cedar, Cedrus
Lebani. Deodar is called Paluder in the Machhil
villages located along LoC.
D P Singh, a
senior Forester officer said that Farkian Top is
alpine mountain ridge followed by Ram ki Ladi,
Ragini hill and Saadhna Top. Prominent flowers
seen in this alpine belt are Jacquemont’s
Monkshood ( Aconitum violaceum ), Sweet rooted
Inula (Inula racemosa ), Various leaved Aconite
(Aconitum heterophyllum), White Yarrow (Achillea
millefolium ), Silver leaved Cinquefoil
(Potentilla argyrophylla ), Granny’s caps or
White Columbine etc.
Senior forest
officer O P Sharma shared that Sadhnatop is rich
in Geraniums,Larkspurs, Speedwells, Buttercups,
Wild strawberries, Raspberries, Knotweeds,
Rocksplitters, Senecios, Artemisias,
Gentianas,Primulas, Forget me nots, Sheepberries,
Windflowers, White Columbines,Cobra plants,
Cinquefoils, Wild roses, Fritillarias , Violas,
Inulas etc.
Well known group
of folk artists led by Abdul Ahad presented a
musical programme on the occasion.
Raman
Bhalla inaugurates Rushali’s Eye Care Clinic
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17:
Minister for Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman
Bhalla today inaugurated Rushali’s Eye Care
Clinic, a unit of Dr KD’s Eye Clinic,
Pathankot, at Langer Nursing Home, Trikuta Nagar.
On the occasion,
Dr KD Singh and Dr JP Singh apprised the Minister
about the latest technologies and machines
available with Dr KD’s Eye Group of
Hospitals.
While speaking,
Minister asked Dr KD Singh to look into the
feasibility of bringing such machines and
technologies to Jammu so that Jammuites could
reap the benefit of the same.
During the
inaugural ceremony, a free Diabetic Retinopathy
Camp was also organized, in which large number of
Diabetic Retinopathy patients and numerous eye
problem patients were examined.
The patients were
examined by Dr KD Singh, Dr JP Singh and Dr
Rushali Gupta with the state of art, latest
machines and technologies available to them.
The camp was
presided over by KS Kaswal, Retd Brig while as Dr
Nitin Gupta and Dr Vipin Gupta assisted for free
sugar check up and consultation respectively.
Among others
present were Dr Madhu Khullar, Superintendent,
Gandhi Nagar Hospital, BS Mastana, Dr Arun
Sharma, Superintendent, Sarwal Hospital, Dr SP
Padha, Dr Ashok Kohli, Dr Sudershan Gupta, Prof
Sheetal Singh, Dr CD Gupta, Dr MP Gupta, Rattan
Lal Gupta, provincial president, National
Conference, etc.
WWF, SF
launch plantation campaign
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17: J&K
Social Forestry Department and WWF-India jointly
launched green Jammu plantation campaign at SOS
Children Village Chhnai Rama here today.
The launching
function was attended by former PCCF J&K P P
Sharma, former Chairman of State Pollution
Control Board Dr C M Seth, Regional Director
Social Forestry Ashwani Gupta, Vikram Gaur, Dr
Shiv Dutt Sharma, A K Khajuria, secretary SOS
Home, Santosh Mangotra, H B Khajuria besides
several NGOs and students of SOS and Bal Bharti
School.
The speakers
during the function stressed the need of growing
more trees and environment protection. During the
campaign more than 100 plants of medicinal and
other economical values were planted by the
students and others.
Give
more powers to Panchayats: Niaz
Excelsior Correspondent
Bhaderwah,
July 17:
Former Minister and MLA Bhaderwah Mohammad
Sharief Niaz has said that Congress is committed
to give more powers to the Panchayat members to
make the Panchayati Raj Institution vibrant and
effective in the State.
Addressing a
public rally at Sartingal in Bhaderwah Niaz asked
the newly elected Panchayat members to serve the
people with dedication and sincerity. He said
that out of total seats of 104 Sarpanches,
Congress workers have emerged victorious from 90
seats which is record in the State. He said
position of the Congress party has been further
strengthened in Bhaderwah area after the
Panchayat elections because party has swept the
elections with overwhelming support of the
people.
He pointed out
that 5 power projects are under construction in
Chenab valley and demanded that locals should be
given priority in employment in these projects.
He emphasized that locals should be employed on
technical and non technical posts to remove
unemployment in this belt. He also demanded the
regularization of daily wagers in different
departments.
Niaz said that
after 2002, developmental activities have been
accelerated in Bhaderwah but lot more needed to
be done. He assured the people that he would
strive hard to develop this constituency. He
demanded to expedite the work on Chamba Bhaderwah
road and Bani Bhaderwah road so that tourism
industry in this area get a boost. On the
occasion Sarpanch Mohd. Ashraf Bhat of Panchayat
Sartingal and Satish Kumar Sarpanch of Bheja
along with Panches joined the Congress.
Quiz
competition organised
Excelsior Correspondent
BHADERWAH,
July 17:
The children of Government Primary School,
Dhalanu (Kukras) of village Sarunda, participated
in a quiz competition organised by Army in
Bhaderwah tehsil.
There were six
teams which participated in the competition and
the participants were quizzed on variety of
subjects ranging from Geography, General
Knowledge to movies. The results produced by the
participants were of high standard and indicated
towards the socio-cultural development of the
area.
The event
concluded when Mr Kakaram, Headmaster of the
school distributed prizes to the winners who
included Mohd Ibreff, Samrina Banu, Aasia Banu,
Mohd Sharif, Sahij Hussain, Zabina Banu, Tanvir
Ahmed and Aasif Hussain.
College
teachers meet Malik
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU,
July 17:
College Teachers Association (CTA) led by its
president Dr Sanjay Verma today met Abdul Gani
Malik, Minister for Higher Education and apprised
him about the various problems being faced by
them.
While speaking, Dr
Sanjay said that the circular issued by the
Higher Education Department regarding workload of
six periods per day for the college teachers is
great injustice to them. He also highlighted
various other demands including delay in
placement of teachers in the next grade, non
payment of sixth pay commission arrears,
anomalies in the eligibility for the post of
principal, besides many other demands.
The Minister gave
a patient hearing and assured them that the
circular regarding six periods will be withdrawn
within few days. He said that the Higher
Education Department will come out with new
initiatives like creation of establishment cell
for the smooth working of the department. He
added that other issues were also under active
consideration of the Higher Education Department.
Among others
present were Dr Sudhanshu Sharma, Dr Satinder
Kour, Dr Sunil Gupta, Dr Anil Ganjoo, Prof
Narayan Dutt and Prof Vishal Sharma.
YAIKS
urges Govt not to backtrack from promises
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR,
July 17:
Youth All India Kashmiri Samaj (YAIKS)
delegation has urged the Government to keep its
promise of providing relief up to two years to
the newly recruited KP employees in Valley from
the date they joined their places of posting as
has been promised in Prime Minister’s return
package.
In a statement
today the president of the organization R K Bhat
criticized the reported move of the Government to
stop payment of relief to those families whose
one member was appointed on a Government job in
Kashmir Valley.
Bhat, while
criticizing the decision said that it was against
the promise made with the displaced youth by the
representatives of Union and State Governments.
He said this move has disheartened the newly
appointed youth who in case of stopping of the
relief will reconsider their decision to work in
Valley.
He however
expressed satisfaction over the efforts of the
Relief authorities for getting sanction for the
release of salaries for the newly appointed
employees from December last year.
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