Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Accusing the Central Govt of contemplating a draconian ‘Rehabilitation Policy’ for the local militants and OGWs operating in J&K, activists of JKNPP spearheaded by Harsh Dev Singh party chairman staged a protest demonstration here today.
The infuriated protestors while raising anti-government slogans torched BJP’s effigy to express their indignation against the duplicitous character of the BJP.
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Addressing the galaxy of media, Harsh Dev expressed anguish and deep shock over the trilogy of MHA, MoD and J&K administration mulling a comprehensive Rehab programme for the dreaded militants.
“Are you really making a ploy to wean away the local militants and the OGWs from the menace or making an attempt to appease the secessionist forces and Kashmir centric leaders in the valley? Have previous Rehabilitation policies born fruits for you? Such programmes aimed to bring the dreaded militants into mainstream have only emboldened the subversive and anti-national elements and nothing else”, Harsh Dev regretted.
He said that the upcoming policy entailed amnesty from prosecution for the surrendered militants. If such militant got a job, he would not be disqualified because of his past. Such weird policy conferring immunity upon the dreaded militants would only encourage the radicalized elements to join the ranks and file of the terror outfits without any fear to cause havoc and mayhem, added Harsh.
Asserting that Rehab policy for militants deserved mourning rather than condemnation, Singh said that it has not only sent ripples among the meritorious and aspiring youth of J&K but also left all the patriotic sects of the society aghast.
Prominent among those who spoke on the occasion included Rajesh Padgotra, Gagan Pratap, Surinder Chouhan, Rampaul Sharma, Rajesh Gondhi, Nirmal Kishore, Yashpaul Sharma, Mohinder Singh, Satvir Manhas, Kulbir Sambyal, Rashpaul Singh and others.

Excelsior Correspondent

UDHAMPUR, Nov 4: The PHE daily wagers under the banner of PHE Employees United Front held strong protest demonstration and blocked Udhampur – Chenani road near Chenani Domail.
The PHE workers under the chairmanship of Sanjay Kumar and Sat Pal, senior leaders of the United Front, the workers were beating utensils and shouting slogans against the UT Administration and BJP Government at the Centre.
They alleged that BJP has failed to resolve the pending issues of the workers despite long protests. The protesting workers were demanding their regularisation, release of pending wages, implementation of Minimum Wages Act in J&K on Central pattern, clearance of dues of retired daily wagers, biometric attendance for keeping record of un-paid workers.
Speaking on the occasion, protesters said the Government is spending huge money on the rehabilitation of the militants and their families but the workers who are performing their duties with dedication on meager money are being denied their wages.
He said that due to ‘Kaam Chhoro Hartal’ of workers, the public is suffering badly but the Government is neither bothered about starvation of poor workers, nor the sufferings of common people due to the workers’ strike which entered 41th day today.
Protesters appealed to LG, Manoj Sinha to intervene into the matter and solve the issues of the poor workers before Diwali.
Later, BDC chairman Prakash Chand with the Sarpanches also rushed to the spot. They pacified the protestors by assuring that their issue will be taken up at higher level. On the assurances the protestors lifted the blockade and dispersed. The vehicular traffic was restored at about 3 pm.

Excelsior Correspondent

KARGIL Nov 4: Chairman and Chief Executive Councillor, LAHDC, Kargil Feroz Ahmad Khan said that traditional festivals are an integral component of the identity of a community or race and holding of such events showcasing the folklore and folk traditions assume great significance in the present era.
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The CEC stated this while addressing people during the concluding ceremony of the five- day long Bonona-Mega Harvest Festival at Garkone Lchangrah on Tuesday where he was the chief guest.
Bonona, Chhopo Strubla or the Mega Harvest Festival is the most popular and eventful festival celebrated rotation wise after every three years in the Aryan Valleys of Garkone and Dah. During Bonona, people of these villages come out in their traditional dress and festive mood to celebrate the festival where the 18 songs about the origin of the Dard Aryans and the history of their migration and settlement in the present Valleys are sung.
CEC Khan while congratulating the local population of Garkone village for having organized the festival appreciated their level of cultural consciousness and stated that this will go a long way in ensuring the preservation of the rich cultural and traditional treasure of the Dard Aryans who are known the world over for their distinct features and traditions.
Underlining the potential of cultural tourism in the Aryan belt of the district to supplement the economy of the local population, CEC Khan assured that all requisite facilities including road connectivity, water and power supply, healthcare, telecommunication and internet facilities will be augmented to facilitate tourists visiting the area.
Local unemployed youth and young entrepreneurs would be extended all out financial support through subsidy schemes to establish hotels, guest houses, camping sites, resorts, home stays and other related facilities, the CEC assured.
The CEC informed the members of AYF that out of Rs 10 lacs sanctioned by the LAHDC Kargil for establishment of Youth Empowerment Center (YEC) in Garkone village, Rs 3 lacs have already been released while rest of the funds would be released in due course of time so that the YEC comes up at the earliest for the benefit of the local youth.
Sadhbhavana Project Officer, Biama Brigade Colonel Dinesh Chauhan, AD Information Kargil Muhammad Ali Tak, Principal Government Higher Secondary School Silmoo, Nawang Sharap, Former nominated Councillor, Miskin Tsering, Sarpanchs, Panchs, Nambardars, folk artists and musicians besides the local people were present on the occasion.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: In order to ensure effective traffic management system and hassle free vehicular movements in this Festivals season, Traffic Police City Jammu launched a special drive in visible offences like riding without Crash Helmets, driving without safety belts, over speed, wrong stops, rash and negligent driving, wrongly parked vehicles etc.
“The main objective of the special drives was to hassle free vehicular movements in this festival season and aware the general public regarding the Traffic rules and regulations,” said Shiv Kumar Sharma, SSP Traffic City Jammu and further added that the people should follows the Traffic rules and regulations for their own safety as well as for the safety of others.
SSP Traffic directed all the Traffic officers to ensure strict implementation of Traffic rules in their area of responsibilities and booked the violators under Motor Vehicle Act. Moreover, he requested the people to adhere to all Traffic rules, and make a habit of wearing safety belt and crash helmet for their safety and larger interest of their family.
The drive was led by ASP Traffic City Jammu, Pardeep Singh Gouria, Deputy SP Traffic North Shivali Kotwal, Deputy SP Traffic South Sunil Singh and Deputy SP Traffic Neeraj Paddyar under the overall supervisions of SSP Traffic City Jammu, Shiv Kumar Sharma.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 4: Nimbark founder and famous women entrepreneur from Jammu, Pooja Gupta, has been awarded ‘Business Women of the Year’ award from leading organization ‘G Town Society’ in a glittering ceremony in Delhi.
The award was presented by Bollywood actor Govinda in the presence of top business icons. Pooja Gupta is a leading business lady from J&K who has started organic food business under Brand “Nimbark” and has gained much acclaimed success at national and international platform.
Pooja is pioneer in promoting local organic agri business from J&K UT at national and international level and providing livelihood for Saffron, Dry fruit and other farmers. She has been associated with women Self Help Groups in providing business to their skills.
Brand “Nimbark” has co-sponsored the organic platform “Biofach India”. The brand has more than 300 products in Pulses, Flours, Spices, Superfood, Dry fruit and Herbal & immunity category.