Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 21: AIIMS Coordination Committee Chairman Advocate Abhinav Sharma today made passionate appeal to the people to start preparing themselves for a relentless and result-oriented movement after July 21 in case the PDP-BJP Coalition Government failed to honour the commitment that it will obtain appropriate order for AIIMS in Jammu from Government of India.
Interacting with media-persons, he said, “we have crossed just the first hurdle. There are many more hurdles yet to be crossed. Hence, it is imperative on the part of all of us to use the available time for mobilization across Jammu region”, adding “we cannot afford to go complacent just because we have got a written commitment from Deputy Chief Minister and Forest Minister as people of Jammu region have suffered a lot because of complacency”.
“We have to be alert and in an agitational mood to avert the possibility of the Kashmir-centric authorities cheating yet again the people of Jammu region”, said Advocate Abhinav Sharma. He was flanked by Senior Vice-President Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI), Sham Langer, Vijay Kumar Sharma, General Secretary, All J&K Transport Union, Narayan Singh, President, Amar Kshatriya Rajput Sabha and B S Slathia, former president Bar Association.
Reiterating that Coordination Committee will leave no stone unturned to make the authorities fulfill their solemn commitment made at the venue of chain hunger strike, Advocate Sharma rejected as baseless the claims of certain elements, who had been trying to create confusion among the people by making them to understand that Coordination Committee was the creation of certain defeated political parties.
“The people of Jammu region extended their fullest possible support to the Coordination Committee because it was rightly considered a non-political formation committed to serving their cause”, he said while disclosing that tehsil and district level committees would be constituted across the Jammu for mobilization of public opinion.
Ignored Jammu can’t afford complacency: AIIMS CC
IGP reviews arrangements for Amarnathji yatra
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 21: IGP Jammu Zone, Danish Rana chaired a high level meeting of officers to review the security arrangements for the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra.
Mr Rana said that the security and vigilance should be enhanced in a coordinated manner besides proper regulation of yatra convoys on the National Highway.
Stressing for keeping contingency plan ready in coordination with the civil administration, IGP directed the concerned officers to identify the alternate places for accommodating yatris in case yatra halts on National Highway.
HM comdr, associate trapped
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 21: Top commander of Hizbul Mujahideen was among two militants trapped in a South Kashmir’s Kulgam district village after security forces launched operation against the militants tonight.
Deputy Inspector General of Police, South Kashmir range, Nitish Kumar, told Excelsior that on a tip off to Superintendent of Police Kulgam about presence of two militants including Hizbul Mujahideen district commander, Altaf Kachroo, in Redwani Bala village, the Special Operations Group of Kulgam Police, 1-RR of Army and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) launched a search operation in the village against the militants.
The militants hiding in the village opened fire on troops and took shelter in the house of Zahoor Ahmad Dar. Police and Army fired back leading to a gun battle.
The reinforcements were immediately brought in and adjacent villages of Redwani Payeen, Hawoora and Mishipora were also cordoned off to prevent militants from fleeing the cordon.
The residents of adjacent villages including Khudwani rushed to the Mukhdoom Mohalla and pelted stones at the troops to divert their attention from the operation and facilitate fleeing of the holed up militants. Police fired tear smoke shells to disperse them.
In North Kashmir on the Line of Control (LoC), Army operation against a group of infiltrators in Macchil sector is going on and so far two dead bodies of militants have been recovered.
The Army spotted 4-5 militants who were trying to cross the fence near the LoC in Jalandari post area near Sardari Nar in Macchil sector during the previous night.
The group was challenged by the Army leading to a gun battle and so far the Army has recovered two dead bodies of the militants while the search operation to track the other members of the group are going on.
The group was noticed near the fence and when they were trying to cross it, Army challenged them and killing one of them near the fence and others managed to flee from the spot.
Army cordoned off the area and killed one more militant last evening in gun battle while they say that third militant was also killed but so far his body has not been recovered.
Army recovered arms and ammunition and other warlike stores from the encounter site.
Army later brought reinforcements to the area and a search operation was intensified to track down other members of the infiltrating group.
Since this is a dense forest area, troops are making sure that these militants are not hiding under the dense foliage.
An Army officer said that they don’t rule out the rest of the members of the group fleeing back to Pakistan under the cover of darkness and dense foliage but they want to make it sure before calling off the operation.
Yesterday’s infiltration bid is fifth attempt by the militants along the Line of Control (LoC) in Kupwara sector this year in which 11 militants and 2 Army personnel were killed and one Army officer was injured. These infiltration bids have been foiled in Tanghdar, Keran and Macchil sectors of Kupwara.
Last year Army killed 59 militants along the LoC which is highest so far in past over a decade.
Army says that as per inputs this year militants are making maximum efforts to infiltrate. It says 200 militants are waiting on the launch pads along the LoC to cross into Kashmir valley. However, Army is alert and there is a strong counter-infiltration grid in place.
The Army has also intensified patrols in the forest areas along the LoC to track on any militants who might have succeeded in infiltration.
Dr Jitendra announces community shed, KV for Ramnagar
Excelsior Correspondent
RAMNAGAR, June 21: Addressing a public rally here today, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh announced from his MPLAD fund the construction of a community shed to hold programmes meant to accommode large gatherings.
He also referred to proposal for setting up a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Ramnagar and informed that the local MLA, R.S.Pathania will work out the modalities and feasibility for this.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, the work on setting up of campus of Jammu University in Ramnagar had got delayed due to certain logistic problems and assured that the same will be sorted out very soon.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that he has suggested to MLA Ramnagar, R.S.Pathania to coordinate with MLA Kathua, Rajeev Jasrotia to take the benefit of a skill development course, which he has proposed partly from his MPLAD fund and partly from other sources.
About the SPOs and VDCs, he said, the order for double hike in their salary was issued by the Union Home Ministry way back around September last year but was not implemented because the State Government said that it had no money for it but now,it is expected to be sorted out at the level of Central Government itself.
The work on Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana roads, which was initiated by the NDA Government under Atal Bihari Vajpayee, was put on the back burner for ten years during the UPA regime, but now the BJP Government has decided to take it up again very soon and the results of this will be visible on the roads in the area.
Referring to AIIMS controversy, Dr Jitendra Singh took a dig at some of those leaders who were part of the J&K state cabinet when foundation stone for AIIMS was laid by the then Union Health Minister Sushma Swaraj and said, these same leaders have now developed selective amnesia and are agitating for AIIMS thus inadvertently confessing that this is a project which they had themselves failed to accomplish.
Reiterating the observations made by him during the District Development Board at Kathua yesterday, Dr Jitendra Singh said, there needs to be an absolute transparency about the allocation of funds to different districts and blocks, and the priorities for the allocation have to be determined by the elected representatives of the district.
State BJP General Secretary (Org), Ashok Kaul, while speaking on the occasion, said that the Coalition Government in the State is resolved to live up to people’s expectation and remove the regional imbalance.
MLA Chenani, D.N.Bhagat and MLA Ramnagar, R.S.Pathania also spoke on the occasion.
Govt to retrieve 5000 acre of forest land by March: Bali
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 21: Tightening noose on land mafia, Minister of Forests and Social Welfare Bali Bhagat today declared that up to March next year Government will retrieve 5000 acre of forest land from the clutches of land mafia.
Addressing a public meeting at Durga Nagar near here, today which was organized by BJP Displaced Unit and Durga Nagar Development Committee jointly, he said so far 3100 kanals of forest land has been retrieved by the Government.
Bali Bhagat said Forest Department has been given clear cut instructions to remove the encroachments from its land in entire State and Government will deal firmly with land mafia how influential and powerful they may be.
He warned those trying to politicize the issue saying that freeing the forest land is in the overall interests of the people of the State and nation. Maintaining that the Government will retrieve entire forest land grabbed by land mafia, he said to save themselves the mafia groups are giving communal tinge to our action but the Government will not be cowed down by this and his Ministry will definitely achieve target fixed by it.
Reiterating the Government’s commitment regarding establishment of separate AIIMS for Jammu, he said the issue has been settled after the Government has given a assurance to the Coordination Committee in this regard.
He warned those trying to spread canards and mislead the public in this regard and said that the issue has already been taken up by Deputy Chief Minister, Dr Nirmal Singh with Union Government.
He said that the Social Welfare Ministry has taken up many welfare programmes in hand. The Old age pension scheme has been simplified so that people get pension without problem. The ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padao’’ scheme has been enforced in the State to benefit the girl child, he added.
Moreover, the Social Welfare Department will come to door steps of the people in solving their problems and unlike past people have not make trips to the Departmental for redressal of their grievances. Now the medical certificates, death certificates and Income certificates will be issued by the Departmental officers at the door steps of the people, he added.
The Minster also gave instructions to the JMC authorities to construct a park in the area which was a long pending demand of the people. He assured overall development of the Ward.
BJP MLC Surinder Ambardar who also addressed the meeting said that he will take up the problems of the people of Ward 64 with Government on priority basis. He announced one transformer for the area on spot from his Constituency Development Fund.
The BJP Displaced Unit president, T N Bhat, M L Pandita, Roshan Lal Raina, president Welfare Committee, D N Kissu, Sheela Handoo, M L Bhat, C L Koul, and Ramesh Ji also spoke on the occasion. The vote of thanks was proposed by P L Sudeshi while PK Raina managed the stage.
Massive participation in Ist International Yoga Day celebrations in J&K
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 21: Like other parts of the country, first International Yoga Day was also celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir.
On the First International Yoga Day, Union Minister of State (PMO Office) Dr Jitendra Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Nirmal Singh and Minister for Health and Medical Education, ARI and Trainings Choudhary Lal Singh inaugurated a yoga session organized by Health and Medical Education Department at Gulshan Ground, Gandhi Nagar. The session was attended by more that 20000 people with great enthusiasm and gusto.
While speaking, Dr Jitendra Singh said that observing of International Yoga Day marks universal acknowledgement of the virtues of Yoga.
Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, District Development Commissioner Simrandeep Singh, Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Mr. Soujanya Sharma, Director General ISM Dr Abdul Kabir Dar Ex MLA Kanta Andotra besides other senior officers of Health, Medical Education JKP and CRPF also participated in the Yoga session.
Deputy Chief Minister Dr Nirmal Singh along with Minister for Industires and Commerce Chander Prakash attended International Yoga Day function organized by Bhartiya Yog Sansthan at Gole Gujral. Earlier, a function was also organized at Jammu University with collaboration of Art of Living which was also attended by Deputy Chief Minister. Chief Electoral Officer Shantmanu besides staff of University, yoga expert, student of RS Pura Bal Ashram were also present.
To celebrate First International Yoga Day, Art of Living Foundation organized one day yoga camp at Government College for Women Parade. Speaker, J&K Legislative Assembly Kavinder Gupta was the chief guest and Minister of State for Education, Culture and Information Priya Sethi was special guest on the occasion. MLAs Sat Sharma and Rajesh Gupta and senior BJP leader Yudhvir Sethi also attended the camp. Among others the event was attended by Director School Education, Jammu Yasha Mudgal, Principal, GCW Hemla Aggarwal, Chief Education Officer, Jammu Joginder Sudan and Assistant Vice-Chairman, J&K Bank Raman. Speaker also attended a programme organized by Vichar Kranti Manch. On the occasion, Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, ID Soni, State Commissioner, Bharat Scouts and Guides, Soujanya Sharma, Commissioner, JMC, Ram Gopal Sharma, Vice president, VKMI and Shreyansh Kumar Jain, President were present on the occasion.
Minister of State for Education, Culture and Information Priya Sethi today inaugurated mass yoga camp at GGM Science College. The Camp was organised by the NCC 2nd Boys Battalion. Senior Leader BJP Yudhvir Sethi also present on the occasion. Thousands of NCC officers, ranks of the Corps, cadets and students participated in performing yoga. Commanding Officer Lt. Col Manisha SRS, Group Commander Jammu Group Brigadier Rajan Jamwal and Govind Sharma.
On the occasion of First International Yoga Day, a function was organized by Yog Guru Bhagwat Bhushan Vijay Krishan Parashar Ji Maharaj at Roopnagar in which Minister for Social Welfare, Forest, Ecology and Environment Bali Bhagat was the chief guest. A team from Abohar (Punjab) presented Yog Kriya.
At Kishtwar, Minister of State for PWD (R&B) and Revenue Sunil Sharma inaugurated the mega yoga session on International Yoga Day at Chowgan Ground of Kishtwar. The event was organized by the District Coordination Committee, Patanjali Yog Peeth Kishtwar in collaboration with District Administration and Bharat Swabhiman Patanjali Yog Samiti Niyas Kishtwar. Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Mohammad Javaid Khan, Senior Superintendent of Police Kishtwar Yougal Manhas, Additional District Development Commissioner Kishtwar AS Chib, Chief Medical Officer Kishtwar Dr Shama Parsad Gupta and Tehsildar Kishtwar Fulail Singh besides other officers and a huge gathering of people and school children participated in the Yoga Session and practiced different postures. During the Yoga session District President, Patanjali Yog Peeth Kishtwar Lekh Raj Nirala and Yoga Instructor Yogi Raj guided the gathering and practiced different aasans.
At Ramban, MLA Ramban Neelam Kumar Langeh inaugurated a yoga camp organized by Ayush and Patangli Yog Peeth Ramban in coordination with District Administration Ramban to mark the “International Yoga Day”. ADC Ramban Babu Ram, CEO, CHO, Nodal Officer AYUSH, Doctors, Members of Patanjali Yoge Peeth Ramban, Army officers, prominent citizens and a huge gathering of Yoga experts and learners participated in the camp. Similar yoga camps were also held at GHSS Ramban, BVM, GDC Ramban and CAHO Ramban, which were also attended by MLA Neelam Langeh.
At Udhampur, International Yoga Day was celebrated by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Sangathan, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India by organizing a District Youth Convention cum Yuva Kirti Programme in collaboration with Sneh Help Group on the theme “Yoga for Harmony and Peace” at Government Middle School, Megani in Udhampur today. Minister of State for Finance and Information Technology, Pawan Kumar Gupta was the chief guest, who while speaking highlighted the importance of yoga. District Administration Udhampur also organized a Yoga camp in collaboration with Government Degree College (Boys) Udhampur. More than 1000 NCC cadets from various schools and colleges of the district as well as Katra town participated in the International Yoga day with full enthusiasm. Minister Pawan Kumar Gupta was the chief guest while District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary was the guest of honor on the occasion.
At Doda, International Yoga Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm in District Police Line Ground Doda today. The session was organized by the Assistant District Medical Officer ISM (Ayush) Doda in collaboration with Bharat Swabhiman Patanjali Yog Samiti Niyas Doda and was inaugurated by MLA Doda Shakti Raj in presence of Deputy Commissioner Doda Bhupinder Kumar, Senior Superintendent of Police Doda ZN Manhas, besides other officers and a huge gathering of people and school children.
At Kathua, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kathua in collaboration with District administration, AYUSH, Art of living, Youth Clubs and Mahila Mandals organized a district level function at Sports Stadium, Kathua in which over 1400 participants performed yoga. MLA Kathua Rajiv Jasrotia was the chief guest and Deputy Commissioner Kathua Ajay Singh Jamwal was the guest of honor. District Youth Coordinator, NYK Kathua Som Datt Zard and ADMO, ISM, Kathua Dr Vikram Singh Jamwal were also present.
At Reasi, MLA Reasi Ajay Nanda, Deputy Commissioner Reasi-Sushma Chauhan and a large number of district officers also participated in International Yoga Day celebrations at Mini Sports Stadium. The event was organised by Bharat Swabhiman Trust and Patanjali Yog, District Unit Reasi. Similarly District Police Reasi in coordination with Art of Living celebrated International Yoga Day at District Police Line, Reasi. The event witnessed participation of large number of police and CRPF officers and officials.
At Katra, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board organised a mega yoga event, in which large number of children, prominent citizens, people of the area, pilgrims, officers and staff of the Shrine Board and officers and jawans of CRPF participated. Ajeet Kumar Sahu, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, was the chief guest on the occasion and inaugurated the event. CEO also felicitated Karan Singh of Panthal for his outstanding performance in the sabre event of fencing championship in the National School Games held at Jalgaon in Maharashtra in 2014 and Ishika Wazir, a student of DPS, Katra for her appreciable performance in the State level Yoga championship. He also presented a memento to Dayal Ram, a Yoga expert, who conducted today’s event comprising various Yoga asanas. Dr MK Kumar, Additional Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, Anil Chandel, SDM, Katra, Sumir Kotwal, Additional SP, Katra and BR Jakhar, Deputy Commandant, 6th Battalion CRPF were among those who participated in the Yoga event. Earlier, Ashok Kumar, Director Sports, SMVDSB, presented the welcome address.
International Yoga Day was celebrated by Central University of Jammu at its Temporary Academic Block (TAB), Sainik Colony. Prof Ashok Aima, Vice Chancellor of CUJ and Former Director of Yoga Centre, University of Jammu, Dr DL Choudhary spoke about the importance of Yoga. Sanay Kumar Asim, Instructor of Yoga gave live demonstration of Yoga. Earlier, Registrar Jit Singh presented the welcome address.
Directorate of Students Welfare (DSW) Central University of Kashmir (CUK) in collaboration with Government College of Physical Education, Ganderbal, celebrated International Yoga Day at varsity’s Nowgam Academic block. The student representatives of both the institutions performed different Yogasnas shown by the trainer, Irfan Hussain from the Government College of Physical Education Ganderbal. CUK Officiating Vice-Chancellor, Prof Mehraj-ud-Din, Government College of Physical Education, Principal, Dr Hartej Singh, DSW Director, Dr Fayaz A Nikka and faculty members of both the institutions were among others present on the occasion.
To celebrate International Yoga Day, Centre for Women’s Studies and The Yoga Centre, University of Jammu conducted one week training programme for female employees (Teaching/ Non-teaching), female scholars, students and family members of the University employees. The welcome address was presented by Prof Dhian Singh Bhau, Director, The Yoga Centre, University of Jammu. The students of The Yoga Centre and five children from different school performed yogasanas. Vice-Chancellor Prof RD Sharma threw light on the importance of the day. Vote of thanks was presented by Prof Neeru Sharma, Director, Centre for Women’s Studies.
The NSS Unit of Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar commemorated World Yoga Day. A team of yoga experts led by Prof Uma Sharma, Vice President, Patanjali Yog Samiti, J&K demonstrated various yoga techniques and their benefits among the students and staff of college. Principal of College, Dr Kiran Bakshi, who was chief guest on the occasion, threw light on the importance of yoga. Dr Ashaq Malik, NSS Programme Officer, presented vote of thanks.
International Yoga Day was celebrated at Government MAM College, Jammu by the NCC and NSS Wing of the College. Hundreds of students and staff participated in the programme and the Principal of the college Prof Anita Sudan was the chief guest, whileas Prof SC Sharma, Prof Muzammil Hussain, Dr Sangeeta Sudan, Prof Savita Jamwal, Prof IA Khan and Dr Nalini Pathania were also present.
To commemorate International Yoga Day, GDC Gool organized awareness programme on the importance of yoga in day today life. Students from various colleges and schools and local community participated in the programme. On the occasion Dr Chander Shekhar, Principal of the college highlighted importance and benefits of practicing yoga.
International Yoga Day was celebrated at Government Polytechnic Jammu. The special invitee cum Yoga Trainer Amarnath from Bhartiya Yog Sansthan, Jammu and HR Salaria from Government Polytechnic, Jammu trained the students about yogasans.
On the eve of International Yoga Day, the NSS unit of the GCOE Jammu organized series of programmes. An extension lecture on the significance of yoga was delivered by the key resource person Puran Prakash Sharma, yoga expert from Chandrabhaga which was followed by an interactive session in which staff and students interacted with the resource person. In the second session various yoga aasans were performed by a team of yoga experts namely Ashok Kumar and Rajesh Gupta. Prof SS Bhalwal Principal GDC (Boys) Udhampur was the chief guest of the occasion, whereas Principal GCOE, Prof Dr Ajeet Angral and NSS Programme Officer Prof Ashu Jolly were also present.
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, Government Degree College Bhaderwah organized a programme which was attended by NCC and NSS volunteers, students and staff of the college. Principal Dr RK Raina along with gathering and instructor Muddassar performed Yogasnas performed yogasans.
International Yoga Day was celebrated at Government GLDM Degree College Hiranagar wherein NCC Cadets and NSS Volunteers’ participated. Principal of the College Prof Sohan Lal Bhagat highlighted the importance of Yoga. Prof Vijay Kumar Chandan, NSS Programe Officer and Prof Rakesh Sharma, NCC Officer also spoke on the importance of the day.
NSS unit of GDC Paloura organized a yoga camp to celebrate International Yoga Day. Members of Patanjali Yoga Samiti under the leadership of Prof Uma Sharma Vice President of J&K State delivered a lecture on the history and importance of Yoga and demonstrated physical and breathing exercises. Principal Prof Savitri Sharma was also present.
International Yoga Day was celebrated at Government General Zorawar Singh Memorial Degree College Reasi wherein large number of students and staff members participated. On this occasion the participants practiced different yogasans. Principal, Dr Kaushal Smotra was also present.
GDC Samba celebrated International Yoga Day. On the occasion, Nilamber Dogra, Mandal Prabhari, Patanjali Yog Peeth Samba along with social workers including BS Sharma and Tulsi Das demonstrated various yogasans. Principal Dr Romesh Chander threw light on the importance of Yoga.
To celebrate International Yoga Day, series of events on the topic Yoga were organized at Yogananda College of Engineering and Technology (YCET). The resource person for the expert lecture on Yoga was Ghan Shyam Singh Chib. The practical demonstration of Yoga was given by PD Sharma.
NSS Unit of KCS College of Education (Women) organized a workshop on the eve of International Yoga Day. Prof OP Sharma, Principal inaugurated the event in presence of Ruchika Chib, Programme Officer, NCC, students and faculty members.
Ramisht College of Education, Basholi celebrated International Yoga Day, in which staff and students participated and demonstrated various yogasans.
Bhartiya College of Education celebrated International Yoga Day. Students practiced yogasans demonstrated by yoga expert Sunil Sharma and his team from Art of living. Prof Sukham Chand, Principal of the college while interacting with the students highlighted the importance of yoga.
International Yoga Day was celebrated at Shivalik College and Happy Model School, wherein hundreds of students along with faculty members and locals participated.
Government Girls Higher Secondary School Jakh celebrated International Yoga Day. A large number of students, staff members and local peoples of Jakh performed Yoga under the guidance of Pt Des Raj, Yoga Expert. Principal RL Gupta threw the light on the importance of the day.
NSS unit of Government Boys Higher Secondary School Samba celebrated the First International Yoga Day, in which students and staff performed yoga. Narinder Singh Principal of the institution was also present.
International Yoga Day was celebrated at MHS DAV Akhnoor, in which faculty members and students participated and practiced yogasans.
Jammu Sanskriti School, Kathua celebrated International Yoga Day. Shuchita Gupta, Principal threw light on the importance of the day. The function was conducted by yoga experts Ved Mahajan and Dr Sonia Mahajan. Chairperson Harpreet Singh Anand, Rohini Aima, Vice-Chairperson, Harleen Anand and Administrator Govindram Sharma were also present.
Doon International School celebrated International Yoga Day. The staff was trained by yoga instructor Harinder Pal Singh. Principal Vikesh Kaur threw light on the importance of the day. Chairman GN Tantray and Coordinator Priyanka Singh were also present.
To celebrate World Yoga Day, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu Region in association with Aaradhaya Yoga Trust, Nirvana Academy and other likeminded organizations celebrated International Day of Yoga with demonstration of yogic postures and practice with a theme of “Yoga for Harmony and Peace” at Peerkho Park, Circular Road, Jammu in which large number of Sadhaks participated. Rajesh Gupta, MLA Jammu East was the chief guest, whileas RC Puri, Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu Region, Mahant Ravi Nath of Peerkho, Vipin of Aaradhaya Yoga Trust, Jagdish Raj Shastri, Brig MM Harjai, Sita Ram Sharma, Dinesh Gupta, Executive Members of Indian Red Cross Society, Jammu Region, Aushutosh of Nirvana Academy and Neelam, Coordinator of Sehaj Yog were also present.
National Development Organization celebrated International Yoga Day at Rajouri, in which peoples including Sarpanchs and Panchs participated. President of the Society Mohammad Qayoom Malik threw light on the importance of the day.
District Youth Convention and Yuva Kriti were organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan in collaboration with Bhartiya Kala Sangan to celebrate International Yoga Day at Government High School, Raipur Domana, in which thousands of youth from various Youth Clubs and Mahila Mandals of district Jammu and Samba participated. Sham Sunder, Deputy Director, NYKS presented the welcome address. The yogasans were demonstrated and lectures were delivered by experts of AYUSH and Bhartiya Shikha Samiti. Aditi Sharma, BJP leader, Sohail Kazmi, Shobba Ram, retd Director Hospitality and Protocol, Shamsher Singh, senior PDP leader, besides many other prominent personalities were present on the occasion.
Dogra Brahman Pratinidhi Sabha organized a yoga camp to commemorate International Yoga Day, in which Brahman community people and large number of people from other communities participated under thy guidance of Devkinandan Pangotra.
Helpline Humanity affiliated with Nehru Yuva Kendra Jammu, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India celebrated International Yoga Day at Nagrota. MK Bhat, president, Helpline Humanity was the chief guest, whileas Manoj Bhat, Sameer Ji Bhat and Sameer Ji Koul were also present.
Yoga Day celebrated in Bhaderwah at various places. The main function was organized at Degree College Bhaderwah by 2 J&K (I) Coy NCC Bhaderwah under the supervision of Lt Col Vikram Chander, Officer Commanding 2 J&K (I) Coy NCC and Col Ravi Kumar Gargotra CO 4RR. In this camp about 14 ANO’s and 1095 NCC cadet from various institutions of district Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar participated. The day was also celebrated at Government Higher Secondary Schools Boys and Girls Bhaderwah and private institution Bhartiya Vidiya Mandir.
On the eve of International Yoga Day, an Awareness Lecture on the topic “Holistic Health & Science of Yoga” was organised in the premises of Swami Vivekananda Medical Mission Charitable Hospital Ambphala. Prof Chaman Lal Gupta, Former Minister of State for Defence and former MLA Jammu West was the chief guest of the function. Dr TR Raina, Administrator of the hospital and former Prof Head Blood Bank and former Programme Director of Advanced Yoga Centre Government Medical College Jammu was the main speaker of the function, who presented power point presentation on yoga. The function was coordinated by Dr Satya Dev Gupta, Vice President of the mission.
On the occasion of International Yoga Day, a District Yoga Championship was held at Subash Stadium, Udhampur. In the championship, Simran Devi, Shamsher Singh, Anu Radha, Monika, Lachpal Raj, Anil Kumar, Aayush Attri, Rajinder Singh, Sunil Singh, Poonam, Parhas, Vishal, Kamlesh Kumari, Ankit Sharma and Shipali Sharma were awarded with medals by Anil Gupta, Yoga Coach, Indian Team.
A yoga camp was organized on International Yoga Day at Central Jail, Kot Bhalwal, Jammu for the staff and jail inmates. VP Kotwal, Yoga Expert, Lalit Gupta and Jayshree Kotwal, members of Art of Living, while explaining about the yogic Asnas for lifestyle diseases said that only Yoga can make our life easy and disease free. Jail Inmates and Jail Staff practiced Yoga in this Programme. Superintendent Jail Dinesh Sharma spoke on the importance of performing yoga.
Under the aegis of Jammu and Kashmir NCC Directorate, 12199 cadets participated at different venues located at GBHS Leh, Bakshi Stadium Srinagar, AGS Tangdhar, GHSS Uri, GDC Baramulla, GDC Anantnag, GGM Science College Jammu, Sainik School Nagrota, PTC Kathua, GDC Udhampur, GDC Bhaderwah and SSVS College Sundarbani to celebrate International Yoga Day.
The main programme in connection with International Yoga Day was held here today at Parade Ground, (Mini Stadium) Jammu. The function was presided over by Chander Mohan Sharma, convener of the committee while MP Jugal Kishore was the chief guest. Bansi Lal, the State head of the Patanjali Yog Peath guided this performance of Yoga exercises. About 1000 people including men, women and youth belonging to all walks of life participated in the programme. Mahant Rameshwar Dass, Minister for PHE, Sukhnandan Kumar, MLC Ashok Khajuria MLA Rajesh Gupta, National Secretary of BJP, Farooq Khan and also participated in the programme.
Sanatan Dharam Higher Secondary Kanya Vidyalaya, Jullaka Mohalla, Jammu celebrated the ‘Yoga Day’ in its premises. MLA Jammu East, Rajesh Gupta was the chief guest whereas BR Sharma, president and ML Vidyarthi, secretary of the Vidalaya were the guests of honour. The students and staff members performed various ‘asnas’ of Yoga.
BJP leader, Ishfaq-ur-Rehman Poswal along with scores of party activists performed a series of “Yoga exercises” in the bordering town of Kupwara, 180 Kms from Srinagar, on the eve of International Yoga Day. On the occasion, party activists and people mostly youths’ who performed ‘Yoga’ supported the idea of introducing the same as a subject in school curriculum. “If introduced in curriculum as a subject, it will be a great move indeed”, they added.
Sports Authority of India Sports Training Centre Jammu observed International Yoga Day with a special Yoga class for all its coaches, staff and trainees in the Basketball complex of the MA Stadium. Various yogic exercises were performed under the guidance of Rajesh Bandral, yoga instructor who explained the advantages of Yoga and demonstrated various yogic postures. He also called upon the players to incorporate Yoga and meditation in their training curriculum for better sports performance.
The ‘Yoga Day’ was also celebrated with gaiety and fervor by Yogoda Satsanga Dhyana Kendra (YSDK), Jammu. More than 300 enthusiasts and spiritual seekers participated in the meditation sessions and were introduced to guided meditation techniques with audio-visual aids. Literature pertaining to Kriya Yoga was distributed among the devotees and preeti bhoj was served at the culmination of the ceremony.
The nine-day Yoga camp which started on June 13 concluded today on the eve of International Yoga Day at SPS Police Training School (PTS), Kathua. The camp which was jointly organized by 1st Armed Squadron NCC and Police Training School, Kathua, was attended by NCC cadets numbering 1310 and staff members of PTS Kathua. 15 instructors of Patanjali Yog Peeth also participated in the event and demonstrated various ‘asans’ to the participants. Sanjeev Khajuria, Principal, SPS PTS Kathua, was the guest of honour of the event.
A yoga programme was also organized at Jagti camp under the banner of BJP Kashmir Displaced Unit. A large number of Jagti inmates including ladies, gents and students participated in the event and performed various ‘asnas’. Further, the unit decided to conduct a ‘Yog Shivar’ from June 22 to 29.
To celebrate International Yoga Day, cadre of State unit of All India Confederation of SC ST OBC Organizations assembled at Baba Sahib, Dr BR Ambedkar Chowk, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu and performed various ‘asans’ of Yoga. While addressing the participants, State president of the Confederation, RK Kalsotra said as Yoga keeps us healthy, strong and flexible let’s take pledge to practice Yoga every day.
In an attempt to spread the healing message of this ancient Indian tradition, wellness brand ‘VLCC’ decided to conduct free yoga sessions at all its wellness centres and vocational training institutes across India. At VLCC Jammu centre, all the clients participated in the International Yoga Day in the morning.
In connection with observance of International Yoga Day, a Yoga Camp was jointly organized by Anuradha Puram Welfare Committee and Save Ranbir Canal Movement activists at Durga Nag community Hall Barnai this morning in which besides school going students, the inhabitants of the colony and adjoining areas participated and performed Yog Asnas, pranayam and meditation under the guidance of Dr G K Gupta, a social activist and Yogachariya and Mrs Ambardar a Yoga teacher of Bhartiya Yog Sansthan.
M L Bhat president Welfare Committee Anuradhapuram said that from today onwards the yoga camp will be held daily in the area. Dr Gupta highlighted the benefits of Yoga Asanas and Pranayam on the occasion.
Governor reviews Amarnathji Yatra arrangements at Panjtarni, Baltal
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 21: All arrangements relating to the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, which is commencing from July 2, must be put in place well in time to ensure a comfortable pilgrimage for all those who visit the Shri Amarnathji Shrine this year.
Governor N.N. Vohra, who is Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), gave clear directions on these lines to all concerned authorities after inspecting the current status of arrangements being made at the Baltal Base Camp, Access Control Gate at Domel and at the Panjtarni Yatra Camp. The Governor called for close co-ordination amongst various agencies to ensure smooth conduct of Yatra and directed the Camp Directors to have regular daily meetings with all the stakeholders to ensure immediate resolution of all arising issues.
The Governor also directed the Camp Directors to set up a well equipped Information-cum-Assistance Booth at all the Camps for facilitating Yatries and supplying all required information.
Earlier, the Governor accompanied by P.K. Tripathi, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board conducted an aerial reconnaissance of the Baltal-Sangam-Panjtarni track. He visited Panjtarni Yatra Camp where, alongwith Lt. Gen. Subrata Saha, GOC 15 Corps and Maj. Gen. Arvind Dutta, GOC, Victor Force and senior officers of CRPF and BSF, he reviewed the security arrangements being made at this Camp as well as on the Panjtarni-Mahagunus axis and along the Panjtarni-Sangam-Holy Cave axis.
He also inspected the facilities being established for the hospital, shelter sheds, Langars, tents, pre-fabricated huts, toilets, baths etc. He was informed that in addition to 11 langars, 321 toilets/baths; 900 tents; and 50 shops are being set up at Panjtarni. The Governor was informed by Raman Kesar, Camp Director Panjtarni, that Pahalgam Development Authority (PDA) has been asked to quickly complete the restoration of track and other remaining works.
The Governor also visited Domel Access Control Gate and went round the Baltal Base Camp where he held a meeting to review the progress of arrangements for the Yatra. The Governor was informed that the track from Baltal to Holy Cave has by and large been cleared and restoration of the remaining portions will be completed by next week.
The Governor was informed by the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) regarding the measures being taken for the collection and disposal of wastes which will be generated during the Yatra. Arrangements for sanitation and cleanliness of areas within and outside Baltal Base Camp were also reviewed.
The CEO, SDA, informed that the SDA has established shelter sheds and toilet facilities at Domel Access Control Gate. The Governor directed the GM (Works) and GM (Sanitation) to ensure that all the toilets and baths, at every camp location, should be connected to proper waste disposal systems and foolproof arrangements are made for maintaining cleanliness of toilet facilities, at all times. The Governor was also informed that separate arrangements have been made for setting up Langar stores and stocking of LPG Cylinders and CAPD is making elaborate arrangements for stocking rice, atta, sugar, wheat bran and kerosene oil at all the camp locations.
The Governor asked BRO representative to ensure that the road leading to Baltal is restored immediately. The State PWD was also asked to expedite full restoration of WBM roads; Neelgrath-Baltal, Rangamorh-Baltal and Baltal- Domel. He was informed that the PHE Department has made arrangements for sprinkling water on the WBM roads.
Besides Lt. General S. Saha, GOC 15 Corps and Major General Arvind Dutta GOC Victor Force the review meeting at Baltal was attended by concerned officers of civil and police administration.
Commuters face difficulties due to heavy jam
Excelsior Correspondent
Patnitop, June 21: Heavy weekend rush was witnessed at hill resort Patnitop here as thousands of tourists thronged the hill station in view of soaring mercury in the northern plains, here today. Long queues of traffic jams were also seen all along the highway from Chenani till Patnitop throughout the day.
As temperatures crossed 42 degrees in the plains, hundreds of vehicles moved towards Patnitop, Nathatop and Sanasar where tourists were seen enjoying the pleasant weather throughout the day. As Patnitop circular road was jam packed, tourists turned towards sanasar and crowd was witnessed all along Patnitop – Sanasar road.
” We have seen manifold increase in the number of tourists arriving here since Friday but unprecedented rush came across today and not even a single room is vacant throughout the Patnitop. We hope that arrival of tourists continues in the same pace in near future also.”, said Sayeed Shakeel Shah, Secretary Hotel Association Patnitop.
” After a long period of time , we have seen traffic jam all along the circular road here at Patnitop which proves that thousands of tourists have come here to enjoy pleasant weather in the weekend and we also had good business, said Subash Sharma President Photographers Association Patnitop.
Besides, heavy traffic jam was witnessed on the highway throughout the day today between Chenani and Patnitop as traffic cops had a tough time in clearing the jam . Another reason of jam was the work of blacktopping and repairs on the highway being carried out by GREF authorities in stretches in view of upcoming Amaranth yatra which is going to commence from July 20. Passengers felt inconvenient in travelling and it took them more than six hours to reach their destination.
Mahant Manjit Singh honoured at Anandpur Sahib
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 21: Religious personality Mahant Manjit Singh ji of Dera Nangali Sahib Poonch was honoured at a grand religious function held in connection with the 350th year foundation day of Sri Anandpur Sahib in Punjab.
The SGPC Amritsar and its president Jathedar Avtar Singh has specially invited the Mahant Manjit Singh ji of Dera Nangali Sahib, as head of the Sikh community from J&K State. He was honoured by Giani Mal Singh Jathedar of Sri Kesgarh Sahib and Jathedar Iqbal Singh of Patna Sahib by presenting `Siropa’.
Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, Punjab Chief Minister, Parkash Singh Badal and Dy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal, BJP national president Amit Shah and several cabinet Ministers of Akali Dal and BJP besides many legislators and SGPC members were also present on the occasion. Lakhs of devotees from various States and even abroad participated in this grand religious function.
The religious leaders of various communities including Hindu, Muslims, Christians, and Yog Guru Baba Ramdev also delivered speeches on the occasion. The leaders of various Sikh bodies from J&K including Sikh Welfare Society, Sikh Naujawan Sabha, Sikh United Front and BKNSS also participated in this religious programme.
Rosberg wins again to cut Hamilton’s lead in title race
SPIELBERG (AUSTRIA), June 21:
Nico Rosberg celebrated his 30th birthday with a third win in four races on Sunday when he beat Mercedes team-mate and series leader Lewis Hamilton to triumph in an incident-filled Austrian Grand Prix.
The German driver, who left his twenties behind on Saturday, repeated his 2014 success when he came home a comfortable 3.8 seconds clear of the defending world champion and reduced his lead from 17 points to 10.
After eight of this year’s 19 races, Briton Hamilton, who picked up a five seconds penalty in the race, has 169 and Rosberg, who won last year’s Austrian event, 159. It was Rosberg’s third win of the season and the 11th of his career.
Brazilian Felipe Massa came third, 17 seconds adrift of the two Mercedes men, six-tenths of a second ahead of four- time champion Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari, Finn Valtteri Bottas in the second Williams and German Nico Hulkenberg, who one week after winning in the Le Mans 24 Hours race, finished sixth for Force India.
Venezuelan Pastor Maldonado was seventh for Lotus ahead of Dutch teenager Max Verstappen of Toro Rosso, Mexican Sergio Perez in the second Force India and Australian Daniel Ricciardo, who picked up a point for Red Bull, after starting down the grid.
The race began with drama as Rosberg sped into a first corner lead and almost immediately a spectacular collision between two-time champion Fernando Alonso and 2007 champion Kimi Raikkonen caused the race to be halted with the introduction of a safety car.
Alonso’s car landed on top of Raikkonen’s car. Both drivers were unhurt and walked away, shaken but not injured.
It was another hugely disappointing day for the struggling McLaren-Honda team. On top of Alonso’s first lap crash, Briton Jenson Button had to make an early retirement in the other car with engine problems.
In dry and mild conditions in the Styrian Alps, Rosberg made a perfect start as the lights went out, drawing alongside pole-sitter Hamilton to take the lead at the first corner.
The world champion attempted to re-gain the lead at the next two turns, but Rosberg defended adroitly while, behind them, a serious collision involving Raikkonen and Alonso caused the race to be stopped and run behind the safety car until the debris was cleared.
Alonso’s McLaren Honda appeared to crash into Raikkonen’s Ferrari from the rear and rose to land on top of the Finn’s car as they skewed into the barriers. Both men were unhurt and walked clear from the debris.
Button saw the crash. He said: “It looked like Kimi tried to get on the power, went one way, tried to correct and went the other way… A horrible accident. I’m glad they are OK. A pity for us, as it’ll make the test a lot trickier next week.”
Briton Will Stevens of Manor Marussia also retired with an oil leak on the opening lap and, after the hiatus for the safety car, when the racing resumed, the rest of the field trod delicately to avoid more mayhem.
At the front, Rosberg managed a comfortable 2.8 seconds lead ahead of Hamilton with Vettel third, but more than six seconds adrift, ahead of Massa and Hulkenberg. By lap 30, as the two Mercedes men began lapping the field, they were more than 12 seconds clear of Vettel’s Ferrari and in a race of their own.
Button, fighting his dejection, made a wry observation on his retirement and McLaren’s woes. “I don’t know what’s worse: doing the whole race 30 seconds behind the back of the field or stopping on lap two.
“It’s a pity, reliability-wise. We haven’t broken anything, but there was something wrong and it could’ve gone that way so that’s why we stopped.” Alonso’s car, which was running with an updated package, was “now in the bin”, said Button. (PTI)