NEW DELHI : Pakistan’s sponsorship to cross-border terrorism in India and unprovoked firing along the Line of Control
(LoC) and international boundary in Jammu and Kashmir has continued
unabated, the Lok Sabha was informed today. In A written reply, Minister of State for External Affairs General V K Singh
assured that the government will continue to take all necessary steps to
protect the security and territorial integrity of the nation. The Minister said keeping with India’s long standing policy to build, peaceful, friendly and good neighbourly ties with all its neighbours, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited leaders from all SAARC nations for the swearing-in ceremony of his Council
of Ministers in May.
This move was greatly appreciated by the visiting leaders of these nations, Mr Singh added.
(AGENCIES)
Pak sponsorship to cross border terrorism continues: Govt
Uproar in both Houses
NEW DELHI : Reports of Shiv Sena MPs, apparently angry over not being served Maharashtra food, allegedly forcing a Muslim worker to eat a chapati to break his Ramzan fast today created uproar in both Houses of Parliament.
As soon as the Lok Sabha assembled for the day, several Opposition membes raised the issue and termed it as violation of religious beliefs.
Members from Congress, RJD, Trinamool Congress and AIMIM were on their feet raising the issue. PDP members too were seen waiving a paper but they could not be heard in the din.
AIADMK members were seen waiving a copy of an an English daily but Speaker Sumitra Mahajan asked them not to raise the same question every time.
The Speaker said the members should allow the Question Hour to proceed smoothly and she would allow the issue to be raised during Zero Hour.
She said Congress leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge and Shiv Sena’s Anant Geete had met her separately.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister M Venkaiah Naidu said the issue could not be raised as “nobody knows the facts” and before raking up the issue the facts should be ascertained.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was present in the House when the issue was raised.
After the Speaker’s assurance, the House proceeded with the Question Hour.
It was reported that a group of around 11 Shiv Sena MPs, apparently angry over not being served Maharashtrian food, allegedly forced a Muslim catering superviser who was fasting for Ramzan to eat a chapati at the new Maharashtra Sadan in the national capital last week.
In the Rajya Sabha, Ali Anwar Ansari (JD-U) raised the
issue when the House met for the day but Chairman Hamid Ansari said the issue can be raised during Zero Hour.
Rajeev Shukla (Cong) said all religions should be treated with respect as members from his party as well as Samajwadi Party rose on their feet protesting the alleged incident.
Sitaram Yechuri (CPM) said members be allowed to raise the issue during Zero Hour.
“He has raised it, we will allow it in Zero Hour,” Ansari said asking members to resume their places so that the Question Hour can be taken up.
“Take it up in Zero Hour,” he said following which members resumed their places and listed business was taken up.
V Maitreyan (AIADMK) sought to raise reports of Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) allegedly exerting pressure on the collegium headed by then Chief Justice of India R C Lahoti in June 2005 to confer permanent status to a Madras High Court Additional Judge who was under corruption cloud.
“I have given a notice for suspension of Question Hour,” Maitreyan, showing a copy of the newspaper which carried the report, said.
Ansari asked him to take it up in Zero Hour. “Don’t show any newspaper… We all read newspapers. You don’t have to educate us,” he said. (AGENCIES)
Another batch of devotees leave for Amarnath
JAMMU : Amid tight security, the 27th batch of pilgrims today left for the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas from here.
As many as 1,443 pilgrims, including 938 men, 389 women and 12 children, left from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu in a cavalcade of 37 vehicles at 4:10 AM, police said.
The convoy has already crossed Kud on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and would reach their destinations at Baltal and Pahalgam base camps by this evening, they said.
With today’s batch, a total of 48,160 pilgrims have so far left from the Jammu base camp for the Amarnath shrine. (AGENCIES)
Collapse of morality
Sir,
Recent cases of gang rapes in various parts of the country have once again shaken the back bone of our cultural heritage. Perhaps disappearance of fear of law enforcing authorities is one of the major contributory factors leading to this evil, which not only lowers our head in shame but also humbles in the galaxy of nations. Notwithstanding every effort to curb this mentality (animal spirit) developed in manhood, the graph of crimes of this nature remains un-reduced.
After all what miracles are left unachieved in cleansing the society from such heinous crimes. What more torturing than this can be when womanhood is openly looted harassed and indignified and the society and Govts remain mute spectators.
Episodes like Mahabarta were perhaps due to sheer immoralism of Duryodhna with Sati Duropti. Therefore, more deterrence is needed to be dissipated among the youngesters to refrain from such activities. It is not regardless to say that until a phenamenon of morality is thickened and social and humanitarian values are cultivated, sich evils, the society now stands confronted with will not be easily removed.
Yours etc…
Keshwa Nand Sharma
Sunder Bani
MLA’s Report Card
Sir,
Daily Excelsior deserves all the appreciations for introducing this new column on its front page , under the heading MLAs REPORT CARD, giving the actual pictures of the developments required / done in a particular constituency along with the positive as well as negative contribution by the respective Member Legislative Assembly. The paper, with a commendable hard task / sincerest efforts of its field staff members / reporters, who are working day and night for doing marvellous job in personally contacting different types of personalities of the remotest possible area in that particular constituency for listening to their grievances in obtaining the first hand ground information and then to make it public , has further raised its image, immensely, in the eyes of all its readers , who are already much impressed with its style / system of functioning / reporting for the benefits of the general masses.
Hope that all the sitting MLAs as well as those who eagerly wait to become in the coming Assembly Elections, are aware of this column, which is crystal clear about their interests taken for their constituency and if taken to mind , would be benefitted a lot in becoming the real hero in their areas by winning the hearts of the masses who vote them in full faith. Words do not co-operate with me here, when I want to pen down the condition of the common men, whose voice gets neglected by their respectable MLA and then how they carry on for next 6 years with their broken hearts with a hope of electing a genuine personality in the next term.
A sincere suggestion to the sitting MLAs that kindly don’t get panicky after reading your report card or don’t try to rub aside the actual reporting and there is no need to get upset now for the deficiencies being projected and also there is no requirement at this stage of giving any explanations because solid six years period have passed in which all those who either voted or not voted for your goodself were eagerly / closely watching the good deeds done during this long spell of the chair occupation.
Yours etc…
J M Behl
Sainik Colony Jammu.
Increase Medical allowance
Sir,
The maiden budget presented by the Finance Minister in Parliament, partially fulfilled the long demands of the employees and pensioners by raising the income tax exemption limit from 2 lakhs to 2.5 lakhs in case of employees and 2.5 lakhs to 3 lakhs in case of pensioners, though not in accordance with their expectations due to financial crunch as admitted by him.
The electronic goods, oil and soap have become cheaper to satisfy the demands of the housewives still more needs to be done to relieve the anxieties of the common masses whose flesh has been chopped off by the axe of inflation.
If the inflation is not contained, its giant like form shall devour all the budget boons and the sops shall be neutralized.
Now the main thing is to curb hoarding and black marketing, the main issue of good governance.
It is expected that the finance Minister shall announce more sops to the employers and pensioners in the next budget to embalm their wounds as the middle class is sufferings greatly due to the sky rocketing rise in prices of essential commodities like potatoes and onions.
It is prayed that the finance Minister shall also instruct the J&K State Govt to increase the medical allowance of pensioners from meagre Rs 300 to Rs 1000 to help them to meet their medical needs to onset of perfect old age, having no other source in this ailing age except pension.
Yours etc…
K. L. Dhar
Durga Nagar Enclave
Jammu
‘No plan to review rules for political contributions by cos’
NEW DELHI, July 22: Government today said there is no proposal to review the existing provisions regarding the contributions made by companies to political parties.
Responding to a query in the Rajya Sabha on companies’ making contributions to political parties, Minister of State for Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman said such activities are governed by Section 182 of the Companies Act, 2013.
“A company that is not a government company and which is in existence for at least last three financial years may contribute up to 7.5 per cent of its average net profits during the last three years to a political party/parties registered under the representation of Peoples Act, 1951,” Sitharaman said in a written reply.
Under the Income Tax Act, a company can also make contributions within the above limits to Electoral Trust Companies and such amounts need to be included in their books of accounts.
“The Electoral Trust Companies are, however, required to indicate the amounts passed on to them by companies and contributed by them to a political party or parties in the manner laid down in Section 182 (3) of the Companies Act, 2013.
“There is no proposal to review the above arrangements,” the minister said.
To a separate query, Sitharaman said the government has started the process to repeal the Act related to donations of national funds as its relevant provisions have been incorporated in the new companies law.
The Corporate Affairs Ministry has initiated the process to repeal the Companies (Donations to National Funds) Act, 1951.
“The relevant provisions of the Companies (Donations to National Funds) Act, 1951 have already been incorporated in the Companies Act, 2013.
“Section 181 and 183 of the (Companies) Act allows companies to contribute the bonafide and charitable funds and national funds etc,” she said. (PTI)
2 yatris among 4 killed in cylinder blast at Baltal
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, July 22: Four people were killed while another was seriously injured after a cylinder blast in a langar (community kitchen) on Baltal Dumel track, the base camp of Swami Amarnath annual pilgrimage today.
According to police, four youth including two Sewadars of community kitchen and two yatris died on the spot while another received grievous injuries and yet another was rendered unconscious after a gas cylinder blast in Shri Shiv Shakti Sewa Mandal a community kitchen run by some volunteers from Punjab to provide free services to Amarnath pilgrims at wee hours today.
All the four were blown to pieces and it was difficult for the authorities to recognize them. The entire community kitchen was razed to ground by the blast and immediately fire tenders were pressed in service to control the blaze and prevent the fire from spreading into adjoining langars, police added.
Police said panic gripped entire Baltal area after the blast and people ran helter- skater as the blast created a deafening sound. As the community kitchen was situated on the holy cave track near Dumel the movement of the yatra was stopped for about 15 minutes, police added.
Police however said later the yatra proceeded smoothly to holy cave. One seriously injured person was shifted to Sher-e-Kashmir- Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura for treatment where his condition is stated to be critical while another person who was rendered unconscious due to impact and deafening sound of blast was discharged from hospital after regaining his consciousness, police added.
The dead yatris were identified as Sandeep, age 25, S/o Tarseem of Bereta Mansar, Punjab and Gurdeep Singh, age 20 S/o Baldev Singh also of the same village in Punjab. Both Sandeep and Gurdeep had returned from darshan at holy cave and they were the relatives of Sewadars in the community kitchen where they had taken shelter for the night.
The dead Sewadars were identified as Babu Singh age 21 years of Mahore Mandi Bhatinda, Punjab and Yadvender Singh age 22, both sons of Najar Singh also of Mahore Mandi Bhatinda Punjab.
The seriously injured Sewadar has been identified as Manjit Singh of Mahore Mandi , Bhatinda Punjab and another Sewadar who became unconscious was identified as Jasvir Singh.
The dead bodies have been taken to Sonamarg Hospital where from they will be handed over to their relatives tomorrow for last rites, police said.
The police while ruling out any sabotage said it was a cylinder blast which took place due to negligence.
Police said soon after the blast the fire engulfed the community kitchen but with the hard efforts of fire services men the fire was brought under control and the adjoining community kitchens were saved. The police has also registered a case in this regard.
Police said the yatra proceeded smoothly later during the day.
On receiving the information about the incident, Governor, N N Vohra who is also the Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs one lakh in favour of the next kin of deceased.
The Governor also directed that all expenditures incurred on the transportation of the dead bodies to their native places for their cremation would be borne by SASB. Besides, the injured will also be provided all treatment by the Board. With the death of these four persons, the toll during this year’s Yatra has mounted to 30. Earlier 26 pilgrims had died during past 25 days of pilgrimage since the yatra started on June 28 from Baltal track.
Meanwhile, 6, 849 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave today. According to an official spokesman, 3,11,725 pilgrims have paid obeisance at holy cave since the commencement of 44 day long Swami Amarnath Ji yatra on June 28.
A fresh batch of 1315 pilgrims left for holy cave early this morning from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas under tight security in a cavalcade of 42 vehicles. They included 898 men, 310 women, seven children and 100 Sadhus. All the yatris had reached their destinations in Kashmir Valley when last reports came in where from they will leave for their onwards sojourn early next morning.
Minister for PHE, Irrigation & Flood Control, Sham Lal Sharma today visited Pahalgam and Chandanwari to review the arrangements of Shri Amarnathji Yatra through the traditional route.
The Minister took stock of the facilities put in place for the pilgrims at Nunwan Yatra Base Camp and en-route. While chairing the meeting of officers at Pahalgam, the Minister expressed satisfaction on the arrangements and directed for ensuring close coordination between various agencies to achieve better results. He directed for plugging gaps to meet any eventuality.
Meanwhile police has registered a case against an Army officer for allegedly thrashing a police officer at Baltal, base camp late last night.
Official sources said one person in civilian clothes approached drop gate at Baltal camp last night that he should be allowed to enter the high security area, where entry is banned after dusk.
When asked for his identity card, the person said he is an Army officer following which there were some heated arguments.
The police officer insisted that the Army officer would be allowed to enter the area only after getting permission from his seniors, sources said, adding later he was allowed to enter the security camp.
Later, the officer returned along with some other soldiers and allegedly thrashed the police officer.
An FIR has been registered against the Army officer and other soldiers, they said.
A police spokesman confirmed that a report about the incident has been lodged with the concerned police station.
“The matter is being investigated and, if required, action under law will be taken,” he said.
Meanwhile, Army has ordered an inquiry into the incident.
A Defence spokesperson said scuffle involving an Army officer and ASI of the State Police took place at Baltal yesterday.
Rashtriya Rifles Sector Commander and Inspector General (IG) Kashmir of Jammu and Kashmir Police met at Baltal to investigate the incident, he said, adding that in the meantime, Army authorities have ordered an enquiry into the incident.
He said authorities have assured that the personnel found to be allegedly involved in the incident have been replaced while the matter is under investigation.
A strict disciplinary action will be taken against the guilty, he added.
Inputs suggest terror attack on yatra
NEW DELHI, July 22:
There are intelligence inputs which suggest threat of terrorist attacks on Amarnath pilgrims, Lok Sabha was informed today.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said there are intelligence inputs about the plan of terrorists to target Amarnath yatra and the same has been shared with security agencies at the Centre and State levels.
Rijiju said since the beginning of the yatra this year, the reports of some incidents of stone pelting on yatra vehicles from Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal district have been received.
In these incidents, injury to one pilgrim and damage to the windowpanes of three vehicles have been reported, he said adding the State Government has been taking adequate measures to provide security to the Amarnath pilgrims. (PTI)