Minister for Housing, Raman Bhalla addressing public meeting at Chatta on Sunday.2
Jammu, July 13: Contin-uing Government’s endeavour to further strengthen health infrastructure in the remote areas of the State, Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture, Youth Services and Sports Raman Bhalla on Sunday laid foundation stone of Rs. 3.27 crore Primary Health Centre (PHC) building at Chatta village in Sunjawan.
Director Health Services Dr. Baljeet Pathania, Managing Director JKHB Ram Paul Sharma besides other senior officers of PHE, PDD, R&B, Health, UEED and School Education accompanied the Minister.
Addressing a public meeting after laying foundation stone of PHC, the Minister said that Government has accorded focused attention to health sector and during the past five and half years, a substantial improvement in the overall scenario has been registered.
With the initiation of timely and corrective measures by the Government, the Health Department has touched new heights, he maintained.
Appreciating the performance of the employees of the Health Department, Mr. Bhalla said that everyone has understood their role and put in their best efforts in providing best possible medicare facilities to the ailing persons.
Congratulating the people of this remotest pocket of Jammu city for getting the new hospital building, the Minister said that the hospital will be equipped with all essential and requisite facilities with the services of different specialties and twelve-bed capacity. The Government has already sanctioned posts of doctors and para-medics for this newly established PHC which will be completed within a period of one year by the Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB).
For providing transport services in shifting of ailing patient of Chatta and its adjoining areas to the city hospitals for treatment, Mr. Bhalla announced Rs. 20 lakh fully air-conditioned ambulance.
Responding to people’s demands, the Minister assured that upgradation of Middle School Rati Salarian as High School will be examined on priority and all out efforts will be made to fulfil the demand.
Regarding construction of Beermeni-Bathindi road and Doongian-Bathindi road, Mr. Bhalla informed the people that the roads are under progress on war-footing and nearing the stage of blacktopping, adding that for this purpose Government has earmarked Rs. 4 crore.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 13: A one-day training programme was organized for farmers of Udhampur district at Directorate of Agriculture, here under Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) today.
Addressing the farmers on the occasion Director Agriculture Jammu Dr S S Jamwal called upon them to avail the benefits of different Centrally/ State sponsored schemes and also adopt the latest technology to diversify their farming.
While interacting with trainees he said the Udhampur district has a great scope and feasibility for conservation of soil moisture through construction of check dams. He stressed that farmers should judiciously harness the available water resources for irrigation through installation of bore wells, pump sets and micro irrigation devices.
Earlier A K Malhotra Joint Director Agriculture in his welcome address said that there is a great potential for production of many specialties like Rajmash, Basmati, Desi Mash, Mustard Oil, Turmeric, Garlic and many other seasonal vegetables crops in Jammu region.
About 60 farmers including women farmers participated in training programme. They were also shown documentaries on Mushroom cultivation and use of Improved Machinery in Agriculture.
Excelsior Correspondent
Udhampur, July 13: A convention of the Bharatiya Janata Party Jaganoo and Tikri Mandals were organized by the party Mandal President Jaganoo Balwan Singh and BJP Mandal President Tikri Mansa Ram Sharma under the presidentship of Krishan Lal Sharma, general secretary of the party Udhampur district.
BJP State Election Committee member and BJP leader from Udhampur Assembly constituency Pawan Gupta was present as the chief guest. A large number of executive members of BJP Mandal Committee of Jaganoo & Tikri along with polling booth committees’ members were present in the convention.
Local speakers of both the Mandals have highlighted their strategy for the forthcoming elections of J&K Assembly of their concerned.
In his address Pawan Gupta expressed that BJP can achieve its victory in the forthcoming Assembly elections and mission +44 with the dedication, devotion, party policies and the hard work of booth level office bearer the backbone of the organization and the most powerful organ of BJP as was proved in the recent last Parliament elections.
District general secretary Krishan Lal Sharma has expressed in his address said that today’s Mandal convention of two Mandal is and example of BJP’s strength and hard work of party cadre in these Mandals. Presidents Balwan Singh and Mansa Ram Sharma assured party leaders present in the convention that BJP will definitely emerge victorious in their Mandals in the forthcoming elections of the J&K Assembly.
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 13: Srinagar police in a special drive against stunt bikers seized five bikes from Hyderpora, Parraypora, Baghat, Barzulla areas and booked five stunt performers.
Five bikers were booked for rash driving besides for violation of other provisions of Motor Vehicle Act. These bikers were performing stunts on the road thereby endangering life and property of other people using the road.
All the bikes that were seized were plying without number plates. The bikes have been modified for stunt making. The mudguards of the rear wheel were removed so that it doesn’t touch the road while performing stunts.
During the current year Police Station Sadder has taken cognizance of 102 violations of Motor Vehicle Act in their area where large number of Tuition centre’s are located. Out of 102 cases around 90 cases involve motorcycles.
Some stunt bikers have been found to have formed groups and named them “Hells Angels 81” and “Racing Rebellz”. These groups have defaced walls at many places by writing their group name with spray paints.
Srinagar Police has assured that the drive against the stunt biking will continue in the future also.
Members of All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organisations garlanding Dr Udit Raj. -Excelsior/Rakesh
JAMMU, July 13: Member Parliament (MP) from North West, New Delhi and National Chairman of All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organisations, Dr Udit Raj stressed that the deprived sections of the society particularly SC/ST/OBCs must be allowed to participate in the private business houses by providing them reservation.
He said this during a function organized by All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organisations here today.
MP further said that we cannot achieve a strong nation where there is bipolarity between people at social and economic levels. Criticizing the dual structure of the political spectrum in the J&K, he said that a strict insulation is bound to deprive the State of good steps being taken by the Government at the Centre and even the West Pakistan refugees were suffering from inhuman conditions due to this particular issue. He called upon the State Government to provide citizenship rights to the West Pakistan refugees.
MP also called upon the participants to get ready for the annual rally by the Confederation in November-December at New Delhi and also for the upcoming Assembly elections in the State to throw the tyrannical rule of the incumbent coalition for having deprived the SC/ST/OBCs of the State to achieve its oblique motives.
RK Kalsotra, president of the Confederation while speaking, stated that the State Government has consistently been working to defeat the constitutional rights of these communities by launching surrogate litigation against people from these communities. He added that the Confederation will give a final chance to the incumbent Government to accede to their demands.
Criticizing the statement of the VC of SMVDU where he said that the reservation promotes inefficient people, Kalsotra asked the Government to dislodge such a man who does not believe in the constitutional schemes and called upon the Government to establish Dr Ambedkar Chair in the University of Jammu.
Later Kalsotra submitted a memorandum of demands to MP for further submission of the same to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Confederation also submitted memorandum of demands to J&K Government also.
Among others who spoke were Romesh Sarmal, Ashok Koul, general secretary BJP, Chaman Lal Kandley, Darshan Bhagat, Romesh Kaith, Babu Suman, Deepak Attri, Roshan Choudhary, Farooq Chowdhary, etc.
A vehicle burnt down by the mob at Bari Brahmana on Sunday.—Excelsior/Rakesh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 13: Normalcy was restored in Bari Brahmana town tonight after more than four hours of road blockade during which mob torched two vehicles and one shop in protest against denial of permission to them to hold ‘Chinj’ (local wrestling) over a piece of disputed land at Bassi Khurd, falling on the borders of Bishnah and Bari Brahmana.
Several hundreds of vehicles were stranded along Jammu-Pathankot National Highway for several hours as mob blocked the Highway for more than five hours, holding protest demonstrations, shouting slogans, pelting stones on police personnel and torching two vehicles and one shop before the situation was brought under control at around 10 pm.
Though the traffic was restored on the highway at 10 pm, it took another two hours for complete restoration of vehicular movement. Several pilgrims of Mata Vaishno Devi ji and Amarnath ji shrine were stranded in the road blockade.
Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu zone Rajesh Kumar told the Excelsior late tonight that situation has been completely brought under control and normalcy restored in Bari Brahmana.
Kumar said after two hours of peaceful protests by the people, some of the miscreants taking cover of women and children, who were part of the protests, torched two vehicles including a police Gypsy and a civil Ambassador car apart from a scrap dealer’s shop at Bari Brahmana.
The IGP said police personnel were deployed in strength to defuse the tension and control the mob. “Normalcy was restored in Bari Brahmana area after the protesters were persuaded to disperse at around 9 pm. Everything became normal by 10 pm. Traffic has been restored on the National Highway,” he added.
DIG Jammu-Kathua range Shakeel Ahmed Beig said there was a court stay on a piece of disputed land at Bassi Khurd on the border of Bishnah and Bari Brahmana with the condition that if the people want to hold ‘Chinj’ with communal harmony they should be allowed. The Court had also laid down the condition that holding the `Chinj’ won’t entitle the organizers from claiming the land.
Beig said the authorities wanted the organizers to hold the `Chinj’ at the venue, where they had organized it last year but they wanted the disputed land to be cleared with a tractor, which was objected by the administration.
Authorities, the DIG added, were ready to allow the people to hold ‘dangal’ at any other place.
Meanwhile, the people said, they had been holding `dangal’ at the venue for past several years and there was no dispute over the land.
“We simply wanted to hold the ‘dangal’ like previous years at Bassi Khurd. If the land was not disputed for several years how can it become disputed within day”? they asked and blamed the administration for deliberately denying them the permission for holding ‘dangal’. The people said they had nothing against any community but only wanted to hold the `dangal’ there, which the administration didn’t allow forcing them to march to Bar Brahmana, hold protests and block the National Highway.
They said they will continue to hold the peaceful protests. The ‘dangal’ was scheduled to be held today.
Sources said police had to use lathicharge and tear smoke shells on the miscreants, who burnt two vehicles and one shop. The highway was completely cleared around 10 pm. Nearly a dozen people suffered injuries in police lathicharge and teargassing, they added. Eight police personnel were injured in stone pelting by the mob. The people marched from Bassi Khurd and surrounding areas to Bari Brahmana around 3 pm.
Even as traffic on National Highway was restored around 10 pm, it took the authorities more than two hours to clear the entire highway of traffic jam. The jam was witnessed right from Gangyal to Pathankot and the people had to face enormous inconvenience.
Meanwhile, a police spokesman said the mela at Dera Bassi Khurd in Bishnah went off peacefully and was attended by about 2000 to 2500 people.
Minister for PHE, Sham Lal Sharma laying foundation stone of model village Gurha Brahmana in Akhnoor on Sunday.
JAMMU, July 13: Minister for PHE, Irrigation and Flood Control Sham Lal Sharma today said that the Government has taken up massive programme of modernizing facilities for people in all the three regions of the State and model villages in every constituency of the State is a part of these initiatives.
The Minister was addressing a massive public gathering after laying foundation stone of model village Gurha Brahmana in Akhnoor Tehsil being constructed by the Department of Rural Development under BADP Scheme.
Block Development Officer Akhnoor Deepak Dubey, other senior officers of various departments besides Sarpanchs, Panchs, and a large number of people were also present.
The model village project in the whole cluster of villages, envisaging development of modern civic amenities and other facilities, would involve an estimated cost of Rs. Rs. 8.51 crore.
The Minister said that aim of developing the village as model village is to improve the socio-economic condition of the locals through development of social infrastructure and ensure need based development in the area.
He said the model village project aims at improving living conditions in the remote and backward areas by creating civic infrastructure on modern lines like blacktopping of existing roads, construction of community halls, upgradation of lanes and drains, children parks, installation of high mast lights, community ponds and other allied works besides making available facilities required for promotion of local economy and employment.
Meanwhile, Sham Lal Sharma inaugurated two number of Over Head Tanks (OHT) having capacity of one lakh gallon each in Hospital Complex Akhnoor and Forest Rest House Akhnoor yesterday. These have been constructed at a cost of Rs. 1.08 crore.
Former President Chamber of Commerce and Industries Y. V. Sharma, Chief Engineer PHE Sushil Aima, Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control, SE Hydraulic, XEn PHE Akhnoor, other senior officers were also present on the occasion.
The Minister inaugurated commissioning of Diesel Genset costing Rs. 25 lakh including installation having capacity of 380 KVA and new pumping station (Water Supply Scheme) at Akhnoor.
It was informed that the new pumping station is ultra modern and has LT Control Panel, Voltage Stabilizer with standby machinery.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that with the commissioning of these OHTs, the water shortage in Akhnoor and adjoining areas would be redressed. He said that the Government is preparing a project for uplifting 200 cusecs water from river Chenab to meet the water supply demand of Jammu city.
While listing the development works during the last five and a half year in Akhnoor Tehsil, the Minister said that number of schools have been upgraded besides work on Ayurvedic College, Nursing College and various other projects is under progress.
He exhorted upon the officers to aware the masses about different schemes launched by the Government so that they can avail maximum benefits of these schemes. He also directed the administration to actively involve the panchayats while framing development plans and execution of the work.
Workers of NMC during a meeting at Rani Park in Jammu on Sunday.
JAMMU, July 13: Emphasizing on the need for immediate amending SRO 64, National Mazdoor Conference (NMC) today urged upon the State Government to formulate a comprehensive policy for regularization of all daily rated workers, including casual and seasonal labourers engaged in various departments of the State Government after March 31, 1994.
Addressing a largely attended NMC workers rally at Rani Park here, NMC president, Subhash Shastri said these daily rated workers should be regularized before the enforcement of model code of conduct due to ensuing Assembly elections in the State likely to be held in next few months, so that confusion and uncertainty among these workers could come to end.
He said early amendment in SRO 64 is the need of hour and it should be immediately effected so that new regularization policy becomes operational from Independence Day as gift to working class.
Alleging that these daily rated workers are facing financial hardships due to price hike as their services have not been regularized for last 18 to 23 years nor they are getting their salary in time, Shastri demanded early release of their wages pending for months together.
Pleading the cause of State Government employees and pensioners, Shastri also asserted for early release of 10% DA due from January last and 4th installment of 6th Pay Commission arrears in favour of State Government employees and pensioners.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 13: On the occasion of foundation day, Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP), Branch Gandhi Nagar today organized a medical camp here at Gorkha Mandir in Nanak Nagar.
During the camp, Dr Ankur Gupta and Dr Sarbjeet Singh, both physio-occupressure specialists, examined about 100 members with the help of modern technology.
The camp was conducted by National general secretary, Bharat Vikas Parishad, Dr Surya Parkash with the coordination of Ram Langer and Bhopal Dutta, president and secretary of the Mandir Committee.
A havan was also conducted on the occasion by Pandit Navraj Updhaya.
Bhopal Dutta and Bharat Bhushan Sharma, president and secretary of Bharat Vikas Parishad, Gandhi Nagar Branch, were also present on the occasion.
KPs protesting infront of Press Club at Jammu on Sunday. -Excelsior/Rakesh
JAMMU, July 13: Protesting against the observance of July 13 as Martyrs Day, the Kashmiri Pandits today staged protest demonstrations and observed the day as Black Day by wearing black badges.
The Joint Forum of KP Organizations observed the Kashmiri Pandit Black Day today and organized a joint protest demonstration outside the Press Club of Jammu. This day is being observed by the Kashmiri Pandit community as the Black Day since 1932 in commemoration of the persecution that was inflicted upon the community on that fateful day in the Valley of Kashmir. On this day, the Hindu community was subjected to loot, arson, murder and mayhem on a large scale in the Valley. The impressive demonstration was attended by the activists of the Joint Forum and many leaders and activists of like-minded organisations.
It was addressed by Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo, president-Panun Kashmir, R.K.Raina, president-All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference, Dr. Ramakant Dubey, Patron-VHP, H.N.Jattu-president, AIKPC, D.N.Kissu, Chairman-NCMCC, Sardar Prem Singh, president-KSDF, Sat Sharma, Rajesh Gupta-BJP leaders. Virender Raina, Spokesperson-Joint Forum conducted the proceedings of the programme. The participants wearing black badges with placards in their hands raised slogans decrying 1931 acts of genocide against the minority community of Kashmir.
The observance of the July 13 as the so-called Martyrs’ Day by the political structures of the State is tantamount to rubbing salt to the festering wounds of the minority Hindu community of Kashmir. It adds insult to injury that on a day, when the Kashmiri Pandits were subjected to mass persecution and loot, has been designated as the official martyrs’ day by the political class of the Valley. In accordance with the chalked out plan in 1931, the mobs under the supervision and leadership of communal forces looted Hindu properties and houses at Vicharnag, Maharaj Ganj (the hub of business activity), Amirakadal, Hari Singh High Street and parts of Bohrikadal. In Kanikoot village (now in Budgam district) Hindus were mercilessly beaten, their properties vandalized and there are accounts of one family having been thrown from the windows of a three-storey house and brutally killed.
Kashmira Vahini, front line displaced Kashmiri Pandit women organization, observed July 13 ‘ as ‘ Black Day’ here in which large number of community members from camps and non-camps across the Jammu participated. The function, chaired by it’s patron Kirti Kalla, was addressed mainly by Dr Khema Kaul, Sudesha Kaul, Nirmala Ticku, Dr Ajay Chrangoo and Dr Agnishekhar.
Terming the July 13 as begining of organized communal violence against peace loving Kashmiri Hindus in the Valley Dr Khema Kaul noted writer and national spokesperson Kashmira Vahini elaborately narrated the actual facts concerning the disturbances of 13th July,1931 and the subsequent and simultaneous communal violence unleashed against Kashmiri, Dogra and Punjabi Hindus living in Hariparbat, Ali Kadal, Maharajganj, Bohri Kadal, Safa Kadal, Nawa Kadal,Gunzkhud, Vicharnag,Kanikoot in Budgam and other places. She laid emphasis on inculcating the sense of history amongst exiled community in general and women folk in particular.
Dr Ajay Chrangoo ,chairman Panun Kashmir while commenting on the communal intent of the July disturbances and its aftermath ,said it was loud expression of Muslim uprising against Hindu Dogra monarch and the organised communal violence against Hindu minority in Kashmir was part of it.
Dr Agnishekhar ,convener PK apprised the gathering that while the ongoing freedom struggle in rest of India was targeted against foreign British Imperialists, the local Muslim uprising in Kashmir in 1931 was aimed to de thrown the Hindu Dogra King of the State. The death destruction arson and communal frenzy against Hindus in Kashmir was indeed the warning for Kashmiri Pandits.
Kashmiri Pandit Conference (KPC) observed July 13 ,as “Black Day” by wearing black badges, head gear and switching off lights to their residences and bussiness establishments for an hour from 7 PM to8 PM to draw the attention of National & International bodies, people of the country and political masters of the nation towards atrocities committed on KP community time to time, in particular, on July 13, 1931 and faced with other serious problems at the hands of communal and separatist forces as well as so- called secularists of the Kashmir Valley.
KPC leaders and its activists also educated KP youths, India masses and others about dreadful events faced by KPs in 1931, 1947, 1986 and 1989-90, which finally culminated in their mass exodus from the Valley and also educate them about ground realities of Kashmir as well as human right violation of Kashmiri Pandits.
Addressing to couple of meetings in West Delhi to day on July13,2014,Kundan Kashmiri KPC Chief re-itereated his demand of one place consolidated rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits at the land of Kashyap in Kashmir Valley.
Other KPC activists who also participated and addressed these meeting, were R. L Raina, Ashok Raina, Ashok Ji Bhat, S.L Zuthsi.Surrender Bhat and R Razdan.
