Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 5: A meeting was organized at Brahman Sabha here where all the prominent and respectable biradaries of Jammu were present which included Sanatan Dharam Sabha, Brahmin Biradari, Rajput Biradari, Mahajan Biradari, Baru Biradari, Khajuria Biradari, Sadotra Biradari, Ksahtriya Rajput Sabha, Kashap Rajput Sabha, Jammu Province People’s Forum (JPPF). Jandial Biradari, Dutta Biradari, Prajapati Sabha etc.
Addressing to the gathering Vishal Manhas highlighted some issues of ReZ of Jammu. He alleged that State Government was discriminating with Jammu as far as regularization of ReZs of Jammu was concerned. He said the latest example of discrimination has come fore when Govt has regularized 440 Rehbar-e-Zirats of Kashmir divisions
Giving the details, he said that there are 1004 ReZ at Kashmir division and 1495 at Jammu division. As per Cabinet decision ReZ of both divisions are to be regularized in three equal phase which means out of 1004 at Kashmir 334 should have been regularized in first and same in second and third phase but keeping all norms on stake they have regularized 440 that is 106 more and similarly out of 1495 at Jammu 521 are to be regularized but here also they are regularizing 440. The list is awaited which is grave injustice and discrimination with Jammu.
Speaking on the occasion Jagdesh Dogra president Sanatan dharma Sabha warned the Governemnt that people will teach it a lesson in the coming Assembly poll for its discriminatory policies towards Jammu. He urged the people to stand up against it otherwise the coming generations will have to face this discrimination as well
Shri Katoch said that JPPF was committed to have local Vice Chancellor of Jammu University and Central University at Jammu which they got and the issue of ReZ is of very serious nature and therefore JPPF will extend its full co-operation and if required they will come on streets in support of ReZs of Jammu.
The leaders of all other organizations warned Govern-ment to mend its ways failing which the people of Jammu will be forced to launch a massive agitation.
Meanwhile, for discussing the situation arisen due to delay in publication of first list of regularized Rehbar-e-Ziraat as per Cabinet decision and consequent SRO in this regard, Rehbar-e-Ziraat organized an emergency meeting at Directorate of Agriculture Tallab Tillo Gole Pulli Jammu under the chairmanship of Dr Surinder Radotra, State president JKATA.
While addressing the meet, Dr Surinder Radotra appealed the State Government for publication of first lists of regularized ReZs from Jammu division so that 2nd and 3rd lists are published in time.
He appealed the Chief Minister and Agriculture Minister for their personal intervention in this regard so that list of Jammu province ReZs is also released on the pattern of Kashmir division.
Govt asked to end discrimination with ReZs of Jammu
Power shut down
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 5: In order to carry out urgent repairs to 33 KV GG-2 line, shifting & insertion of poles and allied works, the power supply to Trikuta Nagar and part of industrial area Gangyal will remain affected on July 6, 2014 from 6 a m to 10 a m.
The shutdown is subject to fair weather conditions.
No separate homeland for Pandits: BJP
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, July 5: Senior BJP leader and co-incharge for Jammu and Kashmir, R P Singh today said the party has no plan for separate homeland for Kashmiri Pandits who migrated from the Valley in 90’s after the turmoil.
Singh, who is an MLA from Delhi, said the party wanted the Kashmiri pundits to return to their homes as they are the part and parcel of the Jammu and Kashmir State.
He denied that BJP wanted a separate homeland for the pandits in the Valley.
“Show me any document of BJP in which we have talked about separate homeland for the Pandits. BJP has no such intention,” Singh retorted when asked about Kashmir’s Grand Mufti (head priest) Mufti Bashir-ud-Din’s statement that the people of Kashmir would not accept separate homeland for the displaced Pandits.
Buoyed by the recent sweep in Jammu and Ladakh in Parliamentary elections, Singh said BJP will form the Government in the State on its own after the Assembly elections are held later this year.
“Youth here want a Government which develops the State. They want to get rid of the present inefficient NC-Congress Government. People across the State are looking up to us,” he said.
On a question of the strike called by separatists yesterday on the occasion of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the State, he said “such things do not matter”.
Earlier, scores of people, including political activists, advocates and retired Government employees, joined the party at the function.
Others who were present during the function include BJP executive member Nirmal Singh, general secretary Ashok Koul and Kashmir’s media incharge Altaf Thakur.
Government duty-bound to pass Shrine Bill: PNBMT
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 5: General body meeting of Prem Nath Bhat Memorial Trust, spearheading the Shrine Bill movement has demanded that the Government should fulfill its promise of enacting the Shrine Bill. The general body meeting held here today was attended by representatives of organizations, trusts and intellectuals. They pointed out that Government and other political parties have expressed their total commitment to protection of the Hindu shrines and temples of Kashmir. The community is waiting for the politicians to fulfill that duty.
Those present in the meeting included Swami Kumarji, Dr P N Trisal, A N Sadhu, A N Pandita, R L Bhat, R K Bhat and R K Raina (ASKPC), B L Saraf (Kapal Mochan, Shopian), B L Pandita, (Swami. Kral Bab Ashram) A K Raina (AIKS), M K Raina (Jawalaji Khrew), B L Bhat (JKVM), Shuban Khaibri, C L Pandita, , A K Braro, (K P Sabha), Mohan Lal, R K Koul (Arya Samaj), Virender Raina (PK), Sundri Lal Koul (Vessu) Chunni Lal Raina (Kandi Khas), Shadi Lal Koul (Secy, PNBMT), Rohit Bhat, M K Bambro (Nagubal Committee Anantnag), Ashokji Batargam, Opinder Ambardar, Ashokji Karshangam (Gosain Gund Ashram), T R Raina, Manmohanji Thaplo, Jaikumar, M L Ganjo, and Kashmiri Lal Bhat.
The speakers at the meeting were emphatic that the struggle for transparent and democratic management of the temples and shrines of Kashmir is a united aspiration of the Hindus of Kashmir and that they would not allow individual interests or isolated trusts or the Dharmarth employees to sabotage the movement for their personal and vested interests. “Will the president of Dharmarth care for any temple if he is removed from his post tomorrow?” asked the speakers. The movement for the Temple and Shrines Bill is a struggle of the Hindus mass of Kashmir who is naturally, normally and inalienably concerned with this heritage and faith.
The general body reiterated that they are not opposed to any Sadhu Maharaj or Purohit worshipping at any temple or shrine. The bill will not displace any of them or interfere with the mode of worship. The speakers, however, were emphatic that the temples and shrines must not be treated as the private properties and cannot be allowed to be sold, mortgaged, or otherwise alienated for private use or to fund private enterprises by anybody. The bill is only to protect the religious properties against that misuse and to manage them in an open democratic way by an elected Shrine Board composed of all Hindus of Kashmir including Pandit, Dogra, or Punjabi Hindus living in Kashmir.
Anandji Bab Maharaj’s Ashtottar Shatnam Stotram released
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 5: Swami Anandji Bab Maharaj’s Ashtottar Shatnam Stotram written by Santosh Shah Nadan was released in an impressive religious function held at Swami Anandji Bab Maharaj Ashram Purkhoo, here today.
A hawan was organized under the presidentship of O N Bakhshi, P L Bhat Trustee and management of the Trust headed by Krishan Lal Pandita (manager and care taker).
Santosh Nadan explained the contents of Shatnam Stotram with reference to Bagwat Geeta, Guru Geeta parthana and upasana on the occasion to the devotees present in the ashram. A shawl was presented to Santosh Shah Nadan by the trustee Piarey Lal Bhat as a token of Ashirwad from Bab Ananadji Maharaj.
Rlys sign MoU for single ticket
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 5: Northern Railway has undertaken a pioneer initiative in affording rail passengers seamless travel to the Kashmir region through Rail-cum-Road bridging scheme. As Katra-Banihal rail section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Line (USBRL) is under construction, Northern Railway has taken an initiative by bridging the gap through road transport between Udhampur and Banihal. A single ticket will be issued for passengers covering the dual modes of transportation. The scheme has been introduced from today.
As part of this initiative, Northern Railway has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Jammu & Kashmir State Government by which passengers booked to travel into the Kashmir Valley, can disembark at Udhampur to board dedicated buses and be driven to Banihal, from where they can take the waiting train to their destination. The same facility will be available for return journey also, official sources said.
In the first phase 12445/12446 Uttar Sampark Kranti train has been planned between New Delhi to Udhampur. Train No. 74639/74640 shall be the link train for journey between Banihal and Srinagar/Budgam under this scheme. Apart from normal class fare, passengers will be uniformly charged Rs. 260/- for one way road journey. The dual -mode ticketing scheme is being implemented for the first time on Indian Railways and is expected to afford sustained mobility for travellers and tourists to the Kashmir region. Provision of Rest Room and Luggage Porters both will be made at Banihal and Udhampur for the convenience of passengers.
Under this scheme the passengers will travel by 12445 Uttar Sampark Kranti Express departing from New Delhi at 8.50 p.m. (daily) to arrive at Udhampur at 8.05 a.m. From Udhampur the passengers will board the bus which will depart at 8.45 a.m. and arrive at Banihal at 2.00 p.m.. From Banihal the passengers will board the DMU train no. 74639 which will depart at 2.50 p.m. , Anantnag at 3.25 p.m., Srinagar at 4.19 p.m. to arrive at Budgam at 4.45 p.m. the same day.
In the return direction, the passengers having the ticket under the scheme will travel by 74640 DEMU train from Budgam which will depart at 11.10 a.m. , Srinagar at 11.20 a.m., Anantnag at 12.12p.m. to arrive at Banihal at 1.05 p.m.. The passengers de-boarding the DEMU at Banihal will board the bus which will depart from Banihal at 1.45 p.m. to arrive at Udhampur at 7.00 p.m.. From Udhampur they will travel by Udhampur -New Delhi Uttar Sampark Kranti Express train No. 12446 to depart at 7.50 p.m. and arrive at New Delhi at 6.10 a.m. the next day.
Tickets for this service can be booked from any of the Railway PRS Counter.
HC’s directive in petition filed by SPOs
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 5: In a petition filed by Special Police Officers, High Court has issued notice to the respondents with the directions to the petitioners to submit joining report in the office of DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua range.
These SPOs were relieved by SSP Samba with a direction to report in GMC Jammu or in the Associated Hospitals for security as per the decision taken in a meeting chaired by Minister for Medical Education. Later, in terms of the order issued by Medical Superintendent SMGS Hospital, Jammu pursuant to the direction of Principal GMC Jammu all the petitioners were relieved from the concerned hospitals with the direction to report to SSP Jammu for further duties.
The petitioners’ grievance was that SSP Jammu was not allowing them to join for the reason that all the petitioners had been posted in district Samba and relieved by the SSP Samba.
After going through the petition, Justice Janak Raj Kotwal issued notice to the respondents. In the meanwhile, High Court ordered that subject to objections from other side all the petitioners shall submit their joining report in the office of DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range, who may issue appropriate orders for their further place of postings.
Bhalla pays obeisance at Gurudwara Chattipadshahi
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 5: In connection with the celebration of birthday of Guru Hargobind Ji Maharaj, the Minister for Housing, Horticulture, Culture and Youth Services & Sports, Raman Bhalla today visited Gurudwara Chattipadshahi Rainawari, here and paid obeisance there.
On the occasion, the Minister felicitated the people and wished them well-being and prosperity, besides praying for the sustained peace, harmony, progress and prosperity in State.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bhalla said that teachings of Guru Ji are torch bearer for the people and said it is the need of hour to follow the path of truth, humanity, charity, honesty and mutual brotherhood as preached by Guru Ji. He said that Guru Hargobindji’s noble example of selfless service, based on the high values of righteousness, truth and love, is more relevant today.
During his visit, the Minister interacted with the members of managing Committee of Gurudwara and took stock of arrangements made for the devotees.
Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Commissioner SMC, Dr G. N. Qasba and other officers were also present on the occasion.
Governor meets Dalai Lama
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 5: On the eve of the 33rd Kalachakra Initiation N.N. Vohra, Governor, visited Choglamsar at Leh and had audience with, the 14th Dalai Lama, who is at Leh to bless the several lakh devotees who will be visiting the area in connection with the Kalachakra ceremonies.
The Governor and Dalai Lama exchanged views about the crucial importance of all nations working towards world harmony and peace amongst people of all races, regions and religions. The Governor also greeted Dalai Lama on his 79th birthday and wished him continuing successes in his ongoing endeavours to restore faith and compassionate understanding in the world at large.
Brazil set up semis date with Germany, Neymar ruled out
Fortaleza (Brazil), July 5:
David Luiz produced a stunning free kick from 35 yards as Brazil knocked out South American rivals Colombia 2-1 to set up a semifinal date with Germany, who prevailed over France 1-0, in the FIFA World Cup quarterfinals.
But the fireworks celebrating the home team’s victory had barely subsided when the disastrous news of its superstar striker Neymar being ruled out of the tournament was made public.
The 22-year-old superstar striker, who lit up the World Cup with his skill and temperament, fractured a bone in his back (third vertebra) when he was kneed in the back by Colombia defender Juan Camilo Zuniga.
Earlier, in Rio De Janeiro, Mats Hummels’ first half header proved decisive as Germany reached the semifinals for the fourth successive time with a solitary goal win over fellow European giants France.
Luiz doubled the Brazilian lead with his spectacular free kick that crashed into the top right of the net in the 69th minute after skipper Thiago Silva’s first half strike off a Neymar corner kick had put the hosts ahead.
Colombia pulled one back when James Rodriguez converted a penalty in the 80th minute but the Brazilians held their nerves in the tense remaining minutes to set up a last-four clash with European powerhouse Germany.
The hosts though have some worries going into Tuesday’s showdown as skipper Thiago Silva will miss the last-four clash due to double booking, to go with Neymar’s ouster. Neymar was carried off on a stretcher following a rough challenge from Zuniga late in the second half. He was taken to a hospital to undergo tests.
In a fast and frenetic quarterfinal clash, Brazil came up with their best show so far in the tournament and Colombia too put up a spirited fight.
Young Colombia striker Rodriguez was gutted as he left the field in tears before exchanging his shirt with Luiz, who consoled the rival player.
Rodriguez scored his sixth goal of the tournament but his penalty was not enough to keep his side alive in the tournament.
Silva struck as early as in the seventh minute when Neymar’s corner was missed by Luiz in the middle but the home skipper smashed in with his knee.
Silva became the first captain to score for Brazil in a
World Cup game in 20 years and it was Brazil’s quickest World Cup goal since Ronaldo scored in the fifth minute against Ghana in 2006.
The goal was a result of some slack defending from Colombia as Silva was allowed to drift in at the back post.
Two minutes later, Hulk struck powerfully but Colombia keeper David Ospina got down just in time to thwart the challenge. The burly Hulk was at it again as he initiated a flurry of attacks but Ospina denied him once again and the hosts went to the break with a 1-0 lead.
Surprisingly, the pace of the game dropped a bit in the second-half and there were fewer of chances as the play was restricted to mid-field.
Brazilian coach Felipe Scolari was frustrated when Silva collided with Ospania and was booked.
However, Luiz with his extraordinary free kick brought the cheers back.
A 2-0 lead had settled the home players but they were up to challenge again when Colombian substitute Carlos Bacca was brought down by Julio Cesar inside the penalty area.
Rodriguez converted the resultant penalty, sliding the ball to the left side as Cesar dived on his right. A charged up Colombia tried hard to get the equaliser but it never came.
Earlier, the contest between the two European powerhouses lacked spark but Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer proved to be outstanding under the bar as he made two spectacular saves in each half to deny France the equaliser.
Germany had more possession but it was France, who had first strike in the rival goal post in the seventh minute, but Karim Benzema could not provide the finishing touch as he hit a volley wide on a pass from Mathieu Valbuena.
The Germans were clearly the more dominating side and were rewarded for their effort as Hummels headed home a superb free-kick from the left taken by Toni Kroos.
Hummels jumped and out-powered French defender Raphael Varane, nodding home the lead in the 13th minute.(PTI)
The Germans continued to enjoy great possession thanks to to some superb work by their midfield trio of Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira and Bastian Schweinsteiger.
A rattled France upped their game and swung to action. Again it was Mathieu Valbuena from the left, making a superb effort but Germany keeper Neuer stuck his left arm out made a great save.
Germany also survived the resultant corner as Mahadou Sakha headed over the cross bar.
Veteran Germany striker Miroslav Klose was handled pretty badly as he was taken down a number of times by the French defenders. Klose also sought a penalty on one such tackle but the referee did not oblige.
France improved near the break. Benzema started to find holes in German defence. The Real Madrid player rushed from the left took a pass from Paul Pogba but his feeble shot landed safely in Manuel Neuer’s arms.
The French side was different in the second half, which was far from the German domination. Antoine Griezmann and Valbuena were staying up as close to Benzema as possible.
Germany midfielder Sami Khedira was shown the first yellow card of the match as he brought down Griezmann, nine minutes into the second half.
The French side raided more even as efforts did not bear fruit. Their midfielder Blaise Matuidi rushed forward with a superb sprint but his cut-back from the left wing was well intercepted by a sliding Bastian Schweinsteiger.
German keeper Neuer came to action first time when he easily picked a header from Raphael Varane.
A couple of substitutions followed as Chelsea player Andre Schurrle replaced Klose for Germany while France brought in Arsenal centre-back Laurent Koscielny in place for Mamadou Sakho.
France did succeed in creating a few half chances but never got that equaliser. Schurrle had a chance to double the German lead but his low shot was was blocked by Raphael Varane. (PTI)