Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: Jammu Fruit Association held its elections here today and elected Parveen Kumar Gupta of M/s Parveen Fruit Agency as its president.
The Election was conducted by Election Committee headed by Sushil Kumar Jain. Its other members were Darshan Lal Gupta and Chaman Lal Narang.
Om Parkash Sawhney was elected as vice president, Veer Ji Raina as general secretary, Gopal Krishan as secretary and Himanshu Suri as treasurer.
It also elected 14 member Working Committee comprising of Kamal Naresh Grower, Devinder Kumar Gupta, Deepak Gupta, Aditya Malhotra, Verinder Kumar Gupta, Raj Singh, Rakesh Narang, Subash Gupta, Irshad Ahmed Taj, Surinder Gupta, Ravi Kumar Jain, Vikas Bharti Gupta, Atul Ghai and Sandeep Gupta.
Parveen elected president of Jammu Fruit Association
6 injured in road mishaps
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Jan 25: Six persons were injured in two separate road accidents across the Valley today.
A police spokesman said five passengers were injured when a Tata sumo, JK010/9903, driven by Mohammad Amin Sheikh son of Ali Mohammad of Madeena Chowk, Gowkadal in Srinagar rammed into an electric pole at Frestbal, Pampore.
The injured have been shifted to a hospital for treatment.
Another pedestrian, Abdul Rashid Bhat son of Ghulam Rasool of Gund-Maqsood, Chadoora in Budgam district was injured when an auto load carrier, JK04B/1474, hit him.
The injured was shifted to Bones and Joints hospital for treatment, the spokesman said.
Vote most effective tool in hands of people: Modi
GANDHINAGAR, Jan 25:
While emphasising that one should never underestimate the value of his vote, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today said that a vote is the most effective tool in the hands of people to express that even the ‘strongest’ of leaders are mere pygmies in front of the ballot box. Writing on his blog on ‘Voters Day’ today, Mr Modi said that the best example is the 1977 Lok Sabha elections. Intoxicated with power, overconfidence and authoritarianism, the ruling party and the Prime Minster declared elections. Censorship was near complete and dissenting voices were silenced but when the people spoke they spoke louder than everything else, he stated and said ‘This is the power of your vote.’
He conveyed his greetings to the Election Commission of India, which came into existence on this day. He congratulated the EC of India for having steadfastly stood as a guardian and protector of the most important democratic process in India — elections, for over 6 decades.
He said, ‘Electioneering in India has come a long way since the first-ever general elections in 1952. From ballot papers we have moved to electronic voting machines (EVMs). Earlier counting of votes would extend beyond a day, however, now the entire picture ecomes clear in a matter of hours. Also, earlier elections could turn extremely violent with booth capturing in some parts, but now violence and other electoral malpractices have been reduced substantially.’
Mr Modi pointed out there were several issues that needs to be addressed. He said, ‘if there is one important issue even today, it is to further increase voter registration. The past several elections across India have seen record turnouts. This is a positive sign, but there remain several people, particularly youngsters who despite being eligible are not registered as voters. The Election Commission has been extremely proactive in increasing registration, but with more help from citizens, we can go even further.’
‘We need to think about strengthening voter facilitation through innovative means such as mobile registration kiosks,’ he said.
He observed that duration between the time one submits the voter registration form and the time when he or she gets the voter card is long and called for shortening that duration. He suggested to keep the citizens updated on the status of their application.
‘Similarly, we must ensure that proper voting facilities are made available to our brave army personnel, especially those posted in the border areas,’ he said. ‘It is also the need of the hour to infuse our election processes with even more technology, innovation and look towards the future. We need to explore a more user friendly online voter registration system. Further, we need to use mobile technology for voter registration and information dissemination about polling booths, among others.
Noting that it is time to start discussing the possibility of online voting, he admitted that it has its inherent challenges.
While referring to last year’s Supreme Court’s historic verdict which gave the voters the option of not to vote for any candidate, he said ‘The verdict was a step in the right direction but its true essence will come out when we are able to successfully institutionalize a near universal voting for our citizens through facilitation for voter registration and voting. Every citizen must rise to the occasion and contribute to the strengthening of our democracy.’
He called upon the party workers to take a pledge to become proactive and said they should ensure that maximum number of friends and family members register as voters and that they participate in every elections, from the local body to Lok Sabha. He also asked the overseas Indians to ensure eligible non-resident Indians (NRI) voters are registered and eligible NRI voters come to India and cast their vote on the day of polling. He asked his party workers to make ‘Mision 272+’ a success and said they should reach out to as many voters and connect with them.
(UNI)
Minor girl among three injured in road accidents
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Jan 25: A minor girl was among three persons injured in road accidents at different locations.
As per reports, two persons identified as Sikander Singh, son of Sandoor Singh and Surjit Singh, son of Bishan Singh, both residents of village Mongri were injured when the Mahindra vehicle bearing registration number JK14C-9391 they were traveling in rolled down at Kalsote.
The duo was rushed to District Hospital Udhampur, where their condition was stated to be stable, when last reports came in.
Meanwhile, 10-year-old Asmat Akhter, daughter of Momin Mohammad of Barya was injured after being hit by an unknown vehicle near her native place.
She was shifted to District hospital, Udhampur, where her condition was stated to be out of danger, when last reports came in.
Cases stands registered at concerned police stations.
Infiltration bid foiled on LoC
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Jan 25: Alert Army troops amidst heavy exchange of firing across the Line of Control, foiled a major infiltration attempt of a group of militants in Balakote area of Mendhar sub-sector in district Poonch during wee hours today.
Sources said a group of nearly 7-8 heavily armed militants was noticed by the Indian troops near the Line of Control at around 5 am today. The group taking advantage of darkness and thick forest tried to infiltrate into this side of Line of Control from Panjani nallah area of Balakote. An Army patrol noticed the movement and opened fire on them.
The heavily armed militants resorted to firing on the Indian troops and the exchange of firing with automatic weapons started on both the sides. Three of them had reached closer to the fencing while others were following them. The alert troops from the nearly posts also rushed to the troubled area and joined others.
In between, the firing from a Pakistani post on the opposite side also started. The firing on both the sides continued for about 35 minutes. No body was hurt on this side. After the firing on both the sides was silenced, the Indian troops who had cordoned the entire area, started massive search operation. It continued for about three hours but no recovery could be made. The militants managed to escape towards PoK.
A Defence spokesman said that it was yet another major infiltration attempt by a group of militants on south of Pir Panjal in last 24 hours. The attempt of the heavily armed terrorists to intrude into this side was foiled successfully by the alert soldiers in Mendhar.
Gen Chachra awarded PVSM
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lt Gen Chachra on the occasion of Republic Day has been awarded the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) for his exceptional service and outstanding leadership.
“Prior to taking over the reins of the operationally, active Northern Army on July 1, 2013, the General officer was the Western Army Commander where his tenure was marked by an upsurge in technological up gradation in war fighting prowess and focused towards infrastructure and capability building in the Western Sector,” official spokesman here said.
He said as Army Commander Northern Command, General Chachra conceptualized a realistic and practical strategy in conjunction with the civil administration, State Police and CAPFs resulting in relative peace in the region.
“He has contributed significantly in the initiation of a number of developmental initiatives in the State as part of the Army’s participative contribution for welfare of the Awaam, truly reflecting his genuine love and concern for the people,” the spokesman said adding that his sustained efforts have lead to a significant improvement in the welfare of Serving soldiers, Veterans, Veer Naris and their dependants. General Chachra is one of the few Generals to have commanded two of the largest Armies of India, said the spokesman.
Youth jumps in Tawi, dies
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: A youth allegedly committed suicide by jumping into River Tawi from the bridge here this afternoon.
As per police sources, a youth identified as Vijay Sharma, son of Shanti Sawroop of Paloura climbed the railing of the bridge and jumped into River Tawi.
On seeing him jumping, team of flying squad immediately swung into action and launched the rescue operation.
The body was fished out and shifted to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where doctors declared him as brought dead.
The body has been handed over to family members for last rites after completing legal formalities.
A case under relevant Sections has been registered at Nowabad police station and investigation started.
Association of Timber Industries highlights demands
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: A deputation of the Association of Timber Industries Jammu called on Principal Chief Conservator of Forest at his office and apprised him of their problems and issues.
The deputation, led by the Association president Jai Singh, demanded that there should be no bar on transportation of imported timber in J&K except checking at Lakhanpur and Lower Munda check posts.
The Association also demanded that transportation of timber with valid permission should be made hassle free and there should be no checking at all the forest check posts, except first and last posts.
Other demands highlighted by the Association, included; renewal of Sales Department registration after 3 years instead of one year and exemption of eucalyptus and bamboo from Form 25.
Two employees of 17 Miles found dead in hotel
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Jan 25: Two dead bodies of employees of 17 Miles Hotel were recovered from a ladies changing room of the hotel early this morning.
The two boys who were working in the Hotel as labourers were found dead this morning under mysterious circumstances inside the hotel room, situated on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway in Vijaypur area of Samba district, police said.
Police said after a lady employee came to assume charge of the day’s duty in the morning and knocked the door but when no one responded she went inside and saw the youth lying on the floor. She tried to awake them but they did not respond. Later, she informed the manager of the Hotel who along with other staff members saw the duo lying dead in the changing room and they brought the matter in the notice of Vijaypur Police.
Later, a police team led by SSP Samba, Anil Mangotra, SDPO Vijaypur, Ashok Singh and SHO Vijaypur Iqbal Choudhary visited the Hotel and took the two bodies in its custody. The police also informed the FSL team for investigation.
The duo was identified as Mushtaq Ahmed, 20 son of Pattu of village Tikri and Ajay Kumar, 19, son of Rattan Chand of village Sandla –Majalta, Udhampur.
The reports said that the duo after taking their meals went to sleep at late night. However, they were found dead in the morning in the ladies change room. The duo had also vomited during the night.
When contacted SSP Samba Anil Mangotra said that police is making its best possible efforts to investigate the case thoroughly. It will be premature to say what is the actual cause of the death and investigation can go to any side, he added.
He said after coming to know about the incident at 9 am in the morning, he himself visited the hotel along with his junior officers and took the bodies in the custody.
Besides a Board of Doctors was constituted to investigate the matter and in camera postmortem of the duo was conducted at SDH Ramgarh and its video graphy was also conducted on the spot, he added.
However there was no mark on the bodies, he said, adding the bodies were handed over to legal heirs later for last rites.
The Vijaypur Police has also registered a case.
BMO Ramgarh, Dr A D S Manhas said that a team of three doctors headed by Dr Anita Kotwal was constituted to conduct the postmortem and investigation. The other members of the team were Dr Anjum Choudhary and Dr Rajesh Prabhakar.
He said it will be premature and hypothetical to say what was the cause of the death? The blood samples and viscera was sent to FSL for investigation and truth will come to light only after the report comes from FSL.
Police said that the duo was allotted a room in a factory near Vijaypur but often they used to stay in the hotel when there was work up to late night hours.
Shabir Khan releases awareness newsletter, calender
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 25: Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan today released awareness newsletter ‘Combating HIV/AIDS’ and table calendar 2014 of Jammu and Kashmir AIDS Prevention and Control Society (JKSACS) here today.
Project Director JKSACS, Managing Director, J&K Medical Supplies Corporation, Director Health Services, Jammu, Director Family Welfare, Superintendent Government Hospital, Ghandi Nagar were among others present on the occasion.
Releasing the newsletter and the AIDS awareness calendar 2014, the Minister lauded the efforts of JKSACS in combating HIV/AIDS in the State and issued instructions for scaling up efforts to provide facilities to people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIVs) and controlling AIDS in the State.
The Minister said that the AIDS awareness calendar 2014 will also prove an important tool in disseminating AIDS awareness and stressed the need for its distribution in Government offices to help generate the AIDS awareness to all visitors of different sections of the society visiting the offices.
The Minister on the occasion formally inaugurated the office of JKSACS housed in a private complex at Nanak Nagar.
Meanwhile, the Minister also inaugurated Voluntary Blood Donation Camp on the eve of Republic Day at the Gandhi Nagar Hospital today, which was organized by Hindu Shiv Sena, Jammu in collaboration with Government Hospital Gandhi Nagar.
As many as 34 volunteers of HSS donated the blood during the camp.
Speaking on the occasion, the Health Minister emphasized the value of voluntary blood donation. He said Jammu and Kashmir is a multi-religious and multi ethnic State and blood is the one of the most significant unifying factors that keeps our State united.