Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Feb 2: All J&K Pensioners Association unit Udhampur discussed pending issues of the pensioners here today.
In a meeting of the Association held here under the chairmanship of Shiv Ram, former Principal, the members including Madan Lal Abrol provincial general secretary, B R Sharma president Udhampur unit, Sain Dass Dogra, Bansi Lal Sharma, S N Choudhary and others, resolved to hold one day convention of the State pensioners at Udhampur on March 2, 2014. They stressed upon the Government to solve the pending issues of the pensioners.
The members demanded that arrears of the revision of pension with effect from 01-01-2006 to 30-6-2009 be paid in one installment, enhancement of Medical allowance from Rs 300 to 1000 per month etc. They also demanded implementation of additional quantum of pension in favour of State pensioners, after attaining the age of 80, 85, 90 and 100 years and above at the rate of 20%, 30 %, 40 % , 50 % and 100% on the analogy of Central Government pensioners.
Pensioners project issues
2 injured in road mishaps
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Feb 2: Two girls were injured in separate road accidents near Jakhani and Dhar Road, here today.
A Maruti car collided with a truck near Jakhani resulting into injuries to Priya Manhas (19) daughter of Ram Rattan of Bantalab Jammu. She was shifted to hospital.
In another road mishap, an unknown vehicle hit a pedestrian near Dhar Road. Locals shifted the injured to District Hospital Udhampur. The injured was identified as Pooja Devi (18), daughter of Prabhu Ram, resident of near Head Post Office Udhampur.
Youth killed in accident
Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Feb 2: A youth was killed after he was hit by an unknown vehicle at Jammu-Pathankote National Highway at Rajbagh late last night.
He was identified as Sohan Lal, 22, son of Pritam Chand of Shakti Chak, Kathua.
He was rushed to District Hospital Kathua for treatment where from doctors referred him to GMC Jammu as his condition was critical.
But his condition deteriorated further on way to GMC and he succumbed to his injuries before reaching Hospital.
The Raj Bagh Police has registered a case. His body was handed over to the family after postmortem by District Hospital Kathua.
KP Society holds election
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: Hira Lal Chatta, president All State Kashmiri Pandit Conference, (ASKPC) was today elected president of All Kashmiri Pandit Welfare Society Haridwar the elections of which were conducted at Geeta Bhawan Muthi here.
He was declared elected to the post by T N Raina and Subash Chatta in charge Election Commission under whose supervision the elections were held.
Vishwa Bharati organizes Fun Fair Mela
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: An impressive Fun Fair Mela was organized at Vishwa Bharati Public Higher Secondary School Akalpur Morh in its Campus, here today.
The Mela started at 9:30 am and concluded at 4:30 in the afternoon.
Swami Shri Kumar ji Maharaj from Geeta Ashram, Muthi was the chief guest on this occasion.
Members of School Governing Board namely J L Kaul, Secretary College of Education and Public School, Dr S K Kaul, Treasurer Jammu Units, Prof AN Sadhu, Chairman RAC Vishwa Bharati and Dr O P Razdhan, Vice President Management were present on the occasion.
Special attractions in the Mela were an Amusement Park, Animal Rides, Day Long Music Programme, Gymnastic Show, A Range of Fresh Food Stalls, Exciting Magical Games, Swings and a Number of Stalls for children.
The Meal concluded with a Lucky Draw having over 100 attractive prizes.
ReT Forum demands issuance of regularization orders of EVs
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Feb 2: ReT Teachers Forum once again reiterated its demand of issuing regularizing orders of 4000 Education Volunteers (EVs) of Jammu province, in its monthly meeting held here today.
The meeting which was held under the chairmanship of Forum’s State president, Vinod Sharma and District president, Lekh Raj Parihar, was attended by delegates from all 11 zones of the district.
Speaking on the occasion, Sharma regretted that though these EVs had completed their satisfactory service for regularization in June 2013 and thereafter regularized by Director School Education Jammu, in November 2013, yet they have not been issued regularization letters.
The Forum members also accused the Government of not fulfilling their other long pending demands including inclusion of five years ReT period for seniority benefits, suitable transfer policy, SRO- 43 benefit, besides release of pending salary of SSA and KGBV teachers.
It was decided in the meeting that Forum will hold State-wide protests during the Budget session if regularization orders of EVs are not issued before February 10, 2014.
Warm send off given to Brakboo
Excelsior Correspondent
BANDIPORA, Feb 2: Warm send off was given to Additional District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, G.M. Brakboo who retired from service on superannuation on January 31, 2014.
The function was presided over by District Development Commissioner, Bandipora, M.Y.Zargar while as Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Assistant Commissioner Bandipora besides other officers and staff of Revenue department attended.
Highlighting the last three years service of Mr Brakboo at Bandipora, the speakers described as a dedicated him and efficient officer.
Sikhs stage protest against Cong at Digiana, block NH
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: Various Sikh organizations held strong protest demonstration against the Congress Party and the killing of innocent Sikhs in Delhi and Jammu during anti-Sikh riots.
A large number of Sikhs under the banner of United Sikh Front assembled near Digiana Ashram on Jammu-Pathankote National Highway and started protest demonstration. President J&K SUF Sudershgan Singh Wazir was leading while several leaders from various organisations like- Nirbhow Nirbair Organisation, Sikh Naujwan Sabha, BKNSS, AISSF, Sikh Welfare Society etc accompanied the Sikh members and came out on the National Hghway and also caused traffic disruption.
While addressing the gathering, Mr Wazir strongly condemned the role of Congress leadership and expressed deep concern and anguish over the killing of innocent Sikh people who were killed in J&K, Delhi and other parts of the country in 1984 during assassination of Indira Gandhi. He said a large number of members of the community were killed by the anti-social elements and the mob was led by Congress party leaders. Unfortunately no one was punished so far. Many innocent Sikhs were killed in Jammu and Talwara in Reasi also but no action was taken against the accused persons. Even in 1989 attack on religious procession in Jammu and Chhatisinghpora incident in Kashmir no one has been panelized.
Mr Wazir appreciated Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal to announce SIT to probe the incident and fix responsibility on the people involved. He said many commissions were set up but no outcome has come out. Wazir asked the J&K Chief Minister to announce SIT on the pattern of Delhi to probe the incidents of killings of innocent Sikhs in J&K. He claimed that 17 Sikh were killed in Talwara, 14 in Jammu during riots and 36 in Chhatisinghpora massacre in 2000. Wazir warned a major agitation if the Government failed to act in this regard. He demanded that Rahul Gandhi should nominate the leaders of his party responsible for killings and he should also apologise from the Sikh community.
Avtar Singh Khalsa, Mohinder Singh, Harjeet Singh, Paramjit Singh, Surinder Singh Kala, Kulwant Singh and Ramneek Singh Bijral also spoke on the occasion.
Man attempts suicide
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: A man allegedly tried to end his life by consuming some poisonous substance at his residence in Reshamgarh Colony, falling under the jurisdiction of Bakshi Nagar police station.
As per reports, 35-year-old Surinder Singh, son of Sharan Singh of Reshamgarh Colony consumed some poisonous substance at his residence.
Finding him unconscious, family members rushed him to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), where his condition was stated to be stable, when last reports came in.
A case has been registered at Bakshi Nagar police station and investigation started to ascertain the reason behind such extreme step.
PM reviews security scenario in J&K with Governor, CM
Sanjeev Pargal
JAMMU, Feb 2: Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today held a high level review of security situation in Jammu and Kashmir with Governor NN Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in two separate meetings and political situation in a meeting with PCC (I) chief Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz and other senior leaders of the Congress at Raj Bhawan.
Mr Vohra hosted ‘At Home’ for Dr Singh to meet Indian and foreign scientists at Raj Bhawan this afternoon and inter-acted with some of them. The scientists from all over the country and abroad have reached here for five days Indian Science Congress, which Dr Singh would inaugurate at Jammu University at 10 am tomorrow.
The Prime Minister reached here at about 3 pm from Kolkata after addressing bi-centenary celebrations of Indian Museum on two days visit of Jammu and was received at Technical Airport by Governor NN Vohra, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Legislative Council Chairman Amrit Malhotra, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, Ministers, MPs, Prof Soz, Chief Secretary Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, DGP Ashok Prasad and top brass of Army, police and civil officers.
Union Minister for Science and Technology Jaipal Reddy and Union Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr Farooq Abdullah have already reached here to attend inauguration of five days long 101st Indian Science Congress in which about 8000 delegates apart from Vice President Hamid Ansari, former President A P J Abdul Kalam, Nobel laureates Y Lee and Ferid Murad, Union Minister for Human Resources Development Dr M Pallam Raju and a host of other dignitaries are likely to participate.
Omar, Dr Abdullah, Mr Reddy, Council of Ministers of Jammu and Kashmir and prominent legislators attended ‘At Home’.
The Vice President would deliver valedictory address to the Indian Science Congress on February 7.
The Jammu University is hosting the Indian Science Congress of the Indian Science Congress Association (a professional body of Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India) from February 3 to 7.
Soon after his arrival here, Dr Singh drove to Raj Bhawan, where he was briefed on security situation by the Governor and the Chief Minister in separate meeting.
Official sources said The Chief Minister raked up the issue of closure of Pathribal killings by the Army and suspension of cross-LoC trade after the seizure of contraband drugs load truck at Uri.
“Omar in his about half an hour meeting with the Prime Minister raised the issue of closure of case Army in Pathribal killings and called for justice to the families of victims and punishment to those responsible for innocent killings,’’ sources said.
They said Omar also discussed suspension of cross-LoC trade on both routes of Uri-Muzaffarabad and Poonch-Rawlakote after the seizure of a truck load of contraband drugs and arrest of a driver for smuggling narcotics in Kashmir. He stressed for amicable resolution of the matter with Pakistan to ensure that important Confidence Building Measure (CBM) of trade across the LoC was not jeopardized.
Yesterday, Omar had flayed Pakistan for holding drivers of Jammu and Kashmir hostage in Pakistan for a criminal, who was caught on this side with consignment of narcotics.
Sources said the Chief Minister briefed Dr Singh of various aspects of security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir—both internal and external. He also apprised Dr Singh about achievement of the NC-Congress coalition Government during past over five years including empowerment of people, employment generation, restoration of peace and stability, socio economic development and improvement in security situation and law and order front.
Omar hailed the Prime Minister for his support to the State in his endeavour to fast track development works and move ahead towards achieving the goal of prosperity and tranquility.
“The Prime Minister conveyed his wishes to Omar Abdullah for peace and progress in Jammu and Kashmir and well being of the people,’’ sources said.
They added that Governor NN Vohra also apprised the Prime Minister about security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir including the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border (IB). He gave detailed assessment of the situation taking into account both internal and external factors. He apprised Dr Singh on more steps required by the Centre for restoration of complete peace and normalcy in the State.
Later, a 14 members delegation led by PCC (I) president Prof Saif-ud-Din Soz met the Prime Minister and briefed him on political scenario in Jammu and Kashmir apart from other aspects of the situation. Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to go for Assembly elections in November-December this year apart from Lok Sabha elections along with the country in April-May.
The Congress leaders raised various issues before the Prime Minister pertaining to the State.
Sources said implementation of 73rd amendment of the Constitution of India, problems of refugees, more Central funds for development works in the State etc were taken up by the Pradesh Congress leaders with Dr Singh.
Prominent Congress leaders, who joined Prof Soz, in meeting the Prime Minister included Ravinder Sharma, Hari Singh, Khem Lata Wakhloo, Suman Bhagat, Indu Pawar, Ghulam Nabi Monga, RS Chib and Vinod Sharma among others.
The Prime Minister had the night halt at Raj Bhawan. He would proceed to the Jammu University at 10 am for inauguration of Indian Science Congress and then fly back to New Delhi around 11.30 am.
Sources said the Indian Science Congress, based on the theme ‘Innovations in Science and Technology for Inclusive Development’ will have 14 sessions on different subject combinations.
There will be special symposia on ‘Science and Technology Imperatives and Opportunities for Sustainable Development of Jammu & Kashmir.’
The session on ‘Rural Innovators’ will be inaugurated by the Prime Minister on the inaugural day tomorrow, sources said.
The Science Congress is being organised under the patronage of Governor and University Chancellor N N Vohra and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Pro-Chancellor of the Jammu University.
Tight security arrangements have been made across the winter capital for the Prime Minister’s two-day visit. Additional police and para-military personnel have been deployed within the city and its periphery. Security was very high in the Jammu University, the venue of the Indian Science Congress.
Meanwhile, Eminent scientists including Bharat Ratna recipient scientist C N Rao, R Chidambaram, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Defence Research and Development (DRDO) secretary Avinash Chander will deliver lectures in different fields of science during the five days event.
Nobel laureates and scientists from USA, Canada, Germany, UK will deliver lectures at the event.
The event will also see discussion and presentation of papers in the field of housing, energy, environment, health care, water, homeland security, communication, agriculture and Forestry Sciences, Animal, Veterinary and Fishery Sciences, Anthropological and Behavioural Sciences (including Archaeology and Psychology and Educational Sciences), Chemical Sciences.
Other topics are Earth System Sciences, Engineering Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Information and Communication Science and Technology (including Computer Sciences), Material Sciences, Mathematical Sciences (including Statistics), Medical Sciences (including Physiology), New Biology (including Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology).