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.
Warm send off given to Brakboo
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).
Fire incident at Rajouri Hospital
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Feb 2: Mysterious fire in the emergency block of the old hospital Rajouri created panic during early hours here today.
Reports said fire broke out in one of the rooms of the emergency block at around 3.30 am today. Some people noticed the thick clouds of smoke in the hospital complex and raised alarm. They informed staff and also rang up Police Control Room and Fire Service authirities. Two tenders were rushed to the hospital and the fire was controlled shortly. It had been spread in two rooms.
In panic, two tenders from Kalakote and Nowshera were also summoned but the fire had been controlled within an hour. Short circuit was believed to be reason behind the incident but police was investigating into the matter.
Homeopathic doctors hold get together
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: A get together of Homeopathic doctors was organized by Bakson’s Homeopathy here today in which a new product Spondy Aid was launched.
Speaking on the occasion Mr Bhatia spokesperson of the organization said that the new product gives a pain free life to the patients of cervical spondylosis and frozen shoulder.
He also presented the clinical trial success report of the medicine to the doctors on the occasion.
Dr Shakti Dutt Sharma a well known Homeopathic doctor of the State said that the medicine gives pain free life to the patients in case of stiffness of joint and muscles pain.
Other Homeopaths including Dr Arun Kumar, Dr Ranjan Tuli, Dr Raj Kumar, Dr Rajan, J&K Homeopathic Medical organization president, Dr Bimal and its general secretary Dr Arun.
Unidentified body found
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Feb 2: Police today said an unidentified body of a man was recovered at Meloora, Srinagar last evening.
A police spokesman the deceased is about 65 years of age.
The spokesman said if anybody has any kind of information regarding the identity of the deceased may contact to SHO Parimpora on Mobile number 9419042364 or Police control room Srinagar on 100.
Police has initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 Cr PC to ascertain the cause of death.
SVS organizes free medical check up camp for children of BWF
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: Wedded to the cause of humanity and upliftment of poor and down trodden, Samajik Vikas Sansthan (SVS) organized a health check up camp for children of Borderless World Foundation at Anuradha Puram Barnai today.
The Sansthan also distributed the stationery items among the children on the occasion. The health check up camp was inaugurated by Swami Kumar Ji in presence of president of Sansthan Kuldeep Raina, Kundan Kashmiri president KPC and Shadi Lal Dadroo, ex-Private Secretary to DGP.
A team of doctors comprising of Dr V K Gupta, Physician, Dr B L Pandita, Pediatrician Dr A K Kaul Dental Surgeon examined the children of the Home. Free medicines were distributed among them.
Free tests were also conducted by a team of lab technicians and paramedicos including Pran Krishan Pandita, Dileep Raina, Ramesh Pandita, Ramesh Bhat Reeta and Ravinder Kour.
The function among others was attended by vice chairman of the Sansthan S L Bhan, M K Pandita, Arvind Padroo, Ravi Kalposhu and M L Bhat.
Swami Ji, Mr Raina and Kundan Kashmiri assured all support and help to these children and organization which has taken their responsibility.
The vote of thanks was proposed by Miss Rajni Trustee of Borderless World Foundation.
Major fire along LoC, Chakkan- da-Bagh
Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Feb 2: Major fire along the Line of Control in Balakote area of Mendhar and at Chakkan-da-Bagh LoC point has been reported this evening.
Sources said that mysterious fire from PoK side started at Chakkan-da-Bagh near last gate and it spread in some areas where structures are raised for trade and travel. The security agencies and Army authorities rushed to the area and tried to protect the infrastructure. It was learnt that some damage was also caused there. Tomorrow, there is plan to resume bus service on both sides through this point.
Massive fire was also reported in Tonga Forest and Dadote in Balakote area. The fire started from that side of the LoC and then spread inside the fencing. Due to spreading fire, many land mine explosions took place. The fire started at around 6.30 pm and it had engulfed a larger area till late this evening. The Army authorities were fighting the fire to protect their infrastructure and gadgets installed.
SKUAST-J organizes training on rare exotic, spice vegetables
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 2: A team of scientists of the Division of Vegetable Science and Floriculture from Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, visited Pinjore village in Marh block educating farmers of the area about production of quality planting material and dissemination of production technology of exotic and spice vegetables under the HTMM (ICAR) Projects.
Educating the farmers, Dr R K Samnotra, Professor & Head (Vegetable Science) stressed upon the farmers for growing highly remunerative exotic and rare vegetables to catch up the growing demand of such vegetables and enhance their farm income.
Dr Sandeep Chopra and Dr Manoj Kumar persuaded the farmers for cultivation of Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, ginger, turmeric, red and yellow capsicums for meeting the local demand of these vegetable vis-à-vis earning huge farm income.
Dr R K Pandey discussed the agronomic practices of cut and loose flowers. Professor V S Verma educated the farmers about the harmful health hazards of synthetic fungicides though being effective against fungal and bacterial diseases and stressed upon multiple benefits using biopesticides.
He categorically emphasized that fungal and bacterial biopesticides were not only safe for the soil health, but also manage a variety of fungal and bacterial diseases of many crops, besides helping in all plant growth parameters enhancing the vegetable production. Progressive farmer Sudesh Sharma and Sarpanch of Pinjore Sham Lal Sharma requested the scientists to continue their efforts for educating the farmers of Marh Block for adopting latest agro-technologies.