Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: To take stock of the problems being faced by the farmers and villagers of rural belt, JKDF held a public rally at Marh block, here today.
Hundreds of people attended the rally, which was addressed by JKDF State President, Anil Gupta.
Besides senior JKDF activists, the rally was attended by JS Baju, Chamel Singh Chib, Devinder Singh, Sunil Rakka and Deepak Sharma.
On the occasion, Suchet Singh Langeh was nominated JKDF Block President for Domana Block.
Addressing the gathering mostly dominated by farmers and villagers from the block, Anil Gupta stressed for the need to adopt latest scientific measures to improve the production and quality of food grains.
He said that the poor irrigation facilities and natural calamities are the major hurdles in the agriculture sector, adding that Government’s indifferent attitude to promote agriculture and provide soft loans for encouragement of farming have resulted into starvation and poverty among the farmers due to which this community preferred to shift to other professions, which caused decrease in agriculture productions.
Expressing concern about the people living below poverty line Gupta said, “Due to embezzlement in the distribution of BPL ration cards by the concerned department, the genuine people are being deprived of getting the subsidized rations for which they are entitled to.
Meanwhile JKDF has decided to contest the Parliament and State Assembly elections on all the seats of Jammu in order to play vital role in State polity to bring the people out of mess, which the existing NC-Congress rulers have created in this trouble torn State.
The prominent JKDF activists present on the occasion were Rohit Sharma, President JKDF Sewa Dal, Shalleen Gulati, Vice-President, Sewa Dal and Ravi Mehra, General Secretary, Sewa Dal.
Gupta for adopting scientific measures to promote agriculture
Govt accountable for fiscal crisis: Dr Jitendra
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: BJP National Executive Member and J&K chief spokesperson Dr Jitendra Singh has held the National Conference (NC)-Congress Coalition Government accountable for the acute fiscal crisis into which it has landed the State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Commenting on the current financial crunch, he said as the coalition enters the last leg of its six year term, it cannot be allowed the liberty to leave empty State coffers behind it.
Taking a dig, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the Government which clamours for “autonomy”, is unable to release the salary of its employees on time and the ruling party which took over in 2008 with the promise of ushering in a new era of development is sparing only Rs 9378 crore for developmental activities out of the State’s total budget of 38608 crore because remaining 75 percent of the budget goes for paying salaries and pension of the employees.
Dr Jitendra disclosed that J&K has a total employee strength of 3.90 lakh and their annual salary bill including pension of former employees is around Rs 28,690 crore. Inability to generate sufficient funds for this purpose has resulted in regular protests by employees’ unions, making it virtually a perennial feature during the entire term of the NC led Coalition Government, he observed.
He regretted that on the one hand, the NC-Congress coalition is always found seeking mileage by denouncing the security forces while on the other hand, under the Security Related Expenditure on Police and Relief & Rehabilitation scheme introduced in the State after eruption of militancy in 1989, Government of India has reimbursed Rs 6575.26 crore to compensate J&K Government during the past 24 years.
Dr Jitendra Singh further said the scenario would have been different if the ruling party leadership had, instead of harping on symbolism like “autonomy”, “AFSPA”, etc, concentrated on progressive measures at the ground level.
William Shakespeare’s world famous play ‘Richard-III’ staged
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: Natrang’s Sunday Theatre today witnessed 10 year’s most exciting theatrical wonder on stage with the staging of William Shakespeare’s world famous play ‘Richard-III’ with 2nd group of actors at Amar Mahal.
Staged by Natrang and Rangroots Theatre in association with Amar Mahal Museum and Library, the play was produced in a 35 day workshop conducted by Asheish Nijhawan with the support of National School of Drama New Delhi.
The cast of the play included Ashwani Bali as Richard, Syed Mudassar Ali Shah as Clarence, Susheel Raina as Hastings, Sajra Qadir as Anne1, Aarushi Thakur as Anne2, Gazalgeet Kour as Elizabeth,Varun Sharma as Gray, Mahikshit Singh Langeh as Riverse, Namit Dubey as Stanley, Pankaj Verma as Messenger, Shivam Manhas as Buckingham and Brakenberry, Neeraj Kant as King Edward, Shazia Batool as Dutchess, Syed Mudassar Ali Shah as Arch Bishop, Manik Sharma as Prince York, Sachin Saini as Prince Edward, Rajan Thakyal as Mayor, Vickey Kaw as Catsby, Varun Sharma and Pankaj Verma as Citizens Gaurav Jamwal as Father-1 Ravinder as Father-2 and Uplaksh Singh Kotwal as Richmond. The music of the play was scored by Uplaksh Singh Kotwal, Make-up by Mohit Sharma and the stage management was looked after by Mohammad Yaseen, Rahul Singh and Pankush Verma.
Rich tributes paid to two soldiers killed in avalanche near LoC
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 12: The GOC of Chinar Corps Commander, Lt General Gurmit Singh, and all ranks paid rich tribute to the mortal remains of two soldiers who died after a forward post was hit by a snow avalanche near Line of Control (LoC) in Machil sector on January 9.
Defence Ministry spokesman Lt Colonel N N Joshi said a solemn wreath laying ceremony was organised in Badami Bagh Cantonment here on Sunday, where in Chinar Corps Commander and all ranks of Chinar Corps laid wreath as a mark of honour for the brave soldiers.
A post of 5 Assam Regiment was hit by twin Avalanche in Muthal Gali at around 1215 hours on January 9, 2014. There were a total of eight soldiers manning the post in spite of inclement weather, guarding the LoC to foil any infiltration attempt from across the border by militants.
However, six soldiers were able to escape unharmed while Naik Lempa Konyak and Sepoy Thoudam Sanaton Singh were trapped under the Avalanche.
Rescue operation was immediately launched, Lt Col Joshi said adding the body of Singh was recovered at around 1515 hours on the same day while body of Naik Konyak was recovered at 1745 hrs on January 10 after which search operations were called off.
Chinar Corps Commander in a message to the families of the deceased said, “my heart goes out to the families and relatives of the two brave soldiers. May the almighty bestow strength to them to bear the ultimate loss. I on behalf of whole Chinar Corps salute the brave soldiers”.
Protest in Pulwama after CSC visit
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Jan 12: Massive protests erupted today in Litter area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district against the Government after rumours about recommendations of Tehsil status to Lassipora village in the district.
Around 3,000 people including women from the area assembled at Litter Chowk, forced shopkeepers to shut their shops and marched towards nearby Niloora village.
Fearing that mob can attack Congress District president’s House located in the village, scores of police personnel were sent to deal with law and order situation.
The protests erupted a day after the Cabinet Sub Committee constituted for eliciting suggestions and demands from general public and public representatives for creation of new administrative units visited South Kashmir districts of Kulgam, Anantnag, Shopian and Pulwama.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Pulwama, Tajender Singh told Excelsior the police party was rushed to the area to control the protesters from creating chaos in the area.
Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama Manzoor Ahmad Lone said some rumour mongers spread misinformation in the area to disturb peace. “The members of Cabinet Sub Committee are assigned to collect the inputs/opinion from general public and note down the same,” Lone said, adding, the Cabinet Sub Committee has taken no decision about granting Tehsil status to any of the villages.
Lone said that protesters also damaged the goods of some shopkeepers in village Niloora after later refused to close down their shops over the issue.
One dies as car rolls down near Dudhar Pull
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Jan 12: One person died when a Santro car rolled down in a deep gorge near Dudhar Pull Dhar Road in Udhampur.
The deceased was identified as Udhay Gupta (40), son of Om Parkash Gupta of Adarsh Colony Udhampur.
The accident took place when his Santro car bearing registration number DL8CG- 0445, on way from Samba to Udhampur and being driven by him, slipped into Dudhar nullah at Dhar Road late last night.
Police rushed to the spot and shifted the injured to District Hospital Udhampur where doctors declared him as brought dead.
In another road mishap, a Tanker bearing registration number JK02AC-9983, on way from Jammu to Udhampur, rolled down into a deep gorge near Battal Balian. Driver of the tanker, identified as Rajendir Singh son of Bhagwan Singh of Doda,sustained critical injuries in the accident and was shifted to hospital by police.
Samba Police foil 2 bovine smuggling bids
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Jan 12: In its drive against the illegal trafficking of bovine animals, Police Station Vijaypur headed by Inspector Mohd Iqbal SHO P/S Vijaypur, under the supervision of Anil Magotra, SP Samba and Ashok Singh, DySP, SDPO Vijaypur intercepted and seized one truck bearing Registration No. JK02AH-2565 during surprise ‘naka’ checking on National Highway at Vijaypur, yesterday.
The vehicles were found loaded with 8 bovine animals which were being transported illegally without permission from Kathua towards Jammu.
The driver of the vehicle, Azad Ahmed S/o Zahoor Shah R/o Saldar, Mahore, Reasi has been arrested on spot and case FIR No. 09/2014 U/S 188 RPC, 2/3 PC Act has been registered against him for further investigation.
In another case, a truck bearing registration No. JK14-7978 hit a car bearing registration No. PB35Q-1141 at Smailpur Chowk, Bari Brahmana.
On this occasion, Police party of P/S Bari Brahmana nabbed the truck which was found loaded with 6 bovine animals and being transported illegally without permission.
However, the accused driver managed to flee from the spot.
An FIR No. 03/2014 u/s 279/337/188 RPC has been registered with Police Station Bari Brahmana and investigation has been started.
Satchel organizes Art Camp
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 12: Satchel, an institution for promotion of Music, Art and Languages, organized an Art Camp in its office premises here at Vikas Colony (Paloura) on Saturday evening.
The aim of the camp was to provide an opportunity to under privileged young children to showcase their talent in the field of fine arts, port painting, dress designing and floral arrangements.
A total of 65 children (43 in junior group and 22 in senior group) from different schools of the State participated in the camp and showcased their talent in port painting, mirror work, water colour painting, etc.
Kritika and Akhil Sharma were adjudged best in water colour painting while Laksha Dhalla was adjudged best in creyans. Sugara Fatima and Mehroon Nissa from Kargil were adjudged best in port painting. They were adjudged by Jyoti Tickoo and Deepika Sathu and awarded certificates by Madam Anupama Bhat.
The children also expressed their feelings about environment, drug addiction, junk food, wild life and conservation of water.
Addressing the participants, RK Mahaldar, patron of the institution, said that talents differ and everyone cannot find a place in an engineering or a medical college, therefore vocational education and training is to be made a part of the school curriculum.
Nisha Suri, an upcoming choreographer, spoke about different forms of dance and advised the students to get involved into different cultural activities for a better growth.
Among others Shashi Sharma, Samakisha Sahini, Rajat Pandita and Gazanfar graced the occasion. The programme was coordinated by Naina Razdan while Sarita Raina presented vote of thanks.
LDS organizing mega dancing event
Excelsior Correspondent
—Excelsior/Rakesh
JAMMU, Jan 12: Legends Dance Studio (LDS), Talab Tillo is organizing mega dancing event on February 9 in which local dancing talent will compete with international fame Boyz Zone Dance Troupe at Zorawar Singh Auditorium, Jammu University.
This was stated by Director of LDS Ajit Singh Chibber (Master-X) during a press conference here today.
Chibber said that it was his desire to see Jammu talent shining at national and international foras’ but regretted that the local corporate sector was not coming forward as in other States to promote talent through sponsorships.
He said that in other States corporate sector sponsors such programmes and nurture its youth to compete at national and international levels, adding the response in Jammu was lack luster.
Chibber said that local talent cannot grow without the help of the local business community.
Disclosing the future programmes, he said that LDS was going to organize another mega event Rass Mithas competition very soon in which various schools and colleges will participate and the winners will get a chance to act in LDS’s future Movie project as leading stars.
He said that a workshop was being organized in which famous TV star Ritwik Danjani will hold special classes of LDS students regarding Bollywood choreography, acting, anchoring and hosting in mega events.
The 3rd mega event of the LDS will be a huge event with top grade TV superstars in Jammu to bring the local talent face to face with the national and international talent of the silver screen and TV.
Among others present were social activist King Bharati, JR Sharma (Jackson), Sudhakar Mishra, Assistant Choreographer, Surinder Kour, Shabnam Kour, Assistant Choreographer Akshay Sharma, etc.
Sarpanchs lodge protest as BDO roughed up in office
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Jan 12: Sarpa-nchs and Panchs from 17 Panchayat Halqas of Doongi block in Rajouri today lodged their strong protest after Block Development Officer (BDO) was allegedly attacked by a village youth in his office chamber here.
Reports said the incident took place when BDO Kartar Singh was sitting in his office at Doongi, at around 11 am. A local youth Sanjay Kumar, son of Ram Avtar, resident of Doongi moved to the office chamber of BDO and asked him to allot cattle shed under MNREGA scheme. The BDO refused to oblidge and maintained that allotment is made only to the people living below poverty line, Scheduled Castes or the Scheduled Tribes as per guidelines and he did not fall in any of these categories.
Reacting to the response of BDO, the youth allegedly started abusing the BDO and his staff. When the BDO reacted, Sanjay Kumar caught hold of the officer and allegedly manhandled him in his chair. The other staff rushed for the rescue of the officer and separated them. They forcibly moved the youth out of the office. Then he allegedly pelted stones on the staff from outside and then escaped after abusing the threatening the staff.
Later, the BDO along with staff moved to the Police Post Chityar and lodged a written complaint regarding attack. The police registered a case and started manhunt for the youth who was evading arrest. The SHO said that the accused will be arrested shortly.
After coming to know about the incident, Sarpanchs, Naib Sarpanchs and Panchs from over seventeen Panchayat Halqas of this block assembled at Chityari and lodged their strong protest against the attack on the BDO and other staff. They also moved to the police station and demanded immediate arrest of the attacker. They warned that such ‘goondagardi’ would not be tolerated at any cost. They gave two days ultimatum to the police to nab the accused person, failing which they would launch agitation at district headquarters.