Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 4: A Pulsar motor cycle bearing registration number JK02AL 6599 was stolen from Paloura area.
According to owner, Ganesh Kumar, son of Sham Lal, the bike was parked in front of his residence at ward No 59, Paloura, from where the motorcycle was stolen.
In this regard, an FIR has been lodged in Janipur Police Station. Any clue about the missing motorcycle be communicated to police or on Mobile Number 94191-62162.
Motorcycle stolen
Sugar ment for public distribution seized from shopkeeper
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 4: Police seized five bags of sugar meant for public distribution from a private shopkeeper in border district of Kupwara.
A police spokesman said that Kupwara Police seized five bags of sugar under Section 550 CrPC at Regipora, Kupwara. He said during enquiry it surfaced that the sugar was brought by one Mohammad Ismail Jatoo son of Mohammad Abdullah Jatoo resident of Diver Lolab, a shopkeeper by profession.
The spokesman said that the shopkeeper had illegally brought the sugar from the Government ration store, Regipora-Kupwara in connivance with the storekeeper of the store. A case FIR No.178/2012 under section 3/7 E. C. Act was registered in Police Station Kupwara and investigation taken up.
Parkash Divas of Bhagat Kabir celebrated with religious fervour, gaiety across Jammu
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 4: Parkash Divas of Bhagat Kabir was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety across the Jammu region today.
In this connection a grand function was organised here by Bhagat Mahasabha in which Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand was the chief guest.
Remembering Saint Kabir on his 614th birth anniversary, Tara Chand described him as one of the preeminent saints of Bhakti Movement and an apostle of egalitarian society. He said Kabir ji propagated message of peace, love, and devotion to the supreme lord, without any discrimination of birth, place or caste.
“Real tribute to the great Saints is to follow the path shown by them and to adopt their teachings in our day to day life,” he said.
He said the Government has enacted landmark Inter-District Recruitment Bill, which would ensure reservation for Scheduled Castes in all the regions of the State.
On the occasion a Satsang was conducted by Baba Milkhi Ram Bhagat.
Meritorious students of the community, who qualified prestigious examinations of IAS/IPS/KAS/KPS as well as those who had shown excellent results in school and college examinations, were honored on the occasion.
Prominent among those present on the occasion included, Chairman, Mahasabha Dr. Rajesh Bhagat, President Mr. G.L. Bhagat, Mr. Milkhi Ram and Mr. Kasturi Lal.
The Mahasabha presented various demands for consideration of the Government which inter-alia include, land for construction of a temple of Bhagat Kabir, construction of community hall at Kabir Temple Marh and early construction of memorial of Martyr Bhagat Amarnath at Batote.
Another function was organized by All J&K Shri Sad Guru Kabir Sabha at Kabir Temple Janipur here today.
Advisor to Chief Minister, Mubarak Gul who was the chief guest on the occasion paid rich tributes to Bhagat Kabir and described him as one of the unique saints of his time who is admired and loved by every section of society. He exhorted the people to imbibe in themselves the high principles and ethos of such spiritual stars to live a healthy and harmonious life.
Earlier Sabha took out a religious procession along with various Jankies.
The followers from all over the Jammu Province including all districts and blocks participated in Shoba yatra, which started from Satwari Chowk. As the Shoba Yatra left Satwari Chowk the slogans Jai Kabir Dhan Kabir rent the air.
The procession was led by Mula Ram, Ex-Minister (Chairman of Kabir Sabha) F. C. Bhagat President of the Sabha accompanied by J.L. Bhagat (Ex. President), G.R. Bhagat (Sr. Vice President) Prof. G.R. Bhagat MLA R.S. Pura, K.C. Bhagat MLA Chenani, Vice President Prof. Ashok Bhagat, Col. Swarn Singh, Dr. Karnail Singh ex DIG BSF and several other leaders of the Sabha.
The procession passed through Main Stop Gandhi Nagar, Vikram Chowk, KC Morh, Shakuntla and Amphalla Chowk where from the procession went on foot to the holy temple.
After the holly Darshan of Kabir Ji Maharaj the religious discourses/satsang was delivered by Dina Nath Ji, disciple of late Chandi Ram Ji (Punjabwalle) and Basakhi Ram of Kotli Shah Doula.
While speaking on the occasion the President of the Sabha F C Bhagat moved a resolution demanding Kabir Jayanti as Gazette Holiday
Another function was held by Megh Sudhar Sabha at Old Rehari here. A large number of people attended the function. Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand was the chief guest on the occasion and he threw light on the teachings of Sant Kabir.
The Deputy CM was felicitated by the biradari on the occasion. A memorandum cum charter of demands was presented by the Sabha to Tara Chand. President of the Sabha M R Bhagat and its general secretary Narinder Bhagat also spoke on the occasion and paid tributes to this great saint of India.
On the occasion of Parkash Divas of Sadguru Bhagat Kabir Dass Ji Mahraj, the BSP activists assembled in Party office Satwari under the chairmanship of Tulsi Dass Langeh its president.
Parkash Bharti coordinator of J&K BSP was the chief guest on the occasion and K L Chalgotra vice president was the guest of honour. On the occasion rich tributes were paid to this great saint by the speakers who threw light on his life, history and teachings.
In connection with celebration of Parkash Divas a function was held in Gurudwara Shri Guru Teg Bahadur Nagar Omar Morh Udhampur. The Guru Granth Sahib Path which started in the Gurudwara culminated today. Besides a large number of local Sangat, the officers and Jawans of 137 CRPF, Sher -e-Kashmir Police Academy and Army participated.
SASB organizes pooja at Chandanwari
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 4: To invoke the blessings of Shri Amarnathji for the smooth conduct of ensuing yatra to the Holy Cave shrine, Navin K. Choudhary, Chief Executive Officer of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today performed pooja on the auspicious occasion of Jyesht Purnima at Chandanwari, on the traditional Pahalgam-Holy Cave track, amidst chanting of Vedic Mantras.
Interacting with the media persons after performing the pooja, the CEO said that, in view of the significant disruption of work caused by continuing bad weather, on the directions Governor N. N. Vohra Chairman of the Shrine Board, additional manpower has been deployed for clearance of tracks of snows and putting in place all other yatra-related arrangements at the base camps, enroute and in the Holy Cave area well before the commencement of the yatra on June 25.
He said that large accumulation of snow on the tracks and at various camp locations besides continuing bad weather, had seriously hampered the pace of clearance of tracks and positioning other arrangements on ground.
It is hoped that, with the deployment of additional manpower, the required arrangements will be timely in place. For this purpose, the engineers and other staff of the Board, Government Departments and all the concerned agencies are working on war footing, he added.
Zahid Malik, Additional SP, Anantnag, B D Mengi, Camp Director, holy cave, officials of the Shrine Board, police and army personnel were among those present on the occasion.
Later, the CEO reviewed the work on the construction of entry gate, toilets and shelter at Chandanwari. At Nunwan base camp, he inspected the pace of work on the repair of toilets, baths, restoration of water and power supplies, laying of paths, repair of drains and Sewage Treatment Plant besides other arrangements, which are going on full swing.
State to recommend Gojri for inclusion in 8th Scheduled: Altaf
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 4: Mian Altaf Ahmad, Minister for Forests and Environment stated that Government has decided to recommend Gojri language for its inclusion into the eighth schedule of Indian Constitution.
Inaugurating a Gojri Musical Programme organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages at Lalmandi, the Minister said that Gojri is an important tribal language spoken in different parts of the world but Jammu and Kashmir is considered as its epicenter.
He said that State Government headed by Omar Abdullah is committed to develop all the regional languages including Gojri on priority. He said that Gojri is one of the richest language of the State in term of modern and traditional literature. He impressed upon the State Academy to preserve the dying heritage of Gujjar and Bakerwal community and boost the writers, artists, poets living in difficult conditions so that they may publish their work, explore their skills in a better way. He hoped that Academy will touch new height of excellence under the dynamic leadership of new Secretary.
Khalid Bashir, Secretary Academy in his address, said that Academy has received a number of suggestions from community dignitaries to preserve the notations of all the folk songs of Gojri language and we will submit a detailed proposal to Government for its funding. He said that the Academy is also planning to prepare music albums in Gojri language to preserve the vividness of cultural heritage and ethos of Gujjars. Besides this, Academy will also hold the state level music festivals in Gojri in both capitals of the State in the near future, he added.
Earlier, Dr. Javaid Rahi, Chief Editor, Gojri said that the Section is working on different projects. Around 50 Gojri Publications are under print and a number of books are being translated into Gojri to enrich the language. He said that during this year, some of the important Gojri publications will see light of the day, which includes Masnavi Maulana Rum in six volumes, Qisai Chaar Darvesh, Tareek Ibn Khaldoon and others.
Begum Jan, Parveena Begum, Gh. Hassan Tabasum and Party performed on the occasion. Mansha Khaki, Sr. Editor of Gojri Language conducted the proceedings and Dr. Shahnawaz, Asstt. Editor presented vote of thanks.
Woman held with jewellery
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 4: Police today arrested a woman and recovered Rs 48,000 worth jewellery stolen by her from a house at village Satyan under the jurisdiction of Ramnagar police station in Udhampur district.
The woman, Neetu Verma had stolen the jewellery from the house of Kuldeep Singh at village Satyan few days back.
During investigations of the theft, police arrested the woman and recovered jewellery from her possession.
Police parties headed by SHO Ramnagar Vishal Sharma and SI Vikram Singh made the arrest under the supervision of SDPO Virender Bhat.
Forest fire disrupts traffic on Nowshera-Rajouri road
Alert after fire moves to Ammunition depot
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, June 4: While the Army authorities sounded alert after the forest fire reached close to an ammunition depot in Nowshera sector today, the movement of traffic was disrupted for about half an hour after the fire engulfed the busy Jammu-Rajouri road near Nowshera area this afternoon.
Reports said that army sounded alert after the fire reached closer to an ammunition depot in Nowshera area. The Army fire tenders and jawans launched a massive operation to contain the fire. They also alerted the civilian population and the civil officers also sent two fire tenders from Nowshera sub-divisional headquarters to the spot.
Though the fire was controlled near the defence location, yet the army was keeping strict vigil in the area. The Forest team along with Forest Protection Force men, was also placed on the job and the joint operation continued till late this evening. However, a scare was created among the villagers of the area and many of them moved to safer places sensing trouble.
The forest fire created obstacle for the movement of vehicular traffic on busy Nowshera-Rajouri road as its flames reached up to the highway. The traffic came to halt at around 4 pm. The police party from Nowshera reached there and the army soldiers from the nearby camp also rushed. For the safety of the passengers they stopped the movement of traffic on the road. The four army and civil fire tenders started extinguishing fire. The forest team also moved to the spot. After half an hour, the traffic was restored on the road.
Reports said that continuously spreading fire in entire Nowshera forest area has created scare in many villages, who are spending sleepless nights. The villagers at their own have been fighting the fire and Forest employees who lack adequate facilities, are unable to contain it.
In Jammu’s Bahu Range across river Tawi, the fire has created scare in Ragura, upper Sunjuwan and adjoining upper Bathindi areas. The Firemen are unable to reach deep inside this forest area and the Forest officials with inadequate manpower are seen hapless. This fire has spread to nearly 2-3 sq kms.
Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu Ravi Kesar when contacted said that in view of insufficient funds for the purpose, inadequate manpower and other resources, it is very difficult to contain the wild fire. He said the forest officials are also spending sleepless nights while fighting fire but public help is also proving insufficient.
Mr Kesar said FPF jawans are assisting in containing fire and in several areas, it has been contained now. He said in Nowshera, the condition is worst and army help has also been sought. In Bahu Range of Jammu Forest Division, the teams are fighting day and night to contain the fire and senior officials are monitoring it closely. He said with the increasing of temperature, negligence and un-awareness among villagers and the greed of vested interests, these incidents are on the rise.
Man shot at by militants
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, June 4: A person sustained injuries in his right leg after he was fired upon by militants in a far-flung village of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
A police spokesman said that some unidentified militants fired upon Abdul Gani Digoo aged 70 years son of Lal Digoo resident of Arigi Check at Check Badrinath-Rajpora in Pulwama district while he was in the compound of his relative namely Ali Mohammad Lone.
The spokesman said that Abdul Gani sustained injuries in his right leg. He was shifted to District Hospital, Pulwama where from he was referred to Bone and Joints Hospital, Srinagar for further treatment. Police has registered a case and taken up the investigations.
7 bovine animals rescued, one held
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, June 4: Police today rescued seven bovine animals, which were being smuggled from Punjab to Kashmir in a truck and arrested one of the bovine smugglers while his associate managed to escape at Lakhanpur, the gateway to Jammu and Kashmir.
The bovine smuggler has been identified as Yaqoob Ahmad son of Roshan Din R/o Pakthli, Kathua. His associate, who escaped from the spot, was identified as Wali Moham alias Billa son of Shato R/o Narolian, presently, putting up at village Jaraie, Kathua.
Police rescued seven bovine animals being smuggled in the truck from Punjab to Kashmir.
A case of bovine smuggling has been registered against the accused at Lakhanpur police station. Efforts were on to arrest the absconder.
Police parties headed by SHO Lakhanpur Inspector Chanchal Singh made the arrest.
Falling crude prices, normal monsoon to help economy: Pranab
NEW DELHI, June 4:
Pinning hopes on declining global crude oil prices and normal monsoon, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said these positive factors would help in improving growth rate, which slipped to a nine-year low of 6.5 per cent last fiscal.
“A normal south west monsoon has been predicted for 2012-13 and there has been a rapid decline in international oil prices in recent weeks…All these factors should help in the recovery of domestic growth momentum,” he said said while highlighting “positives” of Indian economy at the annual conference of CBEC.
The interest rate cycle has been reversed by the RBI and mining sector growth has turned around. Further, there has been progress in fuel linkage for power projects and improvement in investment growth rate, he emphasised.
There were no “major adverse results” on corporate performance in the last quarter of 2011-12, he added.
The Finance Minister, however admitted, that Government does not have headroom for proactive fiscal policy.
“Like for most parts of the world, the second round of global uncertainty and the slowdown has come rather quickly on the heels of the previous one, with practically no headroom for running a proactive fiscal policy,” he said.
Indian economy registered healthy growth of 8.4 per cent in 2009-10 and 2010-11, but renewed global uncertainty, emanating mostly from Euro zone area affected domestic business sentiment in 2011-12.
A tight monetary policy directed at taming inflationary pressures in the economy also came in the way of consolidating economic recovery.
GDP growth in 2011-12 has slowed significantly to just 6.5 per cent and this has been “disappointing”, Mukherjee said.
Stressing that a strong indirect tax administration was fundamental to the development of a country’s economy, Mukherjee asked the officials of Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) to ensure timely collection to taxes.
“The challenges before your department today are multi-faceted… The important task before you is to ensure timely collection of all legitimate tax dues, without, of course, unduly burdening the assessee,” he said.
He asked them to sharpen their audit skills and conduct scrutiny of assessees’ records to bring to the kitty any tax that might have escaped assessment and to detect frauds which are often intelligently planned and meticulously executed.
“While the need for trade facilitation and tax payers’ satisfaction cannot be over-emphasised, any mala fide and corrupt practice to evade payment of legitimate dues, needs to be handled as per established procedure of law,” he said.
Mukherjee expressed hope the CBEC would be able to meet the indirect tax collection target for 2012-13.
“They (CBEC) have done good job last year…I am confident that the department would leave no stone unturned in ensuring that the targets for the current year are not only met but handsomely exceeded, Mukherjee said.
With Government increasing rates of both excise and service tax by 2 per cent, he said “these changes are likely to help the Department in garnering additional tax revenue”.
Indirect tax collections (central excise, customs and service tax) target for 2012-13 is Rs 4,99,694 crore, up by about 27 per cent over the previous year.
Despite a slowdown in growth and the duty cuts effected on petroleum products in June 2011, the indirect tax collection of Rs 3,92,781 crore (excluding cess) was only marginally short of the target Rs 3,94,000 crore in 2011-12.
Mukherjee also said there is an urgent need to reverse the declining trend in tax-GDP ratio by augmenting tax collections. The ratio was nearly 12 per cent in 2007-08 but has dropped to around 10.5 per cent in 2011-12. (PTI)