Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Taking a dig on the Interlocutors report, National Panther Student Union (NPSU) held a protest at the main chowk, Akhnoor.
The NPSU activists led by Avinash Sharma and Vicky Bhau assembled at main chowk Akhnoor and raised slogans against Interlocutors.
Addressing the gathering, Atul Sudan, provincial secretary, NPSU, said that the report presented by interlocutor is totally in the favour of separatists and will not solve the Kashmir issue.
Sudan said that Central Government had spent huge amount on the Interlocutors and they have wasted all by presenting separatists favouring report. He said that to sort out the Kashmir issue it requires deep study and there should be discussion with the people of India and not with the anti-national elements.
Among others present were Vishal Bharwaj, Juraber Singh, Gulchain Singh, Rohit Khajuria, Ranjeet Singh, Manav Bhaskar, Chetan Sharma, etc.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: Rich tributes were paid by the Congress workers and leaders to the first Prime Minister of India Late Pt Jawahar Lal Nehru on his death anniversary in various functions organized across the State today.
At PCC headquarters, Shahidi Chowk here, a function in this connection was held under the leadership of former MP and senior vice president of PCC, Dharam Pal Sharma. It was attended by senior functionaries of PCC, DCC and leaders from frontal organizations and Block committees.
The speakers paid floral tributes to Pt Nehru and described him as architect of modern India. The Ex-MP described Nehru as a great visionary leader who laid the sound foundation of independent India as a first Prime Minister. He was one of the tallest leaders of the world under whose stewardship the country progressed on all fronts and played a very important role in the affairs of the world.
Th Hari Singh while paying tributes, described Pt Nehru as towering personality whose thoughts, policies and programmes are relevant and guiding factors for all the times to come. Former minister Mula Ram said that Pt Nehru was a man of vision who wanted his country to play an eminent role in the international sphere by being an important economic, political power and a global force.
Prominent among others present on the occasion included Indu Pawar (MLA), Bharat Gandhi, S R Sudhir, Lalita Sharma, K K Pangotra, Hari Singh Chib, D S Langeh, B B Gupta, Udhey Bhanu, Ravi Singh Slathia, Padmini Langeh, J L Koul, Narinder Gupta, Jaswant Singh and V K Sethi.
Meanwhile, Congress Seva Dal Jammu urban organized another function at Gandhinagar by Vipin Nischal, district Congress chief for Jammu. State chief organizer of Seva Dal Balwinder Singh Sambyal presided over. Seva Dal leaders and activists also paid rich tributes to Late Nehru and recalled his contributions.
Similar functions were held at other district headquarters including Srinagar where the Congressmen and senior PCC functionaries paid floral tributes to Late Prime Minister and lauded his contributions in freedom struggle and there after.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today said that Government has formulated Rs. 2.5 crore Water Supply Scheme(WSS) project for augmentation of drinking water facilities in Nai Basti area.
Interacting with the local people after launching public utility projects at Ashok Nagar in Ward No. 23, here today, the Minister said that tube well and associated infrastructure would be developed at the proposed site at Vijay Park in Rampura, adding that after commissioning of the WSS, the drinking water supply in Ashok Nagar, Nai Basti, Rampura and its adjoining areas would be improved to a large extent. He called upon the inhabitants of the localities to use drinking water judiciously and avoid its wastage.
Listing the proposed and completed developmental works in the area, Mr. Bhalla said Rs. 20 lakh have been earmarked for up-gradation of lanes and drains with grating facilities at Rampura, Ashok Nagar and Nai Basti, adding that instructions have been issued to executing agency to complete the work in stipulated time frame.
The Minister said the WSS proposed for the area to be completed at a cost of Rs 2.50 crore include digging of deep drill tube well and laying of water supply pipes in water scarce areas of Ashok Nagar and Nai Basti, adding that the project would be started soon after completing tendering formalities.
Mr. Bhalla urged the people not to dump debris in the lanes, drains and open spaces, adding that such practices create unhygienic conditions and give bad look to the area. He asked the JMC to prepare estimates for modernization of left out lanes and drains in the area and submit the same for funding so that work could be started for the benefit of general masses.
Reiterating that the Coalition Government was committed to provide better civic amenities to all, he said that massive development activities have been launched to ensure safe drinking water, better sewerage, lanes and drains and hygienic surroundings in every nook and corner of the State.
Later, the Minister paid obeisance at Data Ranpat Dev ji Devsathan in Birpur area of Samba and prayed for peace and prosperity of the State.

Excelsior Correspondent
CHANDIGAM (LOLAB), May 27: Describing Kupwara as model for eco -tourism, Minister of State for Tourism, Nasir Aslam Wani today said that Lolab will emerge as a dazzling spot to attract all tourism stakeholders in a big way in the next couple of years.
The Minister said this while addressing a huge public gathering after inaugurating a mega tourist guest house at Chandigam, Lolab here this afternoon.
MLA Lolab, Abdul Haq Khan, Ex MLC, Haji Mohammad Sultan Mir, Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Sarmad Hafeez, Director Tourism, Talat Parvez, Chief Executive Lolab- Bangus- Drangyari Development Authority (LBDDA) , Mohammad Yassen also spoke on the occasion.
The 10-bedded tourist guest house having capacity for 50 people with other facilities of dining hall, Aram gah, viewing deck and public convenience was constructed at a cost of Rs 1.50 crore.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the Government created LBDDA with the prime objective of targeted tourism development in the frontier district. “In Phase-I, tourism infrastructure in consonance with environmental norms is being created. We have already sent proposals for formal approval for construction of Mega projects to Union Tourism Ministry for funding, which would help us in creating tourist infrastructure facilities to woo foreign and domestic tourists”, he said.
Urging the youth to explore the potential for employment generation in tourism industry, Mr. Nasir asked the Director Tourism to sensitize interested people towards the new package of incentives announced by the State Government.
The Minster also inaugurated Tourist Interpretation Centre, Guest lodge, Aram Gah and Cafeteria at Satbarn Camping site at Khumryial which has been constructed at a cost of Rs 1.50 crore.
Earlier, the Minister gave away certificates among 600 educated youths who underwent training at Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar in different tourism related trades like, Cook, Waiter, Tourist Facilitator under the programme ‘ Hunar Se Rozgar’. He also distributed 192 cheques worth Rs. 2.50 lakh among the trainees on the occasion.
Mr Nasir also released maiden Publicity Brochure of LBDDA showcasing the potential of three areas of the Tourism Development Authority. He said the brochure can be remembered as unique as three new tourist destinations of the Kupwara district have been given three separate identities.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 27: The women inmates of Jagti township held at protest demonstration against the 18 hour power cuts. The irate women on the call of Women Wing of Jagti Coordination Committee (JCC) took out a procession and raised slogans against the Power Development Department (PDD).
Addressing the protestors Mrs Dolly incharge Women Wing alleged that PDD was harassing the Jagti township inmates for unknown reasons. She said the camp inmates are experiencing 18 hour power cut in these hot days while the ministers and bureaucrats get 24 hour power supply.
The protestors accused the State Government of adopting anti community approach as there was no logic in snapping power supply to the township for entire night hours. They said that the people were befooled by the Government on the name of amenities in Jagti township where they get only six hours power supply out of 24 hours a day. Besides they also face scarcity of drinking water, they alleged.
They warned to continue agitation till the regular power and water supply is restored to the township. B L Bhat said that 18 hour power cut daily and total blackout during the night hours has affected of student worst who are preparing for various competitive examinations.
BL Koul chairman of JCC said that it is unfortunate that genuine demands of the internally displaced people are not addressed. He termed the snapping of power supply to the Jagti township a grave human rights violation and alleged that it was the same ruling alliance which was responsible for the forced exodus of the Pandtis from Valley and now it was again trying to intimidate the community and suppress its voice, she added.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27 : “Rasa Javedani was not only a towering poet of the Urdu and Kashmiri language but also a simple human being having a secular bent of mind, who projected the realities of life in his poetry and gave a message of brother hood and communal harmony through his Urdu and Kashmir writings.”
These views were expressed by speakers in a function organized by Department of Urdu, University of Jammu in collaboration with Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society on the death anniversary of the Rasa Javedani.
In the function the “Kulyat-e-Rasa” was also released by dignitaries, who included chairman Kashmir Times Group of Publication Ved Bhasin, Prof I A Hemal, Vice Chancellor, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University Rajouri, Atta Mohd Dev,Tanveer Ahmed Ibne, Rasa Patron of the society, Prof. Shohab Inayat Malik, HOD Urdu, University of Jammu and President of Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society, Irshad Ahmed Taj, Aseer Kishtwari.
In his presidential address Ved Bhasin congratulated the Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society for publishing the whole Kashmir and Urdu poetry of Rasa Javedani titled “Kulyat-e-Rasa”. He said that this was a long pending demand of the people of Jammu and Kashmir which has been met today.
Prof I A Hamal, in his address reminded those days when he was the student of degree college Bhaderwah and was impressed by the poetry of Rasa Javedani which he was presenting in the Mushira organized in Bhaderwah. Prof Hemal too described Rasa Javedani a simple man having a high thinking.
Prof M A Wani presented a detailed paper on the book in which he discussed the religious poetry which was included in the”Kulyat-e-Rasa” and had not published yet, his religious poetry shows that Rasa Javedani had a fulfaith on God. In this regard he quoted some religious verses of Rasa Javedani.
Earlier in his welcome address, Prof Shohab Inayat Malik threw light on the life and works of Rasa Javedani. He said that he has spen this early age with the late poet and found him a man having the secular ideology as well as simplicity because of these qualities the people of Bhaderwah gave Rasa Javedani a great respect during his life, irrespective of caste, colour and creed.
Speaking on the occasion Aseer Kishtwari described his close association with Rasa Javedani. He said that he had learnt a lot from the late poet when he was the student of Degree College Bhaderwah. He used to go his home for discussing various literary works. He said that Rasa is the poet of common people and his poetry gives a message of love , Brotherhood, National Integration and Communal Harmony.
The son of the late poet Tanveer Ahmed Ibn-e-Rasa also spoke on the occasion and threw light on various aspect of Rasa Javedani’s life.
It is pertinent to mention that Kuliyat-e-Rasa contain 333 pages, the Kuliyat has been published by Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society and has been edited by Tanveer Ahmed son of the great legendary poet.The book has been dedicated to the wife of late poet Zeba Begumwho inspired Rasa Javedani during his life to write tremendous poetryin Kashmiri and Urdu.
Later an all India Mushira was also organized in the memory of Rasa Javedani in which the poets paid poetic tributes to the legendary poet. The poets included Aresh Sahbai, Parvez Malik, Amien Bnahali, Khalid Karar, Betab Jaipuri, Amin Sobonia, Mahinder Partap Chand, Mehkesh Ambalvi and Daniesh Ludhanvi.
The proceedings were conducted by Dr Mohd Reyaz Ahmed while Aseer Kishtwari General Secretary of Rasa Javedani Memorial Literary Society presented a vote of thanks.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 27: Three persons died while as seven others were injured in different road accidents across the Valley.
Reports said that a Tata Sumo bearing registration number JK01H/6378 hit and critically injured six years old Reyaz Ahmad Wani son of Irfan Ahmad Wani resident of Seer-Sallie, near Kathsoo-Srigufwara. The injured was shifted to District Hospital Anantnag where he succumbed to his injuries. Body of the Reyaz was handed over to his next of kins for last rites.
An unknown vehicle hit a truck driver, Jodh Singh resident of Kunjwani, Jammu, near Chandhara crossing on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at Pampore, resulting in his on spot death.
Four years old Shabir Ahmad Bhat son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat resident of Pandithpora, Baramulla was hit by a Tata Sumo vehicle, near Reram, Kunzar, resulting in his on spot death. Police has registered a case and investigation is on.
A Tipper bearing registration number JK03B/9946 hit a Wagon-R bearing registration number JK02X/2900 on National Highway near Jawahar Tunnel-Qazigund, resulting in injuries to three persons. All the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment.
A motorcycle driven by Sheikh Irfan resident of Bangli Bagh, Baramulla rammed into the barrier of a bridge, near Sheeri-Baramulla, resulting in injuries to the motorcyclist. The injured was shifted to hospital for treatment.
An Innova car hit a Maruti car bearing registration number JK02Q/9962, near Charsoo- Awantipora, resulting in injuries to three members of a family who were traveling in Maruti. The injured identified as Uqba Gowhar son of Gowhar Rasool, Masrat Jan wife of Gowhar Rasool and Gowhar Rasool Vaidh residents of Zirpora Bijbehara were shifted to hospital for treatment. Police has registered a case in this regard.

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, May 27: BJYM State executive member and district vice president Udhampur, Sunny Mahajan and district BJYM office secretary Sourabh Pachiala along with a large number of youth activists resigned from the primary membership of the Party in protest against expulsion of seven Party MLAs including former Union Minister Prof Chaman Lal Gupta from BJP.
They also accused the BJP leadership of highhandedness and dictatorial attitude. Mr Mahajan said that expulsion of Prof Gupta along with six MLAs is a part of well- planned conspiracy. He said in 2003 Legislative Council elections the BJP MLA voted for NC candidate and again in 2010 Rajya Sabha elections two BJP MLAs voted in favour of NC candidate Dr Farooq Abdullah on the directives of one of the senior Party leaders in New Delhi.
Mahajan said those MLAs who have history of being involved in cross voting were given clean chit by the Party High Command without an inquiry being done and leader like Prof Chaman Lal Gupta who have nurtured the Party with full dedication throughout his life was made a scapegoat in this whole well planned cross voting scandal.
While taking the BJP High Command to task, Mahajan asked if there was any single piece of evidence lying with the High Command on the basis of which the seven MLAs were held guilty of cross voting. He wanted to know what was the fun of fielding the Party candidate when it fully knew that it did not have the required number of MLAs to ensure the victory of its candidate nor there was any alliance with any other party.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27:Panun Kashmir (PK) in a meeting here today held under the chairmanship of its president Vijay Bhat to take stock of the prevailing political situation in the state vis – a- vis the exiled seven lacs Kashmiri Pandits today asked the community to be ready for a long drawn struggle in view of Government’s apathy towards the community.
Addressing the meeting Mr Bhat lambasted the Government for its failure in restoring power supply to the Jagti township which is facing 18 hour power cut a day for over one month now. This shows height of apathy of the powers that be toward the displaced Pandits who were thrown out of Valley under a hatched conspiracy.
The meting while making a dig at the stoic silence maintained by the Government on the issue said the Jagti inmates are on roads for over a month now but the Government shows no concern for the same. He also lambasted Government’s for maintaining a silence over the demands of the relief holders and over aged youth who too are on dharna for over last tow months demanding enhancement of cash relief as these hapless people are unable to make their both ends meet in these hard days when prices have touched sky. Moreover the PM’s employment package was also a cruel joke for the community and instead of doing any good to the displaced Pandit youth it also added to their woes many fold he added.
He said it is unfortunate that even the interlocutors have failed to do nay justice to the community and ignored it completely.
As already made known by PK convenor Dr. Agnishekhar that this report was a crude joke with the geo political aspirations of the Kashmiri Pandit community, Bhat said that this report is liable to be out rightly rejected being totally apathetic and unconcerned about the genocide of Kashmiri Pandits, the original inhabitants of the Valley.
Sanjay Dattatareya, National co- ordinator PK and Sudesha Kaul lambasted the report as being silent about the worst type of injustice heaped on the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 27: All J&K ReT Teachers Forum held a one-day token protest cum dharna in support of their long pending demands at Press Club, here today.
The protest was organised under the chairmanship of State president of the Forum, Vinod Sharma. A large number of ReT teachers and EV teachers of Jammu province participated in the protest.
Addressing the protestants, Sharma urged the State Government to regularize all the education volunteers who have completed seven years of service since March 2010 onwards.
He also stressed for the old pension scheme for ReTs appointed before January 1, 2010, inclusion of five years service for seniority benefits, transfer policy for regularized ReT teachers, benefits of SRO-43 and implementation of Government order for enhancement of salary of ReTs from Rs 1500 per month to Rs 3000 per month.
The Forum warned the Government of a State wide protest next month if EVs are not regularized.
Meanwhile, the Forum announced its provincial body with Rajesh Jamwal as president, SS Manhas as senior vice-president, Shahnawaz and Ashok Seth as vice-presidents, Manzoor Khan as general secretary, Rishi Kumar as chief spokesperson, Ravinder Singh as chief organizer, Mohd Saleem as chief advisor, Javed Iqbal, Mustaq Shad and Kaleem Khan as secretary, Ch Razak Gulshan, Dinesh Singh and Khawaja Sajjad as joint secretary and Durga Dass as spokesman.
Those who addressed the protest cum dharna included Younis Rahi, Lekh Raj Parihar, Sukhdev Singh, Rajesh Singh, Sham Sharma and many others.