Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: Expressing disappointment and dismay over the recently released report of Interlocutors on Jammu and Kashmir, the Movement for Justice for Refugees of 1947 from PoK (MJR-47) has alleged that this report has been doctored.
In a press statement convener of the Movement J S Sudan said though belated, but the report of interlocutors has disappointed the PoK refugees. It is irony that the interlocutors after having heard the woes and miseries of hapless refugees through their representatives and also during their visit to 39 refugees camps where they saw for themselves the sub-inhumane conditions and abrupt poverty in which the refugee families are living, failed to present the true picture so as to provide any relief to the refugees from PoK after long wait of over 60 years.
Mr Sudan further alleged that entire report seems to be doctored to the Valley centric. Even the great sacrifices of these refugee families which saved Kashmir by facing tribal attacks first and halting their speedy advances towards Valley at the cost of over 40,000 souls, have not been appreciated. After such a long wait PoK refugees were expecting that interlocutors, unlike politicians, will come up with much needed and justified commendation for PoK refugees but the report has, as usual, again caused frustration.
However, the community thanks interlocutors have put a word for the odd 50,000 Hindu and Sikh families (Now 1.2 million) as migrants from POK who have settled in Jammu since 1947-48 onwards and their 65 years of sufferings as “feeling of neglect’’ and recommended that their problems be solved and these families be given all the facilities and aides which are given to Valley migrants in terms of monthly cash-doles, ration, residential accommodation, educational facilities, employment package and other exemptions like IT etc. Mr Sudan said here also, the rule of justice and principle of equality has not been applied in case of PoK refugees by those at the helm of affairs. It is irony that both State and Central Governments, have no specific policy to settle PoK refugees. He demanded one time permanent settlement of PoK refugees and till it is done all the refugees be treated at par with Kashmiri migrants.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: Reliance Communication Limited announced “My Best Plan” a set of initiatives to make 3G data usage affordable for all usage segments.
The new netconnect 3G data plans now available across all 13 reliance 3G circles including metros offer 1 GB 3G data for Rs 250 per month and 2 GB of 3G data for Rs 450 per month.
Announcing the launch of new 3G tariff plan, Sanjay Behl, Group Head, Brand and Marketing, Reliance Communication Limited said that “My Best Plan” is a highly customer friendly with its innovative and usage adaptive feature i.e it generates the lowest bill for any data usage by the customer.
He said that the plan is ideal for the first time user who is not sure of his usage with the key benefit is “No Bill Shock” by billing upto 6 GB 3G data for Rs 1250 and unlimited usage at no cost beyond 6 GB of usage.
“With this plan, if the customer uses 2.5 GB, the customer billed for Rs 250 as rental and Rs 300 extra usage (at Rs 0.2/MB for 1.5 GB)—a total bill of Rs 550”, Behl added.
He further stated that they would like their customers to enjoy superior reliance 3G network with the best broadband speeds for internet access and uninterrupted data usage at the most competitive price point across all the segments.

Excelsior Correspondent
KULGAM, May 26: Asserting that Government has ensured good governance for the effective implementation of various welfare programmes so that more and more people get benefitted, the Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that the opposition has got frustrated and is resorting to falsehood as well as divisive propaganda.
The Minister was addressing at a public rally at Kujar-Kulgam. Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, District Development Commissioner, Kulgam, Jehangir Mir, Director Rural Development, Kashmir, Mir Altaf, Advocate Abdul Majid Bhat and other senior officers of district administration and senior political activists of area were present.
Mr. Sagar said Government promulgated several acts like Right to Information Act, Public Service Guarantee Act by which the participatory involvement of people has been ensured in day-to-day governance. He said by these acts a common man can get the requisite services and information within the stipulated time.
While referring to the initiatives undertaken by the Government for the restoration of peace, the Minister said “we have ushered an era of peace and prosperity in the State and it is due to our efforts that the parties who were earlier advocating separatism are now raising the issues of public interest which is a healthy sign.”
Coming down on the opposition parties, the Minister said “we have always preferred the interest of people over power and it is recorded history that our party has never been power hungry and have projected the cause of the State irrespective of the consequences.”
Referring to the recent statements of opposition party, Mr. Sagar maintained that the people of the State are fully aware of the facts that it was during the tenure of their patron that several draconian laws were introduced in the State and people were subjected to several hardships. “They should not try to project themselves as champions of the people of the State instead go for introspection”, he reiterated.
Social Welfare Minister, Sakina Itoo, while speaking on the occasion said that the Government has ensured the overall and sustained development of the State irrespective of giving any preferential treatment. She said that the people should not pay heed to the false propaganda of the opposition.
Referring to the initiatives undertaken by the Government, Ms. Itoo said “we have introduced several revolutionary measures for the welfare of the youth of the State like unemployment stipend, SKEWPY and other schemes so that they come up in a big way.”
Earlier, the Ministers laid foundation stone of Block Development Council (BDC) Building, Qaimoh being constructed at the estimated cost of Rs. 30 lakhs.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand, today inaugurated 36 dwelling units under Basic Services to the Urban Poor (BSUP) constructed for the inmates of Kusht Ashram of Bhagwati Nagar here today.
The units have been constructed in the premises of Kusht Ashram, Bhagwati Nagar at a cost of Rs. 1.87 crore. Each unit comprises of one bedroom, one living room, one kitchen and one bathroom.
While interacting with the inmates of the Kust Ashram, Deputy Chief Minister said that the Coalition Government is working on a roadmap to uplift the living standards of the poor and slum dwellers, adding that various initiatives have already been taken in this regard. The construction of 36 units for the inmates of Kusht Ashram is one of these initiatives, he added.
Spelling out measures of the Government in socio-economic emancipation of the people, the Deputy Chief Minister said that during the past three years a number of reformative steps have been taken to ensure a better living to underprivileged sections of the society.
On the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister also gave 33 allotment letters to the inmates.
MLA West Prof. Chaman Lal Gupta, Commissioner JMC K. L. Khajuria and other officers were present on the occasion.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 26: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah on Saturday said that a well planned strategy is required to boost tourism without compromising with the conservation of environment. He said various modules are available to focus simultaneously on both these important areas.
Addressing Indian Forest Service (IFS) Probationers in an interaction session with them here, the Chief Minister told them that reaching out to the people and making them feel that you are one among them creates lasting impression in the society.
“There are scores of such examples of the officers who served in the State in various capacities and imprinted praiseworthy and lasting impression in the minds of people for the sincere service they rendered”, he added and told the probationers to make this approach the standard of service delivery.
Replying questions of the IFS Probationers on the development of tourism and conservation of environment, the Chief Minister said that the aggressive marketing of tourism by Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh has badly affected the aspect of environment there. He said a balanced approach has to be put in place to develop and market tourism without compromising on the issue of environment importance.
The Chief Minister said that the challenge in Jammu and Kashmir is in the area of creating befitting infrastructure for tourists. “We have underlined strict adherence to environment preservation and protection pre-requisite for infrastructure development in the tourist areas. The monitoring by courts has also narrow down the chances of environment degradation due to infrastructure development”, he said, adding that the construction at tourist places in the past has been haphazard and there is now ban on any construction in tourist places like Pahalgam.
Replying another question, Omar Abdullah said that timber smuggling during the time of militancy in the State has damaged the forest wealth of the State enormously. “Generation of forest takes decades. We have concentrated on rejuvenation of depleted forests under CAMPA and under various State and Centrally sponsored schemes”, he added and said that stringent laws are in force to curb smuggling of timber and illegal felling of trees.
The Chief Minister said that the State Forest Department has identified pastures for grazing of cattle of migratory population. “Measures are in place to maintain these pastures”, he said maintaining that the cattle grazing in the mountains is being allowed in a well-planned and disciplined manner.
In reply to a question about manufacturing of bats and supply of timber, Omar Abdullah said that timber industry and afforestation can thrive side-by-side under a balanced approach towards both. “Using of willow for manufacture of bats and supply of timber for construction purposes should keep pace with the afforestation and conservation process”, he added and said that the State Government is allowing import of timber to relieve the pressure on the local plantation.
On the conservation of Dal and rehabilitation of Dal dwellers, the Chief Minister said that a comprehensive planning has been put in place to address both the issues. He said the aspect of dependence of Dal dwellers on the Lake is being taken care of in the overall rehabilitation policy for these families.
A group of 31 IFS Probationers are on study tour of the State to get appraisal of forest management measures and strategies in place to conserve forest wealth and the environment. The group is first in last 30 years which has visited the State for study tour.
Chief Principal Conservator of Forests, Vinod Ranjan introduced the probationers from various States of India and Nepal to the Chief Minister. Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas and Course Director, Subash Ashtosh were also present on the occasion.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Co-ordination Committee (AJKPCC) today held a protest against the delay in election to the Block Development Committees (BDCs) and District Development Committees (DDCs).
Hundreds of sarpanchs and panchs assembled at Press Club under the banner of All Jammu and Kashmir Panchayat Co-ordination Committee (AJKPCC) and raised slogans against the Government for not fulfilling their demands.
Addressing the gathering, AJKPCC core committee members said that one year has passed since the panchayat elections were held in the State, but the administration has failed to conduct the elections to BDCs and DDCs, which as per the rules should have been conducted within 90-days of panchayat polls.
They said that the State should treat the sarpanchs and panchs as the other elected members of the house and give them some protocol like the legislative members or the corporators.
The panchs and sarpanchs also demanded salaries at par with MLC, MLA as well as MP and Municipal Corporators besides constitution of Panchayati Adalat Committee at the earliest to provide relief in the over burdened duties of sarpanchs/ panchs.
The sarpanchs and panchs should be given Panchayat Development Fund to the possible extent parallel to CDF being provided to MLAs, MLCs and MPs.
Those present were Anil Sharma, Kulbhushan Khajuria, Madan Lal Sharma, Mohd Alam Choudhary, Raghunandan Khajuria, Vijay Saini, Bishan Dass Bhagat, Munshi Khan, Naresh Choudhary, Goutam Singh Bajwa, etc.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: A meeting of the Action Committee Development Charges, Extension Area, Nanak Nagar, was held today at Nanak Nagar here under the chairmanship of Col SS Sachdeva, wherein it was stressed upon the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to intervene into the matter regarding removal of disparity in fixing the excessive development charges against Nanak Nagar Colony and removal of penal interest of 18% imposed on colony people.
The members alleged that development charges of Rs 40,000 per canal were imposed to housing colony, Nanak Nagar whereas for other adjoining colonies like Gandhi Nagar, Gorkha Nagar and many other colonies, Rs 15000 per canal were fixed.
They also highlighted that though there is no clause available in any Government order regarding regularization of housing colonies, yet 18% penal interest is imposed upon the people of Nanak Nagar Colony.
Speakers informed that in 2007, the then Minister for Housing and Urban Development Department, Abdul Hamid Quarra had recommended the Government for reducing the development charges from Rs 40,000 to Rs 25,000 and its submission to the State cabinet but the same is still pending in the Urban Development Department and the people are awaiting the amendment in the development charges.
The meeting appealed the State Chief Minister to intervene into the matter personally and put a halt to the discrimination with the people of Nanak Nagar.
Those who spoke on the occasion included ND Sharma, S Hira Singh, S Ajit Singh, BD Sharma, Bishan Singh, SR Sharma and Hakumat Singh.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 26: A CRPF constable was killed while another sustained injuries when a truck in which they were traveling rolled down into a gorge near Nowgam Morh, Banihal here this morning.
Police spokesman said that a truck of 178 battalion of CRPF heading towards Srinagar from Jammu, rolled down near Nowgam Morh.
He said that the Head Constable Krishan Kumar, who was driving the truck, died instantly while another occupant Head Constable S Bhattacharya received injuries and was admitted to Sub District Hospital, Bahihal, where his condition was stated to be stable.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, MAY 26-Chief Engineer Electric Maintenance & R.E. Wing, Jammu has informed that National Hydro Electric Power Corporation (NHPC) is availing a shutdown of Salal Power House on 27th May, 2012 from 0030 hrs to 2230 hrs for flushing of reservoir. During the period of shut down power supply shall remain affected in all areas of Jammu province and rotational curtailment will be enforced.
The shutdown of 33 KV yard of Grid Station Barn on 27-5-2012 from 7 am to 10 a.m. has been allowed keeping in view the shutdown of Salal Power House by NHPC authorities during the same period. During the shutdown period, the power supply to Bhalwal, Gharota, Purkhoo and Jagti will be affected from 7 am to 10 am
Similarly power Supply to Sidhra, Malhore Jagir, Bajalta, Ragura, Totan Di Khui, ASCOMS, Bahu Fort and the areas being fed from Janipur Grid Station will be affected from 6 am to 10 am and power supply to R. S. Pura, Salehar, Miran Sahib, Kullian, Gadigarh , Seora and adjoining areas to be affected from 7 am to 12 noon.
The power supply to Bhalwal, Ghorota, Purkhoo and Jagti will be affected from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
In order to restore the conductor of 132 KV D/C Barn-Katra transmission line, the 132 KV D/C Barn-Katra Transmission line on May 27, 2012 will also be affected from 8 A.M to 5 P.M.
Meanwhile, in order to carry out the emergency work of D-I & D-5 feeders emanating from 33/11 KV R/Stn Dhounthly, the power supply to Pacci Dhakki, Jhallaka Mohalla, DBN areas and Chowk Chabutra areas fed from D-1 & D-5 feeders will remain affected on May 28, 2012 from 7 a.m. to 12 noon.