Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: To create mass awareness about the holy Amarnath yatra, a motor cycle rally was organized by Bajrang Dal from its Shakti Dal Ashram Rehari to Press Club here today.
The activists of various Hindu organizations including Shiv Sena Hindustan (SSH), Kranti Dal, BJYM, ABVP, Ram Sena and Youth for Social Change etc participated in it.
The rally was led by Neeraj Dhonerya, State convener BD, Vikal Parihar its co-convener and SSH State vice president Vikrant Kapoor.
Slogans like Bum Bum Bholey and Har Har Mahadev rented the air as the rally left Shakti Ashram. Waving saffron flags the rallyists said that they will not budge an inch from their stand on the duration of Amarnath yatra, which as per tradition should run for complete two months.
The yatra should start on auspicious date as per Puranas from Jesht Purnima falling on June 4 and culminate on Sawan Purnima.
Before culminating at Press Club the rally passed via Rehari, Kachi Chawni, Parade, Purani Mandi, Super Bazar, Shalamar Chowk, City Chowk, Indira Chowk and Jewel Chowk.
Addressing the rally at Shakti Dal Ashram earlier, Mr Dhinerya warned Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and State Government of serious consequences in case it tried to play with the sentiments of crores of Hindus by decreasing the yatra duration this time again.
He alleged that Governor N N Vohra during last three years has reduced the yatra at the behest of separatists and this will not be allowed to happen this time.
He said the yatra should run for complete two months from Jesht Purnima to Sawan Purnima otherwise there will be nation-wide agitation.
Among others who participated in the rally included Anup Trikha of SSH, Preetam
Sharma of Kranti Dal, Raghubir Singh of ABVP, Rajiv Mahajan of Ram Sena and Anup Kandroo of Youth for Social Change besides the activists of BJYM.
MFC holds meet
at Grameen Bank
Hindu organizations take out motor cycle rally
17 injured in Sarore, Kalakote accidents
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: At least seventeen persons were injured in two separate road accidents near Sarore in Bari Brahmana area and Kalakote area of Rajouri today.
A police spokesman said that at least nine persons sustained injuries after a mini-bus No. JK02AG/ 8437 collided with a truck No. JK02G/ 0028 near Sarore in Bari Brahamana area this morning. While some of the injured were provided first aid at local dispensary, five others were removed to Govt Medical College hospital Jammu. Bari Brahmana police said nearly 13 persons were on board the vehicle when the mishap occurred. A case has been registered in this connection.
In another truck and mini-bus collision in Kalakote area of Rajouri at around 3 pm, at least eight persons were injured. All the accident victims were provided treatment at local hospital while three were removed to Nowshera hospital. The police has registered a case and started investigation.
Bakaya, others for implementation of Apex Committee decisions
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: Toshiba India, a 100 percent subsidiary of Toshiba Corporation, Japan, launched its first full HD 3D Smart TV—Toshiba VL20, in the Indian Market, here today.
Outlined with a slim 17 mm silver coloured bezel, the VL20 3D Smart TV boasts an elegant slim swivel stand design that complements your living space. Engineered in Japan, the VL20 epitomizes easy access to rich and interactive content via TV applications—Toshiba Places.
Speaking on the launching function, Director, DS Division, Toshiba India, Tengguo Wu said, “The launch of our first 3D Smart TV is sure to catapult Toshiba into a new dimension of interactive consumer entertainment. The launch of the VL20 3D Smart TVs series is a testimony of Toshiba’s continuous endeavour to innovate and our commitment to consumers for an unmatched quality and reliability”.
This new line of 3D Smart TVs features Dolby Digital solution and MHL technology and can satisfy those searching for vibrant and sharp 2D as well as brilliant 3D visuals.
The ‘Toshiba Places’ interface in the VL20 series enables viewers to use social networking services and view content online. With many smart applications available at a click of a button, consumers can watch their favourite programs in 3D on TV, play their favourite games and surf the internet, chat with the friends and check updates on Facebook, Twitter and other social sites.
Bakaya, others for implementation of Apex Committee decisions
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 18: Former Chief Secretary and MLC Vijay Bakaya today urged the Government to take immediate steps in implementing the decision taken in the Apex Committee meeting held on April 18 under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.
Expressing concern over the delay in the movement forward, Bakaya stated that the decisions like sending a proposal for enhancement of relief has not been acted upon and power supply to Jagti has been curtailed despite CM’s assurance that charging of tariff would be considered after enhancement of relief.
Mr Bakaya said that Government in order to maintain the credibility of the institutions like Apex Committee should immediately take steps to deliver upon the promises made especially about adjustment of 800 youth against de-reserved posts and creation of additional 3000 posts for fresh advertisements.
Meanwhile, meeting of Apex Committee members was held here today in which problems of the displaced people were discussed. It urged the Government to take immediate steps regarding enhancement of cash relief to the tune of Rs 15,000 per month in view of the sky rocketing prices.
The meeting among others was attended by H N Jatu, H L Chatta, M K yogi, Roshan Lal, P L Raina, Bansi Lal Kaul, R K Raina and D N Kissu.
The meeting said though the dharna of relief holders and over aged youth at Jagti township entered 50th day, the Government was acting as a silent spectator. It said despite the announcement of Chief Minister in the Apex meeting that he would take up the issue with Central Government nothing was done in this regard till date.
The meeting sought the immediate intervention of Chief Minister to settle the issue.
Sanjiv interacts with Rotary Club members, assures full cooperation
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: As part of annual official visit to every Club, the District Governor, Sanjiv Sethi, visited Rotary Club Udhampur as chief guest and interacted with all Club members.
The main function was attended by all members of Rotary Club Udhampur besides eminent citizens of Udhampur town. On this occasion Rotary Club president Surjit Singh delivered welcome address, while Club secretary Pritam Kotwal presented the main activities of Rotary Club Udhampur for the year 2011–2012 , Bio-data of District Governor was gone through by P L Suri and vote of thanks were presented by Puran Lal Sharma.
In this function the chief guest addressed the audience and assured his full cooperation and help for various projects undertaken by the Club. The various projects under execution are – prevention of avoidable blindness, surgical procedures for different heart ailments under Gift of Life, water conservation, Dental, vocational centre and literacy campaign.
D N Sharma, Gift of Life coordinator for North West India, assured full co-operation to Rotary Club of J & K to save the lives of budding kids suffering with various heart ailments.
Members of Rotary Club who attended the function included Gandharb Singh, Kamal Gupta, Kavi Raj Sharma, Pritam Kotwal, Puran Lal Sharma, Rajeev Gupta, Dr R K Sharma, S S Kerni, P L Suri, Sumesh Magotra and Deepanker Gupta.
Besides, Dr Dushyant Chowdhry Assistant Governor, V K Anand District Treasurer and Anil Gupta were also present in the said function.
KP Sabha donates equipment to gym at Jagti
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: To help youth of the community improve fitness, Kashmiri Pandit Sabha donated equipment worth rupees 12 thousand to ‘Urzu Gym’ at Jagti, here today.
The equipment was handed over to the office bearers of the gym by KK Khosa, President KP Sabha in a meeting organized by the gym members at Jagti.
Speaking on the occasion, Khosa advised the community youth to concentrate on health and academic excellence in this grim atmosphere of banishment.
He also gave away a cash prize of Rs 250 each to 4 students who have secured above 60 percent marks in class 12th examinations.
Prominent among others present on the occasion were AK Braroo, Senior vice President KP Sabha, Roshan Lal Raina, Raj Nath Ji, SL Bagati, GJ Kampasi, Subash Dhar, Ashok Khar, CL Pandita and Jatinder Parimoo.
BJP activists protest, 100 court arrest
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, May 18: Seeking CBI probe into alleged multi-crore ration scam, a large number of BJP activists staged a strong protest demonstration and courted arrest in the town here today.
BJP workers from the district led by State secretary of the Party Vinod Gupta and district president Yogesh Sharma assembled near Tehsil office complex here. Rajouri Beopar Mandal president Vijay Kumar Gupta, another senior party leader Bharat Bhushan and other office bearers and party workers held massive protest demonstration against the Government. They were shouting slogans against Chief Minister, both senior and junior CAPD Ministers and demanding a CBI inquiry into the multi-crore ration scam.
Later, the protesters marching through main market reached near Bus Stand and after staging protest for some time, nearly 100 BJP activists courted arrest.
SSP Rajouri Mubassar Latiffi when contacted said that BJP activists protesting against ration, power and water and demanding probe into ration scam marched towards Bus Stand from tehsil complex. He said nearly seventy workers were arrested at around 11.30 am and they were let off in the afternoon.
Govt working on plan to divert Mata Vaishnodevi pilgrims to Jammu: Bhalla
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 18: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla, said that Government is embarking upon an ambitious plan to divert pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Deviji to City of Temples, by establishing more parks and beautifying the existing ones with added facilities.
This was stated by Minister during his visit at Rail Head, JDA Park opposite RBI building Jammu.
The Minister was accompanied by Vice Chairman Jammu Development Authority Sarita Chauhan, senior functionaries of JDA, PHE, Floriculture and other concerned departments.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Coalition Government is implementing several innovative measures for massive development of recreational infrastructure in the State.
While inspecting the park, Mr. Bhalla directed the JDA for proper fencing whereever required with the iron bars and plantation of seasonal flowers in the park. He also asked VC JDA for installation of High Mast lights in the park for convenience of the visitors.
Responding to the demands of the locals, the Minister announced expansion of the park with development of an exclusive children’s corner. He directed the concerned to formulate a proposal for the same.
Maintaining that over one crore pilgrims and other tourists come for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Amarnath ji yatra from different parts of the world in the State, he said that Government has been contemplating to create wayside facilities for the facilities of these tourists. These wayside facilities will comprise parks, public utility places, eatable points and other facilities of tourist attraction in Jammu city.
Later, the Minister convened a meeting at Summer Secretariat with senior officers to take stock of supply of drinking water facility in Jammu city.
The meeting was informed that tube wells constructed by ERA at Sainik Colony Sector A, Sector D, Bandurakh, Babliana having capacity of 1 lakh gallon are ready for commissioning while testing process of tube well at Sainik Colony Sector F having capacity 1.5 lakh gallon is being done and would be ready within a week.
While reviewing the status of BSUP, Mr. Bhalla asked the JMC to clear all pending liabilities on priority.
13 PHE workers found absent, suspended
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, May 18: Thirteen PHE workers who were found absent from duty in Kotranka area were placed under suspension by the Executive Engineer PHE Division Rajouri today.
The senior officials of the Department while acting on public complaints, conducted surprise checking in Kotranka Sub Division of the PHE today and found 13 employees, all Assistant Linemen (OC), absent from duty. The AEE concerned conducted the checking. On his recommendation, all the thirteen employees were placed under suspension by the Executive Engineer, PHE Division Rajouri, Sarwan Singh.
Those suspended were identified as Parvez Ahmed, son of Farman Ali, Tahir Ahmed, son of Abdul Hamid, Shabir Ahmed, son of Ghulam Nabi, Mohd Yousuf, son of Mohd Shafi, Mohd Bashir, son of Abdullah, Mohd Bashir-II, son of Mohd Shafi, Abdul Ghani, son of Mohd Sharief, Rehmat Ullah, son of Natiullah, Manzoor Hussain, son of Farman Ali, Mohd Razak, son of Mohd Hussain, Nazir Hussain, son of Faqir Mohd, Nazir Mohd-II, son of Yaqoob Hussain and Abdul Rashid, son of Abdul Ghani, all hailing from Kotranka and adjoining areas. The Xen PHE Rajouri has forwarded the action taken report to the Chief Engineer, Jammu B R Dogra.
Sham calls for innovative measures to enhance horticulture production
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 18: Minister for Horticulture and Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma has called upon the farmers to adopt innovative measures to enhance the horticulture productivity. He said Government has initiated several measures to give boost to the horticulture sector in order to meet the market demands.
Addressing the farmers at a one-day awareness camp organized by the Horticulture Department at village Gasoo in Hazratbal area, the Minister stressed upon them to adopt multi-cropping system to increase the productivity. He said State’s horticulture products are world renowned and have great demand in the market. To meet the increased demand the farmers have to use several innovative measures and latest techniques, said Mr. Sharma.
The Minister said that Government in recent years, have introduced new schemes and incentives to support the farmers and asked them to make best use of these schemes and help in improving the State’s economy. He suggested the youth to adopt the horticulture activity as a profession and lead a dignified life. He said horticulture is the only sector in the State which always remained back bone of State’s economy and major source of income for thousands of families who are directly or indirectly associated with this profession, therefore, it is need of the hour to further promote this vital sector and many more should involve themselves in this activity.
Listing the measures initiated for the welfare of farming community, the Minister said that well equipped fruit and vegetable markets have been set up in all district/tehsil headquarters to dispose off the produce of the farmers from their doorsteps.
Besides horticulture, there is also great potential of floriculture and people should shift to the commercial floriculture to upgrade their economic status. The Minister said that demand of flowers has also increased manifold during the past some years and even some times the flowers are being imported from other States, especially during festivals and marriage seasons. He appealed the farmers to go for the inter-cropping system and introduce floriculture for better returns. For their benefits the Government will be establishing two exclusive flower markets one each at Jammu and Srinagar. Besides, the airport authority has also agreed to transport the flowers to various countries from the State. of State for Horticulture and Agriculture, Javed Ahmad Dar also highlighted the importance of horticulture sector and asked the farmers to grab the opportunity.
Director Horticulture, Dr. G. H. Shah highlighted the measures initiated by the department for the promotion of horticulture in the Valley.