Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 28:  Peoples Conference Chairman, Sajad Lone today asked the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to get the ban on student politics in Kashmir valley revoked.
Addressing a press conference here in connection with the setting up of The Peoples’ Student Union, Sajad said that youth especially the students should shun the negative attitude and plunge into politics. He said youth can play an important role in the future and asked them to gear up for facing the politicians.
“The biggest tragedy with the state is that the politics has carried on generation after generation. There has been no proper evolution of politics and politicians have inherited the politics from their forefathers. Time for a change has come and it is important that there are young politicians in the field. This is possible only when youth are pro-active and are ready to face the political challenge,” said Sajad.
Sajad alleged that the members of the Peoples’ Student Union were detained by the University of Kashmir authorities adding that the Chief Proctor warned them of dire consequences if they formed the Union. He said the students should be allowed to carry out their activities under the banner of Peoples’ Student Union.
“If a person from outside the state can come and carry out his political activities in the University of Kashmir campus then why there is ban on such activities being carried out by the locals? This ban is totally uncalled for and should be condemned by one and all,” said Sajad.
Accepting that the present political system is dirty, Sajad said that issues cannot be solved by shifting the blame on others. He said honest people especially youth should come forward and join the politics in order to make a difference.
“If the Government does not revoke the ban on student politics in Kashmir then we would be compelled to go to the court” he said.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Describing Union Minister and  former J&K Chief Minister from National Conference Dr Farooq Abdullah as an ideal choice for the post of  President, Sikh United Front (J&K) has urged UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to nominate him as its candidate for the Presidentship.
Addressing a joint press conference of various Sikh bodies in the State, chairman of the Front S S Wazir said that secular and nationalistic credentials of Dr Abdullah are known to every one. He said all during his political career Dr Abdullah has been in forefront in projecting the Indian viewpoint on Kashmir in various fora nationally and internationally. Being a Kashmiri leader, his stance in United Nation and other international bodies was quite clear and  the national integrity of India was projected  by him in right prospective.
While reiterating on the  secular spirit of  Dr Abdullah in a Muslim majority State like J&K during his entire political span, the minorities in  J&K always felt safe during his tenure as Chief Minister of the State. Mr Wazir called upon the UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi to sponsor Dr Abdullah as UPA candidate because of  his background and personal relationship with leaders belonging to parties outside UPA including Mulayam Singh Yadav and Parkash Singh Badal.
Other Sikh leaders and social activists present in the conference included  Narbir Singh from YAD, Mohinder Singh BKNSS, Paramjit Singh AISSF, Kapoor Singh Dutta, Gajan Singh, Ramnik Singh Bijral, Kulwant Singh, Mohan Singh  and Devinder Singh.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Minister for Tourism Nawang Rigzin Jora today said that Government has approved a plan of Rs. 398.07 lakh to add the recreational facilities like artificial lake, walkway, development of right and left river embankments, creation of two kiosks, ornamental parks, public conveniences and illumination.
This was informed by the Minister while interacting with the people after inspecting the ongoing construction work of artificial lake in Niki Tawi, here today.
Mr. Jora said that whole area is yet to be vacated from those who had gone to the court and got stay. He said instructions have been issued to I&FC officers to get the stay vacated urgently and ensure the land meant for development through Tourism Department got free from any encumbrances. He said that the displaced families be got suitably rehabilitated and compensated by the Irrigation and Flood Control Department.
The Minister said on the available piece of land, the department will take effective steps for development by creating parking space besides other steps to make the area attractive for the visitors and tourists early.
Among others who accompanied the Minister, Commissioner/Secretary Tourism Department Atal Dulloo, Director Tourism, R S Mehta, Deputy Director M&W, Executive Engineer I&FC besides other officers of Tourism and I&FC.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 28: Eight persons were injured in different road accidents across the Kashmir valley today.
Reports said that a SSG Ruby vehicle collided with a motor cycle bearing registration number JK13A/3388 driven by Rayees Ahmad Thoker son of Bashir Ahmad resident of Chakoora-Shirmal. The mishap resulted in injuries to the motorcyclist and Mohammad Iqbal Lone son of Ghulam Hassan Lone resident of Katihallan and Mohammad Shahid Bhat son of Mohammad Yaqoob Bhat resident of Lahend-Shopian. All the injured were hospitalized. Police has registered a case.
A truck hit a Tata Winger bearing registration number JK19/0017 on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway near Awantipora Gurdwara, resulting in injuries to five passengers including the driver of Tata Winger. The injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. The driver of the truck fled away from the spot. Police has registered a case and launched a manhunt to nab the LP driver.
A tipper bearing registration number JK-04B 6333 and a truck collided with each other at Bemina Byepass Chowk, resulting in damage to both the vehicles.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: Minister for Industries and Commerce, Surjit Singh Slathia today said that Government is committed to connect every nook and corner of state with nearest headquarter by providing road connectivity.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a gathering at Birpur after inaugurating 250 meters long link road from Main Road to Shiv Mandir in Sadhotra Mandi today.
Mr. Slathia said that the link road has been dedicated to the people of Ward No 2 of Sadhotra Mandi at an estimated cost of Rs.5 lakh. He said Coalition Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to provide all basic amenities like safe drinking water, road connectivity, electricity, health, education besides a better lanes and drains to the people across the state.
The Minister said that Central Government has provided liberal funding under various sectors for development of every nook and corner of the state on modern lines.
Later, the Minister also inaugurated a Piaggio’s Sales Outlet opened by M/S. Pritam Auto Motors on Ramgarh Road in Vijaypur.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28: Minister for Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation Raman Bhalla today said that Government is committed to develop rural pockets at par with urban centres in providing all basic amenities like road connectivity, education, health, safe drinking water, multipurpose community halls besides better lanes and drains.
This was stated by the Minister while addressing a large gathering at Chatha Pind, here today.
Mr. Bhalla called upon the ruralities to cooperate with executing agencies in making the villages on modern lines with effective implementation of development works. He said equitable development of every corner of the State is first priority of the Government.
Responding to the demands of the villagers, the Minister announced Rs. 15 lakh for construction of lanes and drains at Chatha Pind and Chatha Kullian. He asked the R&B and RDD departments to complete all allotted projects of their respective departments within stipulated time frame.
Regarding upgradation of Government Middle School Chatha Pind, Mr. Bhalla said that School Education Ministry has upgraded the school and also sanctioned Rs. 40 lakh under RAMSA for construction of additional rooms and laboratory facilities. He called upon the villagers to send their wards in schools so that they will become a good citizen of the country.
The Minister said that Government is endeavoring a lot to eradicate poverty and illiteracy from across the State, adding that present regime has played a pivotal role in opening and upgrading scores of schools in rural pockets so that the students of the villages could compete at par with urban centre students.
For facilitating the villagers of Chatha Pind and Chatha Kullian, Mr Bhalla said Government has okayed the proposal for construction of multipurpose community hall, adding that the construction could be started after completing the tendering formalities.
At Harijan Basti in Chatha, the Minister inspected the ongoing construction works of twelve lanes and drains, for which the Government has earmarked Rs. 19.50 lakh. He asked the executing agency to complete the works with stipulated time frame by using quality material.
Mr. Bhalla informed that Government has approved Rs. 1.93 crore under NABARD for construction of double lane 18 meter span steel girder bridge over Landoi Choi nallah in Bhour Camp providing better road connectivity to the areas of Ward No. 1 and Ward No. 2. He said with the completion of steel girder bridge, the distance to lower Gadigarh, Karan Bagh, Bhour Kothey, Azad Nagar, Vikram Nagar and its adjoining areas would be reduced to a large extent.
Earlier at Sanjay Nagar Sector 4, Mr. Bhalla kick started construction work of lanes and drains, for which Government has earmarked Rs. 18 lakh. He asked the executive agency to complete the works within prescribed time frame for the convenience of general masses.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: The three -day Circle Conference of BSNL & DoT Pensioners Association is under way here. The conference, which started yesterday will culminate tomorrow.
Today the circle elections were held under the supervision of D D Mistry, general secretary of BDPA and J B Kampavat, All India working president.
Noor-ud-Din Rather was elected as circle president, J R Dutta as working president, B L Bhat as circle secretary and Baldev Singh as financial secretary.
R K Kaul Chief General Manager BSNL J&K Circle was the chief guest on the occasion and D D Mistry and J B Kumpavat were the guests of honour in the open session held today.
Mr Kaul assured the gathering that their problems will be looked into and settled on priority basis.
B L Bhat read the welcome address. He stressed upon the members to be untied and make efforts to strengthen the membership. He urged the administration to solve the problems of the pensioners on priority basis especially release of Medical re-imbursement for outdoor treatment and 9.4 percent merger of DA leftover at the time of release of 6th Pay Commission.
Speaking on the occasion D D Mistry said the demands are already on national agenda and will be pursued vigorously for settlement. Secretary Kashmir Province M S Wani and secretary Jammu R N Mattoo also addressed the open Session.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 28:  Shivani Cultural Society staged Rabindranath Tagore’s famous play ‘Chitra’, as the fifth presentation in the J&K Cultural Academy’s ongoing Tagore Theatre Festival, at the Government Women College, here today.
The source of the play is Mahabharata- an episode from Arjuna’s life during his exile. Princess Chitrangda, King Chitravahana’s heir, who has been raised like a son seeks help from gods Madana and Vasanta to make her attractive for a single day as she has lost her heart to Arjuna. The gods are more than generous and endow her with great beauty and charm for a year. The awestruck Arjuna falls in love and breaks his 12-year-old celibacy vow.
Chitra feels guilty for lying to her beloved. When Arjuna hears about Chitra’s fame as fearless lady of great valour and protector of the land, his curiosity is aroused. Hew ends up discussing the ‘other woman’ with her lover only to know that Chitra is the same person he has been living with.
The play aimed at reminding man that the ultimate truth is to be found not at the physical level but in the steady evolution of the self. Chitra is thus established as works of self-discovery.
The play was translated and directed by Vikram Sharma and conceptual designing and creative modulations done by Himanshu Darshan, was a successful presentation in which main characters of Chitra and Arjuna were successfully performed by Neha Lahotra and Rohitashiv Sharma.
Neha Lakhotra through a combination of ‘angika’ and ‘vak abhinaya’, was able to bring subtle emotional nuances and variations while delivering lengthy dialogues that had a visible stress on ethics than on aesthetics. She was able to bring out the shades of the narrative that moves on the inner rather than the outer level of the action. Rohitshiv Sharma’s athletic lithe body with stately movements, very well suited the role of Arjuna.
Other members of the cast included Hardeep Singh as Vasanta, Neeru Bhardwaj as villager one and Vikram Sharma as Nagrik two.
The appropriate costumes of the three main characters in the classical Indian style, and thoughtful light design greatly helped in overall success of the production.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) is organizing first ever “Shree Jaganath Rath Yatra” in the city of temples on April 30.
This was disclosed by  Navyogendra Swami Ji, during a press conference here this afternoon.
He said that the ISKCON has finalized the arrangements for the upcoming “Shree Jagannath Rath Yatra” on April 30 which will begin at 12 noon.
He said that this is the first ever Rath Yatra in the history of J&K and thousands of devotees across the State and outside are going to participate in this event.
He said that the Lord Jaganath is so merciful that he himself comes out of the temple for those who do not come to the temple. He said that his brother Baldev and sister Subhadra will accompany the Lord and a beautiful chariot has been made for the Lord.
He said that, Amrit Malhotra, Chairman, Legislative Council, will be the chief guest while Madan Lal Sharma and Choudhary Lal Singh, Members of Parliament, will be the guests of honour.
“The Rath Yatra will commence from City Palace, Kachi Chawni and will pass through Parade, Shalamar, Kanak Mandi, Rajinder Bazaar, Shahedi Chowk, Raghunath Mandir, Indra Chowk, Gumat, Vinayak Bazaar, Dogra Chowk, Jewel, Canal Head, Guest House, Gole Pully, Bohri and will culminate at KK Resort, Udheywala Bohri”, Swami ji said, adding, that the Maha Aarti Utsav is going to be held tomorrow at City Palace, Kachi Chawni from 5 pm onwards till mid night.
Highlighting the importance of the Rath Yatra, Swami ji said that the Rath Yatra festival of chariots originates in Puri, Orrisa and it is the oldest known festival and has been celebrated for over thousands of years.
“To give benefit to the people of the world, the founder Acharya of ISKCON, C Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada introduced the Rath Yatra festival throughout the globe”, he maintained.
Swami Ji appealed the people of Jammu, to participate in the Rath Yatra and have the Darshan of the Lord Jaganath as “One Who Sees Lord Jagannath on his Rath will not take Birth again in this Material World”.
Among others present were Vikram Malhotra, president Rath Yatra, Jai Keshav Dass, organizing president, SC Bali, president reception committee, HG Sarvbhaum Bhattacharya Dass, general manager, ISKCON Jammu, Surinder Peshin and Sanjeev, festival coordinator and Rohit Bali, general secretary.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 28: Director General of Police, Kuldeep Khoda today released ‘Pensioners’ Journal 2012’, a useful document published by Central Government Pensioners’ Welfare Association (CGPWA), on the occasion of Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of the Association held here at Police Officers’ Mess, Gulshan Ground, Gandhi Nagar.
Addressing the gathering, chief guest lauded the efforts being put in by the Association for the welfare of civil society, particularly senior citizens and pensioners. He assured full cooperation of J&K Police department in furtherance of Association activities.
Besides Khoda, 80 CGPWA members, a large number of special invitees comprising distinguished senior citizens and social activists also attended the meeting.
Presenting the Annual General Report for the year 2011-12, general secretary of the Association, JK Vaid, informed the house that CGPWA has been accorded nomination to Standing Committee of Voluntary Agencies (SCOVA) by Government of India and the annual grant-in aid to the Association has also been enhanced by GoI from Rs 60,000 to Rs 75,000 from 2012-13 FY.
“CGPWA has been notified as Nodal Association for central pensioners of J&K State and is one of the 28 Pensioners’ Associations in the Country to get such recognition. On the basis of proactive welfare activities and after an exhaustive scrutiny by the Income Tax Department, the Association has been registered as Social Charitable Society u/s 12AA(1)(i) of Income Tax Act, 1961 and also the certificate issued qualifying all donations to the Association for Income Tax Rebate u/s 80G (5) of the Income Tax Act, 1961”, he said.
President of the Association, SS Wazir, in his welcome address greeted the chief guest, special invitees and the members’ fraternity and briefly touched upon the welfare activities being pursued by the Association.
Patron, CGPWA, VP Sharma, gave an illuminating and well-illustrated power point presentation on the topic ‘Himalayan Mountain Chain and its Impact on Water and Food Security’.
Three senior members of the Organisation were also honoured on the occasion by the chief guest. RN Sharma was honoured as Sarv Sreshth Vrishth Nagrik on completion of 100 years of age, while DN Kotwal and Tara Mani Sharma were honoured with Jeyshth Vrishth Nagrik on attaining plus 80 years age.
Copies of Journal were also distributed among all the dignitaries.