Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: Fifty senior members of the Delhi Advertising Club (DAC) are on a visit to city of Temples on the invitation of Editor In Chief, Daily Excelsior, S D Rohmetra.
The delegation led by Delhi based Advertising Bureau Chief of Daily Excelsior, Mr H S Paul arrived here this morning by a special train. The delegation is on a two days tour of city of temples. The delegation conducts the rotation wise tour of all states in the country every year.
The delegation consists of leading newspapers and international advertising personnel. The lunch was hosted to them by Dr Karan Singh, MP and sole Trustee, Dharmarth Trust, J&K. President of the Trust Th. Diwakar Singh along with his senior members of the Trust received the delegation at historical Raghuanth Temple and briefed them about the history of the holy temple. Secretary of the Trust Shashi Khajuria was also present on the occasion.
They performed Pooja at Shree Raghunath Ji temple, Natraj Ji temple and paid tributes to Maharaja Ranbir Singh at his Samadhi in the temple complex. The delegation also went around the outer Parikama and appreciated the goodwill gesture of Maharaja Gulab Singh Ji who constructed this one of the biggest temple of Northern India in Jammu.
Later they visited Amar Mehal Museum and were informed about the historical artifacts preserved there. They also visited Bawe Wale Mata to pay their obeisance there.
Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand hosted dinner to them later. Before their departure to Delhi the delegation will be hosted dinner by Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Zora tomorrow.
According to President of Delhi Advertising Club (DAC) , Mr R C Tanwar, the delegation’s visit on the invitation of Daily Excelsior is fabulous and such a personal attention was never given by any host in the history of Advertising Club. The others who attended the tour included Mukesh Gupta Chairman, Graphisads Advertising, Anil Sharma MD Interads Advertising, Narinder Sharma, MD Critique Comm, R C Tanwar, P P Grover, Arun Soni, Rattan Sharma, Parmodh Kumar, S B Goel, K K Padmanabhan, K Rajendran, Dinesh Srivastava, K K Malhotra, Satbir Singh, Chander Mohan, Naresh Sachdeva, Rohit Gora, Nitin Dhingra, Rajinder Sharma, R K Chopra, H S Paul, Kailash Arora, Surinder Malhotra, Sandeep Sen, Ajay Sharma, Mr Ayyappan, Paramjit Singh, Amitabh Gupta, Manmohan Gupta, Umesh Bhardwaj, Ashok Sharma (IA) J P Singh, Sriram Gopal, Devender Sharma, Rohit Sahi, Surinder Rana, Narinder Khanna, Rahul Srivastava, Raj Kumar, Ashok Sharma and C S Paul.
50 member DAC delegation on 2 days visit of Jammu
No change in Pak intentions: DGP
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: Asserting that terror infrastructure across the border is intact and militants are operating there, a senior police officer today said there is no change in the intention of Pakistan to continue terrorism in the State.
“There are different figures of different agencies as far as terrorist camps, launching pads and militants (operating across the border) is concerned. But launching pads are there, militants and their training camps are still there”, Director General of Police (DGP) Kuldeep Khoda told reporters here. “The intention in the capability of our neighbouring country (Pakistan) to continue terrorism in our State—that continues”, he said.
As far as infiltration is concerned, he said the reports are that there is no change in the intention—whether it is training camps or launching pads.
“Therefore, we have to keep up the vigilance. The way there has been improvement in the border management, I am confident that their designs would not succeed”, the DGP said.
Expressing happiness over the situation, he said “this year militancy-related incidents have decreased. In the first three months of 2012, 26 militancy-related incidents took place as compared to 48 last year, showing a 45 percent overall decrease”.
Khoda said there was 47 percent dip in militancy during first three months of 2011, as compared to the same period in 2010.
Civilian killings this year have decreased by 50 percent and there was no killing of security force or police personnel this year as compared to last year’s figure of three jawans, the DGP said.
Referring to the cross-border infiltration, he said “there is no report of successful infiltration with us in the entire State. That is also a big achievement. There is increased vigilance along the border”.
Khoda further said the performance of three of months this year has been better than the last year and the previous year. “There is the best synergy between police, army and other security force agencies. This example you can never see in the rest of the country”, he added.
“Due to this synergy, we have achieved these results and also people have given full cooperation to us in restoration of normalcy and peace whether it is law and order or militancy”, he said.
To another question about the number of militants operating in J&K, he said “our figures suggest they are in the range of 85-90”.
Regarding a question about apprehension of “hot summer” this year, the DGP said “the point is that we have to be alert. However, the number of militants was much higher than last year. We ensured that militancy level decreases from last year and that effort continues”.
“The presence of militants is decreasing in the State due to better operational capabilities of the forces and we are sure that we will be able to ensure peace in the summer”, Khoda said. Answering a question about stone-pelters being brought under the ambit of youth clubs set up by Police, the DGP said “we do not discriminate for sports activities. The focus is on youth.
“We have got positive results in those areas where we have set up youth clubs. Those areas witnessed peace. We will open more youth clubs and the focus this time would be those areas, which were not attended to last year including that of Jammu, he said.
Couple among 3 killed in mishap
Excelsior Correspondent
RAJOURI, Apr 7: Three persons including a couple, were killed while three others seriously injured after a water tanker skidded off the road and rolled down into a gorge near Bhimber Gali today.
A police spokesman said that the mishap took place at around 11 am when the ill-fated water tanker No. JK02A 7697, attached with the PHE department Rajouri was on way to Kanga Gali village in Balakote from Bathuni in Rajouri. A couple hailing from Thrati village falling enroute was also traveling in the tanker along with their two children. The tanker was carrying drinking water to the Balakote area.
As the vehicle reached near BG, the driver lost control due to some mechanical failure and the vehicle landed in to a gorge. While driver and the couple were killed on the spot, the children and cleaner were seriously injured. The securitymen from the nearby camp and some villagers rushed to the spot. The police also reached there after sometime.
The injured were rushed to the Rajouri hospital and the dead bodies were also later removed to hospital for completion of legal formalities by police. The deceased were identified as driver, Mohd Moilis of Tharati, Mohd Kabir and his wife Nahima Kouser, residents of Tharati. The injured undergoing treatment in Rajouri hospital were identified as cleaner of the tanker, Iftikhar Ahmed, Alisa Kouser (4) and Habib Khan (3), children of the deceased couple Kabir and Nahima. The police has registered a case in this connection.
‘Mandarpan’ released
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: An impressive function was held here today at KL Saigal Hall of Cultural Academy in connection with the release of ‘Mandarpan’, a book in Hindi by Maharaj Krishen Santoshi.
The function was organised by Rashtra Bhasha Prachar Samiti (RBPS), Jammu in collaboration with Academy of Art, Culture and Languages.
The function was presided over by Prof Ved Kumari Ghai, while Ex-deputy Chief Minister, Mangat Ram Sharma was the chief guest.
Dr Savita Bakshi, Additional Secretary, Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and Prof Satya Pal Srivatsa, president of RBPS were the guests of honour.
A galaxy of writers of Hindi and other languages participated in the function.
Speaking on the occasion, Santoshi said ‘Mandarpan’ is 2nd attempt in Hindi by him. Besides, he has written six books in Urdu and two in English.
Mangat Ram Sharma, Prof Ved Ghai, Dr Savita Bakshi and Prof Satya Pal Srivatsa also presented their views on the Book.
The function concluded with vote of thanks by Dr Bharat Bhushan.
Students, parents protest against closure of school
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: The students and their parents studying in Republic Academy Students-Parents Association, New Plots Jammu held a demonstration against the closure of the school by the management suddenly.
The protestors said as the school management has issued advertisements of starting the new Academic session from April 9 and students and their parents who were studying in the institute were shocked to know that school management has suddenly stopped admissions process asking the parents to shift their wards to other institutions, which was impracticable and impossible for them.
They said the School management has taken the letter issued by BOSE asking it to fulfill certain formalities otherwise the recognition will be cancelled. But the said letter was issued in 2009 and why the management remained silent till date and why did not it intimate the parents prior to start of next session about their decision to close down the school.
SSDF takes out procession against price hike
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: Shiv Sena and Dogra Front (SSDF) today took out a procession against price hike by the UPA Government, under the leadership of its president, Ashok Gupta.
The procession, with rehris of vegetables and raising slogans, started from Prade Chowk to Shalimar and concluded at City Chowk.
Addressing the activists, Gupta said there is total confusion and chaos over price hike in the Centre and at the State by the Governments. Both are busy in shifting the responsibility to each other and no one is interested to ease the people from price hike.
He alleged that price rise in the country is due to the corrupt politicians, ministers and bureaucrats in the present scenario, adding that the ruling party in J&K figures at the top in the list.
Gupta warned the MPs who are not debating in the Lok Sabha for price hike, saying that if they want to remain in the power, they should strive to control the price hike, otherwise the poor men who are burdened with price hike will be the reason of their downfall.
Army Ordnance Corp celebrating Raising Day
Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 7: Army Ordnance Corps is celebrating its 237th Raising Day to commemorate its raising as the “Board of Ordnance” in 1775, here today.
On this occasion, GoC-in-C Northern Command has Lt Gen KT Parnaik, extended his greetings to all ranks, civilians and families of the Corps and lauds their committed efforts to provide effective logistic support to one of the largest forces spread across the length and breadth of the country.
Maj Gen S Vayaboury, MG AOC Northern Command complimented all ranks and civilians of Northern Command Ordnance fraternity and exhorted them to rededicate themselves to a more efficient and integrated service and continue their march towards excellence.
The supreme sacrifice of Lt Navdeep Singh of Army Ordnance Corps in the line of duty during a fierce encounter with the militants along the LoC in J&K on Aug 20, 2011 while on attachment with 15 Maratha Light Infantry is remembered with honour and pride. The Gallant Officer has been awarded Ashok Chakra posthumously on the occasion of Republic Day 2012.
Sonali Bendre becomes Brand Ambassador of VERA oil
Excelsior Correspondent
CHANDIGARH, Apr 7: Vijay Oil Mills, a company promoted by Vijay Kakkar and his son Rakesh Kakkar (also promoters of renowned real estate business house RK City Developers) have announced their association with Sonali Bendre as the Brand Ambassador for their brand ‘VERA’, a kacchi ghani mustard oil.
Sunil Ghai, national sales head, said, “we will target to the health conscious consumers in the urban markets. VERA is made from pure musrtard seeds and is processed in a way that retains the natural flavour of mustard oil while keeping the overall cholesterol low. In its launch phase the brand will be immediately available in North Indian markets like Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Delhi and J&K. It will subsequently be rolled in other markets. The brand will be available in pack sizes of 15 ltr, 10 ltr, 5ltr, 2 ltr, 1 ltr, 500 ml and 200 ml”.
The company has signed up with the vivacious Sonali Bendre as the Brand Ambassador for VERA. Sonali, an actress par excellence, is also well known for her fitness and beauty. A versatile personality, she seamlessly balances her professional and personal roles (as a homemaker) with élan. Speaking about association with VERA, she said, “I am delighted to be associated with VERA as at this time when everyone is becoming increasingly health conscious, this is the ideal mustard oil to cook all the delicious Indian food with”.
While highlighting the launch plans of VERA and its association with Sonali Bendre, the Managing Director, Rakesh Kakkar, said, “we are extremely happy to announce VERA’s association with Sonali Bendre. The fit between the Brand and its Ambassador could not have been better, while Sonali represents the new age consumer who is conscious of keeping the balance between taste and health, VERA being a mustard oil low on cholesterol, is the ideal choice of cooking medium for such a consumer. A media campaign (TV commercial) with Sonali has been shot and will be aired in the target market by mid-April 2012”.
The brand launch with Sonali will be followed by a cultural evening featuring multi-talented singer, composer Raghav Sachar and actress Sonali Bendre. National Sales Head, Sunil Ghai was alos present in the function.
APSCC threatens to launch agitation
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 7: Accusing the State Government of neglecting the genuine issues of the Sikhs living in the state the All Parties Sikh Coordination Committee (APSCC) today threatened to launch an agitation in support of their demands.
The APSCC also asked the ministers and legislators of National Conference and Congress to pull up their socks or face music at the hands of Sikh community during the next Assembly elections scheduled to be held in 2014.
Taking dig at the functioning of the National Conference-Congress Coalition Government in the state, APSCC Chairman, Jagmohan Singh Raina said that the State Government has failed to solve the problems being faced by the Sikh community in the state. He said the community members would launch agitation in support of their demands adding that the government would be responsible for the consequences thereof.
“Justice has been denied to the Sikhs of the state since 1947 and the time has come when there is a need for carrying out a full-fledged agitation in this respect. All the legal means of registering the protest and raising our demands have never been taken serious by the State Government. Time has come to stand up and register our protest against the Government,” said Raina.
Referring to the issues confronting the Sikh community, Raina said these include employment package for Sikhs, immediate issuance of State Subject through Central Authority, minority status as per National Commission for Minorities Act, filling of Punjabi vacant posts, timely inquiry in 36 killing of Sikhs at Chattisinghpora and compensation of agriculture and horticulture losses suffered during turmoil.
PK holds seminar on invasion, accession of J&K
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7:- Panun Kashmir (PK) organized a seminar on the topic Invasion & Accession of J&K –crucial & fateful days at Press Club here today.
The leaders academicians, journalists and prominent citizens belonging to the refugee and internally displaced communities from PoK , Kashmir Valley and Jammu province participated in the seminar to discuss the crucial days leading to invasion on the state by regular and irregular troops of Pakistan as also the historical facts of the accession of the state with India.
Those who spoke included Dr M K Teng, chairman of the Advisory Committee of PK, Prof Hari Om, historian, Yuv Raj Gupta chairman POJK Sangarsh Morcha, Mirpur, V K Sehgal, journalist and chairman SRVA and Dr Ajay Chrungoo chairman PK.
The seminar was organized as a step towards documenting unknown facts about the invasion of the state in 1947 and its accession to India, said Mahesh Kaul who acted as anchor of the programme.
Speaking on the occasion Dr M K Teng said that the details of the invasion of the state were available to the then leadership at the helm of affairs right from its preparatory stages towards the end of August 1947 and asked that why GOI did not act after the real invasion on ground started on October 27, 1947 and why the state was left undefended till actual accession took place.
He said as Indian state from very beginning left the Northern Frontiers of the country undefended and the genocide of Hindus in Mirpur, Muzaffarabad, Rajouri, Poonch and Kashmir Valley has been a result of this attitude.
Dr Ajay Chrungoo said that a conspiracy of Hindus genocide is still on and it has not been recognized so far. This game has been more gruesome than the holocaust of Jews or American Christians, he added.
Dr Chrungoo said what has befallen on the Hindus and Sikhs of the state in 1947 and subsequently in 1989-90 is continuation of the same ruthless and murderous game.