‘Some oppn parties playing destructive politics’
Excelsior Correspondent

SRINAGAR, Apr 23: Minister for Rural Development, Panchyats, Parliamentary Affairs and Law, Ali Mohammad Sagar today said that the Omar Abdullah Government is very keen to empower the Panchyats as these institutions are basic sources of implementing the right decisions with regard to development process in the rural areas.
Addressing a large gathering including a number of Sarpanchs and Panchs at Dara-Faqir Gujjri in District Srinagar, Mr Sagar made it clear that 73rd amendment is not applicable to J&K State due to Article 370 of the State constitution. But at the same time, he said that certain good provisions of the 73rd amendment are already under execution and have been incorporated in the Panchayati Raj promulgated by the State. He said the report with regard to 73rd amendment of the Cabinet Sub Committee constituted by Government and other suggestions to make democratic institutions very powerful is under active consideration.
The Minister criticized those forces who during their tenure weakened the pillars of democratic institutions of the State but now advocating for strong democratic institutions. He said panchyat elections was a long dream of the late Sher-i-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as he was very much keen to empower the rural bodies so that development process in rural areas can get fillip and this dream has been fulfilled by Omar Abdullah Government.
Mr. Sagar said that the devolution of powers to Panchs and Sarpanchs was a sincere and conscious decision of the present Government as it really wanted that these grass root democratic institutions to grow and address the peoples grievances to their satisfaction. He said that the Panchs and Sarpanchs can play a major role in weeding out the corruption in the public life.
Referring to various achievements of the present Government, he said to make the administration accountable before the public,the Government has enacted passed a Public Services Guarantee Act under which any officer/official has to deliver within the 15 days, otherwise he has to face music by paying Rs 5000 as fine.
Lasting out at some disgruntled opposition parties, he said that their only one point agenda is character assassination of National Conference and nothing else. He said the same opposition party through a number of conspiracies succeeded in dislodging democratically elected Sheikh Abdullah Government in 1975 . The same opposition party in 1984 dislodged duly elected Farooq Abdullah Government and repeated the same undemocratic process in 1989.
Mr Sagar further said the same opposition party all along played destructive politics rather constructive and never protected the rights of the people of the State.
He said, it was the Omar led Government which employed 4000 Kashmir Pandit migrants, and this shows that how much present Government is conscious about the welfare of all the communities of the society. He said that the present Government is making every efforts to provide basic facilities to the common people especially to the poor, downtrodden and those belonging to SC, ST and weaker sections.
Meanwhile, the Minister impressed upon the Panchs and Sarpanchs to discharge their responsibilities honestly and effectively in accordance with the law and try to come to the expectations of the people.
On this occasion MLA, Mohammad Yaseen Shah, MLC, G.Q Pardasi and other Sarpanchs and panchs also spoke.

Jehangir Rashid
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: Abhinav Gupt cave located in the foothills of Bairam hillocks in Beerwah area of Budgam district is facing threat due to stone quarrying, says Vir Saraf, Convenor, Roots in Kashmir (RIK).
The cave has a great religious significance for Kashmiri Pandits as Abhinav Gupt is regarded as the greatest scholar of Kashmiri Shaivism, an ancient school of thought for which Kashmir is famous world over.
Vir Saraf told Excelsior that the Abhinav Gupt cave is sacred to Kashmiri Pandits. “Till 1947 AD Kashmiri Pandits used to go to the entrance of the cave and perform their religious rituals every year on the 10th day of full moon in the month of June. The cave is of great value of heritage. It is part of the ancient historical civilisation,” he added.
Stone quarrying is taking place with impunity on North-West side of this hill top which is supposedly the tail of the cave as well as on the Eastern side of Bairam too.
However, officials said that the quarry is located some 150 feet away from the cave. They say that the quarrying is going on for past over 60 years and government is getting its royalty.
“It is said that some people have tried to cruise the un-ending cave upto 1 km but returned back when there was no end to the cave. Abhinav Gupt was a philosopher and a Bhairwa (seeker of Lord Shiva),” said Vir.
Talking to Excelsior, M. S Zahid, Deputy Director, Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museums said that he would depute a team of the officials to the site.
“As of now I have not received any complaint. But since you have raised this issue it would be ensured that nothing illegal is being done. This is a place of heritage importance and we would leave no stone unturned in preserving this heritage symbol,” said Zahid.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 23: The police arrested a militant in village Arwani Bijbehara in South Kashmir district of Anantnag last evening while two militants who returned from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) after over two decades surrendered before police in Sopore today.
Police said that during a naka Bijbehara Police apprehended Hafizullah Malik son of Mohammad Yousuf Malik, resident of Arwani, Bijbehara near Arwani.
Malik had infiltrated back recently via Nepal Border on a fake passport after being trained in illegal arms. Police have registered a case in this regard.
Meanwhile police said that two militants, Mohammad Lateef Pir alias Mushtaq Ahmad Latrum son of Ali Mohammad Mir, resident of Tujjar Sharief Sopore and Barkat Rasool alias Shoaib son of Gulam Rasool Mir Logripora who had crossed over to Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) in 1990’s for arms training returned back to Kashmir via Nepal along with Wives and children.
They have surrendered before the police in Police Station Bomai, Sopore. Police have registered a case and are questioning them.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23 : Governor N. N. Vohra inaugurated a multipurpose hall at the Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Mubarak Mandi here today.
Usha Vohra, First Lady, was present on the occasion.
Speaking after unveiling the inaugural plaque of the newly constructed hall, the Governor observed that if an enabling environment and the required infrastructural support is provided to the educational institutions there would be no reason whatsoever for our children not excelling in their academic and other chosen fields of activity. He added that the boys and girls of J&K are highly talented and, with quality education, they can contribute in a big way for ensuring a bright future for the State.
Referring to the set of Encyclopedia Britannica presented by the Lady Governor to the School on this occasion, the Governor advised Sureshta Dogra, Principal of the School, to keep these volumes at such a place where the students can make best use thereof to gain knowledge in different subjects.
Lauding the high quality of the composite cultural programme comprising Dogri, Kashmiri, Ladakhi and Punjabi folk songs and dances presented by the students on the occasion, the Governor announced an award of Rs. 50,000 for them.
The Governor felicitated the former Principals of the School by presenting them a shawl and a memento each.
The First Lady presented a set of Encyclopedia Britannica to the School comprising 34 volumes. She also gave away certificates to the meritorious students of the School who had got positions in the various Board examinations in the past.
Earlier, on arrival at the School, the Governor and the First Lady were received by Ashok Khajuria, MLA, senior officers of the Education Department, prominent citizens of the locality, Principal, teachers, staff and students.
Ashok Khajuria, speaking on the occasion, announced a grant of Rs. 9,99,999 out of his Constituency Development Fund, as first installment, for construction of another hall in the School. He assured that the entire amount required for the completion of this hall would be provided by him out of his CDF.
In her welcome address, Sureshta Dogra, Principal of the School, dwelt on the achievements of the institution in the academic and extra-curricular arenas. She also threw light on the history and evolution of this School.
Ramesh Singh Slathia, Senior Lecturer, presented a Vote of Thanks.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena (RSS) today announced the formation of its executive body.
In a statement issued here today it said the national president Jai Bhagwan Goel has already nominated Kuldeep Luthra as chairman, Vipin Hindu as president and Ashwani Gupta as working president of the RSS.
These leaders today formed the executive body which besides Kuldeep Luthra, Vipin Hindu and Ashwani Gupta as chairman, included Shiv Kumar Sharma as Deputy Chairman, Vipin Hindu as president, Ashwani Gupta as working president, Vikas Dewan and Rakesh Kak as general secretaries, Ravi Verma as organizer, Rajinder Gupta as senior vice president, Ranjit Singh Bali, Ch. Nathpal, Darshan Devi, Surinder Mahajan, Puran Singh, Ashok Pandey, Pawan Gupta, Ashwani Gandotra, Dushant Basur and Sanjeev Kumar as vice presidents.
Rajan Gupta was nominated as president Yuva Sena, Vikrant Sharma as president Vikrant Sena, Rajesh Kumar Dutta and Sudhir Raina as press secretaries and Shyam Lal Gupta, Nitin Gupta, Rattan Sharma, Varun Gupta and Govind Ram Sharma as secretaries.
The Sena will strive for justice for West Pakistan refugees, fight for justice for the people of Jammu and Ladakh regions, fight against anti national and anti social elements, irrational hike in water and electricity tariff and protection of the temples of the Kashmir Valley by getting passed Shrines Protection Bill.

Excelsior Correspondent
AKHNOOR, Apr 23: With a view to further strengthen marketing facilities for the farmers, Minister for Horticulture & Floriculture, Sham Lal Sharma today dedicated fruit and vegetable market to the locals at village Daskal.
The market has been constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 2.22 crore by the Horticulture (Planning & Marketing) Department, which is spread over a land of 20 kanals. The project comprises 2 numbers of auction platforms, 1 administrative block, 1 toilet block and other basic facilities for the business community.
MP Madan Lal Sharma, Vice Chairman, OBC Advisory Board, Master Kuldeep Verma, former MLA and senior Congress leader, Th. Shiv Dev Singh, Congress Block President, Ram Saran Bhagat, Director Planning & Marketing, Javed Ahmed Khan, Director Floriculture, K.K.Sharma, Director Horticulture, J.N.Sharma, were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that Government was committed to provide marketing facilities to the farmers at their doorsteps. He said horticulture is the mainstay of state’s economy and all out efforts are being made to further boost this industry in the State.
Maintaining that Jammu division has great potential of horticulture and floriculture, he advised the farmers to switch over to cash crops like mangoes, Amla, Alo-vera, guava, lemon, strawberry and flowers instead of traditional crops, adding that these crops have great demand in the market. He said Government also provides attractive incentives for the promotion of horticulture and people should come in a big way to avail these benefits.
The Minister also allotted 38 numbers of shops to the deserving applicant through draw of lot. He said there is still a provision of another 45 shops which will be allotted in the second phase. He asked the traders to start the business activities immediately at the newly set up market.
He also handed over incentive cheques amounting to Rs. 13.32 lakh amongst the 306 progressive floriculture farmers on the occasion.
Madan Lal Sharma said that farmers of the area will be directly benefitted and local produce will be marketed in a systematic way. He asked the farmers to focus on the horticulture and floriculture activities to improve their economic.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: The State Government is contemplating to formulate a policy to ensure social and economic security to senior citizens, besides adoption of the Maintenance of Parents – Elders Act in the state, the Parliament Law in operation in other states of the country.
The proposed Policy would pave way for the protection of rights and dignity of the old aged parents and other senior citizens in the society and within the family, besides ensuring certain concession for them in the delivery of public services, including health, travelling and others. The policy would also enshrine the provision for establishment of Old Age Homes and day care centres on the pattern of centre.
The issues were dealt upon at a meeting of State Level Advisory Council for Senior Citizens (SLACSC) chaired by Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, who is also Vice- Chairperson of the Council and attended by the Council members from across the state, besides Government functionaries representing various departments and representatives of Non- Governmental Organisations and Welfare Associations working for the welfare of the old aged and destitute.
The Council was constituted by the Government some years back, with Chief Minister as its Chairman.
The meeting held threadbare discussions on the problems confronting the senior citizens, while the Council members and other participants gave various suggestions to ensure formulation of a comprehensive policy to meet the aspirations of the senior citizens and the protection of their rights and social security.
Addressing the meeting, the Minister said that the government was sincerely working for formulation of the Senior Citizen Policy, including the adoption of the Maintenance of Parents -Elders Act. She said that the Government has already issued instructions to every department, including, health, transport and other service providing departments to ensure that the senior citizens will get special care with certain concessions. She assured the Council members that the Government was keen to implement the laws for the protection of the dignity and rights of the senior citizens with a focus for their social security.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: Minister for Finance & Ladakh Affairs, Abdul Rahim Rather reviewed the stock and supply position for Ladakh region at a high level officers’ meeting today.
Minister for Tourism & Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora and Minister for CA&PD and Transport, Qamar Ali Akhoon were present in the meeting.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Rather asked the concerned agencies not to show any slackness in the supply, dumping and carriage of essential supplies and building material to Ladakh in the coming summer season.
The meeting decided to direct the concerned agencies for making available bitumin and steel on priority for Ladakh dispatch. He also directed timely release of funds to the concerned Departments for providing supply of diseal and kerosene etc.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Jora and Mr. Akhoon impressed upon the concerned agencies to take benefit of the coming months and lift the supplies as early as possible so that the same is used there before the onset of winter.
The meeting also decided to take up with Centre increasing the tankage capacity at Leh and Kargil.
The meeting also decided to repeat the monitoring mechanism put in place last year for the traffic movement on Srinagar-Leh highway. The Traffic Department was asked to station one recovery van at Captain Morh to facilitate easy movement of traffic.
The meeting also decided to take a mid season appraisal of the stock position in July.
MLC, Aga Syed Hassan Rizvi, Chief Executive Councillors of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils, Leh and Kargil, Deputy Commissioners of the two districts, several heads of Department, officers of Army and BRO were present in the meeting.

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 23: In an effort to provide employment to the youth in the unrepresented areas, special recruitment rally was organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police in District Police Lines here today. The recruitment was conducted for 192 villages in four Nyabats of the district.
A large number of aspirants, including female candidates had reached to the venue early in the morning to excel in the ground. Senior officers, including DIG Udhampur-Reasi Range, Jagjit Kumar, AIG (Personnel) PHQ, Ghulam Hassan Bhat and SP Reasi, Atul Kumar Goel conducted various physical tests of the candidates and Director General of Police (DGP), Kuldeep Khoda personally supervised the process.
A total of 101 youth, including 2 female and 27 SPOs were selected on the spot in a transparent manner. Out of the selected candidates 12 are graduates and 40 with 10+2 qualification, who were put to various physical tests and selected on the basis of their performance and qualifications.
Giving details, Mr. Khoda said that the drive was organised in different areas of Jammu and Kashmir with the aim to provide employment to the eligible youth of the unrepresented areas and also add effective strength to the department. He said that today’s rally was organised for 192 villages of Nyabats Reasi, Katra, Pooni and Thakrakote. A criteria has been adopted to absorb the eligible SPOs under the reservation rules, disclosed the DGP. He said that the Department has kept a special criteria for SPOs in the recruitment process by giving them special points .
After completion of selection process, Mr. Khoda addressed the selected candidates and stressed upon them to keep themselves available for the service of the people.