Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Minister for Tourism and Culture, Nawang Rigzin Jora today said that Centre has agreed to sanction 3 Tourism Mega Projects (TMP) of Rs. 50 crore each to the state during current financial year.
He said these three mega projects have been identified as Sofi Circuit for Kashmir, Spiritual Circuit for Jammu and Buddhist Circuit for Leh, and DPRs of two projects have already been formulated and finalized and the DPR of third project is in final stage.
This was stated by the Minister in a media interaction at Mansar, where he inaugurated Baisakhi festival, organized by Tourism Department in collaboration with J&K Cultural Academy.
The festival was attended by a large number of tourists and locals. The reputed cultural artists of the State presented variety of cultural programmes depicting rich cultural heritage and varied beauty of all the regions in the state. These cultural programmes mesmerized the audience and received applause from everyone present on the occasion.
The Minister said that main objective of organizing such festivals is to provide entertainment to the visiting tourists besides publicizing new destinations.
The Minister said that Centre has approved funding of Rs. 5 crore for conservation and development of Surinsar lake, adding that approval for another project of Rs. 5 crore for development and conservation of Mansar Lake is expected. He said after completing all codal formalities, the necessary conservation work besides infrastructure upgradation would be taken up at these lake sites.
Mr. Jora said that pilgrim tourism potential of Jammu is being explored fully by developing pilgrim sites and creation of infrastructure. He said after development of Shiv Khouri holy temple, focused attention would be given to develop other holy shrines and temples like Sudh Mahadev, Chichi Mata and Chandi Mata etc.
The Minister said that sanction of one more project for conservation of Mubarak Mandi Heritage Complex, Jammu estimated at a cost of Rs. 25 crore is expected from the Centre, adding that there were certain observations on DPR made by the Union Ministry of Tourism which have been cleared.
Rs 5 cr approved for conservation of Surinsar lake: Jora
Complete shut down in Kargil
Excelsior Correspondent
KARGIL, Apr 14: A complete shut-down was observed in the district in protest against bloodshed and massacres in Gilgit and Baltistan.
On the call given by Anjuman-e-Jamiyatul Ulima Asna Ashriya (Islamia School Kargil), all the shops and business establishments remained closed to express solidarity with the people of Gilgit Baltistan. People from several villages carrying black flags assembled at Islamia School amidst anti-Pakistan and anti-Gilgit Baltistan Governments slogans.
The Youth Wing of the Islamia School also took out a protest rally, which after passing through various areas culminated back at Islamia School Chowk.
While speaking on behalf of Islamia School Kargil, the Nayim Imam Jumma, Hujattul Islam Sheikh Hussain Mukaddas appealed the Union Government to raise this issue on international forum and act as representative of the people of Kargil.
He also appealed the President of India to pressurize Government of Pakistan to stop these killings.
NPP protests, seeks district status for Billawar, Basohli
Excelsior Correspondent
BILLAWAR, Apr 14: The activists of J&K National Panthers Party held protest demonstration in support of their demand regarding separate Pahari district status to Billawar, Basohli and Bani tehsils of district Kathua.
A large number of people and NPP activists under the leadership of state president of the party MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia assembled here today and held demonstration. The protest programme was organized by the provincial secretary of the party Pawan Dev Singh. A large number of activists after staging demonstration at Tehsil office here then started protest rally, which passed through various markets of the town and culminated at Dak Bungalow, Billawar. The people were shouting slogans in support of their demand of creating separate hilly district.
While addressing large gathering Mr Mankotia strongly supported the demand of separate Pahari district and said that it would ensure better development of this area which has been neglected in many pockets. He said the NPP would strongly raise this demand in the Assembly as well as outside. He said in coming days the Panthers Party will launch a strong agitation in this regard. The party has also resolved to organize a one day protest rally at Billawar shortly to mobilize public opinion in this regard. He said the Jammu region has been facing discrimination for the last over 65 years in different fields including development, jobs, funds distribution, allotment of Assembly seats etc. He said reorganization of the State was the only way out to get rid of this discrimination. Later several deputations also met the visiting MLA.
Prominent among those who addressed rally included Pawan Dev, Jagdev Singh Sarpanch, Manoj Gupta, Vikrant Sharma, Mohinder Singh, Pushpinder Singh, Ashok Mulkan, Ishaq Ahmed and Amardeep.
Kabra appointed Acting VC SKUAST-J
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Apr 14: Commissioner Secretary Agriculture Production Department, Shaleen Kabra, has been told to operate as Acting Vice Chancellor of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology (SKUAST), Jammu in addition to his existing functions till the time of appointment of new incumbent.
Former Vice-Chancellor, Dr. B. Mishra handed over the charge to Kabra yesterday after the State Government issued directions in this regard.
Earlier, the State Government has constituted a Search Committee to find a suitable candidate to replace the Dr. Mishra. The Committee is being headed by Dr. Mangla Rai, former Secretary Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and former Director General of Indian Council of Agriculture and Research (ICAR).
Other members of the Committee are Dr S Ayyappan, present DG ICAR; Chief Secretary Madhav Lal and University Grants Council (UGC) Chairman.
Official sources stated that the Committee held meetings to discuss various nominations received so far but failed to arrive at some conclusion. The process of selection is still on and it is likely to take some more time.
Tomorrow, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Shaleen Kabra will hold series of interactions. He shall be visiting the Farm Seed Production Centre at Chakroi and the Veterinary College at R S Pura. Subsequently, he has called a meeting of senior officials of the SKAUST including Dean and Directors.
HC’s directives to Div Com
Dispute over huge chunk of Sainik Colony land
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: In a bunch of writ petitions vis-à-vis dispute over huge chunk of Sainik Colony land, State High Court has directed Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, to call the entire record pertaining to the case and himself examine it before filing affidavit within three weeks.
After hearing battery of lawyers, Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar observed, “what is required to be ascertained is as to how and in what manner the accusation proceedings have been conducted and what would be the stand of official respondents”.
“In view of the issues raised in all the writ petitions, the ACR/Collector Jammu is not in a position to take a stand before the Court. In order to settle the issues raised and to arrive at just conclusion in the matter, Divisional Commissioner Jammu is directed to call the entire record pertaining to the case and himself examine it and file his affidavit before the Court within three weeks”, Justice Attar said.
While considering the issue, the Divisional Commissioner should afford an opportunity to hearing all the petitioners, the interveners and Sainik Cooperative Housing Building Society, the High Court said.
With these observations, High Court directed the Registry to list these petitions in the week commencing from May, 2012.
HC restrains respondents from presenting challan against DySP
Tiff between police officers
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: In a petition filed by Mohd Aslam, DySP Headquarter Reasi, against whom FIR was registered at the behest of the senior police officers, State High has issued notice to then SSP and Additional SP Reasi and SHO Police Station Reasi returnable within four weeks and restrained the respondents from presenting challan against the petitioner till further directions.
According to the petitioner, he was transferred from Kathua to DySP Headquarter Reasi on March 30, 2011 and before his joining, then SSP Reasi divested his charge and assigned the same to Additional SP Reasi.
The petitioner made repeated requests for assigning the charge to him but all in vain as the SSP had old personal grudge against the petitioner. On December 8, 2011, then SSP Reasi issued a deployment order for security arrangement in connection with the visit of Dr Farooq Abdullah at Sports Stadium Reasi on December 10, 2011.
In the order, petitioner was asked to ensure the deployment inside and outside the stadium besides other duties specifically mentioned therein. In compliance to the deployment order, the petitioner entered the main VVIP gate of the Stadium for identifying the location for parking ambulance but the Additional SP did not allow him to enter the stadium on the ground that he has not been assigned any duty in the deployment order.
The Additional SP directed her body-guards, driver, wireless operator and other policemen to throw the petitioner out of the stadium and locked the VVIP gate. On this, Head Constable Charanjeet Singh and Selection Grade Constable Subash Chander assaulted the petitioner. On this, the petitioner requested the SSP to initiate legal action against the Additional SP and other culprits but all in vain.
Instead the respondents joined hands and registered a false and frivolous FIR against the petitioner and arrested him. He was even given severe thrashing in the police lock-up.
After hearing Advocate Sheikh Altaf Hussain appearing for the petitioner, Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir issued notices to the respondents and restrained them from presenting final report of the investigation till further directions from the Court.
Centaur Hotel employees threaten strike from Apr 17
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 14: After the suspension of their three colleagues, the employees of Centaur Hotel today threatened to go on indefinite strike from April 17 in case the suspension order is not revoked by April 16.
Hundreds of employees of the hotel carried out a protest demonstration against the action of management for suspension of the three employees. The protesters also alleged that the management is carrying out behind the scene deal of the hotel.
The suspended employees Mohammad Amin Dar, Ghulam Haider Dar and Showkat Ahmad Bhat also took part in the protest demonstration and feigned ignorance about the allegations leveled against them. They termed the grounds of suspension as flimsy saying that the management does not want the employees union to come up at the hotel.
Talking to Excelsior, a group of protesting employees said that the management suspended the three employees without any rhyme or reason. They said the employees were suspended on mere allegations adding that nothing could be proved against them.
The employees said that they have served two days ultimatum to the management to recall the suspended employees otherwise the 400 employees of the hotel would go on complete strike from April 17. They said management alone would be responsible for the consequences thereof.
“We would go on a pen down strike on Tuesday and this would be followed by hunger strike. If the management still does not listen to us we would come on streets and lodge strong protests”, said the employees.
“We are going to hold the elections for the union and for this process we have set up election commissioner. We have nominated three persons for the post of election commissioner so far and all these three persons have been suspended. This is all being done to woo us so that no elections are held and employees don’t raise their voice against the management,” said the employees.
Dy CM inaugurates Billawar Baisakhi Mela
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Underscoring need to revive age old festival celebrations at historic places, Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand said Baisakhi is an important festival of the region and all sections of society should join together in the festivities. He said the jubilations have special importance for Billawar region, as they have become part of the age old tradition of the area.
Mr Tara Chand said this while inaugurating historical three day Baisakhi Mela at Billawar.
Describing historical importance of Billawar town, the Deputy Chief Minister said reference of the town is found in one of the most authentic and detailed historical chronicle of the sub-continent- the Rajatarangani.
He said the region has vast tourism potential and efforts would be redoubled to explore the potential to its fullest, adding that the region is world famous for its religious tourism.
Minister of State for Cooperative, Finance and Planning Dr. Manohar Lal Sharma, Member of Parliament Ch. Lal Singh, MLC Subash Gupta, DDC, Kathua Zahida Parveen Khan and other senior district level officers of police and civil administration attended the grand inauguration ceremony.
An impressive cultural programme comprising of Dogri folk songs and dances by the local artist remained key attraction of the Mela.
Responding to the demand of Shrine board for Sukrala Mata and Mata Bala Sundri as the pilgrims inflow in these shrines has increased manifold in recent years, he directed the DDC Kathua to submit comprehensive plan for these shrines, so that needful be done in this regard. He said sincere effort will be made to make the Baisakhi Mela a regular and important feature on the state culture calendar.
He said tourism requires better infrastructure and to address the need the project to double lane Dayala Chak – Challan and Billawar-Sukrala Mata roads would be taken up at the right quarters.
Stalls of different government departments were installed showcasing their working, schemes and programmes.
The cultural troupe which participated in the programmes included, Khajoor Singh & party, Bansi Lal & party, Ramalo Ram & party and students of different schools.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister toured the Billawar town and the historic ancient Lord Shiva temple. He said funds for the construction of bus stand have already been released and now the authorities need to work in double shifts to complete the work at the earliest.
A number of deputations also met Mr. Tara Chand and brought to his notice various demands of the people of the town. The deputations were given patient hearing and assured of redressal of genuine demands.
Indo-Pak relations heading towards new heights: NC
Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Apr 14: The National Conference today welcomed the historic development in which India has decided to permit Foreign Direct Investment from Pakistan.
In a statement issued by the party spokesman, the General Secretary Advocate Sheikh Nazir Ahmed has welcomed the steps taken by India and Pakistan in initiating banking and other facilities for the people of both the countries. He said that this will help in creating a peaceful atmosphere between the two countries and give a new impetus to the dialogue process. He also hailed the bold steps taken by both the countries to ease the visa restriction, setting up of Indo-Pak business council and providing banking facilities by opening branches of major banks on the either side.
Both the countries have fought three wars, continue using around 3% of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on Defence while as majority of the people in both the countries still live below the poverty line, he said, adding that it should be a matter of serious concern for all the stake holders.
The General Secretary said that it is high time for both India and Pakistan to understand the futility of wars which has only brought death and destruction to both the countries. He reminded that National Conference has always worked as a bridge between the two countries.
Srinagar-Leh NH to be ready for vehicular traffic from Apr 25: Akhoon
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 14: Minister for Transport & CA&PD, Qamar Ali Akhoon on Saturday said that Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway would be ready for vehicular traffic from April 25, 2012.
The Minister disclosed this while reviving the measures taken by BEACON authority in connection with lifting of snow as well as removing snow avalanches and other hurdles at Captain Marh.
He asked the Beacon authorities to accelerate the restoration work on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway to ensure that the vital road would be thrown open for the vehicles at the earliest. The lone link between Leh and rest of the country was closed in December last year due to heavy snowfall at Zojilla pass and adjacent areas.
The Minister stressed upon the Beacon to press more men and machinery into service for removing all the bottlenecks on the road. He also asked the administration and security agencies to ensure the safe passage of the people who are travelling on foot including vegetables and medicines carrying ponies.
Earlier, the Engineer of the Beacon, A.P. Singh informed the Minister that presently 6 bulldozers and near about 30 labourers have been pressed into service for removing the snow slides and other hurdles on the road.
Meanwhile, Mr. Akhoon asked the regulating agencies to repeat the normal schedule for the movement of up and down convoy of Army vehicles.
He further said that the Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways has already approved the construction of 13 kilometres long Zojilla Tunnel to provide all season link to the twin districts of Leh and Kargil, adding that work on this project will be started this year.
The Minister said that with the construction of Zojilla tunnel, a long pending demand of the people of Kargil and Leh would be fulfilled.