JAMMU, Apr 14: Registration for this year’s annual holy pilgrimage to Baba Amarnath shrine in South Kashmir Himalayas would start from May 8.
Official sources told the Excelsior that all necessary formalities for start of registration were being completed.
Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), which mans yatra to hole cave shrine, has designated branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Yes Bank, Cooperative Banks and 100 Post Offices for registration of pilgrims.
Sources said the Post Offices have been designated for registration of yatris at the places where there were no branches of the designated banks.
“To avoid inconvenience to the pilgrims to travel a long distance for registration, 100 Post Offices have been designated to register the yatris’’, sources said.
Annual pilgrimage of Baba Amarnath ji shrine for this year would start on June 25 and culminate on August 2.
JAMMU, Apr 14: Army and police today destroyed a hideout of the militants in Saad forest area of Gool in Ramban district and recovered arms, ammunition and explosive material.
The hideout belonged to Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit.
Official sources said troops of 61 Rashtriya Rifles and police conducted a joint search operation in Saad forests under the jurisdiction of Gool police station in Ramban district and destroyed a hideout of the militants this morning.
Recoveries made from the hideout included one AK rifle, two rusted UBGL grenades, four AK magazines, 141 AK ammunition, 47 fired AK cases, three UBGL grenades, one Chinese grenade, two hand grenades, one I Com radio set, one I Com antenna, one CIV made radio antenna, one television remote, four diaries written in Urdu, two letter heads of LeT outfit, four empty wallets, one Nokia mobile battery, two meters electric wire and one lighter.
Recovery of the LeT letter heads indicated that the hideout belonged to the same outfit, sources said.
Army and police conducted a search operation in the area. However, no arrests were made from the spot.
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today wrote a letter to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh opposing Centre’s proposed move of amending Border Security Force Act, 1968 to give wide powers to the paramilitary force to arrest and search anybody in any part of the country.
In his letter, Modi objected to the unwarranted move, especially when the Chief Ministers of different states are meeting in New Delhi on April 16, a State Government release said here.
He dubbed the move to give arrest powers to BSF as yet another systematic move to “create a state within state” or a “second state”, it said.
Modi had earlier sent letters to the Prime Minister opposing the Centre’s move to create NCTC and giving wider powers to Railway Protection Force.
He said BSF has been created to “guard our International Borders with powers under Criminal Procedure Code to arrest offenders in border areas and investigate”.
As per the existing provisions, he said, services of Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces are requisitioned to assist the civil authorities during natural calamities and other emergencies to maintain law and order.
BSF, which is at present deployed for anti-Naxal operations, had sought an amendment to the act so that it could also arrest people within the country especially in Maoist-hit states.
At present, the BSF has arrest and seizure powers limited to the border areas. (PTI)
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: The 12 day long Surya Koti Mahayagya at Pouni town under the aegis of Baba Bal Yogeshwar Ji Maharaj and Acharya Behari Shastri Ji Maharaj concluded here today with great religious zest and zeal.
Thousands of religious Scholars, Saints and Sadhdus from different states in general and J&K state in particular participated in the Yagya.
Amidst the chanting of Vedic hymns, Yagmans offered Puran Aahuti to the Agni thereby marking the conclusion of Surya Koti Mahayagya at Pouni town of Reasi.
During Puranahuti, helicopter showered the flower petals on the Yagya Shala.
In today’s sermons, Vedic Saint and Swami Bal Yogeshwar Maharaj enlightened the gathering with Vedic teachings, importance of Surya Koti Mahayagya and stressed upon the masses to inculcate the same in their lives for achieving the goal of life. “The Pooja, Mantras in the hawan which were recited by the Saints have importance as with this whole environment gets the positive energy and becomes pure”, said prominent saints.
The organizers appreciated the role of district administration and J&K Police in successful culmination of this Mahaygya.
During this Mahayagya, Agni Manthan, Sant Samagam, special prayer of Shiv Lingum, Katha etc were performed by Bal Yogeshwar Ji Maharaj.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Jamkash Vehicleades unveiled industry’s first Life Utility Vehicle (LUV)—Ertiga, here today.
Maruti Suzuki India Limited formally announced its much-awaited entry in the utility vehicle segment.
Ertiga is designed for those who are looking for a vehicle that offers more space and flexibility than a Sedan, without being bulky, bland and expensive like a Utility Vehicle.
It is another example of Maruti Suzuki’s ability to back power, performance, space and features in a compact package.
The Ertiga is an attractive option for customers looking to upgrade to Sedan. Besides, families who had to settle for utility vehicles earlier, now have an option that is stylish, plush, spacious and attractively priced.
Speaking on the occasion, manager of the dealership, Rattan Singh said, “With a length of 4265 mm, width 1695 mm, height 1685 mm and wheel base 2740 mm, Ertiga can comfortably accommodate seven passengers with enough cargo space of flexible 135litre to 735litre”.
Sales Manager of the dealership, Sumit Malhotra said that the ground clearance of 185 mm and turning radius 5.2 mm makes this avtar of Maruti Suzuki compact, easy to drive, park and maneuvers.
He added that under the hood of the petrol variant lies the all new powerful K-series, 1373 cc VVT (K14B) engine, having power95ps@ 6000rpm, torque 130nm@ 4000rpm and fuel efficiency of 16.02 kmpl.
The diesel variant is powered by the highly acclaimed 1248cc DDis VGT engine having power of 90ps@ 4000rpm, torque of 200nm@ 1750rpm and fuel efficiency of 20.77kmpl.
K14B carries forward the trusted and tested attributes of K-series engine technology such as light weightedness, high fuel efficiency, excellent power, low running and maintenance costs and low noise, vibration and harshness.
Ertiga is offered in six trim levels—Lxi, Vxi, Zxi (petrol) and LDi, VDi, Zdi (Diesel) and seven colours—serene blue, ecru beige, firebrick red, granite grey, dusky brown, superior white and silky silver.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Shaurya Motors Limited Jammu unveiled Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s first Life Utility Vehicle-Ertiga, here today.
Memebr of Parliament and senior Congress leader, Janak Raj Gupta, unveiled the Ertiga in the presence of MD Shaurya Motors, Sneh Gupta, Territory manager MSIL, Saurav Sharma, CEO, Vicky Mahajan and Director, Sahil Mahajan.
Besides dignitaries, staff of Shaurya Motors and a large number of people were also present during the launching ceremony.
Ertiga is designed for those customers who are looking for a vehicle that offers more space and flexibility than a sedan, without being bulky, bland and expensive like a Utility Vehicle.
It is another example of Maruti Suzuki’s ability to pack power, performance, space and features in a compact package.
On the first glimpse, Ertiga displays the distinct UV outline but under the monocoque frame lies the car DNA, which makes Ertiga special.
Ertiga is an attractive option for the customers looking to upgrade to a sedan. Besides, families who had to earlier settle for Utility vehicles now have an option that is stylish, plush, spacious and attractive priced.
Scores of people throughout the day visited Shaurya Motors to get a glimpse of new LUV and get the chance to test drive it.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was killed while three others injured after a truck of 72 Battalion of the Force, over turned on the road at a curve on Akhnoor- Rajouri road this evening.
A police spokesman said that the mishap took place at around 7 pm when the CRPF truck loaded with ration, was on way to Sunderbani from Jammu. As the vehicle reached ahead of Tanda, the driver lost control at the curve of the speeding truck and it over turned on the road.
While Constable Jay Ranjit Kumar was killed on the spot, three injured security personnel Shashi Paul, Kamal Singh and Surinder Garg were rushed to nearby Military Hospital. Shashi Paul was later referred to GMC Hospital, Jammu.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: The dharna for enhancement of cash assistance launched by Kashmiri Migrant Relief Holders Association Jagti entered 21st day today.
Addressing the protestors the speakers demanded that the all the Apex Committee members should raise the issue during their meeting with Chief Minister on April 18.
Prof A N Sadhu president KP Sabha Ambphalla and Apex Committee members who also visited the dharna site along with K K Khosa vice president of the Sabha today assured the gathering that they would project the demand in the Apex Committee meeting with Chief Minister.
He also urged the Government to settle the issue without wasting more time. Ajay Bhat coordinator and Dilip another leader of the Association also addressed the protestors and warned to take present agitation to its logical conclusion.
Excelsior Correspondent
MAHANPUR, Apr 14: Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo distributed cheques worth more than Rs. one crore among 4481 beneficiaries of remote and far-flung areas of Basholi, Billawar and Lohi Malhar of Kathua district as financial assistance under various Central and State sponsored schemes at an Awareness cum- Cheques Distribution Camp organized by Social Welfare Department.
The cheques amounting to Rs. 51.11 lakh were given to 2184 beneficiaries of Billawar, Rs. 13.89 lakh to 842 beneficiaries of Lohi Malhar and Rs. 34.00 lakh to 1455 beneficiaries of Basholi under IGMSY. Besides cheques amounting to Rs. 44000 were given to 55 beneficiaries under LIC Scholarship scheme and Rs. 60,000 were given in 2 death insurance claim cases.
Minister of State for Social Welfare Ajaz Ahmed Khan, Member Parliament, Lal Singh, MLA Basohli, Jagdish Raj Sapolia, MLA Bimla Luthra, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Zahida Khan, Director Social Welfare Jammu, Mohammad Hussain Bhatti, SSP Kathua, Deputy Director Social Welfare, Trishla Kundal and Sub Divisional Magistrate Basholi were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that 60% improvement has been registered in the performance of the department during the last year. She said 5 lakh beneficiaries under below poverty line (BPL)are receiving pension from Social Welfare Department out of total population of 6.50 lakh families of the State which itself is an achievement.
The Minister said that SABLA is being implemented in 5 selected districts of Kathua, Jammu, Anantnag, Kupwara and Leh while as IGMSY has been launched in Kathua and Anantnag district.
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 14: Public meetings and taking out scooter and car rallies marked the celebration of 121th birth anniversary of Baba Sahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar across the Jammu region today.
The Minister of Revenue, Relief and Rehabilitation, Raman Bhalla paid rich tributes to architect of Indian Constitution, Dr B R Ambedkar at a function held at Ambedkar Chowk here.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said Dr Ambedkar was a towering leader of the country who played an important role in the welfare of the downtrodden people in India. He showed them a path, which not only led to their development but also the development of India, he added.
To commemorate the birth anniversary of Baba Sahib Bhim Rao Ambedkar an impressive function was held in the Legislative Council lobby here today. The function, was organized by MLC, B R Kundal and the Deputy Chairman, Legislative Council M Y Taing was the chief guest on the occasion.
Paying rich tributes to Dr Ambedkar, Mr Taing said that his contribution is matchless and inspiration for the entire world. He also lauded his services for the nation and particularly for the poor and downtrodden for whom he struggled throughout his life.
Mr Kundal while paying homage to Dr Ambedkar said he was pioneer in bringing democracy to India and instrumental in architecting the nation.
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) in order to celebrate the birth anniversary of Dr B R Ambedkar organized a function at its headquarters at Narwal Paeen near here. A large number of party activists drawn from different parts of Jammu region attended the function, which was chaired by the state president Tulsi Das Langeh. Naridner Kashyap, MP, was the chief guest while Parkash Bharti state coordinator BSP was the guest of honour.
On the occasion speakers threw light on the life history of Baba Ambedkar. Terming the Indian Constitution a greatest contribution of Dr Ambedkar they said he was able to safe guard the interests and rights of each and every section of society. BSP is striving hard to fulfill the cherished dreams of the Baba Sahib, they added.
All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC Organizations to pay tributes to Dr B R Ambedkar organized a scooter and car rally from Ambedkar Bhawan, Resham Garh here. The rally was flagged off by R K Kalsotra, president of the State unit of the Confederation and former Minister Ram Paul.
The rally after passing through Maheshpora Chowk, Ambphalla, CPO Chowk, Kachhi Chawni, Parade, Purani Mandi, City Chowk, Vivekananda Chowk, Prem Nagar, Maharaja Hari Singh bridge culminated at Guru Ravi Dass Gurudwara, Bahu Fort.
Paying rich tributes to Baba Sahib, Kalsotra said the late leader worked all his life for the upliftment of women and downtrodden. He was given a daunting task of drafting the Constitution, which he did most successfully and the Indian Constitution is considered best in the world, he added.
Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Udhampur: Rich tributes were paid to Dr Ambedkar by Udhampur Unit of the Sabha at a function held in Guru Ravi Dass Mandir Satsangh Bhawan in the town.
Large number of devotees attended the function. The programme started with slogans like Jai Bhim, Jai Bharat etc. On the occasion portrait of Baba Sahib Ambedkar was garlanded by the people. While recalling the services of Baba Sahib Ambedkar the speakers said that he was a great socialist who till his last breath worked for the right cause of poor and down-trodden.
Hundreds of Jammu Kashmir Democratic Front (JKDF) activists today assembled at Mahajan Hall here to pay tributes to Dr Ambedkar.
Former Union Minister and MLA Jammu West Assembly Constituency Prof Chaman Lal Gupta was the chief guest on the occasion.
In his address Prof Gupta described Baba Ambedkar as the architect of Indian Constitution who was instrumental in incorporating the principle of fundamental rights in it. Others who paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar included MLA Hiranagar, Durga Dass, MLA Damana Bharat Bushan, MLA RS Pura Prof Garu Ram, District president JKDF Arun Khanna and other activists of JKDF.
District Congress Committee Samba held a function at Vijaypur to celebrate the birth anniversary of Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar today. The function was chaired by Babbal Gupta vice president DCC Samba and a large number of people from surrounding areas attended it. On the occasion the speakers paid rich tributes to Dr Ambedkar and recalled his services to nation in general and poor and down-trodden people in particular.
National Secular Forum (NSF) to commemorate the 121st birth anniversary of Baba Bhim Rao Ambedkar held a function at Gandhi Park, R S Pura today. Chaman Lal Bhagat was the chief guest on the occasion while Bihari Lal Bhagat (retd) Deputy Director Agriculture was the guest of honour and Girdhari Lal CEO (retd) was the special guest. The function was presided over by Surjit Choudhary district president NSF. The speakers paid rich tributes to Dr Ambedkar and highlighted his contribution.
JU SC/ ST Employees Association to commemorate the birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar organized a meet here today. President of the Association, R L Kaith said that Dr Ambedkar was crusader for social justice and champion of human rights and the greatest tribute to him would be dissemination of his ideas of equality and social justice from generation to generation.
A function in connection with celebration of birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar was held at City Palace here. It was organized by Gandhi Global Family, J&K.
Padam Shri S P Verma, president Gandhi Global Family (GGF) while speaking on the occasion said that Baba Sahib did great job for the upliftment of the down- trodden communities of India who remained under privileged for centuries together.
In connection with celebration of birth anniversary of Dr Ambedkar a rally was organized at Reasi under the aegis of Dr B R Ambedkar Committee. Former Minister Jagjivan Lal was the chief guest on the occasion. Others who spoke and paid tributes to Dr Ambedkar included Babu Ram, Hem Raj and D K Kotwal.
Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Kabir Nagar on the occasion of birth anniversary of architect of Indian Constitution Baba Sahib B R Ambedkar assembled at Ravi Dass temple Kabir Nagar to pay tributes to this great hero of India.
Sardari Lal Bangotra chairman of the Sabha described Baba Sahib as ambassador of peace and social justice who stood by common man and gave the nation its own Constitution. Being chairman of the Drafting Committee, Dr Ambedkar gave India Constitutional provisions which revolutionized the Indian society and paved a way for social justice and rule of the law in the country, he added.
He said it was due to his sincere efforts that reservation for SCs and STs in Government jobs, educational institutions has become a reality.
Others who spoke on the occasion included Yaspal Shivgotra, Rajesh Kumar Bassan, Sunil Kumar Rana, Raj Kumar Lachtora, Satish Kumar Kalsi, Ashok Kumar, Des Raj Kalsi, Wakil Chand Kalsi, Mrs Shivo Devi and Krishan Lal Sarngal.
BJP Anusuchit Jaati Morcha observed 121st birth anniversary of Dr. Bheem Rao Ambedkar in a unique way by performing traditional “Kanjak Poojan” ceremony in honour of girl children belonging to scheduled caste families. It was organized under the leadership of SC Morcha State President Subhash Bhagat.
BJP State President Shamsher Singh Manhas was the chief guest on the occasion, that only such nation and society move ahead which has well educated people who give direction to the society.
National Executive Member Dr. Nirmal Singh MLA, Ashok Khajuria, National Executive members, and Chief spokesperson Dr. Jitendra Singh and others paid tributes to Dr. Ambedkar.
