Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Mar 25: The un-employed Industrial Training Institute (ITI) trained Electrician Diploma Holders Association has urged upon the State Government to expedite the process of their engagement as casual labourers in seven departments.
In a statement, the president of the Union while referring to Government Order Number 105 PD of 2010 said that State Cabinet in its meeting on October 25, 2010 had decided to engage 43,000 ITI trained unemployed youth on casual basis in the seven departments. He said the order is yet to be implemented, adding that this has led to mental agony for these trained youth.
“According to the break-up the Power Development Department (PDD) had to adjust 10,000 youth on casual basis, but nothing of that sort happened. The other departments too have failed in this regard and here too the ITI trained but unemployed youth have been left out,” he said.
The president of the Union alleged that four candidates namely Mushtaq Ahmad Mir resident of Rathipora-Tangmarg, Ghulam Ahmad Mir resident of Sultanpora-Baramulla, Abdul Rashid Ganie resident of Kakothail-Baramulla and Sona-ullah Pala resident of Tangmarg-Baramulla were engaged as casual labourers in backdoor under order number ESTT/GB/11/1183-88 dated February 25, 2012.
He demanded stern action against the officers/officials who facilitated the backdoor engagement of the four persons. He appealed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to step in and order for immediate engagement of ITI trained youth as casual labourers.
‘Expedite engagement of casual labourers’
Mihir makes it to mega audition round of DID
JAMMU, Mar 25: Lil Champ of J&K Mihir Gujral, after passing out two audition rounds one at Jammu and another at New Delhi, was selected for Dance India Dance Lil Master Season 2 mega audition round scheduled to be held at Mumbai in the month of April.
This was stated by Sunil Sharma, choreographer, Unique Dancing Institute, during a press meet here this morning.
Sharma said that earlier, Mihir was among six who were selected by the team of DID during the audition at Jodhamal Public School recently. He added that during the audition at school nearly 350 students participated, out of which Mihir and five others were selected from the State to present their performance at Noida, New Delhi.
Sharma further stated that at Noida, 10000 students participated and Mihir was the lone from J&K, who qualified for Dance India Dance Lil Master season 2 mega audition round to be held at Mumbai in the month of April, where Mihir will present his performance in various events including Hip-Hop, contemporary, Bollywood, etc.
“The show was adjudged by Master Geeta, Master Terance and Master Marzi, he said, adding, that ‘Super Wings’ was conferred to the Lil Champ Mihir”. He added that in the mega audition round, 80 participants will be selected and hoped that Mihir will be one of them.
While speaking, Mihir Gujral said that he will work day and night to bring laurels to J&K at national and international level in the field of dance.
Responding to the query, Mihir said that, he had presented Punjabi Bhangra during the recent audition and is ready to take all other challenges during the mega audition round.
“I was nervous at the stage but with an aim to bring laurels to the State have made my performance accountable in the eyes of the three judges Master Geeta, Master Terence and Master Marzi, who presented super wings to me”, Mihir added.
He said that, dance is his passion and he will take all the challenges, to prove his worth at the national and international level, so as to make J&K proud.
Natrang stages ‘Kabab Mein Haddi’ in Sunday Theatre
Excelsior Correspondent
Jammu, Mar 25: In its weekly theatre series ‘Sunday Theatre’, Natrang presented Hindustani adaptation of Balwant Gargi’s famous play ‘Kabab Mein Haddi’.
The play was directed by Neeraj Kant. The hilarious situations in the play made laughter irresistible for the audience. At the very outset Natrang director Balwant Thakur informed that Natrang is going to present Moliere’s famous comedy play ‘Bichoo’ directed by Sumeet Sharma on the occasion of World theatre day on tuesday, at General Zorawar Singh Auditorium, University of Jammu. The entry for the same has been kept open for all.
‘Kabab Mein Haddi’ as the name suggests is a story of one intruder between two lovers. Naseem and Safdar are two college friends. Naseem is in love with Jameela. Both are post-graduate students studying in a University. Jameela is putting-up in the girls hostel whereas Naseem and Safdar are living in a rented accommodation. Despite having engaged they hardly find any space and avenue to meet each other to share their feelings. Jameela’s hostel warden is very strict and hardly allows her to move out and this side, Naseem’s sticky friend Safdar hardly leaves him alone. Both have been shown making attempts to meet each other but in vain.
Mustering courage and pulling in all resources they plan their outing on Friendship day. The movement they step-out, Safdar makes his un-wanted entry and offers them to escort them throughout their outing. Both try to convince him that they can move on their own but this foolish friend is not ready to buy their arguments and forcefully accompanies them. The real comedy unveils here when Safdar spoils their every precious moment by intruding between them by creating funny situations. His intrusions irritate them and the moment he sees that they are irritated; he tries to be closer to them with the intention to ease out tension and conflict between them. Finally they get an opportunity to meet but the same is spoiled by their sincere friend.
This play was presented by the young actors. Rahul Singh as ‘Naseem’, Sunil Bhardwaj as ‘Safdar’ and Sajra Qadir as ‘Jameela’ played their respective characters with full confidence and professional ease.
Renzushah honoured with Media Excellence Award
Excelsior Correspondent
NEW DELHI, Mar 24: At a function organized by Media Federation of India at FICCI International Auditorium New Delhi, the 6th Media Excellence Awards-2012 were given to various media personalities, electronic news channels of national and international repute, print media and FM radio channels on the basis of their extra-ordinary contribution in the field of media.
Director Information and Public Relations, Jammu and Kashmir, Farooq Renzushah was honoured with Media Excellence Award of the Year by Media Federation of India for media support.
On this occasion, 2500 media personalities from all over the country were present. Zee News, Sahara Samay, FM Radio Fever 104 and other electronic and print media also received the awards of the year in various capacities.
Renzushah was selected for the award by the Executive Committee of Media Federation of India for proving his excellence in the field of media, dissemination of information and his contribution in literary activities.
Mr. Renzushah is the author of 11 books and has already received various awards at international and national levels. Even two scholars received M. Phil degree in various universities for writing M. Phil thesis on the literary contributions, novels and afsanas of the Renzushah.
Earlier, Mr. Renzushah was awarded by various literary academies of various states for his literary contribution. His novels include Zakhmo Ki Salgirah, Bahanwar Meri Manzil, Inqilab Ka Shaheed, Doobitia Kinarya, Kashmiri novel Aab Chi Dazan, Discovery of Kashmir, Jaeel Jalti Hai and other books have received various laurels at different literary and spiritual forums.
The other media personalities who received the Media Excellence Award include Uma Shankar Singh NDTV, Dilip Shukla, Editor Danik Bhaskar, Manoj Manu Channel Head Samay, Sharad and Nitin FM Radio, Poonam Mehta Sahara NCR, Fazal Imam Mallic, Jansatta New Delhi, Priyanka Thakur, Channel One News, Ranjana Sharma, Samay News Channel, Asmi Raza, Editor Indian Dominion, Arun Keshri, Editor UNI-Varta, Shiv Bhattia, Advisor to CM Haryana, Harish Chopra, News Editor, Punjab Kesri, Ranjan Kumar, Samay, Anil Anand, General Secretary, Press Club of India, Deepak Gupta, AtoZ News, Kulin Gupta, TV 100 News and Gurbider Singh, Janta TV.
BJP holds Jansamelans
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: In continuation of party’s programme to organize Jansamelans, the BJP held public meetings at Ward No 61 in Bohri, Ward No 10 in Old City area and Ward No 63 in Gurah Bantalab today.
A large number of party activists participated in these Jansamelans, which were addressed by senior BJP leaders.
Addressing the Jansamelan at Bohri organized by former Corporator, Ashok Singh Manhas, BJP national executive member, Dr Nirmal Singh, held the NC-Congress coalition responsible for present problems of the people in the State in general and Jammu region in particular.
He said the increasing corruption, price rise and unemployment have added to the woes of common man and the Government was unable to contain the same as it has no concrete policy for governance.
Dr Singh also accused the Government of delaying much talked about Municipal Corporation and Urban Local Bodies elections in the State which are now over due. The delay in holding the elections have delayed the developmental process in the urban areas of the State and people have been put to many hardships on account of the same, he added.
Alleging that there are large number of discrepancies in voter lists, Dr Singh said that the names of genuine voters are missing form the lists and demanded that before holding the elections same should be rectified.
Others who addressed the Samelan included Kavinder Gupta, former Mayor, Bali Bhagat ex MLA and vice president of the party, Mamta Singh, senior leader of Mahila Morcha BJP and Omi Khajuria ex corporator.
Ashok Singh Manhas while speaking highlighted the developmental works, which took place in the area during his tenure as Corporator.
Addressing the party gathering at Dewan Mandir in Ward 10, BJP MLA Ashok Khajuria termed the claims of NC –Congress coalition of providing a corruption free and transparent Government as totally hollow. This Government has been exposed before the masses as it failed on all fronts and could not come up to the expectations of the people, he added.
He cautioned the people against the Kashmir centric policies of NC and PDP and asked the youth not to get lured by their leaders who have always harmed the cause of Jammuites to please their political constituency in Kashmir.
BJP State secretary Yudhvir Sethi cautioned the people against the NC’s demand regarding restoration of pre-1953 position and said that nationalist people in the State are opposed to autonomy.
The PDP is equally dangerous as it is for self -rule and duel currency, which too will not be acceptable to nationalist people in the State.
BJP spokesman, Ramesh Arora said BJP is a party with mission and national interests are dear to its workers than individual interests.
BJP district president, Rajesh Gupta sought an explanation from Government for its failure in implementation of Parliament’s 73rd and 74th amendments in J&K while former Corporator, Priya Sethi, apprised the people about the developmental works undertaken during her tenure as corporator.
At Ward No 63 Bali Bhagat was the chief guest. The meeting was organized by Manohar Lal Corportor and others who addressed it included Suraj Parkash Padha, Col Uttam Singh, Sukh Dev Singh, Rajinder Singh, Omi Khajuria and Mukesh Sharma.
APHCC demands CBI probe into multi crore temple land scam
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: All Parties Hindu Coordination Committee (APHCC), an amalgam of various Dogra and Kashmiri Hindu organizations, today reiterated its demand of CBI probe into the multi-crore temple land scandal in the State to expose all those elements who are involved in the same. Besides, Committee also stressed on immediate passage of Hindu Shrines and Temples Protection and Management Bill to safeguard them from land mafia.
The core members of APHCC who met here today to take the stock of the situation created due to encroachment of shrines land by mafia groups in Kashmir Valley expressed grave concern over the indifferent attitude of the Government towards Hindu shrines.
Demanding CBI probe into the illegal selling and encroachment of temple land in Jammu and Kashmir, the core group member of APHCC Pritam Sharma, who is also general secretary of Kranti Dal said that APHCC was in favour of a CBI probe against anybody who has encroached temple land or sold it illegally.
He also warned the vested interests against creating a wedge between the various communities of Hindus of the State and said all Hindus of the State are one on the issue of dharma and they will not allow any body in a any part of the State to sell the temple or shrines land.
Addressing the meeting APMCC chairman Vinod Pandit said that the temples of J&K need protection form the hands of land mafia, which has encroached the land of many temples and shrines in the State.
He also criticized the Government for its total failure in fulfilling the promise made with APHCC last year when he along with other members of the organization went on indefinite hunger strike for 10 days.
Rajiv Mahajan, president Shri Ram Sena asked the Government to initiate measures for the passage of J&K Hindu Shrines Bill as demanded by APHCC. Others who addressed the meeting included H L Chatta, Rashpal Singh, Vaid Gandotra, Ravinder Koul and Ramesh Singh Jamwal leaders of various KP and Dogra organizations.
Khalid Hussain’s Urdu short stories ‘Satisar Ka Suraj’ released
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 25: Khalid Hussain’s anthology of Urdu short stories, ‘Satisar Ka Suraj’ – while critiquing the futility of dividing people on political grounds also pin hope on resurgence of the shared legacy of communal harmony and brotherhood to dispel the temporary darkness of recent unfortunate events in the State-was released in an impressive function held at KL Saigal Hall, here today.
Besides releasing Khalid Hussain’s ‘Satisar Ka Suraj’, the Academy also released Beeba Balwant’s book of Punjabi poems ‘Athroon Gulab Hoay’.
Organized by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the function was attended by Mohammed Yusuf Taing, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Dr S S Bloeria, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Prof MPS Ishar, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Media Advisor to Government, Farooq Nazki and President Dogri Sanstha, Jammu, Prof. Lalit Magotra among others.
The three papers on the book read by well known Urdu writers, scholars like Prof Aiyaz Rasool Nazaki, Prof Shohab Inayat Malik and Aseer Wali Kishtawari, highlighted unique style of the author and different aspects of stories of Khalid Hussain.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. MPS Ishar, said that by writing Punjabi in Urdu, Khalid Hussain has done a great service to the language. While recounting how tragedy of partition has divided people, he congratulated Khalid Hussain in having artistically highlighting how the artificial divide has played havoc with lives of people.
In his presidential remarks, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Dr S S Bloeria, lauded Khalid Hussain’s commitment that despite of the stress from personal problems and demands of service during the days of militancy, he kept on with his creative endeavor and produced short stories of great insight and unshaken belief in communal harmony and brotherhood.
In his remarks, Deputy Chairman Legislative Council, Mohammed Yusuf Taing also lauded the noteworthy literary contribution of Khalid Hussain.
Noted writers Aiyaz Rasool Nazki and Wali Mohammed Aseer presented respective papers on ‘Satisar Ka Suraj’. The presenters highlighted different aspects of stories of Khalid Hussain. Appreciating the unique style of the author.
The event was conducted by chief editor, Gojri section, Dr Javaid Rahi, while Academy’s additional secretaries, Shamima Akther welcomed the guests and Dr Arvinder Singh Amn presented the vote of thanks. 
Bahuguna faces major trial today
DEHRADUN, Mar 25:
With BJP fielding its nominee for the Uttarakhand Speaker’s election, the stage was today set for the Congress Government to face its first trial of strength in the Assembly tomorrow.
Congress MLA Govind Singh Kunjwal, a close confidant of Union Minister Harish Rawat, and BJP MLA Harbans Kapoor this morning filed their nominations for the post of Speaker in the Assembly.
It will be the first time that elections for the post of Speaker will be held tomorrow in the 12-year-old hill State.
Congress has already claimed the support of 39 MLAs in the House of 70 where the BJP has a strength of only 31.
Congress is banking on the backing of seven non-BJP MLAs, including three Independents, who had already given their letter of support to Governor Margaret Alva.
Congress has attempted to woo the MLAs of the faction led by Rawat by putting a candidate from his camp.
During the filing of nominations before Principal Secretary in the Assembly D P Gairola, Kunjwal was accompanied by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna and all Congress MLAs besides Rawat, who made his first appearance in the State ever since he lost the race for Chief Ministership to Bahuguna.
Earlier, except S S Negi, 10 remaining Congress MLAs were administered oath by protem Speaker Shailendra Mohan Singhal in his chamber giving much-needed relief to the Bahuguna Government ahead of the election of the Speaker.
Talking to reporters, Bahuguna later said there are no fissures in Uttarakhand Congress and all MLAs are united.
He also expressed confidence that Kunjwal would comfortably win the election to become the Speaker.
“Our (Congress) candidate would comfortably win the elections tomorrow as we have the support of a total of 39 MLAs in the 70 member House,” Bahuguna said. Rawat also expressed similar views and said the Government would complete its five year term.
Rawat, however, called for review of the Congress’s performance in the recent Assembly elections in Uttarakhand where it fell short of majority and said the Chief Minister should take remaining steps to fulfill the aspirations of his supporters.
“There were lots of apprehensions. The Chief Minister has taken some steps to fulfill the aspiration of our supporters and some more steps have to be taken,” HE told reporters when asked whether he has resolved all issues within the party.
Referring to his stand on creation of two posts of Deputy Chief Ministers, Rawat said he still stands by it the election results were “unexpected”.
But, he said, the decision regarding the posts of Deputy CM has to be taken by the party high command and not by the Chief Minister.
However, BJP leaders remained sceptical about the outcome after filing the nomination papers of Kapoor, a former Assembly Speaker.
“This Government is not running due to internal crisis in Congress,” said BJP leader and former Chief Minister Bhagat Singh Koshiyari, who was accompanied by another former Chief Minister B C Khanduri. (PTI)
Italian freed, MLA’s fate unknown
BHUBANESWAR, Mar 25:
One of the two Italians abducted by Maoists, tourist Claudio Colangelo, was today released unharmed by ultras, 11 days after being taken hostage in Kandhamal district, while his compatriot was still held captive by the rebels.
A visibly relieved 61-year-old Colangelo, who was handed over to a group of media personnel by the Maoists, told reporters, “it was frightening”.
Colangelo said he has spoken to his wife and his entire family has heaved a sigh of relief over his being freed by the left-wing extremists.
He denied reports that photographs of tribals were being taken by them when the Maoists captured them. “No photographs were being taken.”
On reports that police had warned them against entering the jungles, he said on the contrary, “we went in only after police allowed us”.
He said the other Italian, 54-year-old Puri-based tour operator Paolo Bosusco, was with him in a Maoist camp this morning. “We have to pray for him and see that he too returns safely,” he said.
Colangelo’s release was confirmed by Director General of Police Manmohan Praharaj.
Kandhamal Superintendent of Police, J N Pankaj said Colangelo was handed over to journalists in Tanjingia area near Daringbadi town in the tribal-dominated Kandhamal district from where he was taken away on March 14.
He was taken to Sorada in Ganjam district from where the tourist is likely to be brought here.
Home Secretary U N Behera said Colangelo called him up and spoke to him soon after being released by the Maoists.
“Colangelo told me that he was set free and that he was in good health and unharmed,” Behera said.
Bosusco was still being held captive by the Maoists, the Home Secretary said.
A top leader of the Odisha State Organising Committee of Maoists told a private TV channel that the release was made as a goodwill gesture.
Colangelo said, “They have treated us the best they could. I don’t want to get into politics … I leave it to the professionals.”
He said he and Bosusco were bathing in a river when four persons came and seized them.
There was, however, no information on tribal BJD MLA Jhina Hikaka who was abducted by armed Maoists near Toyaput in Koraput district in early hours yesterday at Laxmipur while returning home from Koraput.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik hoped that the abductors of the 37-year-old, first time legislator would get in touch soon so that the Government could start discussion on his release.
DIG (Southern Range), R K Sharma said, Colangelo was resting as he was tired at Sorada in Ganjam district.
The other Italian still held captive by the abductors was also in good health, he said.
Colangelo, said, “It was frightening. Today finally there was a solution. Let us hope Paulo will be released very soon.”
The two Italians were taken hostage by the Maoists while trekking in the forest areas in Daringbadi in Kandhamal district.
The release came a day after talks between the Maoist and the Odisha Government negotiators to end the hostage crisis were suspended with the Maoist mediators B D Sharma and Dandapani Mohanty quitting after the kidnap of the BJD MLA in Koraput district yesterday.
Appeals had been made by the Chief Minister, the Maoist mediators and members of the Odisha Assembly for the release of the Italians.
The abductors of the Italians had made 13 demands for their release including release of some rebels like Subhashree Das, wife of top Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, and halt to anti-Maoist operations by security forces.
The kidnap of the MLA was preceded by the gunning down of a police sub-inspector in Malkangiri on March 22 and the killing of two policemen in a landmine blast in Koraput on March 18, which police and intelligence sources said pointed to factionalism among the Maoists.
The developments were being interpreted by security agencies as the outcome of factional rivalry between Odisha State Organising Committee (OSOC) and Andhra Odisha Border Zonal Committee (AOBZC), the two groups of Maoists in Odisha seeking dominance.
A senior Intelligence official said on condition of anonymity that top Maoist leader, Sabyasachi Panda, who appeared to have been sidelined in the higher hierarchy of rebel leadership, might be behind the abduction of the two Italians in a bid to assert his authority in the region.
In an attempt to counter Panda’s move and expose his limited control, the AOBZC probably may have engineered the abduction of the legislator.
The same group , active in undivided Koraput and adjoining areas of Andhra Pradesh, was also believed to be behind the killing of sub-inspector K C Rath at Khairput in Malkangiri district on March 22, he said.
While OSOC has claimed responsibility for the abduction of the two Italians and conveyed their demands through the media, no outfit has so far owned responsibility for the kidnapping of the MLA though it is suspected to have been enacted by AOBZC. (PTI)
US think tank praises Modi: Advani
NEW DELHI, Mar 25:
Senior BJP leader L K Advani today said while the US Government had refused a visa to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, a report prepared by a think tank of the US Congress has “praised” Mr Modi for his governance.
The US Government had denied visa to Mr Modi in 2005 in the wake of post-Godhra riots.
Mr Advani, in his latest blog, said after Father of the Nation Mahatama Gandhi and Sardar Patel, Mr Modi features on cover of the Time magazine.
“This year, this US periodical reputed to be the world’s largest circulated news weekly carried on the cover of its issue dated March 26- Gujarat’s Narendra Bhai Modi. The caption given to the cover is: Modi Means Business,” he said.
Mr Advani added that in 2008, he had raised the matter of denial of visa to Mr Modi during the visit of then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to India.
Mr Advani stated that he had said to her that this may be the first time that an elected Chief Minister of a State in the world’s largest and most vibrant democracy has been denied a visa and what really surprised all was that the denial of visa had been announced by the US without Mr Modi having sought it (visa).
“The irony is that while the US Government has refused a visa to Modi, a report prepared by a think tank of the US Congress has in a 100-page report assigned very high marks to Modi for his governance,” he further said in the blog.
Mr Advani said this report says: “Perhaps India’s best example of effective governance and impressive development is found in Gujarat (population 60 million), where “controversial” Chief Minister Narendra Modi has streamlined economic processes, removing red tape and curtailing corruption in ways that have made the State a key driver of national economic growth.”
Mr Modi figures on the cover of the forthcoming issue of Time magazine which praises him in an article for development of Gujarat where the BJP has been in power for over a decade.(UNI)