* Reviews progress on Dal development project PM’s stand...
1
DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013 (PAGE 3) ‘Kashmir issue creation of Nehru’ PM’s stand on Chinese incursion dangerous: Rao Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Making a scathing attack on UPA, BJP national general secretary, P Murlidhar Rao today said that it has failed on every front. Whether it be the internal securi- ty of the country or be it nation’s economy UPA has been a fail- ure. While addressing a seminar organized by Dr Mookerjee Simriti Nyas here this evening, he said the attitude that Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh has adopted on Chinese incur- sion is dangerous for the coun- try. "If Kashmir is not there we will fail as a nation state. India should not fail in Kashmir because it will be a failure of our Constitution,” he added. Terming the accession of Jammu and Kashmir with India as complete, Rao said, “It is wrong that people of Jammu and Kashmir are not with India. The history reveals that people of the State have always been with India. Kashmir is an integral part of India and India is in the hearts of people of the state”, he added. He said “Article 370 is erod- ing and it will erode soon. It will not remain as it is not a perma- nent Article. Even the leaders like Jawahar Lal Nehru and Sardar Patel said that the article was not permanent, he added. "There are some people who believe that Article 370 guaran- tees religious pluralism, protects sub-nationalism... but 370 has not been imposed across the country. Gujarat’s identity has not ended because of the absence of Article 370. The identity of Tamil Nadu and Bengal has also not ceded, he added. Mr Rao, while justifying the demand for abrogation of the Article 370 said, the number of Muslims has not reduced neither has there been any effect on lan- guage because of the absence of Article 370. It is the Constitution of India which kept the state secured and similarly in Kashmir these things are guar- anteed by the society and the Indian Constitution, he added. Insisting that religion can- not be the basis of nationhood, Rao said, "Political class of Jammu and Kashmir should understand Pakistan is no longer a country to be revered. Pakistan as a state has failed and Pakistan as an idea is facing existential crisis.” He said “separatist move- ment in Kashmir has no ground and it has no legitimacy. Secularism will not survive if separatism gains ground. In 1947 there was no threat to the secularism but if separatism gains in Kashmir it will pose a threat to the secularism across the nation,” he added. Asking Chief Minister Omar Abdullah not to instigate communal violence in the state, Rao said he should learn from the life of his grandfather Sheikh Abdullah, who believed in the unity of the state with India. Highlighting the plight of some sections of the Muslim community, including scav- engers and Gujjar Bakerwals, Rao said: “every section of the society should enjoy the fruits of development.” He added that the State Government had no right to draw “dividing lines”. ”The ruling administration should see the people of the state as one,” he said. Addressing the seminar BJP State president Jugal Kishore Sharma regretted that State Government is bothered for the welfare of militants and their rehabilitation and not of sol- diers who laid down their lives in fighting Pak sponsored ter- rorism in J&K. “If a terrorist is killed CM condoles. Even dreaded terror- ist like Afzal Guru is called Guru Sahib but there is no word of appreciation for the soldiers who attain martyrdom while fighting terrorism’’, he added He said Muslims like Maqbool Sherwani, Master Abdul Aziz, Brig Usman and others laid down their lives for nation and their contribution and sacrifices are our strength. Sheikh Shakeel in his speech said that Muslims are not averse to BJP but the trust deficit needs to be bridged. BJP Legislative party leader, Ashok Khajuria also spoke on the occasion. BJP national general secretary, P Murlidhar Rao addressing a seminar at Jammu on Friday. -Excelsior/Rakesh PIL against non-functioning of Attendant s' Sarai DB directs Div Com to constitute committee to ascertain facilities Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Viklang Chhatra Trust regarding non-functioning of Sarai for attendants of patients visiting Government Medical College Jammu, Division Bench of High Court compris- ing Justice Mansoor Ahmed Mir and Justice Tashi Rabstan has directed the Divisional Commissioner to constitute a committee to ascertain whether all the facilities were available in the Sarai. While taking-up the Public Interest Litigation for final dis- posal, the DB observed, "right from January 29, 2004 various orders have been passed by the Court. The respondents have also filed status report and taken steps to construct the Sarai for the attendants of the patients of GMC Jammu and its Associated Hospitals namely SMGS Hospital, CD Hospital and Psychiatric Hospital". After hearing Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi with Advocates Sumit Nayyar and Mohsin Bhatt appearing for the PIL whereas AAG HA Siddiqui and Deputy AG Neeru Goswami for the State respon- dents, Division Bench directed Divisional Commissioner to constitute a committee consist- ing of heads of Health Department, Red Cross Society, Social Welfare Department and some respectable senior citizens of Jammu city in order to ascer- tain as to whether all the facili- ties are available in the Sarai and whether the attendants of the patients are comfortable or not". "In case the committee makes any recommendation, the Divisional Commissioner Jammu should act upon the same and pass appropriate orders", the DB said and even directed Divisional Commissioner to report com- pliance on monthly basis before this Court. Omar reduces time frame for rehabilitation project from 5 to 3 years * Reviews progress on Dal development project Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 12: Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah today directed for shrinking the time frame of the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Project for Dal dwellers from five years to three years asking Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA) to fast track the activities of paying compensa- tion to the affected families and providing them plots at the identi- fied sites. Chairing a high level meeting to review the pace of progress on rehabilitation project for Dal dwellers, the Chief Minister said that at least 500 structures should be targeted to be paid compensa- tion each year during the next three years alongwith providing plots to the affected families to complete the project by 2015-16. The meeting was attended by Minister for Urban Development, Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, Chief Secretary, Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, B. B. Vyas, Commissioner Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Jeet Lal, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Shalinder Kumar, District Development Commissioner, Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah, Vice Chairman LAWDA, Irfan Yasin and various other senior officers. The Chief Minister asked the LAWDA to speed up the land fill- ing and development of plots at Rakh-e-Arth where plots are being developed for rehabilitation of Dal dwellers. He also directed the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir to accelerate the pace on the process of finalizing compen- sation and allotment of plots to the affected families. He said neces- sary revenue staff should be placed on the job with clear direc- tions to fast track the completion of revenue matters so that shifting of families from the Dal takes place smoothly. In a PowerPoint presentation the Vice Chairman LAWDA, gave resume of the present status of land development at Rakh-e- Arth. He said the project involves development cost of over Rs. 416 crores while the acquisition of land and structures from inside Dal and drudging of the Lake involves Rs. 356 crores. Giving details of the develop- ment plan of Rakh-e-Arth, he said that out of 7,526 kanals of land made available for housing colony for Dal dwellers, 4,000 kanals would be under plots, 1082 kanals under roads, 175 kanals under commercial offices, 50 kanals under institutions, 438 kanals under nodal facilities, 150 kanals under education and health facilities, 189 kanals under play fields, parks and incidental spaces, 50 kanals for religious purpose, 340 kanals for graveyards, 52 kanals for sewerage treatment and 1,000 as wetlands. Irfan Yasin said that in total 2,532 structures are being pro- cured in the Dal Lake, of which, 868 have been acquired so far. He said in addition to this 631 struc- tures are also proposed to be acquired from Saida Kadal and Ashai Bagh side of the Lake. The meeting was told that land mass of 4,453 kanals, 6,255 kanals of watery land under Nadroo and moving land under Radhs and Peechi from Dal and Nageen Lakes is being acquired under the project. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chairing high level meeting at Srinagar on Friday. NABARD celebrates 32nd Foundation Day ‘J&K needs inclusive growth of Agri sector for improving socio economic standard’ Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: For improv- ing its socio-economic standard, the Jammu and Kashmir needs an accelerated and inclusive growth in Agriculture and allied sector, which contributes 21 percent to the State's GSDP as against all India average of 14 percent. This was stated by Dr T Haq, Director Council for Social Development, New Delhi and for- mer Chairman of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices, Government of India, while delivering keynote address during the 32nd Foundation Day celebration function, here today. For accelerated development, he identified focus areas, which include higher density planting in apple orchards, utilizing abun- dant availability of raw material for processing and value addi- tion, exploiting unutilized poten- tial of floriculture, medicinal and aromatic plants, etc. Dr Haq also identified thrust areas, which can be developed with coordinated intervention of all the stakeholders. The areas identified by him include village level and farm level develop- ment of seed sector, technology transfer, promotion of low cost Green House technology for vegetables, micro-irrigation management, organic farming, promotion of producer compa- nies and co-operative marketing societies, promotion of dry land horticulture, replacement of old and senile orchards, develop- ment of post harvest infrastruc- ture such as market, storage, pro- cessing, training and promotion of diversification and value addi- tion especially preservation facilities for fruits, vegetables, livestock and other agro prod- ucts. Dr Haq also invited attention of Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon, Commissioner Secretary Agriculture Production Department in the State Government, also present in the programme as the guest of hon- our, towards policy level inter- ventions required for increased investment in rural infrastructure and legalizing land leasing with- in farming community etc. Appreciating NABARD's concern for promoting agricul- ture and allied sector in the State, Dr Asgar Samoon said that the valuable inputs would facilitate development of future strategies and actionable points for all the Stake holders. Earlier, in his opening remarks, Dr G B Mukhopadhyay, CGM NABARD, J&K Regional Office, said that NABARD was playing an important role in `financial inclusion' agenda of the Government. Samriti Bhagat, Assistant General Manager NABARD, J&K Regional Office, thanked all the participants, who also included representatives of RBI, SBI, PNB, EDB, JKGB, Cooperative Bank and NGOs. On the occasion, a souvenir was also released. Director, Council for Social Development Dr T Haq, Commissioner Secy Agriculture Production Dr Asgar Samoon and others releasing a souvenir on the occasion of NABARD Foundation Day on Friday. -Excelsior/Rakesh JE goes missing after being lifted from Rajouri office Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: A Junior Engineer (JE) of the Roads and Building (R&B) Department, posted in Rajouri has gone miss- ing after being lifted in a vehicle by some unknown persons on July 10. Identified as young Sunny Dogra, son of Vijay Dogra, resi- dent of Gandhi Nagar in Jammu, the JE had been receiving threats from some people at his place of working for the last some time and he had shared it with his family as well. He was present- ly posted in Rajouri R&B Division. The sources said that in the afternoon on Wednesday, Sunny was taken to some unknown place by some ‘persons’ including two contrac- tors. Thereafter, his whereabouts were not known. His wife Jyoti Dogra and father Vijay Dogra got worried in Jammu after Sunny’s mobile phone remained switched off and went untraced. Yesterday, they arrived at Rajouri and after inquiring from staff and land lord on ITI Road Rajouri lodged a missing report with the Rajouri police. His motor-cycle was also found parked in the office of Executive Engineer. Today, Sunny’s father and wife met the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, F C Bhagat and submitted a written complaint alleging that Sunny was receiving threats from some contractors and was upset. He had also shared this with the wife on phone few days back. He was also receiving harassment at his work- place from some insiders as they had involved ‘outsiders’/ outgoing engineers to prepare some ficti- tious bills. The family demanded a thorough inquiry into the matter and also urged the DC and the SSP Rajouri to get him traced and take action under law after impartial probe into the working at the Division. They alleged handiwork of some staff members in connivance with the contractors behind his missing. It is pertinent to mention here that an AEE of R&B was also beaten up by some people in Darhal area of Rajouri some time back over a petty issue. An FIR had also been lodged besides holding inquiry into the matter but following some local political pressure, no action was taken against the accused persons and R&B engineer was victimized there. Hepatitis-B may engulf entire Kashmir, warn doctors Excelsior Correspondent SRINAGAR, July 12: Following outbreak of Hepatitis- B at various places of Kashmir in the last few months, doctors have warned that the disease may spread like a wild fire to entire Kashmir in coming months if swift and proper medical treat- ment is not provided to the patients. A top official of Health Department termed the outbreak of the disease a "serious matter" and said the Health Department had collected samples from a number of patients suffering from this disease since decades. In the districts of Anantnag, Pulwama and Kupwara, the Health Department has found an alarm- ing increase of patients infected with the disease. The official said the Health department, Kashmir, must act on emergency basis to arrest its spread, else "it can be devastat- ing" for people of Kashmir. "The disease has been spread- ing due the official apathy towards the health sector in Kashmir. Quacks are selling med- icine, especially in villages and that is one of the main causes of Hepatitis B, the official said. The official also blamed the doctors for misleading people about spread of the disease. "There are some doctors who mislead people by saying that the disease is spread by the use of contaminated water; this is not true. It (Hepatitis-B) is a chronic disease here, and it spreads by re- using of syringes, needles and is also transmitted through blood and body fluids," he said. The official cautioned that "in chronic form, Hepatitis B can cause severe symptoms such as damage to the liver and even lead to liver cancer, while as acute form leads to weakness, fatigue, fever, vomiting, as well as yel- lowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes." Pertinently, Hepatitis-B broke out in Kaker village of Kupwara district of North Kashmir with more than 50 persons including five members of a family com- plaining of symptoms of the dis- ease. And similarly, the disease has broken out in Anantnag and Pulwama district. J&K craf t s space on country’ s t alent map Anmol among Indian Idol finalists; well wishers appeal for voting *It is Jaswal after Parvez, Shubam Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: The State of Jammu and Kashmir is slowly and steadily crafting space on the country’s talent map, as it is now young and energetic Anmol Jaswal who has made it to the top 10 finalists of Indian Idols, after talented Parvez Rasool and promising Shubam Khajuria recently have sealed berth in Team India and Indian Under-19 squad respectively. 14-year old Jammu boy, Anmol Jaswal, son of Surpal Jaswal and Sonu Jaswal has received a lavish praise from the adjudicators of the Indian Idol show being telecast on Sony TV on every Saturday and Sunday. Coming from the singing family background, Anmol has received his early training from his parents. He is only second singer from the State after Qazi Tauqeer who has reached the top 10 stage in this prestigious hunt. Anmol’s 12-year old sister, Vidhi Jaswal also was the part of top 20 finalists of the ongoing Indian Idol show, who, however failed to make it to the top 10 stage. Meanwhile, in an effort to get Jammu people voting for the son of the soil rather hero, Prayas, an NGO has appealed to all the internet and smart phone users to vote for talented Anmol through their internet and smart phone voting, which will open at 8 pm on July 13 to 8 am on July 14, 2013. While taking to EXCEL- SIOR, Surpal Jaswal congratulat- ed local heroes Parvez Rasool and Shubam Khajuria for their selection in the national cricket teams and said that these were the changing times for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir as the people around the country were now recognizing the talent of all the three regions of the State. However, Rakesh Sharma and Vikrant Dogra, chairman and president of the Prayas respec- tively, while appealing the people for voting, have feared that the ban on pre-paid SMS services would hamper chances of Anmol as voting on SMS is only possi- ble through post paid mobile con- nections. They have appealed the peo- ple to use internet and smart phone for voting by download- ing, “Indian idol junior” app and by logging on to www.Myindianidol.com. Jammu’s Anmol Jaswal displaying his singing talent during an Indian Idol show at Sony TV. Pak opens firing on IB Excelsior Correspondent JAMMU, July 12: Pakistani troops today fired on Indian for- ward posts along the International Border in forward area of Pindi in Arnia sub sector of RS Pura tehsil, violating ceasefire agreement between the two countries Pak Rangers fired on Border Out Posts along IB in Pindi for- ward area of R S Pura belt at 9.35 am today, official sources said. The small arms firing went on for a brief period, he said, adding that Border Security Force (BSF) troops guarding the border fired back, resulting in exchanges, which last only few minutes. However, there was no loss of life or injury to anyone in the firing, sources said. Pakistani troops had violat- ed ceasefire along the Line of Control on June 26 by resorting to unprovoked firing for nearly 30 minutes in Poonch district. There were five ceasefire violations by Pakistan in the last month.
Transcript of * Reviews progress on Dal development project PM’s stand...
-
DAILY EXCELSIOR, JAMMU SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2013 (PAGE 3)
‘Kashmir issue creation of Nehru’
PM’s stand on Chineseincursion dangerous: Rao
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 12: Making ascathing attack on UPA, BJPnational general secretary, PMurlidhar Rao today said that ithas failed on every front.Whether it be the internal securi-ty of the country or be it nation’seconomy UPA has been a fail-ure.
While addressing a seminarorganized by Dr MookerjeeSimriti Nyas here this evening,he said the attitude that PrimeMinister, Dr Manmohan Singhhas adopted on Chinese incur-sion is dangerous for the coun-try.
"If Kashmir is not there wewill fail as a nation state. Indiashould not fail in Kashmirbecause it will be a failure of ourConstitution,” he added.
Terming the accession ofJammu and Kashmir with Indiaas complete, Rao said, “It iswrong that people of Jammu andKashmir are not with India. Thehistory reveals that people of theState have always been withIndia. Kashmir is an integral partof India and India is in the heartsof people of the state”, he added.
He said “Article 370 is erod-ing and it will erode soon. It willnot remain as it is not a perma-
nent Article. Even the leaderslike Jawahar Lal Nehru andSardar Patel said that the articlewas not permanent, he added.
"There are some people whobelieve that Article 370 guaran-tees religious pluralism, protectssub-nationalism... but 370 hasnot been imposed across thecountry. Gujarat’s identity hasnot ended because of theabsence of Article 370. Theidentity of Tamil Nadu andBengal has also not ceded, headded. Mr Rao, while justifyingthe demand for abrogation of theArticle 370 said, the number ofMuslims has not reduced neitherhas there been any effect on lan-guage because of the absence ofArticle 370. It is the Constitutionof India which kept the statesecured and similarly inKashmir these things are guar-anteed by the society and theIndian Constitution, he added.
Insisting that religion can-not be the basis of nationhood,Rao said, "Political class ofJammu and Kashmir shouldunderstand Pakistan is nolonger a country to be revered.Pakistan as a state has failedand
Pakistan as an idea is facingexistential crisis.”
He said “separatist move-
ment in Kashmir has no groundand it has no legitimacy.Secularism will not survive ifseparatism gains ground. In1947 there was no threat to thesecularism but if separatismgains in Kashmir it will pose athreat to the secularism acrossthe nation,” he added.
Asking Chief MinisterOmar Abdullah not to instigatecommunal violence in the state,Rao said he should learn fromthe life of his grandfatherSheikh Abdullah, who believedin the unity of the state withIndia.
Highlighting the plight ofsome sections of the Muslimcommunity, including scav-engers and Gujjar Bakerwals,Rao said: “every section of thesociety should enjoy the fruitsof development.” He added thatthe State Government had noright to draw “dividing lines”.”The ruling administrationshould see the people of thestate as one,” he said.
Addressing the seminar BJPState president Jugal KishoreSharma regretted that StateGovernment is bothered for thewelfare of militants and theirrehabilitation and not of sol-diers who laid down their livesin fighting Pak sponsored ter-rorism in J&K.
“If a terrorist is killed CMcondoles. Even dreaded terror-ist like Afzal Guru is calledGuru Sahib but there is no wordof appreciation for the soldierswho attain martyrdom whilefighting terrorism’’, he added
He said Muslims likeMaqbool Sherwani, MasterAbdul Aziz, Brig Usman andothers laid down their lives fornation and their contribution andsacrifices are our strength.
Sheikh Shakeel in his speechsaid that Muslims are not averseto BJP but the trust deficit needsto be bridged.
BJP Legislative party leader,Ashok Khajuria also spoke onthe occasion.
BJP national general secretary, P Murlidhar Rao addressing a seminar at Jammu on Friday.-Excelsior/Rakesh
PIL against non-functioning of Attendants' SaraiDB directs Div Com to constitute committee to ascertain facilities
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 12: In aPublic Interest Litigation (PIL)filed by Viklang Chhatra Trustregarding non-functioning ofSarai for attendants of patientsvisiting Government MedicalCollege Jammu, DivisionBench of High Court compris-ing Justice Mansoor AhmedMir and Justice Tashi Rabstanhas directed the DivisionalCommissioner to constitute acommittee to ascertain whetherall the facilities were availablein the Sarai.
While taking-up the PublicInterest Litigation for final dis-posal, the DB observed, "rightfrom January 29, 2004 variousorders have been passed by theCourt. The respondents havealso filed status report andtaken steps to construct theSarai for the attendants of thepatients of GMC Jammu and itsAssociated Hospitals namelySMGS Hospital, CD Hospitaland Psychiatric Hospital".
After hearing SeniorAdvocate Sunil Sethi withAdvocates Sumit Nayyar andMohsin Bhatt appearing for thePIL whereas AAG HA Siddiquiand Deputy AG NeeruGoswami for the State respon-dents, Division Bench directedDivisional Commissioner to
constitute a committee consist-ing of heads of HealthDepartment, Red CrossSociety, Social WelfareDepartment and somerespectable senior citizens ofJammu city in order to ascer-tain as to whether all the facili-ties are available in the Saraiand whether the attendants of
the patients are comfortable ornot".
"In case the committeemakes any recommendation,the Divisional CommissionerJammu should act upon thesame and pass appropriateorders", the DB said and evendirected DivisionalCommissioner to report com-pliance on monthly basisbefore this Court.
Omar reduces time frame forrehabilitation project from 5 to 3 years
* Reviews progress on Dal development projectExcelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 12: ChiefMinister, Omar Abdullah todaydirected for shrinking the timeframe of the Rehabilitation andResettlement Project for Daldwellers from five years to threeyears asking Lakes andWaterways DevelopmentAuthority (LAWDA) to fast trackthe activities of paying compensa-tion to the affected families andproviding them plots at the identi-fied sites.
Chairing a high level meetingto review the pace of progress onrehabilitation project for Daldwellers, the Chief Minister saidthat at least 500 structures shouldbe targeted to be paid compensa-tion each year during the nextthree years alongwith providingplots to the affected families tocomplete the project by 2015-16.
The meeting was attended byMinister for Urban Development,Nawang Rigzin Jora, Minister ofState for Home, Sajjad AhmadKichloo, Chief Secretary,Mohammad Iqbal Khandey,Principal Secretary to the ChiefMinister, B. B. Vyas,Commissioner Secretary Housing
and Urban Development, Jeet Lal,Divisional Commissioner,Kashmir, Shalinder Kumar,District DevelopmentCommissioner, Srinagar, FarooqAhmad Shah, Vice ChairmanLAWDA, Irfan Yasin and variousother senior officers.
The Chief Minister asked theLAWDA to speed up the land fill-ing and development of plots atRakh-e-Arth where plots arebeing developed for rehabilitationof Dal dwellers. He also directedthe Divisional Commissioner,Kashmir to accelerate the pace onthe process of finalizing compen-sation and allotment of plots to theaffected families. He said neces-sary revenue staff should beplaced on the job with clear direc-tions to fast track the completionof revenue matters so that shiftingof families from the Dal takesplace smoothly.
In a PowerPoint presentationthe Vice Chairman LAWDA,gave resume of the present statusof land development at Rakh-e-Arth. He said the project involvesdevelopment cost of over Rs. 416crores while the acquisition ofland and structures from insideDal and drudging of the Lake
involves Rs. 356 crores.Giving details of the develop-
ment plan of Rakh-e-Arth, he saidthat out of 7,526 kanals of landmade available for housingcolony for Dal dwellers, 4,000kanals would be under plots, 1082kanals under roads, 175 kanalsunder commercial offices, 50kanals under institutions, 438kanals under nodal facilities, 150kanals under education and healthfacilities, 189 kanals under playfields, parks and incidental spaces,50 kanals for religious purpose,340 kanals for graveyards, 52kanals for sewerage treatment and1,000 as wetlands.
Irfan Yasin said that in total2,532 structures are being pro-cured in the Dal Lake, of which,868 have been acquired so far. Hesaid in addition to this 631 struc-tures are also proposed to beacquired from Saida Kadal andAshai Bagh side of the Lake.
The meeting was told that landmass of 4,453 kanals, 6,255kanals of watery land underNadroo and moving land underRadhs and Peechi from Dal andNageen Lakes is being acquiredunder the project.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chairing high level meeting at Srinagar on Friday.
NABARD celebrates 32nd Foundation Day
‘J&K needs inclusive growth of Agri sectorfor improving socio economic standard’
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 12: For improv-ing its socio-economic standard,the Jammu and Kashmir needs anaccelerated and inclusive growthin Agriculture and allied sector,which contributes 21 percent tothe State's GSDP as against allIndia average of 14 percent.
This was stated by Dr T Haq,Director Council for SocialDevelopment, New Delhi and for-mer Chairman of theCommission for AgriculturalCosts and Prices, Government ofIndia, while delivering keynoteaddress during the 32ndFoundation Day celebrationfunction, here today.
For accelerated development,he identified focus areas, whichinclude higher density plantingin apple orchards, utilizing abun-dant availability of raw materialfor processing and value addi-tion, exploiting unutilized poten-tial of floriculture, medicinal andaromatic plants, etc.
Dr Haq also identified thrust
areas, which can be developedwith coordinated intervention ofall the stakeholders. The areasidentified by him include villagelevel and farm level develop-ment of seed sector, technologytransfer, promotion of low costGreen House technology forvegetables, micro-irrigationmanagement, organic farming,promotion of producer compa-nies and co-operative marketingsocieties, promotion of dry landhorticulture, replacement of oldand senile orchards, develop-ment of post harvest infrastruc-ture such as market, storage, pro-cessing, training and promotionof diversification and value addi-tion especially preservationfacilities for fruits, vegetables,livestock and other agro prod-ucts.
Dr Haq also invited attentionof Dr Asgar Hassan Samoon,Commissioner SecretaryAgriculture ProductionDepartment in the StateGovernment, also present in theprogramme as the guest of hon-
our, towards policy level inter-ventions required for increasedinvestment in rural infrastructureand legalizing land leasing with-in farming community etc.
Appreciating NABARD'sconcern for promoting agricul-ture and allied sector in the State,Dr Asgar Samoon said that thevaluable inputs would facilitatedevelopment of future strategiesand actionable points for all theStake holders.
Earlier, in his openingremarks, Dr G BMukhopadhyay, CGMNABARD, J&K RegionalOffice, said that NABARD wasplaying an important role in`financial inclusion' agenda ofthe Government.
Samriti Bhagat, AssistantGeneral Manager NABARD,J&K Regional Office, thankedall the participants, who alsoincluded representatives of RBI,SBI, PNB, EDB, JKGB,Cooperative Bank and NGOs.
On the occasion, a souvenirwas also released.
Director, Council for Social Development Dr T Haq, Commissioner Secy AgricultureProduction Dr Asgar Samoon and others releasing a souvenir on the occasion of NABARDFoundation Day on Friday. -Excelsior/Rakesh
JE goes missing after being lifted from Rajouri office Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 12: A JuniorEngineer (JE) of the Roads andBuilding (R&B) Department,posted in Rajouri has gone miss-ing after being lifted in a vehicleby some unknown persons on July10.
Identified as young SunnyDogra, son of Vijay Dogra, resi-dent of Gandhi Nagarin Jammu, the JE hadbeen receiving threatsfrom some people athis place of workingfor the last some timeand he had shared itwith his family aswell. He was present-ly posted in RajouriR&B Division.
The sources saidthat in the afternoonon Wednesday, Sunny was takento some unknown place by some‘persons’ including two contrac-tors. Thereafter, his whereaboutswere not known. His wife JyotiDogra and father Vijay Dogra gotworried in Jammu after Sunny’smobile phone remained switchedoff and went untraced. Yesterday,they arrived at Rajouri and afterinquiring from staff and land lordon ITI Road Rajouri lodged amissing report with the Rajouripolice. His motor-cycle was alsofound parked in the office ofExecutive Engineer.
Today, Sunny’s father andwife met the DeputyCommissioner Rajouri, F CBhagat and submitted a writtencomplaint alleging that Sunnywas receiving threats from somecontractors and was upset. He hadalso shared this with the wife onphone few days back. He was alsoreceiving harassment at his work-
place from someinsiders as they hadinvolved ‘outsiders’/outgoing engineers toprepare some ficti-tious bills.
The familydemanded a thoroughinquiry into the matterand also urged the DCand the SSP Rajouri toget him traced andtake action under law
after impartial probe into theworking at the Division. Theyalleged handiwork of some staffmembers in connivance with thecontractors behind his missing.
It is pertinent to mention herethat an AEE of R&B was alsobeaten up by some people inDarhal area of Rajouri some timeback over a petty issue. An FIRhad also been lodged besidesholding inquiry into the matter butfollowing some local politicalpressure, no action was takenagainst the accused persons andR&B engineer was victimizedthere.
Hepatitis-B may engulf entireKashmir, warn doctors
Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, July 12:Following outbreak of Hepatitis-B at various places of Kashmir inthe last few months, doctors havewarned that the disease mayspread like a wild fire to entireKashmir in coming months ifswift and proper medical treat-ment is not provided to thepatients.
A top official of HealthDepartment termed the outbreakof the disease a "serious matter"and said the Health Departmenthad collected samples from anumber of patients suffering fromthis disease since decades. In thedistricts of Anantnag, Pulwamaand Kupwara, the HealthDepartment has found an alarm-ing increase of patients infectedwith the disease.
The official said the Healthdepartment, Kashmir, must act onemergency basis to arrest itsspread, else "it can be devastat-ing" for people of Kashmir.
"The disease has been spread-ing due the official apathytowards the health sector inKashmir. Quacks are selling med-
icine, especially in villages andthat is one of the main causes ofHepatitis B, the official said.
The official also blamed thedoctors for misleading peopleabout spread of the disease."There are some doctors whomislead people by saying that thedisease is spread by the use ofcontaminated water; this is nottrue. It (Hepatitis-B) is a chronicdisease here, and it spreads by re-using of syringes, needles and isalso transmitted through bloodand body fluids," he said.
The official cautioned that "inchronic form, Hepatitis B cancause severe symptoms such asdamage to the liver and even leadto liver cancer, while as acuteform leads to weakness, fatigue,fever, vomiting, as well as yel-lowing of the skin and the whitesof the eyes."
Pertinently, Hepatitis-B brokeout in Kaker village of Kupwaradistrict of North Kashmir withmore than 50 persons includingfive members of a family com-plaining of symptoms of the dis-ease. And similarly, the diseasehas broken out in Anantnag andPulwama district.
J&K crafts space on country’s talent mapAnmol among Indian Idol finalists;
well wishers appeal for voting*It is Jaswal after Parvez, Shubam
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 12: The Stateof Jammu and Kashmir is slowlyand steadily crafting space on thecountry’s talent map, as it is nowyoung and energetic AnmolJaswal who has made it to the top10 finalists of Indian Idols, aftertalented Parvez Rasool andpromising Shubam Khajuriarecently have sealed berth inTeam India and Indian Under-19squad respectively.
14-year old Jammu boy,
Anmol Jaswal, son of SurpalJaswal and Sonu Jaswal hasreceived a lavish praise from theadjudicators of the Indian Idolshow being telecast on Sony TVon every Saturday and Sunday.
Coming from the singingfamily background, Anmol hasreceived his early training fromhis parents. He is only secondsinger from the State after QaziTauqeer who has reached the top10 stage in this prestigious hunt.
Anmol’s 12-year old sister,Vidhi Jaswal also was the part oftop 20 finalists of the ongoingIndian Idol show, who, howeverfailed to make it to the top 10stage.
Meanwhile, in an effort to getJammu people voting for the sonof the soil rather hero, Prayas, anNGO has appealed to all theinternet and smart phone users to
vote for talented Anmol throughtheir internet and smart phonevoting, which will open at 8 pmon July 13 to 8 am on July 14,2013.
While taking to EXCEL-SIOR, Surpal Jaswal congratulat-ed local heroes Parvez Rasooland Shubam Khajuria for theirselection in the national cricketteams and said that these werethe changing times for the youthof Jammu and Kashmir as thepeople around the country were
now recognizing the talent of allthe three regions of the State.
However, Rakesh Sharmaand Vikrant Dogra, chairman andpresident of the Prayas respec-tively, while appealing the peoplefor voting, have feared that theban on pre-paid SMS serviceswould hamper chances of Anmolas voting on SMS is only possi-ble through post paid mobile con-nections.
They have appealed the peo-ple to use internet and smartphone for voting by download-ing, “Indian idol junior” app andby logging on towww.Myindianidol.com.
Jammu’s Anmol Jaswal displaying his singing talent duringan Indian Idol show at Sony TV.
Pak opens firing on IB
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 12: Pakistanitroops today fired on Indian for-ward posts along theInternational Border in forwardarea of Pindi in Arnia sub sectorof RS Pura tehsil, violatingceasefire agreement betweenthe two countries
Pak Rangers fired on BorderOut Posts along IB in Pindi for-ward area of R S Pura belt at9.35 am today, official sourcessaid.
The small arms firing wenton for a brief period, he said,adding that Border SecurityForce (BSF) troops guardingthe border fired back, resultingin exchanges, which last onlyfew minutes.
However, there was no lossof life or injury to anyone in thefiring, sources said.
Pakistani troops had violat-ed ceasefire along the Line ofControl on June 26 by resortingto unprovoked firing for nearly30 minutes in Poonch district.
There were five ceasefireviolations by Pakistan in the lastmonth.
