Udhampur, September 30
Chances of the Dogri language to make a notable impact on the big screen look bleak as shooting of the second feature film in this language has been stopped, thanks to the indifferent attitude of Jammu and Kashmir government.

The only feature film in Dogri, “Gallan Hoiyan Beetiyan”, was produced in the late ’50s. Although the movie was a hit, the cost of production and fear of an uncertain market have discouraged film producers to take risk in future.

After a gap of about 50 years, in 2005 eminent film maker Ved Rahi had announced the making of “Mukti,” a Dogri feature film. Rahi had announced this project when Dogri was included in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution after a decade-long struggle of people as a tribute of this language.

Although Ved Rahi, who has produced many films in Hindi, has not lost all hope yet, he had to stop the shooting of this film due to financial reasons. “One of our financiers stepped back from the project and, secondly, the Jammu and Kashmir govrnment has not fulfilled its assurances given to us during the launching of this movie'', he told The Tribune.

Recalling how this project was finalised, the film maker regretted, “ The then Chief Minister, Mufti Mohammed Sayeed, had assured all help to this project. The Mufti had written to his chief secretary to provide all assistance to this project, but these promises remained only on papers”.

A champion of the cause of Dogri, Rahi informed that the production of “Mukti” was started as a befitting tribute to the language. Rahi, who has earned international acclaim through his directorial venture, “Gul, Gulshan, Gulfam”, minced no words in pointing a finger towards successive state governments in Jammu and Kashmir for neglecting Dogri.

Rahi, who has helped the Dogri language get international recognition as many of his story stories have been translated into many foreign languages, was of the opinion people should themselves adopt new techniques to get this language popularised. “Instead of looking towards government for help, Dogri writers should adopt professional approach to attract the market'', he suggested.

Srinagar, September 30
Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants, including a company commander, holed up in a mosque in Pulwama district yesterday, were killed in an encounter with the police and para-military troops this morning.

The operation that was suspended during the night ended this afternoon without collateral damage, the police here said. An encounter ensued between the militants and security forces in which the militants took shelter in a mosque.

Defence spokesman Lt Col A. K. Mathur said repeated announcements had been made asking the militants to surrender, but they refused to do so. The searches were resumed this morning when the police and CRPF personnel were again fired upon by militants on which tear gas was used, forcing the militants to come out. Two Hizbul Mujahideen militants were killed in the encounter that lasted about six hours. There was no damage to the mosque.

Udhampur, September 30
Dogri writers from all over the country gathered at Patnitop and discussed ways to popularise the language. The writers participated in a workshop-cum-symposium organised by the Sahitya Akademi on Dogri poems and short stories. Ways to enrich this centuries old language were also discussed.

For the first time after the language was included in the eighth schedule of the Indian Constitution, writers from metropolitan as well as from remote areas of Jammu participated in the workshop at which new trends of world literature were discussed.

While veteran story writer of Hindi movies Ved Rahi came all the way from Mumbai to attend the workshop, Pankaj Gupta came from Bhadhu, a remote place of Kathua district, and Jatin Thakur, eminent Hindi writer, came from Dehra Dun.

Prominent Dogri writer and president of the Dogri Sanstha, Prof Lalit Mangotra, who was director of this workshop, said Dogri writers had been following new trends of international literature. He especially mentioned short stories which were presented at the workshop and covered all aspects of life - in a remote village, in Mumbai and in Europe.

Women writers, Nirmal Vikram, Santosh Sangara and Shakun Deep, also attended the workshop and presented their stories which touched on issues relating to the women. Other prominent writers who presented their stories included Shiv Mehta, Dr Manoj, Krishan Sharma, Chatterpal, Chaman Panthi and others.

Renu Mohan Bhan, deputy secretary of the Sahitya Akademi, who came from New Delhi, was also impressed by the literature of young Dogri writers from rural areas.

Rajouri, September 30
Violent protests marred police recruitment rally at two different places in Rajouri and Poonch yesterday, after the candidates and their parents alleged they were not informed about the eligibility for recruitment.

Police sources said despite information recruitment rally was being organised for educated unemployed youths of Loren in Poonch and Kalsiyan in Rajouri, who live near Line of Control (LOC), the youths from other parts of these districts tried to compete for the vacancies. At both places in Rajouri and Poonch districts, the youths from areas other than Loren and Kalsiyan were not allowed to participate in the on the spot recruitment rally, sources added.

Sources added these youths along with those not selected raised slogans and started throwing stones. Sensing situation might take ugly turn, the police resorted to mild cane charge, but later as the protesters turned more violent, the police fired tear gas shells and shot some rounds into the air to disperse the unruly mob, sources added.

"In Poonch district, the angry protesters blocked the Poonch-Mandi road for quite some time. In Rajouri also, similar scenes were witnessed during the recruitment rally".

Inspector- general (IG), Police, Jammu Division S. P. Vaid and deputy inspector- general (DIG) Rajouri-Poonch Range P. R. Manhas were present at the rallies. More than 60 youths were reportedly selected at both places.