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President pays obeisance at Vaishno Devi
shrine President Pratibha Devisingh Patil comes out after paying obeisance at the holy
cave shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi in Katra on Saturday. Governor NN Vohra,
who is the chairman of the Shrine Board, is also seen in the picture. A Tribune
photo
‘Centre should allow satellite phones’
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Chief Minister Omar Abdullah puts Jammu and Kashmir Construction Corporation on an e-tendering portal in Jammu on Saturday. A Tribune photograph
Three-day festival to showcase state’s culture
Bar Association strikes work for Nov 28
Tributes paid to 26/11 Mumbai terror attack victims
Tributes paid to the martyrs and victims of the 26/11 Mumbai terrorist attack
in Jammu on Saturday. Tribune photo: Inderjeet Singh
‘Pravah’ festival commences
at Abhinav theatre
President could not visit Mubarak Mandi Complex
Govt committed to empower panchayats, says minister
Pak violates ceasefire in Poonch
GGM Science College celebrates NCC Day
Heritage School student to visit Japan
IGNOU announces admissions
Amendments to RPC opposed
State to get CNG filling stations
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President pays obeisance at Vaishno Devi
shrine
Katra, November 26, The President flew to Sanjhichat by helicopter and was taken in a traditional palanquin to the sanctum sanctorum about 1.5 km away. Earlier, she was received by Governor N N Vohra, who is Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). He briefed the President about the initiatives being taken by the Shrine Board for the upgradation and expansion of the infrastructure for facilitating the increasing number of pilgrims to the shrine. R.S Chib, Minister in Waiting to the President, Madhav Lal, Chief Secretary, Kuldeep Khoda, Director General of Police, RK Goyal, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Mandeep K. Bhandari, Additional CEO of the Shrine Board and senior civil and police officers of the Reasi district administration were present on the occasion. After offering prayers, the President reached Katra in the afternoon and inaugurated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Spiritual Growth Centre in the presence of Governor NN Vohra. During the half an hour’s stay, she visited various sections of the complex and evinced keen interest in the facilities created at this centre. She interacted with the participants of the ongoing programmes being run to impart disaster management training to the officials of the Shrine Board and upgrading of skills training being run by the Food Craft Training Institute for the catering and hotel employees of Katra and adjoining areas. The Governor, while briefing the President about the salient features and facilities at the Centre, said that it was built by the SMVDSB with a view to providing opportunities to the local population and the pilgrims visiting the shrine. The President walked up to the invitees present on the occasion, interacted with them and observed that she had had a very good darshan at the holy cave shrine earlier in the day and appreciated the SMVDSB’s initiative to set up a centre which will be an asset for the Jammu region. The centre comprises an auditorium with a seating capacity of 460 persons, a library, an amphitheatre, exhibition and display halls, audio-visual room, conference halls, meditation hall, prayer hall, art and craft exhibition areas, prayer rooms, food station, guest rooms and dormitories. Among those present on the occasion were Amrit Malhotra, Chairman, State Legislative Council, R S Chib, Minister in Waiting to the President, Ch Lal Singh, Member of Parliament, Baldev Raj Shama, MLA Reasi, Madhav Lal, Chief Secretary, Kuldeep Khoda, Director General of Police, S S Bloeria, Vice Chancellor of the Jammu Central University and Member of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Prof RNK Bamzie Vice Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, RK Goyal,Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board and SM Sahni, Director, Spiritual Growth Centre. Patil concluded her 3-day visit of Jammu this evening. She was seen off at Jammu Airport by the Governor N. N. Vohra and Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah. |
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‘Centre should allow satellite phones’
New Delhi, November 26 Speaking to The Tribune today, the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora said the state government had recommended to the Home Minister that any expedition party which goes for treacherous trails like those in the Nun Kun peak in Kargil, be allowed to carry satellite phones. “We are pushing with the Home Ministry to consider this suggestion in the interest of safety of trekkers and rescue operations. Several tourists undertake risky trails as part of adventure tourism in Ladakh. At present, satellite phones are not allowed. But we feel at least for those climbing challenging peaks, satellite phones should be allowed,” Jora said. Last year, rescue operations post-Ladakh floods had been severely hit because tourists trapped in difficult locations could not be reached for want of communication equipment. The Adventure Tourism Operators Association of India has also submitted a representation to the Government of India to consider this demand. “We also have other hilly states like Uttarakhand, Himachal and Sikkim on board on this demand,” Jora said. The state government is further seeking a relaxation to another condition which mandates 50 per cent Indian membership for any expedition party wishing to climb mountains in the Karakoram Range. “Pakistan allows foreign tourists to climb the Karakoram Range Mountains on its side of occupied Kashmir. It puts no conditions. That way, it tries to justify its claim over the area. We are seeking relaxation of the condition of 50 per cent Indian membership in a group because foreigners interested in climbing find it difficult to find willing Indian partners. They have to pay heavily to get Indian climbers on board. That way the cost of expedition goes up. This discourages tourists who choose Pakistan over India,” Jora said. Even the Rangarajan Panel, which the Prime Minister constituted last year after violent clashes in the Valley killed several youths, had recommended relaxations for foreign tourists wishing to visit Ladakh. The Centre last year opened up 100 new peaks (all higher than 6000 metres) for foreign climbers. Jora said efforts were on to get tourist access for many more hitherto restricted areas of Ladakh. |
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E-governance
effective tool to ensure transparency: Omar
Jammu, November 26 The Chief Minister launched a Rs 7 crore project of the Magloor-Bakhtar Bridge over the Ternah Nallah in Kathua district on the e-tendering portal at a meeting of the corporation here today. The Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, BB
Vyas, Managing Director of the JKPCC, Madan Gupta, general managers of the corporation and other officials were present on the occasion. Omar, who is also the chairman of the corporation ordered the e-tendering of all the works of Rs 5 lakh and above by the corporation. The Chief Minister also directed the corporation
to install hoardings at the construction site of each mega-project under its implementation,
giving full details about the specification of the material to be used in
the project to ascertain whether the work was being done as per the identified specifications. “You should allow
anyone to check and analyse the information details printed on the hoardings in the laboratory that should be functional
at the construction sites,” he told the JKPCC management. The Chief Minister, who also holds the charge
of the Roads and Buildings (R&B) Department, has instructed for the e-tendering of all the
works of the value of Rs 5 lakh and above in R&B and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadhak Yojna (PMGSY) agencies.
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Three-day festival to showcase state’s culture
New Delhi, November 26 “This is the highest inflow in the state and the Valley. The highest we recorded prior to this was during pre militancy times in 1989. That year Kashmir saw around seven lakh tourists,” Nawang Rigzin Jora, state Tourism Minister told the press here today as he announced the schedule of the three-day festival beginning December 2. To be held at the India International Centre (IIC), in collaboration with the J&K government, the festival will be dedicated to the rich heritage of the state, which has recovered from the wounds inflicted by last year’s violent summer. “After last year’s violence, we were keeping our fingers crossed. But we did very well and hope to double the number of tourists next year,” Jora said. The festival, he added, was being held to showcase the richness of Kashmir, the traditions of Jammu and the hidden facets of Ladakh. “We also want to dispel the myth that it is unsafe to visit the Valley. Militancy in Kashmir is practically over. The record inflows of tourists this year stands a testimony to that,” Jora said. The festival will see a variety of performances from across three divisions - the mask dance from Ladakh; the Ckakari song and dance tradition of Kashmir and the Dogra cultural presentations from Jammu. There will also be a special staging of Bhand Pather - a typical folk theatre of Kashmir. Pather is a musical extravaganza based on a central theme that is usually a satire. It blends songs, dance and drama in a fascinating folk theatre form. The famous Alamdar Bhagat Theatre from the Valley will perform Bhand Pather.
— TNS |
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Bar Association strikes work for Nov 28
Jammu, November 26 The lawyers of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court and other subordinate courts took the decision to abstain from work till November 28, after the general house meeting of the Bar Association was held on November 25, under the chairmanship of its president BS
Slathia. The whole legal fraternity reiterated that the diversion of the quota meant for lawyers and the fixation of 60 per cent as the qualifying marks for the viva-voce had adversely affected the interests of the lawyers’ community. “The percentage for the viva-voce and the diversion of quota is against the constitutional right of the lawyers for the direct recruitment as district and sessions judges,” they said. UK
Jalali, senior advocate, when contacted said the issue of diversion of the lawyers’ quota to higher judicial services concerned the entire legal fraternity across the state. About the transfer of registration of documents from the Judicial Officers to the Executive Officers and keeping in view the aspirations of the Bar members, KS
Johl, another senior advocate asserted that the Bar will not tolerate the interference of the government in snatching the powers of the Judicial Officers, acting as sub-registrars and registrars. Meanwhile, the decision of the Jammu Bar Association received support from the lawyers across the Jammu province.
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Tributes paid to 26/11 Mumbai terror attack victims
Jammu, November 26 Residents of Shakti
Nagar, under the banner of “Shakti Nagar Welfare Forum” also organised a programme to pay tributes to the martyrs. While speaking on the occasion, Dineshwar Singh
Jamwal, president of the forum, said the countrymen were still awaiting decisive action against the perpetrators of the crime. After paying homage to the martyrs of the Mumbai terror attack by lighting earthen lamps, the members of the forum also discussed the problems regarding civic amenities in their locality. Activists of the PDP also gathered at Kachi Chawni here to pay tributes to the people, who died in the 26/11 terror attack in
Mumbai. Vikram Singh led the party members and told them to fight unitedly for the integrity of the nation. Meanwhile, the National Panthers Students’ Union
(NPSU) also paid tributes to the martyrs of the Mumbai attack and criticised Pakistan for its role in the attack. Later in the evening, activists of the Bhartiya Chaitanya Party gathered at the Mubarak Mandi complex, where they lit candles in the memory of all those who died during the attack.
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‘Pravah’ festival commences
at Abhinav theatre
Jammu, November 26 The event is being jointly organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages and the India International Rural Cultural Centre (IIRCC), New Delhi. The festival would feature famous Indian dance forms like Odissi and Kathak. Prior to the commencement of the festival, a traditional lamp was lighted by general secretary, IIRCC, PL Verma, additional secretary of the cultural academy, Savita Bakshi, former MLC Bhushan Lal Bhat and official on special duty to adviser to Chief Minister, Parvez Ahmad. Earlier, welcoming the guests, Bakshi said the academy was proud to associate with IIRCC for holding the event, as such activities helped to promote the performing arts. She also thanked the audience for coming to watch the event. One of the prominent highlights of today’s dance show was the performance of Abbhimanyu Lal and Vidha Lal. The latter has already been recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records for her Kathak performance. Prominent among others who attended the function included former MLC Bhushan Lal Bhat, senior NC leader ML Munshi, general secretary, director events, Pallavi Guha and chairman Migrants’ Association, Ashok Koul. The programme proceedings were conducted by senior drama instructor of the academy, Dr Sudhir Mahajan, while additional secretary of the academy, Dr Arvinder Singh coordinated the event.
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President could not visit Mubarak Mandi Complex
Jammu, November 26 A heritage building, Mubarak Mandi is under
renovation. The visit of the President was expected to give a fillip to the renovation process, which is highly dependent on the flow of funds from the Centre. Sources said though all arrangements were in place for her visit to the more than 150-year-old-complex, known for its blend of Baroque, Mughal, Rajasthan and European styles. The reason for the cancellation is the hectic schedule. Besides inaugurating the renovated portion, she was scheduled to visit the Dogra museum inside the complex. According to sources, the renovated portion had cost Rs 3.69 crore. However, the major part of the comlex is in an extremely dilapidated condition. The Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society had hoped that the President’s visit would bring in funds and help to avoid the passing of the heritage building into hands of private hoteliers. There was a move few months ago to hand over the complex to a private company on the lines of the policy adopted by the Rajasthan government. The move was stalled but the Archaeological Survey of India requires nearly Rs 300 crore to renovate the whole complex. |
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Govt committed to empower panchayats, says minister
Jammu, November 26 Speaking at a convention of panches and sarpanches of the Vijaypur constituency here today, Slathia said the government had yesterday issued guidelines to these departments for the devolution of funds to the three tier panchayat institutions, which was a step forward towards the empowerment of the Panchayati Raj institutions in the state. He asked the panches and sarpanches to keep a close liaison with the people and take-up only need-based development works, which shall have immediate impact on the ground. Slathia said the present government was very keen to redress the grievances of the people as per their urges and aspirations. The minister said in order to make the administration responsive and accountable, the government had enacted the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) under which the departments had been made accountable to provide time-bound notified services to the people, failing which they shall have to face the penalty.
— TNS |
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Pak violates ceasefire in Poonch
Jammu, November 26 “The Pakistan troops belonging to the 653 Mujahid regiment fired from the Battal post with heavy arms, HMG, LMG and rocket launchers,” he said. He added, “Our Army retaliated with small arms and the exchange of fire continued for an hour.” The Pakistan troops reportedly opened fire on the Indian posts without any provocation at around 9.15 pm. The exchange of fire continued till 10.15 pm, but there was no casualty or injury. The Pakistan troops had earlier violated the ceasefire in Poonch in September and October this year.
— TNS
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GGM Science College celebrates NCC Day
Jammu, November 26 A colourful cultural bonanza was presented by the girls and boys of the NCC wing of the college, depicting various cultures of the state, comprising Dogri, Ladakhi, Kashmiri and Punjabi dances, mimicry and patriotic songs. The Principal, staff members and students of the college appreciated the cultural performance of the students.
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Heritage School student to visit Japan
Jammu, November 26 Mahima has been nominated by the CBSE to visit Japan under the Japan East Asia Network of Exchange for Student and Youth Programme 2011, under the Union Ministry of Human Resources and Development. Mahima is the only student, who has got the
opportunity to represent the state in the youth exchange programme. She would be attending the programme from November 28 to December 9 in Tokyo. The school staff and the management have extended their best wishes to her.
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IGNOU announces admissions
Jammu, November 26 The last date for the admissions is November 30. However, students can apply for the admissions till December 15 with a late fee of Rs 200. “The prospectus and application forms are available at all the regional centres of the university, including the regional centre at Jammu and in all the study centres under the regional centre, Jammu. The prospectus and application forms will also be available on the university’s website www.ignou.ac.in,” an official handout said.
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Amendments to RPC opposed
Srinagar, November 26 In a statement issued here today, Rasheed said any amendment to the RPC would be strongly resisted. He added that the move would be disastrous for the human rights scenario in the state because it could offer a perpetual immunity to the security forces, while the AFSPA was a temporary one. “Any such move of the government to amend the RPC will be yet another blow to the already eroding autonomy of the state. It seems the Chief Minister is trying to camouflage his failures on different issues of the state, particularly the withdrawal of the AFSPA,” the MLA Langate said. Such attempts were bound to create confusion in the people of the state, Rasheed said.
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State to get CNG filling stations
Jammu, November 26 This was revealed at a meeting of high-level officials and representatives of various oil companies, consumer council members and representatives of traders’ federations of Jammu and Kashmir, chaired by Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Qamar Ali Akhoon.
— TNS
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President Pratibha Patil today paid obeisance at the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine here situated at the Trikuta Hills in Jammu and Kashmir. Patil, who flew to the shrine, offered prayers this morning during her hour-long visit at the hill shrine.
Jammu, November 26
