Ensure no further exodus of KPs Governer

J&K Governor N N Vohra today said it is time to see what needs to be done to ensure that incidents like the exodus of Kashmiri Pandits during militancy does not recur.

Referring to the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley at the peak of militancy in 90’s, he said it was time for the community to go back in time and see why it happened.

"Go back in time and perhaps see why all these happened? Will it happen again and what is it we need to do to see such a huge exodus doesn’t happen again," Vohra said.

The Governor was addressing ‘Shuhul Taaph-III’ or Sweet Sunshine, a cultural gathering organised by Kashmiri Education, Culture and Science Society (KECSS) in Lalded Centre in South Delhi.

He said time is changing in India as well as in the neighbourhood. "The circumstance and the situation in the immediate neighbourhood inadvertently affects us," he said.

Commenting on the festival organised by the KECSS, he said youngsters have lost touch with their cultural moorings, language, families, soil. "Such exhibitions will help youth connect to the past," he said.

During the festival, the 150th birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore was also celebrated with a discussion on the influence of Kashmir on the poet. 

Ashok Kaul, Professor of Sociology in Banaras Hindu University, spoke about the influence of Tagore’s affluent and intellectual background on his life and works.

"His life, practices and world at Shantiniketan was his analytical experimentation with revelations of knowledge, similar to Kashmiri Shaivism," Kaul said.

On the Day 2 of ‘Shuhul Taaph-3’, a 3-day cultural extravaganza showcasing several initiatives taken by the Kashmiri society to promote their culture, art, literature and language KECSS held discussion on ‘Tagore’s contribution vis-a-vis linkages with Kashmir"

Hindi writer Chaman Lal Sapru said Tagore was a universal poet whose influence on Kashmiri poets and authors is very relevant and undeniable.
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International Theatre workshop begins at Natrang

 International Theatre workshop on 'Theatre Creations' was inaugurated here today at the Natrang Studio Theatre with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Natrang Director Balwant Thakur. 

The workshop is being conducted by Sarah Richards of London International School of Performing Arts , U K. Speaking on the occasion Natrang Director said that this initiative of Natrang has been aimed at establishing Jammu as a global Centre and an international destination of theatre. Natrang has been making all out efforts to expose its actors to the most latest developed acting and theatre creation methodologies and this workshop will open new horizons of global theatre practices before the actors of Natrang.

Born and brought up in London, Ms Sarah graduated with honors in Drama from Bristol and had professional theatre training at the London International School of Performing Arts where she specialized on Jaques Lecoq's method of approaching all theatre through body. After completing her professional training in theatre, she joined Ovel House Youth Theatre in London where she continued her acting and direction in theatre. 

Currently Sarah is working with a London based theatre organization, Lyrebird Theatre company. Her debut creation 'Ships of Sand' premiered in the world famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2011. Sarah Richards focuses on originally created works through artistic collaborations and her work is based on a curiosity of life and a desire to discover that through theatre.

The workshop is being coordinated by Ashish Nijhawan a graduate of National School of Drama who has the credit of having performed in Japan, China and other countries. A lead actor with the Repertory Company of National School of Drama, Ashish Nijhawan is a product of Nagrang.

Those who are participating in this exclusive workshop included Anil Tickoo, Neeraj Kant, Sumeet Sharma, Rahul Singh, Mohd. Yaseen, Vikram Sharma, Sajra Qadir, Balwinder Singh, Sayed Dildaar, Abhinav Vimarsh, Uplaksh Singh Kotwal, Sahil Kanojia, Sushil Raina, Atin Tikka, and Harsh Vardhan Singh.
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Panchkarma therapy started at Sarwal Hospital

Five patients were treated today with Panchkarma therapy at Government Hospital Sarwal, here . Ayush OPD has been started at Government Hospital Sarwal and daily more than 60 patients are seen in the OPD and the Hospital Administration had thought of and started the process of even initiating "Panchkarma" and "Kshar Sutra" therapies. Ayurvedic, unani and Yoga OPDs are being run at present in the hospital.

After the launch of NRHM, an initiative has been taken by the Department of Health and Family Welfare and Department of Ayush for strengthening of healthcare facilities at all levels by integrating Ayush systems in national health care delivery systems under NRHM. Physical and functional integration of Ayush systems in NRHM is most important strategy of Mainstreaming under NRHM. Integration is facilitated by appointing or collocating Ayush doctors and supporting staff and creating infrastructure according to local needs. Ayush doctors who are being appointed are used to facilitate management of programmes, monitoring and effective implementation of various interventions under NRHM.

Ayurveda emphasizes preventative and healing therapies along with various methods of purification and rejuvenation. Ayurveda is more than a mere healing system, it is a science and art of appropriate living which helps to achieve longevity. It can also guide every individual in the prevention of disease and long term maintenance of health. To achieve this balanced state of body, mind and consciousness, Ayurveda prescribes Panchakarma Therapy for the cleansing of body toxins.

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Workshop on fruits packaging inaugurated

Laying stress on importance of constitution of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHS&NC), an initiative to empower Panchayati Raj institutions in the villages, Minister for Health, Horticulture and Floriculture Sham Lal Sharma exhorted upon the CMOs, BMOs and various NGOs to work hard for effective implementation of VHS&NC, a centrally sponsored scheme.

This was stated by the Minister after inaugurating a one day Workshop organized by J&K Rural Health Mission for re-orientation of CMOs, BMOs and NGOs for making Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees (VHS&NC) Functional in Jammu Division here today.

In his inaugural address, the Minister informed the delegates about the importance of constitution of VHS&NC. He said that every VHSNC needs to maintain updated Household survey data to enable need based interventions which should be periodically reviewed by ANM/Sarpanch. He said Block level Panchayat Samiti will review the functioning and progress of activities undertaken by VHSNC. All those trained in this workshop will impart training to members of VHS&NC at Block level for smooth functioning of these committees, he added.

Dr P.C. Bhatnagar, Director Communicable Diseases RCC, VHAI Delhi was the resource person, who gave a detailed power point presentation on constitution, roles and responsibilities and accountability of Village Health Sanitation and Nutrition Committees.

Dr. Yash Pal Sharma Mission Director NRHM J&K, Dr. Madhu Khullar Director Health Services Jammu, Dr. Baldev Sharma Dy Director HQ Jammu, CMOs, BMOs, and NGOs of Jammu Division, Officers from Directorate Health Services and State Health Society attended the workshop.

Earlier, the Minister attended one day workshop on packaging of Dry fruit for cottage, Micro, Small & Medium Entrepreneurs organized by Indian Institute of Packaging (IIP) in collaboration with Ministry of Food Processing Industries, Government of India at Hotel Asia.

Anil Suri, Chairman Federation of Industries, Jammu was the guest of honour.Speaking on the occasion, the Minister exhorted upon the entrepreneur to ensure that only quality dry and fresh fruits are packed for export. He said that our state has the privilege of producing world class fresh and dry fruits like apple, walnut, almonds etc and thus it also becomes the moral responsibility of entrepreneur to ensure export of quality products.

The workshop deliberated upon basic concepts of packaging for Dry Fruits and Fresh fruits, flexible plastic materials for packaging of Dry Fruits and fresh fruits, design of corrugated Fibre Board Boxes for transportation of Dry Fruits and Fresh Fruits, Evaluating of packaging materials and packages Dry Fruits and Fresh Fruits, etc.

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Amarnath pilgrims will now need to carry medical certificate

With many Amarnath-bound pilgrims losing their lives due to health problems, the board managing the yatra has decided that devotees will now onwards produce a medical certificate at the time of registration.

The decision to this effect was taken a high-level meeting of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) chaired by Jammu and Kashmir Governor N N Vohra last evening, an official spokesperson said.

During the meeting, loss of life of pilgrims due to cardiac arrest was discussed.

“The Board noted that a growingly large number of pilgrims have been losing their lives during the pilgrimage, particularly due to cardiac related ailments. As many as 45, 68 and 107 people had lost their lives in 2009, 2010 and 2011 Yatras, respectively.

“In this context, the Board observed that time had come to consider a more effective approach and decide that every person seeking registration to undertake the yatra must furnish a health certificate issued by a Registered Medical Practitioner (RMP).

“The Board noted that the enforcement of such a pre-condition had also been advised by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA),” the spokesperson said.

This year, the yatra will be for 37 days beginning from June 25 and will conclude on August two coinciding with Raksha Bandhan as has been recommended by a sub-committee of SASB headed by Sri Sri Ravi Shanker.

The Board further directed that all possible efforts should be made, in coordination with all concerned agencies, to make a timely assessment to determine whether it would be feasible to consider advancing the Yatra by a few days, prior to June 25.

“Consequent to detailed deliberations, the Board accepted the recommendations of the Sri Sri Ravi Shankar sub-Committee and directed the CEO of the Board to timely commence the registration of pilgrims and ensure the effective management of the Yatra which would commence on June 25 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan on August two,” the spokesperson said.

Referring to the helicopter services from Pahalgam to Panjtarni, which were started in 2009 on experimental basis for about two weeks before conclusion of yatra, the Board said heli services had been gainfully utilised by over 5000 yatris every year during the 2010 and 2011 yatras.

The CEO informed that fresh contractual arrangements for the helicopter services from Baltal and Pahalgam to Panjtarni are being worked out and the schedules and rates would be notified shortly, the spokesman said.

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JandK Assembly to hold discussion on corruption issue

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly will today hold detailed discussion on the issue of corruption in the ongoing Budget session here. Mainstream opposition Peoples Democratic Party had moved adjournment motion demanding discussion on the issue of corruption.

Protesting PDP legislators said earlier,even Parliament remained paralysed over the issue of corruption and sought discussion.

Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Speaker Mohammad Akbar Lone said, the issue cannot be discussed during Question Hour so I rejected the adjournment motion but later allowed to hold the discussion in the second sitting today.

Earlier Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said corruption is an important issue and must be discussed.

‘Corruption is an issue of concern and it must be discussed but not by disrupting the House proceedings,’ Mr Abdullah said.

Mr Abdullah said that if the opposition wants to hold detailed discussion on the issue, the government is ready adding, ‘we are ready to participate in the discussion on whatever time be fixed by the Speaker.

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Night long religious functions held to celebrate Hora Ashtami

Religious functions continued to be held in various ashrams in connection with Hora Astami during the last night.

As usual Bhagavaan Gopinathji Trust organized and celebrated the festival at Bhagavaan Ji’s Ashram Bohri Udaywala near here.

Hundreds of devotees thronged the Ashram and offered prayers to Bhagavaan Gopinathji.

Reputed artists including Naina Saproo, Ravi Bhan, Iqbal Koul, T K Dhar and Shanti Lal Sidha and many others presented their items. The hall reverbated with Bhajans and the devotees were enthralled.

The night -long prayers were offered for invoking the blessings of the Mother Goddess followed by mass prayers for peace and well being of mankind. The function concluded with Bhagawan Ji’s arti this morning. The function was also held at Bhagavaan Ji’s Ashram at Srinagar, Pamposh Enclave, New Delhi and other places.

The Hora Ashtami was celebrated at Krishana Satsang Bhawan Gareeb Dham Bohri with religious fervour. Anand Swami Pran Nath Bhat Gareeb mesmerized the audience with his Parvochan from Srimad Bhagvat Geeta and Shiv Puran in his usual extempore style. He while giving religious discourses said the Mother Goddess Parvati is liberal during the night in granting eternal peace to one and all irrespective of cast, creed and religion to perform the Satsang during the night. But the prayers should be with full faith and surrender.

The function started with Satsang from 6pm and culminated with Guru Pooja this morning.

Another function was held in Pushkara Swami Sewa Ashram Laxmipuram Chinore and Najafgarh New Delhi. The Hora Ashtami which coincides with Amar Divas of P N Koul (Poshmot) was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety in the ashram. At Jammu Ashram the programme started with Yagna and it was followed by Guru Vandhna. The puranahuti was held in the afternoon which was followed by serving of prashad to devotees. The Bhajan Kirtan continued for entire night. The function was attended by Swami Kumar Ji of Geeta Satsang Ashram Muthi and he paid rich tributes to Swami Posh Mot
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Police revokes order for furnishing customers details

Police today revoked its order which had asked retail vendors in the Valley to keep a record of details of the customers who recharge their mobile phones.

"Instructions issued to vendors to maintain records of such customers have been rescinded following assurance by the mobile service providers to submit the details centrally," a police spokesman said.

Retail vendors had stopped recharging facilities for mobile phones by saying that while it intruded the privacy of the customers, the process would be cumbersome for them to follow.

District police authorities have been asked not to collect any such detail with regard to recharges, he said.

Shop owners had been asked yesterday to record name, residential details and phone numbers of customers who recharged their mobile phone connections from their outlets and submit the information to the department every fortnight.

The order was given in view of increasing complaints of misuse of mobile phones.

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Finance Minister meets Governor ahead of budget session

Ahead of the budget session, Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs Abdul Rahim Rather today met Governor N N Vohra and discussed important issues relating to revenue and financial management.

Rather called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan here today and during a more than one hour wide-ranging meeting, they discussed important issues relating to taxation, revenue and financial management.

Rapid socio-economic development of the state and various aspects of Registration and Stamp Duty regulations were also discussed.

State Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) G R Sufi also called on the Governor at Raj Bhavan and briefed him about the progress of implementation of the J and K Right to Information Act for furthering the interests of good governance.

Sufi also briefed the Governor about the measures being taken by the Commission for enlarging awareness among the people about their rights under the Right to Information Act, 2009.

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Traffic suspended on highway to clear stranded vehicles

Authorities today suspended fresh traffic movement on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway in order to clear vehicles stranded at different places due to extreme weather conditions for the past few days.

“No fresh traffic has been allowed from Jammu and Srinagar capital cities and all the stranded vehicles would be cleared”, Police officials said in Jammu.

The route was thrown open for two-way traffic yesterday for clearance of stranded vehicles after remaining closed for past three days due to heavy snowfall, avalanche and landslides.

As many as 3,266 stranded vehicles have been cleared during the past 24 hours, officials said.

Around 1,300 vehicles, including 1100 passenger vehicles reached Jammu while 1469 vehicles including 860 passenger vehicles from Jammu crossed the Valley yesterday, SP Ramban Anil Magotra said.

Similarly, around 185 vehicles, including 163 passenger vehicles from Jammu crossed over to Jawahir tunnel towards Kashmir and 312 vehicles including 165 passenger vehicles are on way to Jammu from Kashmir today, he said.

He said there was landslide at Nashri during midnight but it was cleared by Border Road Organisation (BRO) personnel and movement of vehicles was going on smoothly.

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Hurra Ashtami celebrated in jammu

Hurra Ashtami was celebrated with religious fervour and gaiety today.

In this connection a religious function was held at Swami Kumar Ji Geeta Satsangh Ashram Muthi Camp in which a large number of people took part.

On the occasion Swami Kumar Ji gave religious discourses and highlighted the significance of Hurrah Ashtami.

The Bhajan Kirtan was also held in the Ashram which will continue for entire night.

Another function was held at K P Sabha Ambphalla where a large number of people drawn from different parts of Jammu participated. The pooja archana and bhajan kirtan was held by devotees. They were served with prashad in the evening.

On the occasion of Hurra Ashtami a religious function was held at Sharika Peeth Sanstha (Koshur Bhawan), Subash Nagar today. Large number of devotees attended the function.

On the occasion Samohik Push Archana was performed and special prayers for peace and prosperity of the community and overall peace in the state were held.
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