STATE TIMES NEWS AKHNOOR: A deputation of farmers from Panchayat Gandharwan of Akhnoor constituency met BJP District president Kissan Morcha Akhnoor Dalbir Singh Pawar at his resi- dence and raised their demand for releasing their pending rent of land acqui- sition/requisition by defense file case No. 2748. After listening to the dep- utation, Dalbir Singh Pawar appealed to the DC Jammu for releasing the same as early as possible because due to lockdown and Corona panic these farmers have no other source of income except cultivation but most of land is under defense and is not cultivated. If at this time Govt. will not release their pending rent of the land how they can survive, they asked. After that Dalbir Singh assured to the formers that he will personally try to approach the DC Jammu and try to solve the matter as early as possible. At this time Raghubir Singh (Lamberdar), Dhanter Singh, Purab Singh, (Ex-Naib Sarpanch) Balwinder Singh, Raman Verma, Liaquat Ali, Khushi Mohd., Mohan Singh, Sher Ali, Sultan Ali, Onkar Singh, Poli kumar were present among other. STATE TIMES NEWS THANNAMANDI: NSS unit of Govt. Degree College Thannamandi in Collaboration with Social Forestery Division Rajouri organized a Plantation Drive in the College campus in con- nection with van Mahotsav celebrations 2020. Dr. J A Qazi Principal of the College inaugurated the Plantation Drive by Planting sapling in the college.In his message Sh Rakesh Saraf DFO Social forestry Division Rajouri said that this festival raises the awareness of trees among the the People and highlights the need for planting and tending the trees as one of the best ways to prevent global warming and reduced Pollution. Gulshan Kumar Range officer in social forestry Division Rajouri present on the occasion also planted a sapling in the College. The entire Programme was organised keeping in view Social dis- tancing because of pandemic covid19. Prof. Saleem Ayaz Rather NSS Programme Officer thanked the officials of social forestry Rajouri for Providing different Varities of Plants for the college. Others present on the occa- sion included the faculty members of the college and staff from Social Forestery Division Rajouri. STATE TIMES NEWS AKHNOOR: One person at one time will be allowed at Tehsil office for work purpose, said SDM Akhnoor Gopal Singh. He said that in order to minimize risk of corona flare and to avoid overcrowding only one person will be allowed at one time for any task while in Tehsil office or SDM office. SDM Akhnoor Gopal Singh also appealed to the general pub- lic that come to any office with full documen- tation and proper SoPs for any work purpose. z Wednesday z July 29, 2020 4 DISTRICTS DISCLAIMER “STATE TIMES” does not take responsibility for the contents of the advertisements (Display/Classified) carried in this newspaper. The paper does not endorse the same. Readers are requested to verify the contents on their own before acting there upon.” STATE TIMES NEWS KISHTWAR: In view of ensuing Eid-ul-Azha, J&K Pradesh Congress, Vice President and Former Minister, G. M Saroori today urged divisional administra- tions to ensure that the peo- ple do not face any inconven- ience on account of ration, security, drinking water, power supply, healthcare services and sanitation dur- ing the auspicious days. Saroori said that all the concerned departments should work in close coordi- nation and proper measures should be put in place to ensure availability of essen- tials including rations, Atta, sugar, Kerosene oil, LPG, meat, poultry etc on reason- able rates besides this Sheep Husbandry department must ensure availability of live- stock, animals for sacrifice and arrangement of special mandies in coordination with all concerned Tehsildars. He also called for intensifying the market checking to curb profiteering and black-mar- keting of essentials. The Power department was urged to replace all the dam- aged transformers before Eid and ensure uninterrupted power supply during these days. "There should be no disruption of electricity sup- ply especially during Eid-ul- Azha," Saroori urged Chief Engineer PDD Jammu. The Municipality officers of Thathri and Kishtwar were asked to ensure proper sani- tation especially in and around the shrines and mosques in Thathri and Kishtwar areas. Saroori further urged the general public to adhere to social distancing norms, use masks, avoid religious con- gregation on Eid-ul-Azha. Provide better services to people on Eid-ul-Azha: Saroori STATE TIMES NEWS SUNDERBANI: Senior Congress Leader advocate Rajinder Parshad in his press statement said that Nowshera constituency is facing dis- crimination from last many years which is totally unacceptable. Sharma lashed out at Jugal Kishore, MP Jammu-Poonch Loksabha for ignoring the area from last 6 years. The Kendriya Vidhalaya was promised to Nowshera during the time of District Agitation of 70 days but it is unfortunate to see that Darhal Malkan was kept on top pri- ority. "We dont have any objection if Kendriya Vidhalaya will be opened there but the question is Why Nowshera is ignored, Sharma said. He also added that most of the area falls on ALC and atleast one member of each family of Border Zone are in Belt Forces and the border people always stands with our army at every situation. Sharma said, 80 per cent of the District Offices are functioning in Nowshera and in the oldest Tehsil of 1947, but the whole area remains unnoticed in this government. The Developmental Projects worth crores of rupees such as Rajal Gravity Scheme, Beripattan Lift Irrigation Scheme which were start- ed by then Minister and MLA, Late Dr, Romesh Chander Sharma stands incomplete. "We will not tolerate anything which is against the intrest of Nowshera Constituency. He also warned the government to start the Siot Grid Station at the earliest due to which the whole area is suffering from Low Voltage, Power Cuts and Irregular Water Supply. Discrimination with Nowshera unacceptable: Congress STATE TIMES NEWS AKHNOOR: Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament Lok Sabha Jammu Poonch along with Ex MLC Vikram Randhawa visited Border village Trewa in Bishnah Constituency and facilitated Sarpanch Balbir Kour. Jugal Kishore Sharma said that Barbeer Kour has done hard work during the difficult time of lockdown due to COVID-19 and took very good decisions to save her Panchayat and block from getting infected from Novel coronavirus. He said he has also done great efforts to develop Trewa pan- chayat even situated at the bor- der and she is very bold among the Lady Sarpanchs. District Secretary RS Pura Rakesh Sharma, Supinder, Sarpanch Kool Pacheil Subash Saini, Sandeep, Krishan Lal Panch, Sharda Panch wife of Rashpal also accompanied Member of Parliament. Jugal felicitates Sarpanch Trewa MP Jugal Kishore Sharma handing over certificate to Sarpanch Balbir Kour. STATE TIMES NEWS KATHUA: Bar association Hiranagar held a condolence meeting under the presi- dentship of senior advocate, N K Gupta on the demise of High Court Justice Sanjay Kumar Gupta. In the meeting all the members of the Bar decided to suspend all the work. They observed two minute silence for the depart- ed soul and prayed for strength to the family of the departed soul. Vice President K.L Khajuria, Advocates Ashok Kumar, Sandharb Dogra, Vijay Sharma, Sunil Sharma, Prakashit Jasrotia, Jagjit Singh, Ankush Sharma, Ranjeet Singh, Swatanter Sarrop Gupta, Surinder Singh, Abhindan Salgotra and Sanjeev Mathur were present. Reasi: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party, senior leader and Former Minister, Aijaz Ahmed Khan also condoled the untimely demise of Justice Sanjay Gupta of J&K High Court. In a condolence message, the former minister prayed to the God for the peace of the departed soul and courage to the bereaved family members to bear this irreparable loss. REASI: To condole the untimely demise of Justice Sanjay Gupta of J&K High Court, a condolence meeting was today held here under the chairmanship of Principal District and Session Judge Reasi. A two minutes silence was observed and the participants prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul. The participants also con- veyed sympathy to the bereaved family members. Judicial officers, Bar Members and employees of Reasi District Judiciary were present on the occasion. UDHAMPUR: A condo- lence meeting was held today by the Judicial officers and employees of Udhampur District Judiciary to condole the sudden demise of Justice Sanjay Gupta of J&K High Court. The meeting was presided over by Principal District and Session Judge Udahmpur Mohan Lal Manhas and attended by the judicial offi- cers and staff members who expressed deep sorrow at the death of Justice. The meeting expressed "heartfelt grief at the sad and untimely demise of the justice Gupta and said that sudden death of Justice Gupta has come as a shock to legal fraternity and is a big loss to the Bar and the Bench. Session judge Manhas said that Justice Gupta was known for his humility and fast disposal, he remained dedicated to his duties and devoted to justice. He was often referred as a hardwork- ing but a pro-human judge. Those who participated were Additional Session Judge S.R Gandhi, Sub Judge, CJM , Mohd Rafiq Chak , Sub Judge Sandeep Kour , District Mobile Magistrate Ajay Kumar , Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Girja Shavan and Munsiff Kamaya Singh. Staff members Ranjit Parihar ,A.o Raksha Slathia ,Gulam Sugra ,S.O Chiman Sharma, Vinod Koul ,Rameek Sharma , Sanjit Kumar , Brij Lal , Sohan lal ,love Kumar , Kldeep singh Vikay kumar , Anshu Sharma , Sehnaz kousar , Racghna Rani others were also present. Death of Justice Sanjay Kumar Gupta condoled Members of Bar Association Kathua during condolence meeting. Judicial employees during condolence meeting at Udhampur. STATE TIMES NEWS BILLAWAR: Govt. Degree College Billawar observed World Conservation Day by conducting a plantation drive in the college and organisation of Poster making competition among students on the theme of "Nurture Nature Save Future". The NSS volunteers planted some rare endemic plants in the college campus as well as in the college botanical garden. Several students took part in the online poster presentations to mark the World Conservation Day with focus on the theme. Principal of College, Prof. Sunil Uppal along with various teaching and non-teaching staff members planted various endemic tree species in the college campus. The plants were made available by Range Officer, social forestery range Billawar and by staff members of the college. Principal of the college said that in order to represent the herbal heritage of the country, there is a need not only to plant but also to conserve the plant species, especially endemic and medicinal plants such as Bargad, Awla, Pepal, Ashok , Bel, Pine, Sheesham etc. Prof. Sanjeev Gupta (HOD Botany) and Prof. Yash Paul (NSS Programe Coordinator) coordi- nated the activities of World Conservation Day .Other facul- ty members, Prof. Raj Kumar, Prof. Rakesh Sharma, Dr. Arun Sharma, Prof. Anil Verma, Ravi Kumar (Physical Director), Joginder Gupta (S.O) and staff members were also present. The whole activity was per- formed by NSS and eco club GDC Billawar under the super- vision and guidance of college Principal Prof. Sunil Uppal. GDC Billawar observes World Conservation Day Faculty members planting a sapling. STATE TIMES NEWS SAMBA: Sandeep K Sharma, Pardesh Youth Congress spokesperson flayed Govt for neglecting many villages, which fall under IB 4 per cent reserva- tion. While addressing a press conference Sandeep said that villages like Malani, Traeli, Mandera, Naran, Muthi, Khurad are not added in the list of IB reservation villages due to which youth from these villages will miss the opportunities in education and recruitment in govern- ment services. He blamed that these vil- lages are intentionally dropped out from the list due to local level politics and if this all is not amended they will be forced to protest against the government deci- sion. Sandeep Sharma SC state coordinator Surender Attri, Samba Youth district President Sushil Bhagat, AYC president Sumit, Ex Sarpanch Mawa Chandershekhar and Balbir were present in the press meet. PYC warns against non-inclusion of villages in IB reservation PYC Spokesperson, Sandeep Sharma briefing media. STATE TIMES NEWS DODA: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmed Khan, today visited Doda and inspected various development works being exe- cuted under various schemes of Rural Development Department including MGN- REGA and PMAY. Advisor also met with vari- ous PRI and ULB represen- tatives besides members of various political parties and took stock of their issues and concerns. Advisor, during his tour to the district, visited Malhori Panchayat of Khaleni block and inspected the ongoing works on a path being con- structed from Ragi to Bati. He interacted with the local people and had feedback about the development activi- ties going on in their area. He also visited Paryote pan- chayat and inspected the ongoing works on an irriga- tion pond, sewerage drain and a PMAY house. While interacting with the locals, Advisor enquired about their grievances and development needs besides taking stock of status of vari- ous schemes being imple- mented in the area. Advisor directed the con- cerned departments to ensure timely completion of all devel- opment works besides ensur- ing early release of payments to the workers. He also advised the workers to ensure strict adherence to COVID protection SOPs and guide- lines during execution of works. Meanwhile, Advisor visited Pranu halqa of Bhalla block and inspected the newly con- structed Rural Haat under MGNREGA and also met with the local farmers who have sold their local produce in the rural Haat. Later, deputations of Tour and Travel Association, rep- resentatives of various politi- cal parties and others called on the Advisor and apprised him of their problems and demands seeking an early redressal. Advisor also met with the representatives of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayats including BDC Chairpersons and MC President, who pro- jected their grievances and demands. Responding to the issues projected by the deputations, Advisor assured all possible measures for addressing their grievances at an earliest. Responding to the issue of shortage of staff in RDD, Advisor informed that the government has already noti- fied about 2000 posts of Accounts Assistant for filling up on fast track basis. He assured that the vacant posts of BDOs will be filled up soon informing that directions have already been issued to the administrative depart- ment in this regard. Meanwhile, Advisor also released a book on 'Back to Village' which highlights the significant achievements of district administration under the ambitious Back to Village program of the government. Others who accompanied the Advisor included Deputy Commissioner, Dr Sagar D Doifode, Director RDD Jammu, Sudershan Kumar, SSP Doda Mumtaz Ahmed, CEO BDA, Dr Rajinder Khajuria, ACD Doda Prem Singh Chib besides other functionaries of civil and police administration. PRIs key stakeholders in participatory development: Advisor Baseer Advisor Baseer Ahmed Khan during visit to Doda. Faculty members planting a sapling. STATE TIMES NEWS BHADARWAH: A team of forest officials from Forest Division Bhadarwah in Doda district, who were on their routine duty to check the for- est loss if any in Tanta Panchayat of Kahara Tehsil were attacked by a mob allegedly led by the proxy Sarpanch (husband of Sarpanch) of the Panchayat at Draman village. According to reports, the team led by block Incharge Ijaz Zargar along with three forest guards and helpers on the directions of Incharge DFO Bhadarwah Navneet Singh were verifying a report about the illegal activities in the forest area, when they were suddenly attacked by a mob at Draman village from the house of Sarpanch. In the attack forest guard Mukesh Kotwal got seriously injured while 2 other officials also received injuries. Ijaz Zargar, Block Forest officer said that it was a pre planned attack, carried out by the mob led by Proxy Sarpanch of Tanta Shabir Ahmed Wani, from whose house, the mob suddenly emerged and attacked us. "Shabir Wani, who happens to be the husband of the Sarpanch and an employee of Jal Shakti Vibagh is a known forest smuggler, who have been threatening us of dire consequences after depart- ment lodged massive drive against the offenders and seized 65 illegal mechanical cutters from the area," Officer added. Meanwhile an FIR number 51/ 2020 has been lodged and a case registered at Police Station Gandoh under sec- tions 353, 336, 332, 504 and 506 IPC. When contacted SDPO Gandoh Nawaz Mohd Khanday, said, "We received a complaint from the Incharge of Forest team from Dramman village of Kahara that some villagers have made them hostage in the area. Acting on the complaint, I firstly sent 3 police teams from nearby police posts to rescue forest officials from the villagers and simultaneously lodged an FIR at PS Gandoh under relevant sections of IPC against the persons men- tioned in the complaint. " "We are investigating the matter on priorities as they have manhandled and made hostage on Duty Government officials who were in uniform," Khanday added, saying that strict action under law will be taken against all the accused persons involved in this grue- some incident. Meanwhile social and politi- cal organisations have also condemned the brutal attack on forest officials and demanded that PSA should be slapped on them especially against the proxy Sarpanch of the area. "This is an unfortunate inci- dent and should not be taken lightly as during Covid-19 epidemic it is already a her- culean task to man the vast forests and if the officials are attacked like this then how can one perform his duty. We demand that the goons should be booked under PSA," said Ayoub Zarger, Chairman Educational Environmental Social Sports and Cultural Society Bhalessa. "We have already raised our concerns about the notorious activities of the proxy PRI (Panchayti Raj Institution) members and also written to honorable Lieutenant- Governor about this unlawful activity going on under the nose of administration and this attack on forest officials is the proof of these elements. Strict action should be initi- ated and offenders should be put behind the bars to save these democratic institu- tions," said Rashid Choudhary, District Youth President JKNPP. Forest officials attacked by mob 'One person at one time will be allowed in Tehsil, SDM offices' GDC Thannamandi organises plantation drive STATE TIMES NEWS REASI: On the occasion of World Nature conservation day and celebration of Van Mahotsav 2020, Reasi Forest Division started mega plan- tation drive under supervi- sion of Divisional Forest Officer , Reasi Jyotsana, along with forest field staff. The plantation was done at Salal and Jyotipuram in col- laboration with an NGO (Youth Brigade Welfare Society) under the team head Rahul and also plantation was done in various spots. The Plantation was also done in Agharballian and Chanana Devata wherein prominent citizens were also present. Speaking on the occasion , DFO , Reasi men- tioned that everyone should try to protect all the natural resources air, water, soil, trees etc and reiterated com- mitment to do maximum plantation under the drive and informed that plantation under drive is also being con- ducted with the PRI's and other institutions and organ- isations and the areas which are under land erosion,the plantation will be done on priority at such places to prevent soil . She also appealed to the public at large to co- operate the department in protecting and conserving the plants and trees and come forward to join department in this green drive (by strictly adhering SOP guidelines) and use all natural resources sustainably. Reasi Forest Division launches plantation drive DFO Reasi Jyotsana planting a sapling. Farmers demand release of land acquisition rent