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Jammu | saturday 30, march 2024 | Vol. 19 | Issue No: 74 | Pages 12 | Price: Rs 2/- | REGD. NO. L-29/JK-305/23-25 | RNI NO. JKENG/2006/16811
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Ten killed as vehicle plunges into LG interacts with members

gorge on Ramban highway
Refugee message bureau
Ramban, Mar 29
At least ten people were killed
after a passenger vehicle they
were travelling in skidded off
the road amid heavy rain and fell
into a gorge in Ramban district
on the Jammu-Srinagar national
highway early on Friday, officials
said.
Officials informed the news
agency that the vehicle, believed
to be a Chevrolet Tavera, on its
way from Jammu to Srinagar
met with an accident and fell
into around 300-feet deep gorge
near Battery Chashma around
01:15 am.
"At 6:00 am this morning, the
rescue operation was started by
SDRF, Ramban Police, army and
volunteers amidst heavy rain
and poor visibility. Ten bodies
have been recovered from the
Tech can play big role in Agri,
education, health: PM Modi in
rescue operation site," the offi-
cial said.
The rescue team at the acci-
dent site recovered two identity
cards belonging to the deceased,
identified as Balwan Singh, a
driver from Amb Gharota in
Jammu district, and Vipin Mukh-
iya from Bhairagang in West
Champaran district of Bihar.
The identities of other deceased
persons are being ascertained,
Infiltration chances along
LoC increase when there is
important event like polls but
of JATF at Srinagar
the official said, adding that the
vehicle was carrying mostly non-
local residents.
He said the vehicle has not
been traced yet, and all the
bodies have been shifted to
Ramban district hospital.
Police have registered a case
and further investigation is
underway, he added.
Senior Superintendent of
Police (SSP) Ramban, Anuj
Kumar, said the bollard on the
road was broken, indicating
that the vehicle could have been
travelling at a speed of 80 to 100
km/h.
Regarding the cause of the
accident, he said rain and slip-
pery road conditions may also
have led to the incident. "Stan-
dard Operating Procedures
(SOPs) need to be developed
with all stakeholders,
CONTINUED ON 8 PAGE 8 Refugee message bureau for development of society.
SRINAGAR, MARCH 29 “Education is powerful instrument
of social transformation and nation’s
Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha progress. For peaceful, harmonious
today interacted with the members of
JATF, a Mumbai-based nonprofit orga-
and progressive society, more organi-
zations like JATF must come forward
nization, dedicated to empower youth to create an educated, responsible and
through education. The Lt Governor skilled generation that can contribute
appreciated the group for helping stu- to nation-building and inclusive devel-

interaction with Bill Gates

dents to achieve their dreams through
security forces alert: BSF IG its various coaching and mentoring
projects across the country.
Refugee message bureau “JATF is guided by the noble ideals
Srinagar, Mar 29 of Lord Mahavir and it is committed
to give back to the society. JATF’s proj-
Chances of infiltration ect for competitive exam is creating a
attempts from across the human resource that will take advan-
Line of Control (LoC) tage of new opportunities for develop-
in Jammu and Kashmir ment and contribute to growth of the
increase as the snow melts nation,” the Lt Governor said.
and when there is an impor- He called upon all stakeholders to
tant event like elections, make collaborative efforts to promote
but security forces are holistic education which is essential
CONTINUED ON 8 PAGE 8
opment of all sections of society,” he
said.
Since its inception, JATF is continu-
ously striving to shape the future of
the youth, guiding and assisting them
to prepare for the Civil & Judicial Ser-
vices, IIT and Banking sector. My best
wishes to the foundation for its future
endeavours, he said.
Members of JATF from across the
country including its Chairman Sh
Vinod Dugar; President JATF Sh Nar-
endra Mehta and other office bearers
were present.

Refugee message bureau

New Delhi, Mar 29
divide in the world and had decided that
he will not allow this to happen in India.
DoT advisory against from foreign origin mobile numbers and
asked citizens not to entertain such calls
misused in some illegal activities.
The callers then ask citizens to complete

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday

identified agriculture, education and
health as three sectors where he believes
technology can play a big role, and high-
lighted efforts of his government.
In an interaction with philanthropist
and Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates,
Modi said he used to hear of digital
He said he wants to allocate funds to
scientists for local research in cervical
cancer to develop vaccines at a minimal
cost and that his new government will
work to ensure vaccination, especially
for all girls.
Modi has frequently expressed confi-
dence that he will return to power
CONTINUED ON 8 PAGE 8
fraud WhatsApp calls and not reveal any information.
Department of Telecommunications
KYC and in the process acquire sensitive
information from citizens. They should
Refugee message bureau (DoT), Ministry of Communications, has know that the govt doesn’t authorize anyone
New Delhi, Mar 29 issued an advisory to citizens that calls are for such calls.
being received by the citizens wherein call- The DoT has also issued advisory about
Taking note of rising fraud calls and cyber ers, in the name of DoT, are threatening that WhatsApp calls from foreign origin mobile
crimes, the Department of Telcom Friday all of their mobile numbers would be discon- numbers (like +92-xxxxxxxxxx)
issued an advisory about WhatsApp calls nected or their mobile numbers are being CONTINUED ON 8 PAGE 8

Gulmarg, Sonamarg receive fresh Basohli deliberately More than 79,000

snowfall, rains lash plains
MeT issues advisory, advises farmers to suspend operations till Mar 31
Refugee message bureau
Srinagar, Mar 29
The weather pattern
undergoes a transition in
Jammu and Kashmir on
Friday as Sonamarg and
the world famous ski-
resort Gulmarg recorded
a fresh snowfall while
the rains lashed plains of
Kashmir.
Jammu also witnessed
a shift with light drizzles.
According to the news
agency, Gulmarg and
Sonamarg are among
the few areas where light
snowfall has occurred
today under the influence
of a Western Disturbance
that affected J&K from
today.
Residents in Srinagar
navigated the rain with
umbrellas and raincoats
as they embarked on their
daily routines amidst the
downpour.
The local Meteorologi-
cal department in Srinagar
has predicted chances of
rain and snowfall at many
places until March 30.
Despite cloudy skies
across most parts of
Jammu division, tempera-
tures remained relatively
high, with Jammu record-
ing a minimum tempera-
ture of 18.8 degrees Cel-
sius and Srinagar at 9.8
degrees Celsius.
Director MeT, Dr
Mukhtar Ahmad said that
on March 31st, partly to
generally cloudy with
intermittent light rain and
snow is expected at few
places.
From April 01-5th, the
weather would remain
generally dry weather
with possibility of light
rain at isolated places on
3rd April.
According to MeT advi-
sory, farmers have been
advised to suspend farm
operations till 31st March.
There is possibility of
landslides, mudslides and
shooting stones during
above period, the advi-
sory reads, adding that
thunderstorm, lightning
activity with possibility of
Hailstorm & Gusty winds is
expected during 29 & 30th
March.
Meanwhile, efforts to
restore connectivity along
the Mughal Road, linking
Poonch-Rajouri to Kash-
mir, saw significant prog-
ress as snow removal oper-
ations concluded within a
record 17 days.
Led by PWD Mechani-
cal Engineering Wing, the
diligent efforts resulted in
the clearance of snow up
to Peer Ki Gali, marking a
milestone achievement in
snow removal operations.
With traffic police and dis-
trict officials set to inspect
the road, its reopening
for traffic is imminent,
signaling a step forward
in restoring essential con-
nectivity in the region.
neglected by its Congress
representatives: Dr Jitendra
refugee message bureau
BASOHLI, Mar 29
Union Minister and BJP Candidate
for Udhampur Lok Sabha constitu-
ency Dr Jitendra Singh said here
today that Basohli had been delib-
erately neglected by its Congress
representatives of the past, includ-
ing its MLAs and MPs.
Addressing a series of road side
meetings and public rallies enroute
from Kathua and culminating in
Basohli, Dr Jitendra Singh said,
Congress MLAs and MPs elected by
the people of Basohli had occupied
Ministerial berths for years togeth-
er but instead of caring for their
people, they followed the Kash-
mir-centric appeasement policy of
their masters and thus themselves
became a party to regional discrim-
ination against the very constitu-
ency which had elected them.
Instead of being benefited by the
MLAs or MPs who became Minis-
ters in Congress governments, the
people of Basohli had to pay the
price for further worsening of their
plight due to such opportunistic
representatives, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, it is in the
last 10 years under the government
of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
that Basohli painting and Basohli
Pashmina received GI Tag and
earned worldwide reputation. Why
could this not happen in over six
decades of Congress rule, he asked.
Both Pashmina and Painting give
Basohli a unique
CONTINUED ON 8 PAGE 8
violations reported
so far through
C-Vigil app: EC
Refugee message bureau
New Delhi, Mar 29
The Election Commission
(EC) on Friday said its C-Vig-
il mobile application has
become an effective tool in
the hands of people for flag-
ging poll code violations and
since the announcement of
the Lok Sabha election, more
than 79,000 complaints have
been received.
More than 99 per cent of
the complaints have been
resolved and close to 89 per
cent of those were resolved
within 100 minutes, the poll
panel said.
More than 58,500 com-
plaints (73 per cent of the
total number of complaints)
received were against illegal
hoardings and banners, the
EC said, adding that over
1,400 complaints received
pertained to money, gifts and
liquor distribution.
Close to 3 per cent of the
complaints (2,454) were relat-
ed to defacement of property.
Of the 535 complaints
received for display of fire-
arms and intimidation, 529
have been resolved, the
CONTINUED ON 8 PAGE 8
 02 REFUGEE MESSAGE jammu, march 30, 2024 SATURDAY NEWS
3-Day Tawi Sahitya Lok Utsav begins Dr Pawan Kotwal Chairs 5th UT Level NSS units of GDC Udhampur
NARCO Coordination Centre Meeting organizes “Mera Pehla Vote
at Abhinav Theatre Complex, Jammu Desh Ke Liye” promise campaign
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, Mar 29 Leh, Mar. 29

The Jammu and Kashmir The Advisor to the Hon'ble

Academy of Art, Culture
and Languages ( JKAACL)
proudly announces the
commencement of the
Tawi Sahitya Lok Utsav, a
celebration of regional lit-
erature and culture, in col-
laboration with the Indira
Gandhi National Centre
for the Arts (IGNCA),
Jammu. The festival was
inaugurated today by Shri
Suresh Kumar Gupta, Prin-
cipal Secretary, Depart-
ment of Culture, in the
presence of Shri Ramesh
Kumar, Divisional Com-
missioner, Jammu,Ms.
Deepika Kumari, Secre-
tary, Department of Cul-
ture, Mrs. Trishla Kundal,
Special Secretary, Depart-
ment of Culture, Shri
Sanjeev Rana, Additional
Secretary, JKAACL and Ms.
Shruti Awasthi, Director,
IGNCA, Jammu.
Shri Suresh Kumar
Gupta, Principal Secre-
tary, Department of Cul-
ture said that the main
aim of the festival is to cel-
ebrate Jammu and Kash-
mir's cultural diversity and
literary heritage through
interactive sessions, cul-
tural performances, and
creative competitions. In
his address Shri Ramesh
Kumar, Divisional Com-
missioner, Jammu empha-
sized the significance of
One day programme on substantial abuse
held at Batamaloo Srinagar, Angel's Cultural
Academy team also performed
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Srinagar, MAR 29
District Police Srinagar
organised a one day pro-
gramme on substantial
abuse at Batamaloo Sri-
nagar in which many
artists had come and
performed on the stage.
Angel's Cultural Academy
was also invited there on
this occasion which pre-
sented a drama ,ladishah
& kashmiri poem on drugs
which was full of aware-
ness and carrying fruitful
message to the masses.
Mr.Tariq Ahmad Shera
the President of Angel's
Cultural Academy was
also present there who
too showed his presence,
physical as well as mental
and uttered some price-
less words on stage that
how we should save the
future of our youth and
what measures to be taken
to bring them back to the
right path at earliest.
A huge gathering of
promoting the region's
cultural legacy, fostering
an atmosphere of cultur-
al harmony and artistic
expression.
The inaugural day was
marked by thought-pro-
voking author interac-
tions, captivating Mushai-
ras, Short story sessions,
insightful book launches,
and an array of creative
competitions and exhibi-
tions. The Authors Inter-
action sessions, held at
the Main Stall of JKAACL,
provided a platform for
literary dialogue and cul-
tural exchange, featuring
prominent writers from
diverse linguistic back-
grounds.
Renowned Dogri writer
Padma Shri Mohan Singh
graced the event, shar-
ing his insights and liter-
ary contributions, mod-
erated by Sh. Ravinder
Koul. Similarly, Sh. Khalid
Hussain, a distinguished
Punjabi writer, and Dr.
people mostly locals living
nearby and other differ-
ent areas, could be seen
there who had reached
in morning before the
programme was about to
start.They hailed the art-
ists and speakers especial-
ly Mr.Tariq Ahmad Shera.
At the conclusion of the
programme the certificate
Adarsh Prakash, a noted
Hindi writer, engaged the
audience with their expe-
riences and literary prow-
ess, moderated by Smt.
Surinder Kour Neer and
Prof. S.K. Mishra, respec-
tively. Prof. Shad Ramzan,
a prominent Kashmiri
writer, shared reflections
on Kashmiri culture and
heritage, moderated by
Bindiya Tickoo.
The event also featured
various programs such as
Hindi, Gojri, and Dogri
Mushairas, celebrating the
poetic heritage of these
languages. Hindi, Dogri,
Punjabi and Kashmiri
Short Story session. The
release of "Hindi Aalochan
Kosh" marked a significant
literary event, reflecting
scholarly pursuits in Hindi
language and literature.
Additionally, the Young
Author Meet under the PM
Young Authors Scheme
aimed to encourage young
literary talents.
St. Peter’s Catholic Church takes
out 'Good Friday' procession
of honour was presented
to Mr.Tariq Ahmad Shera
& his team from SP South
Shabir Ahmad Khan & SHO
Batamaloo Gowher Malla
,both thanked Mr.Tariq
Ahmad Shera for being
there and also appreci-
ated the performance of
his team Angel's Cultural
Academy.
Lieutenant Governor, UT
Ladakh Dr Pawan Kotwal,
chaired the 5th UT Level
NARCO Coordination
Centre (NCORD) commit-
tee meeting at the Civil
Secretariat, Leh.
The committee
reviewed the actions
taken on the outcomes of
the 4th UT Level NCORD
meeting, and deliber-
ated upon various crucial
issues concerning drug
trafficking, prevention,
rehabilitation, and aware-
ness campaigns within the
state.
At the outset, a com-
prehensive presentation
was given by the Deputy
Inspector General of
Police, Leh-Kargil Range
(Member Convenor of the
UT level NCORD Commit-
tee) on issues concerning
drug trafficking, preven-
tion, rehabilitation, and
awareness campaigns
within Ladakh.
Deliberations were held
on the actions taken and
the progress made based
on the previous NCORD
meeting's resolutions,
emphasizing the need for
effective implementation
and follow-up actions. The
committee examined the
prevailing drug trafficking
situation in Ladakh and
deliberated on strategies
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, Mar 29
St. Peter’s Catholic
Church, Prem Nagar orga-
nized Good Friday Proces-
sion on March 29, 2024,
the procession began from
Candle Church Chowk at
Christian Colony, the pro-
cession moved towards St.
Peter’s Catholic Church,
Prem Nagar via Residen-
cy Road and Vivekanad
Chowk. Good Friday, is the
Friday before Easter, the
day on which Christians
annually observe the com-
memoration of the Cruci-
fixion of Jesus Christ. The
followers of Jesus depicted
the suffering of Jesus and
enacted His death on the
cross. Hundreds of people
devotedly participated in
the prayerful procession,
the faithful participated in
the procession holding the
cross in their hands, many
people have expressed
their view about the pre-
cession and they said that
it was the most peaceful
to combat it, including
stringent actions against
drug peddlers.
The committee
explored measures for the
rehabilitation of victims of
substance abuse, focusing
on the functioning of Drug
De-addiction Centers
(DDACs) and strategies
for countering the supply
chains. The Chairperson
directed to expedite the
establishment of Drug
De-Addiction Centers and
instructed the officials
to ensure the readiness
of the essential facilities
by the 1st of May, 2024.
Equipped with state-
of-the-art facilities and
staffed by dedicated pro-
fessionals, the centers will
serve as beacons of hope
for those grappling with
addiction, offering com-
prehensive support and
rehabilitation services,
he stated.
Dr Kotwal emphasized
the importance of coor-
dination among all stake-
holders involved in com-
bating drug trafficking
and substance abuse. He
procession that they ever
had in their lives. It was a
heartbreaking act by the
devotees and thousands of
people have witnessed it.
As the procession reached
the Church, there was a
Good Friday service which
was conducted by Rev. Fr.
Kuriakose T, the Parish
Priest and Rev. Fr. Suhail
Joseph, the Asst. Parish
Priest.
Rev. Fr. Kuriakose, in
his homily he said that
the Cross is the principal
symbol of Christianity.
The cross reminds about
the sacrificial love of
Christ which he expressed
to humankind through
stressed upon involving
the Non-Governmental
Organizations (NGOs),
religious institutions, and
other stakeholders in fos-
tering awareness and pre-
vention initiatives.
The meeting concluded
with a determination to
implement the discussed
strategies effectively, fos-
tering a drug-free and
healthier society in UT
Ladakh. The meeting was
attended by the Addi-
tional Director General
of Police, UT Ladakh; the
Administrative Secretar-
ies Social & Tribal Wel-
fare Department, Health
& Medical Education
Department, and Excise &
State Taxes Department;
Director Health Services,
Deputy Commissioner,
Leh; Superintendent of
Police Leh; Drug Con-
troller, UT Ladakh, while
Zonal Director, NCB,
Jammu; Deputy Commis-
sioner, Kargil; Sr. Superin-
tendent of Police, Kargil;
Chief Medical Officer,
Kargil joined the meeting
virtually.
his passion and death.
The cross has a message
for all the believers today
as it gives meaning to the
trials and troubles in the
world and for standing as
a symbol of love as well as
a symbol of victory. Jesus’
death challenges us to
leave sin behind and as he
was addressing the faithful
he quoted the Bible verse
from St. Paul’s letter to the
Galatians, “I have been
crucified with Christ and
it is no longer I who live,
but it is Christ who lives
in me” (Gal 2:19-20). Cross
is standing as a symbol of
love as well as a symbol of
victory.
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
jammu, mar 29
Under the ablest guid-
ance of Worthy Principal
Prof. Dr. Romesh Kumar
Gupta and in Supervision
of NSS PO’S Dr. Gurpreet
Kaur and Prof. Sanjeet
Singh, NSS Units of GDC
Udhampur conducts the
Promise campaign under
the theme “Mera Pehla
Vote Desh Ke Liye “.
As the lok sabha elec-
tions 2024 are around the
corner and they will act
as catalyst to build and
strengthen the pillars of
democracy hence each
and every stakeholder
who is eligible to partici-
pate must ensure his con-
tribution to this important
national festival hence
G.D.C. Udhampur orga-
nized a massive awareness
campaign among the stu-
dents to make them aware
and train as well to be the
messengers of democracy
and spread the message of
the theme to the relatives,
friends and the rest of the
community about the
importance of vote and
its valuable contribution
in nation building.
The event started with
an eloquent message from
the worthy principal of
J&K EJCC condoles loss of lives
in road accident at Ramban
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Srinagar, Mar 29
Aijaz Ahmad Khan Chair-
man of Jammu and Kash-
mir Employees Joint Con-
sultative Committee ( JK
EJCC) mourned the loss of
lives in a road accident at
Battery Chashma in District
Ramban on Friday and con-
veyed his condolences to
the bereaved families.
Ten people were killed
after a vehicle skidded off
the Jammu-Srinagar nation-
al highway and fell into a
gorge in at Battery Chash-
ma in District Ramban in
the early hours of Friday.
The vehicle, a Chevrolet
the college in which he
said to the students and
the staff about the impor-
tance of vote. He elaborat-
ed that the voice of youth
should clearly outline the
priorities of young people
and the nation to build a
strong foundation which
can accommodate all the
classes of society to march
to progress. He added
that a vote to an intel-
ligent, honest and ratio-
nale person can uplift
the overall health of the
nation and bring prosper-
ity among the masses.
The faculty mem-
bers also expresses their
views and exhorted upon
the students to create a
path of progress for the
nation by choosing and
appropriate and genuine
candidate for the bet-
terment of the nation.
Those who expressed
their views were Prof.
Anil Thappa, Prof. Rajesh
Singh Manhas, Dr. Sanjay
Singh , Dr. Ujjwal Gupta,
More than 150 NSS
Volunteers and other stu-
dents of different streams
and semesters joined the
promise campaign near
main gate. The program
was held under the coor-
dination of Dr. Jagjeet
Singh.
Tavera, was on its way to
Jammu from Srinagar and
it fell into a 300-foot gorge
at the Battery Cheshma
area of the district Ramban
early morning.
Khalid Mehmood Khan
Chief Spokesperson and
other office bearers of of
J&K EJCC expressed heart-
felt condolences to the
bereaved family members
and implored administra-
tion to provide all possible
help for victim families.
Chairman of EJCC have
also implored the admin-
istration an Ex-gratia of Rs.
5 lakh to kin of deceased
and Rs.2 Lakh to injured in
Ramban accident.

Arni University's Two-Day Bike Rally Passes on Strong PSA Doda delegation meets CEO P L Thapa to
Messages - ' Say No to Drugs’, 'Empower Women'
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, March 29
Arni University (AU), at the
forefront of championing
social causes, recently
orchestrated a two-day
bike rally with a dual mis-
sion: spreading awareness
on "Say NO to Drugs" and
advocating for women
empowerment. Led by Mr.
Vivek Singh, Chancellor of
Arni University, the rally
witnessed active participa-
tion from a diverse group
of individuals, including
100 bike riders, of which
30 were women. A large
number of students and
faculty were from J&K.
Along with Kashmiri
faculty Mehr Un Nisa, Dr.
Neha Salaria, Ms. Monica
Thakur, Dr. Gurvinder
Singh, along with fac-
ulty member Mr. Mayank
Sharma, and students
Kunal, Sheeran, Gulshan,
and Tauseef, played pivot-
al roles in organizing and
executing the rally, ensur-
address educational concerns
ing its resounding success.
The rally, with its strong
emphasis on drug preven-
tion and women empower-
ment, served as a platform
to galvanize community
support and drive home
important societal mes-
sages. The active involve-
ment of women riders,
comprising nearly one-
third of the total partici-
pants, underscored AU's
commitment to gender
equality and inclusivity.
Commencing from Chan-
digarh, the rally embarked
on a symbolic journey,
culminating at Khatkar
Kalan, a village renowned
for its memorial honoring
Bhagat Singh, a revered
figure in India's freedom
struggle. Mr. Vivek Singh,
leading the rally, empha-
sized the importance of
societal values and col-
lective action in com-
bating substance abuse.
He remarked, "The bike
rally serves as a powerful
reminder of the values we
cherish as a society. It's
heartening to see the com-
munity come together to
promote positive messag-
es and honor the heroes
of our nation."
The rally continued its
course to the Arni Uni-
versity campus, where
an enthusiastic reception
awaited the bikers, high-
lighting the unity and
support from students
towards the cause. The
subsequent day saw the
rally traversing through
Pathankot-Nurpur-
Dharamshala, attracting
significant attention and
participation at each stop.
At Dharamshala, the
rally reached its zenith,
with nearly 1000 people
gathering to welcome the
riders. Among the distin-
guished speakers address-
ing the crowd was Dr.
Kshama Metre, popularly
known as Doctor Didi, and
a recipient of the esteemed
Padma Shri award. Flag-
ging off the rally, Dr. Metre
underscored the impor-
tance of redirecting ener-
gies towards construc-
tive endeavors, stating,
"Addiction, when directed
towards sports, educa-
tion, or nation-building
activities, holds the key
to individual and societal
progress."
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Doda, MAR 29
A delegation representing
the Private School Associa-
tion of Doda, spearhead-
ed by Mr. O.P. Chandail,
District President of the
Association, convened a
constructive meeting with
CEO Doda, Mr. P.L. Thapa,
in his office chamber. The
session, also attended by
DEPO Doda, Dr. Anees
Ahmed, transpired in
a cordial atmosphere,
reflecting a shared com-
mitment to advancing ciation advocated for the commitment to leave no Doda of their dedication
educational standards in establishment of minimum stone unturned in bolster- to remaining responsive
the region. conditions for result con- ing the efforts of private to governmental directives
During the meet- firmation, underscoring schools in delivering qual- and pledged continued
ing, CEO Doda, Mr. P.L. the significance of main- ity education, acknowledg- cooperation.
Thapa, elucidated on the taining academic integrity ing their indispensable The delegation includ-
comprehensive guidelines and transparency. role in the educational ed prominent representa-
delineating the proto- Assuring proactive mea- landscape.In response, tives from various private
cols to be adhered to by sures, CEO Doda, Mr. P.L. the Private School Associa- schools, including Hafeez
private schools, encom- Thapa, pledged unwav- tion extended gratitude to Khudwani, Shahab Ul
passing aspects such as ering support to address CEO Doda for his receptive Haque, Rizwan Ahmed,
curriculum materials, the concerns raised by stance and affirmed their Javed Ahmed Khan,
fee structures, and other the private school sector. commitment to adhering Anil Kumar, Surinder
pertinent considerations. Emphasising a facilitative to the prescribed guide- Singh,Nishad Ahmed and
The Private School Asso- approach, he reiterated the lines. They reassured CEO Bashir Ahmed.
 news
BJP only talking of Modi wave,
nothing else to speak about: Bhalla
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
jammu, mar 29
“The BJP is talking about
the Modi wave as it has
nothing else to talk about,”
said JKPCC Working Presi-
dent Raman Bhalla while
addressing election gath-
ering at Diani, Samba.
Prominent among those
present on the occasion
include former Minister
Yashpal Kundal, Vice
President and Treasurer
and Incharge Samba Dis-
trict Rajnish Sharma Mian,
District President Sanjeev
Sharma, Block President
Sanjeev Katal, Vinod
Kumar , Kamal Kundal,
Jyoti Deyi, Darshana
Kumari besides others.
Speaking on the occa-
sion, Bhalla said BJP can-
didates across the country
are asking voters to elect
them in order to make
Narendra Modi the Prime
Minister the third time.
It is because they have
nothing else to speak
about other than talking of
Modi wave which is failed
attempt to divert the atten-
tion of the people from
real issues, he said. He
said BJP candidates have
no achievements of their
own to speak of. He urged
the people to support the
Congress as it is a party
that works for them and
not for the ultra rich.
“I will tell you why I
think the Congress is the
party of the have nots,
while the BJP is a party of
the haves. The Congress is
the party of the poor while
the BJP exists to serve the
rich. All their acts, includ-
ing sale of public assets at
below market prices to big
corporates that are their
Altaf Bukhari grieved over loss of 10
lives in Ramban road accident
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, MAR 29
Apni Party President, Syed
Mohammed Altaf Bukhari
has grieved over the loss
of ten lives, mostly non-
local labourers’, in a tragic
road accident near Battery
Chashma in Ramban Dis-
trict on Jammu-Srinagar
Highway.
“I extend my heartfelt
condolences to the family
members, who have lost
their loved ones, in the
road mishap when a pas-
senger vehicle plunged
into a gorge near Battery
Chashma while travelling
towards Srinagar,” said
Altaf Bukhari in his con-
NC espouses Kashmiri Migrants’ cause, BJP NC always supported separatism, opposes
only exploited them: Rattan Lal
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, March 29
The Provincial President
JKNC Jammu Rattan Lal
Gupta Adv and Jammu and
Kashmir National Confer-
ence's Minority Cell lead-
ers warmly welcomed the
new entrant Mrs Shriya
Handoo grand daughter
of Late Shri P.L Handoo
former minister and greet-
ed her at Sher-e-Kashmir
Bhavan,Jammu today.
Mr Rattan Lal Gupta Pro-
vincial President Jammu
Province welcomed Shriya
Handoo in National Con-
ference.
While addressing on this
occasion Rattan Lal Gupta
said that National Con-
ference has always stood
for the cause of Kashmiri
Migrants and shall contin-
ue the same for all times
to come while Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) has only
exploited them to the hilt
by making hollow prom-
friends, closing down and
weakening of public sector
undertakings, not starting
any new PSUs, not build-
ing large infrastructure
projects like dams or aca-
demic institutions like uni-
versities, are indications of
their mentality,” he said.
Bhalla said that “most
of the public sector under-
takings, huge dams and
universities were built by
Congress governments led
by Jawaharlal Nehru in the
first few decades of Inde-
pendence, when there was
not much money with the
government. This socio-
economic structure was
aimed at helping the poor.
But the BJP has undone all
that. In the last decade it
has not been able to build
a single PSU or a dam or a
university of world stan-
dards that provides free
or subsidised education
to the poor,” he said. “The
people are realising its fail-
ures and they will teach
the BJP a lesson,” he said.
He asked all leaders and
workers to strive single-
mindedly for the party’s
nominees.
Bhalla said that the
voters in the country are
disappointed with Prime
Minister and they will
teach him a lesson in this
election. He stated that in
2014, when criss-crossed
the country by spending
dolence message.
He demanded immedi-
ate eviction of the injured
persons in the road acci-
dent site, and free of cost
medical treatment to the
injured persons.
“The administration
should release the com-
pensation in favour of
the next of kins of the
deceased persons,” he said
while extending solidarity
on behalf of the Party lead-
ers.
Meanwhile, Vice Presi-
dent of the Party, and
Former Minister, Aijaz
Ahmed Khan has also
expressed shock over
the road accident and
demanded airlifting of the
nationalism, security in Valley
ises. He said that the BJP
Govt had made prom-
ises to rehabilitate the KP
migrants in the Valley but
these proved to be a cruel
joke as no steps were taken
in this direction since
2014. He dared the BJP
Govt to reveal what steps
have been taken by it for
employment of KP unem-
ployed youth including
those who are now barred
due to their being over
aged.
The Provincial President
asserted that the issues
confronting the displaced
Kashmiri Pandits need to
be addressed on priority.
crores of rupees, he made
the people to dream. “He
assured changes. Natu-
rally, the young voted for
him. But after ten years,
Modi didn't keep any of
his promises. There are no
jobs, no growth,” he said.
“It was former Prime Min-
ister P V Narasimha Rao
and his finance minister
Manmohan Singh who
really brought economic
reforms. But under the
Modi rule, everything is
reversed.
Bhalla said that the
people are waiting eager-
ly to teach a lesson to the
BJP for allegedly failing to
fulfill the promises made
before coming to power
at the Centre and in J&K.
“People of J&K want a
credible voice to represent
their aspirations and Con-
gress is the only credible
voice of all the regions of
J&K,” he added.Every vote
matters and every vote
should be polled in favour
of Congress, for ours is the
only party that has never
compromised with regard
to equitable development
of all regions of State.
Claiming that people
were “disturbed over the
change in BJP’s attitude
after getting a clear man-
date,” Bhalla said that
the public would teach a
lesson to the BJP in forth-
coming elections.He said
critically injured persons
to the hospitals in Jammu
and Srinagar.
He demanded that the
administration should
order a probe into the
road mishap which has
consumed ten lives.
Whereas, the General
Secretary of the Party, Syed
Asgar Ali also expressed
his condolences. He said
that the widening work
is in progress on the Jam-
mu-Srinagar Highway.
However, the road safety
measures should not be
compromised and in this
case, the administration
must ensure the commut-
ers / truckers should get
a safe road towards Kash-
He exhorted the central
government to chalk out
a time bound roadmap for
their safe, honourable and
dignified return.
Rattan Lal asked the
Govt at the Centre to pro-
vide appropriate one time
settlement compensation
to the over aged Kashmiri
Pandit youth.
Bushan Lal Bhat former
MLC reiterated that the
National Conference has
always stood for the cause
of Kashmiri migrants and
shall continue its fight for
their cause for ever.
On this occasion Mrs
Bimla Luthra former MLA
that people of Jammu and
Kashmir are also eagerly
awaiting for the next avail-
able opportunity to teach
BJP and its allies a lesson
for letting them down
and not fulfilling prom-
ises made to the people
of Jammu and Kashmir.
Bhalla claimed that people
are yearning for a change
and want riddance from
the BJP’s “misrule.”
Bhalla gave a clarion
call to the people to pre-
pare themselves for giving
a befitting reply to the
“divisive” forces led by
BJP as the opportunity
has come after five years.
He appealed to the young
brigade to come forward
for a better change in the
JKUT.He said Congress is
duty bound to empower
every section of the UT
equally, especially the
youth, who hold the key
to development and can
change the direction, for
which they need to rise to
the occasion to show the
power of their vote in the
future elections.
Expre ssing hope,
Bhalla claimed that Con-
gress Party will form next
Government in Jammu
and Kashmir. “Party
is supreme and every
worker is bound to further
strengthen it at grass roots
level and serve people as
Congress has the legacy of
serving and strengthening
the people,” Bhalla said.
He said bureaucratic rule
has never been alternative
to democratically elected
Government. He said that
Congress is only political
force in the country con-
sistently playing role of
healthy opposition in the
country.
mir or towards Jammu,
while passing through the
Ramban District.
Besides, the Provincial
President of the Party,
Jammu, S. Manjit Singh
has expressed his sym-
pathy with the victims of
the road accident while
asking the Govt to inves-
tigate the causes of the
road accident. The Dis-
trict President, Ramban,
Kirpal Singh and other
office bearers of the Dis-
trict Committee have also
extended their sympathy
with the bereaved family
members and demanded
adequate compensation
in favour of the deceased
person’s kins.
and State Vice President
women wing urged the
people to support the
National Conference, as
they believe it is the only
party that can fulfill the
aspirations of the people
of Jammu and Kashmir for
a brighter future.
On this occasion Shriya
Handoo pledged to carry
forward the mission of
National Conference in
transforming Jammu and
Kashmir into a peaceful
and progressive state with
devotion and dedication.
Those who were present
on this occasion included,
Pardeep Bali Provincial
Secretary Jammu, Vijay
Lochan Chairman SC Cell,
Rakesh Singh Raka Vice
President Central Zone,
Amit Koul, Ashok Bhan,
Jatin Bhat, Sunita Bhan,
Surinder Bhan, Malla Ji,
Veer Ji, S. Tejinder Singh,
Som Raj Taroch, Jatinder
Kumar , Ajay Kumar and
others.
Modi Govt remained exemplary
in providing succour to
underprivileged: Kavinder
Refugee Message Bureau
Jammu, Mar 29
Senior BJP leader and
former Deputy Chief Min-
ister, Kavinder Gupta on
Friday said that perfor-
mance of Union Govern-
ment led by PM Naren-
dra Modi has remained
phenomenal in bringing
about positive changes in
the lives of the poor and
underprivileged in the
past one decade.
The BJP stalwart was
addressing a mammoth
gathering at Bazigar Basti
and Bahu Fort areas of
Jammu City to garner sup-
port for his party in wake
of forthcoming Lok Sabha
polls.
Kavinder said that NITI
Aayog has endorsed that
over 25 crore popula-
tion had been pulled out
of poverty over the past
decade by envisaging a
multitude of public wel-
fare schemes. He said that
Prime Minister Narendra
Modi firmly believed that
the development process
of the country must pass
through the establish-
ment of state of art infra-
structure, which acts as a
medium for sustainable
and inclusive growth. He
said that Modi Govern-
ment has ensured imple-
mentation of this princi-
ple on ground to help the
underprivileged classes to
overcome dearth, hard-
ships and poverty.
The senior BJP leader
claimed that no govern-
ment in the past had
done so much for the
poor like the Modi regime
Woman among 2 absconders
arrested in Baramulla
Refugee Message Bureau
Srinagar, Mar 29
Police have arrested two absconders, including a woman,
who were evading their arrest for decades in Jammu and
Kashmir's Baramulla district. The duo have been identified
as Altaf Ahmad Mir, a resident of Bernate, and Shanaza
Begum, wife of Qasim Din Thakar of Uranbowa Boniyar.
"Both are involved in many cases and were evading their
arrests from the last decades, arrested by a special team,"
police said on Friday. The warrant under Section 512 CrPC
was issued by the Court of Sub Judge Judicial Magistrate
First Class ( JMIC) Baramulla pending with Police Station
Boniyar against the accused persons executed, and both
were produced before the Court of Law.
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, March 29
Bali Bhagat, senior BJP
leader and former min-
ister, today strongly criti-
cized the NC leader Omar
Abdullah for his base-
less remarks regarding
the revocation of AFSPA
(Armed Forces Special
Powers Act) during the
UPA-2 Government. He
deemed the National Con-
ference and Pakistan as the
"mother of separatism and
terrorism."
While speaking at the
meeting held here today,
the senior BJP leader
highlighted that terror-
ism has flourished under
the regime of the National
Conference, and it was
during the early 1990s in
the Kashmir Valley when
the AFSPA was imposed
to combat the rising mili-
tancy. He emphasized that
the AFSPA provides neces-
sary powers to the secu-
jammu, MARCH 30, 2024 SATURDAY
as it has tailored dozens
of schemes exclusively
for the poor strata to bail
it out from the morass,
which it confronted for
the last many decades due
to indifference of succes-
sive governments.
Assuring that PM Modi
has much more in the
offing for those who are
still struggling to fight
poverty, the senior party
functionary sought whole-
hearted support of the
people in the Lok Sabha
polls and the Assembly
elections to be held at a
later stage for realizing
the unfulfilled dreams of
the people in the shortest
possible time. He said,
“PM Modi has fulfilled all
his promises made in run
up to polls in 2014 and
2019, thus it is time now
for the people of J&K to
reciprocate positively to
strengthen hands of PM
Modi for another term
to fulfill the remaining
demands of the people
and making nation strong
economically, socially and
militarily as well”.
During the meetings,
Sharda Kumari former
Corporator, Karuna
Chettri, Vivek Patyal,
Rattan Lal, Raj Kumar
spoke on the occasion.
Prominent among
those who were present
include Rattan Lal, Vijay
Kumar, Hans Raj, Vivek
Patyal, Karuna Khetri,
Girdhari Lal, Roshan
Lal, Sajan Kumar, Ashok
Kumar, Giani Ram,
Narinder, Chanda, Jugnu,
Raj Kumar, Barfi and Raj
Kumar.
rity forces to effectively
combat terrorism and
maintain law and order in
the region.
Bali Bhagat expressed
his disappointment with
Omar Abdullah's allega-
tions against General
(Retd) V K Singh, former
Army Chief. He stated that
General V K Singh has
devoted his entire life to
upholding the sovereign-
ty of the nation, and it is
shameful for Omar Abdul-
REFUGEE MESSAGE 03
Sajad Lone criticises NC for
its 'sinister role' in Kashmir's
turbulent history
Refugee Message Bureau
Srinagar, Mar 29 (UNI)
Jammu & Kashmir Peo-
ples Conference Presi-
dent Sajad Gani Lone on
Friday strongly criticised
the National Conference
for its "malevolent role"
in the turbulent history
of Jammu and Kashmir,
which has resulted in
widespread despair and
sufferings among the
common people.
In a post on the micro-
blogging site X, Lone out-
lined a stark dichotomy
that has defined Kash-
mir over the past three
decades, distinguishing
between the "victor" and
the "victim."
"In Kashmir, in the
last three decades there
have been two types of
people. The Victor & the
Victim," setting the stage
for his indictment of the
erstwhile ruling class", he
stated.
The Peoples Confer-
ence President asserted
that during this period,
the entrenched elite,
epitomized by the "victor,"
wielded power merciless-
ly and hegemonically.
"The Victor in the last
three decades has been
the ruling class. They
ordered killings, ordered
pellet guns to be fired,
ordered arrests, ordered
encounters, ordered
PSAs, rigged elections,
then arrested those whose
Manjit Singh honours
Priyanka Dogra for winning
Mis – Iconic India 2024
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
VIJAYPUR, MAR 29
Apni Party Provincial
President, Jammu, and
Former Minister, S.
Manjit Singh today hon-
oured a young dynamic
personality, Priyanka
Dogra for winning Miss -
Iconic India 2024 award.
As per a press release,
the Former Minister S.
Manjit Singh visited the
residence of Priyanka
Dogra and honoured
her for winning the Miss
lah to level such baseless
accusations against him.
Highlighting the his-
torical opposition by
Valley-based leaders to
the revocation of AFSPA,
Bali Bhagat noted that
Omar Abdullah's stance is
not surprising. Since the
enforcement of AFSPA, the
Valley-based leaders have
consistently opposed this
act, despite its vital role in
maintaining security and
combating terrorism.
elections were rigged and
placed them Under PSA
and packed them off to
far off jails" the post read.
"The victors were mer-
ciless," Lone continued,
expressing the grim reality
of their reign. "They jailed
even the family members
of those who were on
their hit list. Mothers and
sisters of dissidents were
jailed".
He further accused
them of opportunism,
noting that their alliances
with parties like the BJP
and Congress had further
exacerbated the suffering
of Kashmiris.
"They teamed up with
BJP. They teamed up with
Congress. Relentless in
their pursuit of the help-
less Kashmiri as canon
fodder. Today every vil-
lage has a special grave-
yard and the victims of
the victors rest there," Mr.
Lone lamented, highlight-
ing the profound toll of
their actions on Kashmiri
society.
"The Victim was
the common man, the
common Kashmiri was
killed, tortured, arrested,
blinded, handicapped,
widowed & orphaned," he
emphasized, enumerating
the atrocities endured by
the populace.
Against this backdrop,
he exhorted everyone to
introspect whether the NC
has been the victim or the
victor.
Iconic India 2024 which
was a proud moment
for the family members
as well as for the people
of Jammu and Kashmir.
He praised the family
members of the girl who
extended their support
and encouragement to
her to represent on the
noted platform i.e., Mis
Iconic India 2024.
He also appealed
to the youth of J&K to
follow their dream and
fulfill them with hard
work.
Furthermore,
he emphasized
that the National
Conference has
not only sup-
ported separat-
ism but has also
opposed nation-
alism and secu-
rity forces in the
Valley. He urged
the public to rec-
ognize the detri-
mental effects of
such ideologies
and support the
strengthening of national
security measures. While
chairing a meeting of Cor-
porators of East Constitu-
ency, Bali Bhagat urged
them to mobilize the maxi-
mum number of people to
attend the upcoming rally.
He requested their efforts
to gather at Indira Chowk
and ensure the nomination
rally of the BJP candidate
for the Jammu Reasi Con-
stituency tomorrow is a
resounding success.
04 REFUGEE MESSAGE
NMDC unveils Ex-Employee
portal “Samman”
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Hyderabad, March 29
In an embodiment of its
ethos - 'Naukri ke sath bhi,
Naukri ke baad bhi' - The
Responsible Miner NMDC
has taken a significant leap
in digital innovation by
launching the Ex-Employ-
ee Portal “Samman.” This
initiative was launched on
28th March 2024 at the
company's Head Office in
Hyderabad, by the CMD
(Addl. Charge) Shri Ami-
tava Mukherjee in pres-
ence of Shri Vinay Kumar,
Director (Technical), Shri
B. Vishwanath, CVO, Heads
of Projects, Head Office
department heads.
As India's largest iron
ore producer, NMDC is not
just committed to indus-
trial excellence but also
deeply values the human
resource that drives its suc-
cess. “Samman” is a testa-
ment to this commitment,
CUJ launches Short Term Upskilling Training
Program on Community Journalism for Women
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, MAR 29
Central University of
Jammu launched Short
Term Upskilling Pro-
grammes on Community
Journalism for Women
candidates in collabora-
tion with Government
Degree College Paloura,
Jammu under the patron-
age of Prof. Sanjeev Jain,
Vice Chancellor, Central
University of Jammu and
Director, Mission Direc-
torate, Department of
Skill Development, UT of
J&K. The program was
inaugurated in the pres-
ence of Prof. Ashu Vashist,
Principal, GDC Paloura,
Prof. Jaya Bhasin, Dr. Nee-
lika Arora and Dr. Shahid
Mushtaq from School of
Business Studies, Central
University of Jammu and
faculty members of the
college. Speaking on the
occasion Prof. Ashu Vash-
ist, Chief Guest of the
inaugural session spoke
about the need for skilling,
upskilling and reskilling for
ensuring women’s empow-
erment. She appreciated
the efforts of Central Uni-
versity of Jammu under the
leadership of hon' ble Vice
Chancellor for organizing
an upskilling outreach
program for the benefit of
female candidates in the
College. Prof. Jaya Bhasin,
Dean, School of Business
Studies in her address said
that Nari Shakti plays a sig-
nificant role in empower-
ing women in rural areas of
our country. She apprised
CUJ conducts Two Day Mobile Journalism Training Workshop
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, March 29
Central University of
Jammu successfully con-
cluded two-day Mobile
Journalism Workshop,
providing participants
with invaluable insights
into the world of modern
reporting using mobile
technology. The work-
shop was conducted by
the Department of Mass
Communication and New
Media, CUJ in collabora-
tion with the Office of
the Dean Students' Wel-
fare, Central university of
Jammu.
The workshop focused
on the theme of "Telling
Dynamic Stories Using
Mobile Phones," aims to
equip participants with
the necessary skills to har-
ness the power of mobile
technology in journalism.
Prof. Ritu Bakshi, Dean
of Students' Welfare,
welcomed all the partici-
pants and highlighted the
importance of embrac-
ing innovative tools and
jammu, MARCH 30, 2024 SATURDAY
offering a seamless, digital
platform for ex-employees
to manage various medical
claims, view personal pro-
files, dependent details,
and application status, all
online. This user-friend-
ly portal is designed to
ensure on-time reimburse-
ments and easy access to
all retiral services, bringing
comfort and convenience
to the doorstep of NMDC’s
former employees.
Speaking at the launch,
Shri Amitava Mukher-
jee CMD (Addl. Charge)
expressed, “We are happy
to contribute towards
making the lives of our
ex-employees easier.
that the present initiative
is a part of the agenda set
by the Government for
ensuring women’s empow-
erment through education,
skill development, entre-
preneurship aimed at
their long-term socio-eco-
nomic development and
participation in decision
making. Dr. Neelika Arora,
Associate Professor while
speaking in the inaugural
function highlighted the
importance of change in
mindset to learn, unlearn
and relearn skills employ-
able skills. She pointed out
that community journal-
ism is a powerful strategy
to assist in empowering
communities by highlight-
ing issues and challenges
faced by women locally.
She emphasized on knowl-
edge, skills and attitude as
key to become successful
in life and also elaborated
the concept of Kaushal
Bharat - Kushal Bharat.Ear-
lier Dr. Shahid Mushtaq,
Assistant Professor in his
address apprised partici-
pants of the course about
the Short-Term upskilling
initiative being launched
by the University across
Jammu division for women
empowerment. Speaking
techniques in the field of
journalism. She said that
Mobile journalism offers
unprecedented opportu-
nities to capture and share
stories instantaneously.
Dr. Abhay Rajput, Head
of the Department of Mass
Communication and New
Media, Central university
of jammu delivered the
introductory remarks
and highlighted the signifi-
cance of mobile journal-
ism in the contemporary
media ecosystem. He said
that Mobile journalism is
a form of digital storytell-
ing where the primary
device used for creating
and editing images, audio
and video is a smart-
phone. Dr. Abhay stressed
the democratizing effect
of mobile technology,
allowing anyone with a
smartphone to become a
storyteller. He said that
Mobile journalism tran-
scends barriers of access
and empowers individuals
to amplify their voices.
Earlier Mr. Dharmind-
er Kohli, a seasoned film
‘Samman’ represents our
pioneering spirit in extend-
ing hassle-free benefits to
our NMDC family, even
after retirement. This ini-
tiative reaffirms our belief
in respecting and honour-
ing the contributions of
those who have been an
integral part of our jour-
ney.”
The introduction of
“Samman” not only marks
a new chapter in NMDC's
digital journey but also
reinforces the company’s
dedication to fostering a
caring and inclusive envi-
ronment for all members
of the NMDC family, from
the past and present.
on the occasion he said
that Viksit Bharat @ 2047
necessitated the mean-
ingful participation from
women's development, to
women-led development.
He pointed out that the
University is hand-holding
youth to become job cre-
ators rather than job seek-
ers. He further elaborated
about the course and also
introduced the trainer for
the Program. Ms. Komal
S., Trainer for the upskill-
ing programme illumi-
nated the path for aspiring
Community Journalists
setting the tone for the
enriching journey ahead.
The inaugural ceremony
held today, witnessed the
presence of HoDs, and
faculty members of the
College. The entire pro-
gram was coordinated by
Dr. Neelika Arora and Dr.
Shahid Mushtaq under the
mentorship of Prof. Jaya
Bhasin, Project Director,
DHE Project on Employ-
ability Training and Prof.
Ashu Vashist, Principal,
GDC Paloura. Prof. Pooja
Sharma proposed a formal
vote of thanks expressing
gratitude to all the con-
tributors and supporters
of this initiative.
maker and President of
Jammu and Kashmir Cine
Association shared his
experience and insights
about film making and
mobile journalism gleaned
from years of experience
in the field, emphasiz-
ing practical techniques
for capturing compelling
visuals and narratives
using mobile devices. Par-
ticipants eagerly absorbed
expertise, engaging in
interactive sessions aimed
at honing their skills in
mobile storytelling. He
provided hands-on ses-
sions on creating dynam-
ic stories through mobile
devices. Mr. Dharminder
Natrang Theatre Festival culminated SMVDU Engineering student
with presentation of Hindi play ‘Girgit’ presents research paper in
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, MAR 29
Natrang Theatre Festi-
val being organised by
Natrang in connection
with World Theatre Day
celebrations culminated
here today with the pre-
sentation of Hindi play
‘Girgit’ directed by Neeraj
Kant at Natrang Studio
Theatre, Jammu Based on
a Russian short Story by
Anton Chekhov the play
proved to be the hard hit-
ting satire on the present
socio-political system. The
adaptation of the play was
deeply rooted in the soil
of Jammu and its dramatic
structure made the audi-
ence feel as if they are
watching their own story.
Every time the play is
staged, some highly con-
temporary and situational
aspect is added to it which
refines its beauty. Natrang
has been endeavoring to
showcase highly relevant
political and social satires
and todays play demon-
strated to be the shining
example of that.
The play Girgit revolves
around a Dog and corrupt
Police Officer, who chang-
es colours like a chame-
leon, every time as the sit-
uation changes irrespec-
tive of right or wrong. The
stage action starts when
a Dog bites a pickpocket
who approaches the offi-
cers to help him to round-
up owner but in vain. A
Reasi Police recovers illicit liquor,
arrests accused, lodges FIR
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
reasi, mar 29
Continuing the drive
against drug abuse and
illicit liquor launched
by District Police Reasi.
Reasi Police recovered
illicit liquor and arrested
the bootlegger involved in
smuggling the illicit liquor.
Police party of Police
Post Kakryal laid a surprise
naka at Sool area, During
checking and frisking
apprehended one person
namely Manohar Lal S/O
Dewan chand R/ O Seen
Brahmana Udhampur
and recovered 38 bottles
of 250 ml JK special desi
whisky carrying in scooty
bearing Registration No.
JK14J 2594.
In this regard cogni-
zance taken and FIR U/S
48 (a) of Excise Act stands
registered at P/S katra.
Further investigation of
the case is in progress.
SSP Reasi Ms Mohita
Sharma-IPS while shar-
also shared his experi-
ence and techniques in
mobile video production.
Participants gained valu-
able practical knowledge
in cinematography, edit-
ing, and visual storytell-
ing, learning how to har-
ness the power of mobile
devices to create compel-
ling narratives.
Ashish Kohli, a well
known figure in the field
of social media freelanc-
ing, shared valuable
insights into leverag-
ing digital platforms for
effective storytelling and
audience engagement.
His expertise in content
creation and social media
passerby hints that the
dog belongs to the local
Minister as he saw a simi-
lar dog moving around
his Bungalow. On getting
his clue, the officer starts
beating the pickpocket for
teasing a respectable dog.
The officer claims that a
dog of minister cannot
bite unless and until
forced to do so. While he
is beating the pickpocket,
another man from the
crowd observes that the
local minister cannot keep
such dog, as he is known
to have pointer-hunting
dogs only. On this, the
dog is thrashed and search
continues for the owner
of the dog to enable the
pickpocket to claim the
compensation. The beat-
ing of dog continues until
a servant of the minister
appears on the scene. At
first he refuses to recog-
nize the dog but later iden-
ing the details conveyed
that Reasi police under
is committed to eradicate
the menace of drug abuse
and illicit liquor smug-
gling from the area and
people from all sections of
the society should come
forward and join hands
strategies enriched the
workshop sessions, inspir-
ing participants to explore
innovative approaches to
journalism in the digital
age. During the two-day
workshop, participants
will delve into various
aspects of mobile journal-
ism, including multimedia
storytelling, mobile video
production, social media
reporting, and ethical
considerations in mobile
reporting.
The workshop aimed
to empower students
with practical skills and
knowledge in mobile
journalism, recognizing
the growing influence of
digital platforms in con-
temporary media. At the
end of the workshop the
certificates were present-
ed to the participating
students. The workshop
encouraged a collab-
orative learning environ-
ment, where participants
interacted with industry
experts, exchanged ideas,
and honed their skills in
mobile journalism.
tifies him as the minister’s
brother’s dog who has vis-
ited from Delhi. Here the
dog is escorted back home
with full official protocol.
Brijesh Avtar Sharma as
Police Officer portrayed
aesthetically the changes
of colours of the central
character who was equal-
ly supported by Aadesh
Dhar as his subordinate.
Kananpreet Kaur as the
senior officer successfully
exhibited the complexities
of the senior bureaucrats.
Among others who gave
impressive performances
included Sanket Bhagat
as thief, Kushal Bhat as
Minister’s Servant, Vansh
Pandotra as Dog, Vishal
Sharma, Priya Kashyup,
Payal Khanna, Chaitanaya
Shekhar. The lights of the
play were operated by
Neeraj Kant and the show
was coordinated by Mohd.
Yaseen.
with Police to strengthen
anti-drug drive of District
Police Reasi and share
any information regard-
ing such illegal activities
on district police anti drug
helpline no. 9070907017
where identity of caller is
kept secret.
04 Vehicles
involved in illegal
mining seized by
Jammu Police
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, MAR 29
In a quest to stern the
menace of illegal mining, a
multi-pronged strategy was
devised by Jammu Police in
which Police team of Police
Station Miransahib and
Police Post Jourian acted
stringently on the specific
inputs and raided at mul-
tiple locations within their
respective jurisdictions and
seized 04 vehicles involved
in illegal mining. Details of
the vehicle seized by PS
MiranSahib are as under:
1. 01 Dumper loaded
bajri bearing registration
no. JK02CT-8421
Details of vehicle seized
by PP Jourian:
1. Tractor along with
trolley bearing registration
no. JK02CV-6120
2. TRACTOR along with
trolley bearing Reg No.
JK12B-0347
3. Truck bearing regis-
tration no. JK11D-5994
International Conference
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
reasi, mar 29
Milind Shukla, Final
Year Student, School of
Mechanical Engineering
presented a full length
paper on Electric Vehi-
cles (EVs) under the cat-
egory of Energy Applica-
tions and Management in
International Conference
on Materials and Energy
Science (ICMES-2024)
organized by Department
of Mechanical Engineer-
ing, Aditya Engineering
College (affiliated with
Jawaharlal Nehru Tech-
nological University Kaki-
nada, Andhra Pradesh).
The aim of ICMES was to
bring together industrial-
ists, academicians, and
researchers to exchange
and share their experi-
ences and hard-earned
technological advance-
ments and applications
in modern industries.
Growing concerns about
materials, energy secu-
rity, and climate change
have sparked interest
in harnessing new and
renewable energy sources
to address critical issues
"Rang" Art Exhibition
inaugurated at Kala Kendra
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, mar 29
Rang –an art exhibition
by Monia Kapoor and
Nidhi Jain organized by
Kala Kendra Society was
inaugurated here today
at Master Sansar Chand
Gallery in presence of a
galaxy of artists , painters
and dignitaries from the
fine art stream.
Principal Secretary
of Culture and Tribal
Affairs, Suresh Kumar
Gupta, Commissioner
Secretary of Social Wel-
fare, Sheetal Nanda, Sec-
retary of Culture Deepika
Kumari Sharma, Padam
Shri Balwant Thakur, Sec-
retary of Kala Kendra Soci-
ety, Dr. Javaid Rahi, Ms
Ashu Behal FA/CAO and
renowned artist Bhushan
Kesar are in the presidium
of inaugural function.
Dr. Javaid Rahi, in his
welcome address, empha-
sized the exhibition's pri-
mary objective was to
promote and propagate
modern art among the
new generation. A total of
50 works by both artists
were displayed, revolving
around themes of cre-
ativity, landscaping, and
the traditional Thanja-
vur paintings that depict
religious subjects such as
Radha, Krishna, and vari-
ous deities.
Suresh Kumar Gupta,
Principal Secretary of
Culture and Tribal Affairs,
commended the excep-
tional work of both artists,
particularly highlighting
their prowess in Thanja-
vur painting, a classical
South Indian style with
a signature gold coating.
Gupta reiterated the Cul-
ture Department's com-
mitment to supporting
such endeavors, aiming
to invigorate art activities
in Jammu and Kashmir .
news
in engineering applica-
tions. Milind Shukla's
successful participation
in ICMES 24 is a notable
milestone in his academic
journey, setting an exam-
ple for future students
and highlighting the Uni-
versity's commitment to
promoting research and
scholarly endeavours.
This achievement not
only highlights Milind
Shukla's commitment
but also emphasizes the
high academic standards
upheld by the School of
Mechanical Engineering,
SMVDU. This achieve-
ment reflects his dedica-
tion and the quality of his
research, and serves as a
testament to the rigorous
academic standards and
opportunities provided by
the School of Mechanical
Engineering at SMVDU.
He also applauded Kala
Kendra Society for orga-
nizing such a purposeful
event.
Sheetal Nanda, Com-
missioner Secretary of
Social Welfare, expressed
admiration for each art-
work by Monia Kapoor
and Nidhi Jain, acknowl-
edging their exemplary
dedication to promoting
creative and traditional
art forms. She stressed
the importance of provid-
ing platforms for artists
to showcase their talents,
affirming the rich cultural
heritage that events like
"Rang" help preserve and
promote.
Padam Shri Balwant
Thakur praised the exhib-
ited works for reflecting
the indigenous traditions
of the country, advocating
for organized art move-
ments to further enhance
and preserve regional
artistic legacies.
Nidhi Jain, hailing from
Kota, Rajasthan, show-
cased her deep under-
standing of visual art, with
her innovative approach
and distinctive style earn-
ing her recognition in
prestigious art organiza-
tions such as Lalit Kala
Academy and Soroop.
Monia Kapoor, an
expert in the intricate art
form of Thanjavur paint-
ing, showcased her mas-
tery on canvas, drawing
from a rich history span-
ning five to six centuries,
and adding her unique
touch to this classical
South Indian style.
The "Rang" exhibition
stands as a testament to
the talent and dedica-
tion of Monia Kapoor
and Nidhi Jain, providing
art enthusiasts with an
enriching experience that
celebrates both modern
creativity and traditional
craftsmanship.
 news
BJP can arrest Kejriwal but
not his ideas, popularity in
country: AAP Jammu
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
jammu, mar 29
The Sr. AAP, leader, Mr.
Kuldeep Kumar Rao, in a
statement issued here said
that the BJP & so called
Independent Institutions
exposed in BJP-led centre’s
Electoral bond Scheme.
The Electoral bond issue
will gain much more
momentum than what it
is today in social media.
Everybody now under-
stands that it is not only
the biggest scam in India
but it is the biggest scam
in the world. Because of
this issue, this government
will, be severely punished
by the electorates. The
BJP has remained the
major beneficiary of the
electoral bonds as per
the data available on the
official website of the Elec-
tion Commission of India.
The BJP received the max-
imum amount via elec-
toral bonds at 6986 crore
between April 12, 2019 &
Feb 15, 2024.
The Supreme Court, in a
ruling in Feb, struck down
the Modi-led-centre’s Elec-
toral bond scheme, which
allowed for anonymous
funding to political Par-
ties and ordered the state
Bank of India to stop issu-
ing electoral bonds, He
Sajjad Shaheen anguished over the loss of
lives in Battery Cheshma road accident
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Banihal, March 29
The Jammu and Kash-
mir National Conference
( JKNC) leader and dis-
trict president, Ramban,
Mr Sajjad Shaheen, has
expressed profound sad-
ness and concern over
the tragic loss of lives in
a road accident at Battery
Cheshma, Ramban, on the
Jammu Kashmir National
Highway in which ten
precious lives were lost
during the intervening
night of Friday. All the
ill-fated passengers were
mostly from Bihar exclud-
ing driver of the vehicle
who hails from Jammu.
Shaheen highlighted
the alarming rise in road
accidents not only on the
Jammu-Srinagar highway
but also on other key
routes. He criticized the
lack of proactive steps
by the administration to
address this issue, empha-
sizing the need for imme-
diate action to ensure the
safety of commuters.
Modi government gives wings to the self-respect of women power: Rekha Mahajan
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, March 29
Ahead of the 2024 Lok
Sabha election, Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) Dis-
trict President Jammu
South Rekha Mahajan
launches the mammoth
citizen (Mahila outreach)
program voter chetna
Mahaabhiyaan in ward
no 49 in Channi Rama
of Bahu Constituency of
Jammu South. The aim is
to cover and direct con-
nection with the general
public of Jammu South.
Rekha Mahajan accom-
panied by District Secre-
tary and Mahila Morcha
Prabhari Amit Sharma,
Mahila Morcha District
further said that as per
social media report 41
companies facing probe by
CBI, ED & the Income Tax
departments gave 2,471
crores to the BJP through
Electoral bonds and 1698
crore of it was donated
after raids by these agen-
cies. The government
first conducted raids by
these agencies while run-
ning extortion racket on
the companies and later
forced them to give elec-
tion donations through
electoral bonds. The gov-
ernment has looted the
country under the slogan
that you give us donation
through electoral bonds
and we will give you busi-
ness. He further said that
an undeclared emergency
like situation has arisen
in the country & the BJP
is trying to eliminate the
opposition Parties. BJP can
arrest Kejriwal but not his
Ideas & his popularity in
the country in Particular &
"For years, our pleas
for measures to enhance
safety on the Jammu-Sri-
nagar highway have gone
unanswered. It is unac-
ceptable that lives con-
tinue to be lost due to the
lack of effective interven-
tions," Shaheen stated.
He urged the admin-
istration to take steps to
curb the occurrence of
such fatal accidents and
also prioritize the instal-
lation of crash barriers
along vulnerable stretches
of the National highway.
Expressing deep sorrow
and sympathy with the
families of the deceased,
Shaheen emphasizes the
President Divya Jain,
Sarojini Sharma, Mandal
President Kamlesh Mago-
tra, Ward President Sushil
Tagotra and others were
present on the occasion.
The meeting was orga-
nized and coordinated by
BJP Mahila Morcha District
President Jammu South
Divya Jain. The objec-
tive of the campaign is to
mobilize the party cadre
to reach the masses and
highlight the Modi-led gov-
ernment welfare schemes.
While interacting with
the general populace,
Rekha Mahajan stated
that the Modi government
gives wings to the self-
respect of women's power.
She highlighted that under
outside country in general.
He further expressed
great surprise & concern
over continuous & orga-
nized attack on small trad-
ers, farmers, laborers’, un-
employed youths, workers
etc by the ruling dispensa-
tion encouraging by Cor-
porate Houses by way of
selling them the property
of the Nation earned by
our National Heroes be it
Railways, Air Ports, High-
ways, LIC, BSNL, Banks,
HAL, Hospitals, Refiner-
ies, privatizing so many
profit earning public units.
He said that people were
smartly befooled in 2014
& 2019 Parliamentary elec-
tions, promising 2 crore
jobs every year, removing
corruption, decriminaliza-
tion of politics, lowering
prices of Diesel, Petrol,
domestic gas, sand, Bajri,
stones, making 100 smart
cities, running of Bullet
trains, constructing 1
model village in each con-
stituency every year etc,
he said and added that
enough is enough now and
that all the people can’t
be befooled for all the
time as the people have
seen through the game of
polarization, of all tradi-
tional Political Parties so
called the savior of Hindus
& Muslims.
critical importance of pro-
viding timely assistance to
ensure that the victims are
laid to rest in their home-
towns with dignity and
respect.
Shaheen has appealed
to the LG administra-
tion to sanction ex-gratia
relief to families of the
accident victims besides
expediting the necessary
arrangements and logis-
tical support to facilitate
the transportation of the
victims' bodies without
further delay.
He said that our party
JKNC stands in solidarity
with the bereaved families
during this difficult time
and urges swift action
from the authorities to
alleviate their suffering.
Shaheen has also appre-
ciated the local NGO vol-
unteers Banihal, QRT
Ramsoo and Civil QRT
Ramban, and the local
Police who displayed
extraordinary courage
and dedication in rescuing
individuals amid challeng-
ing weather.
PM Modi Government has
not only made promises
but has also given them
reality, which is why today
New India is continuously
progressing on the path of
development.
Rekha Mahajan empha-
sized that today the prior-
ity of the country lies in
the full participation of
women in India's develop-
ment journey. She noted
that more than 80 per cent
of the loans under 'Stand-
up India' are in the name
of women. About 70 per
cent of loans have been
given to our sisters and
daughters under Mudra
Yojana under the leader-
ship of our Prime Minis-
ter Narendra Modi. She
BJP's "Booth Jeeta Chunav Jeeta" giving
hint of Modi’s popularity: Vinay Gupta
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, 29 March
An effective booth-level
strategy, strong organisa-
tional manoeuvre and the
popularity of Prime Min-
ister Narendra Modi are
among the key factors that
turned the tide in favour
of the BJP in the upcoming
Lok Sabha polls this was
stated by Bharatiya Janata
Party (BJP) senior leader
and Seh Prabhari Jammu
North Vinay Gupta. He
said that under "booth
Vijay Sankalp Abhiyan"
is the masterstroke to
achieve the success in par-
liamentary election. Vinay
Gupta said BJP workers
are the backbone and are
committed to enhancing
the progress of the nation
at the grassroots level.
These visionary, vibrant
ideologies are the hall-
marks of BJP's popular-
ity across the region and
the party has become the
only choice of the people.
While addressing the par-
tymen in Ward no 7 Jawa-
har Nagar, ward no 6, Beli
Charana and ward no.45,
Deshmesh, Digiana and
ward no 46 Sanjay Nagar
in Gandhi Nagar Mandal of
Bahu Constituency impor-
tant part of Jammu South.
Vinay Gupta directly
interacted with the party
workers and boosted the
morale of the karyekartas.
The meeting was organ-
ised by the vice chairman
cantonment board and
Gandhi Nagar Mandal
President Bharat Bhushan
along with BJP District
R C Subramanyam pays obesciance
at Tirupati Temple, participates in
Abhishek Ceremony
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, MAR 29
Today RC Subramanyam
the Superintendent of
temple And sai Krishna
Today And Amit Shukla
paid obesciance at Tirupa-
ti Balaji temple Jammu and
participated in the spe-
cial abhishek of Tirupati.
prayed for the welfare of
the country. Every Friday
the ceremony of abhishek
of Lord Venkateshwar is
performed.
Rajive Gupta expressed
happiness over the temple
said that it is a feeling of
pleasure and proud that
the Tirupati Balaji temple
is established here for the
people of Jammu. With
this temple we are able
to witness the culture
of south India and this
feeling is heavenly.He
added that the Progress
of women always gives
strength to the empower-
ment of the nation.
Rekha Mahajan recount-
ed Modi Sarkar gave rights
to the poor, farmers,
women and the under-
privileged, which instilled
their faith in democracy
and made them a partici-
pant in the develop-
ment journey of the
country. Congratula-
tions to all citizens
for these ten years
full of historical
achievements under
the banner of the
most popular global
leader PM Modi. BJP
leader Rekha Maha-
jan furthermore said
this power of faith
of 140 crore Indians
is taking the coun-
try forward in every
field. “In the last
ten years, the BJP-
led government has
given wings to the
dreams and aspira-
tions of every citizen
of the country and
vice President and Prab-
hari Gandhi Nagar Mandal
Narinder Gupta Koki.
Vinay Gupta trained
the cadres and shared
the "Victory Mantra" for
the upcoming Lok Sabha
polls in 2024. He asserted
that the Modi-led govern-
ment is devoted to pro-
viding basic facilities to
people at their doorsteps
in the shortest time. Vinay
underlines that the union
government is equally
committed to the welfare
and upliftment of all sec-
tions of society. Vinay said
he was convinced that the
BJP-led government would
win a thumping mandate
in the Lok Sabha polls and
PM Modi would return
for a third, straight term
in office. He added from
day one since assuming
the office of the Prime
Minister, Narendra Modi-
ji gave 140 crore fellow
citizens the courage to not
only dream of a new and
great India (Viksit Bharat)
but also make a collec-
tive effort to realise that
dream and the larger goal
to take the country to new
heights.
Vinay emphasized the
party workers to bolster
and promote, directly
connected with the local
appealed people to visit
the temple and pay obe-
sicance here. He Said the
dedication of Lord Ven-
kateswara temple would
give a boost to spiritual
tourism
On this occasion Sub-
ramanyam the Superin-
tendent of temple also
appealed transport com-
missioner to start the bus
service for the temple so
that devotees can come
instilled new confidence
in them. PM Modi not only
made the country safe
with his capable leader-
ship and strong will but
also took many such deci-
sions, which raised the
head of every Indian with
pride,” She said.
Rekha Mahajan assert-
ed that be it Jammu &
jammu, MARCH 30, 2024 SATURDAY
public in each booth.
He said booth jeeta toh
chunav jeeta. He stressed
that the Booth Sankalp
campaign is not just a
slogan; This is the path to
success for the Bharatiya
Janata Party because living
up to the aspirations of the
people in promoting the
booth should be the pri-
mary mantra of victory.
Speaking on occasion,
Vinay Gupta asserted
that booth-level workers
are the backbone of the
party. He said the booth
Karyekartas should reach
out to the people and
contact them to apprise
them of the achievements
of the Modi-led Govern-
ment. Vinay also urged the
party cadres to do the task
effectively in a time-bound
manner. He prompted all
party functionaries to
work with full enthusiasm
with the common masses.
Vinay said that the party
always takes all possible
steps for the welfare of
the grassroots-level work-
ers. He also recounted that
polling booth-level work-
ers are key to the success
of the BJP. Gupta said
grassroots-level workers
are the backbone of the
party and their welfare is
the duty of the party.
easily to the temple.He
also emphasize to start
the Bharat darshan bus
service here so that tour-
ists also came to know
about the temple. Other
dignitaries present on the
occasion were Sai Krish-
na, Temple Inspector, RC
Subramanyam, Superin-
tendent Ramesh Babu ,
Pandit Amit Shukla, Veda
Pandit.
Kashmir or the northeast
or areas affected by left-
wing extremism, towards
which no one dared pay
attention for decades,
Modi Ji has written a
new chapter of devel-
opment and peace with
his leadership power
and foresight. She said
that India is a capable
REFUGEE MESSAGE 05
Swami Mast Bab ji’s 1st Punya
Tithi observed all over India
Refugee Message Bureau
Badgam, Mar 29
Swami Mast Bab ji's first
Death anniversary ‘Punya
Tithi’ was observed with
special puja and Hawan
at his ashrams in Hushru
B ad g a m , B ad i p o ra
Chadura Badgam, Karala
Delhi, Shalimar Garden
U. P., Patoli in Jammu
and Haridwar today.
D C Badgam Akshay
Labroo joined the devo-
tees at Hushroo Badgam
in paying obessiance to
BADC' to approach NGT' for
Scientific Disposal of Solid Waste,
Water Pollution in Poonch
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, MAR 29
Jammu and Kashmir
Border Area Development
Conference ( JK_BADC), a
registered organization
dedicated to the welfare of
border residents and tribal
communities in J & K has
expressed grave concern
over the escalating pollu-
tion levels in the border
areas, particularly in the
district of Poonch. The
organization highlights the
lack of scientific measures
for the disposal of solid,
liquid, and bio waste in
the district, pointing out
the detrimental impact on
both the environment and
public health.
Repeated appeals to the
responsible authorities
and officers have fallen
on deaf ears, alleges the
BADC. Consequently, the
organization is now con-
templating approaching
the National Green Tribu-
nal (NGT) to address this
pressing issue. The state-
ment issued by BADC
emphasizes the dire con-
sequences of inaction,
citing the diversion of
polluted water and Nal-
lahs directly into rivers
and natural water bodies,
further exacerbating the
country and has become a
self-reliant country. Under
the leadership of Modi Ji,
the country is recovering
from what was kept back-
Swami Ji. Swami Mast
Bab ji left his Physical
body last year and was
last legend of Nand Pari-
var connected deeply to
Sharda Peeth PoK.
In a Press release
Ravinder Pandita Chair-
man of Save Sharda
Committee has said that
Swami Ji’s mission on
Sharda Peeth will contin-
ue and His services to the
community especially
after forced exodus from
valley will be remem-
bered.
pollution crisis.
Dr. Shahzad Ahmed
Malik, Chairman of BADC
and former Vice Chancel-
lor, reiterates the organi-
zation's demand for the
establishment of addi-
tional municipal bodies
in the district and a com-
prehensive anti-pollution
campaign. He underscores
the paramount impor-
tance of environmental
protection, asserting that
BADC is committed to this
cause and will not hesitate
to seek intervention from
NGT to safeguard the well-
being of border residents
and tribal communities.
The BADC urges swift
action from relevant
authorities and emphasiz-
es the urgency of imple-
menting effective waste
disposal strategies to miti-
gate the environmental
degradation and health
hazards plaguing Poonch
and other border areas of
Jammu and Kashmir.
wards for the last several
decades. Today India has
emerged as a developed
country and is moving
forward.
06 REFUGEE MESSAGE jammu, march 30, 2024 SATURDAY
EDITORIAL Quantifying happiness is perplexing
GOVIND Bhattacharjee
H
Strengthening Forest appiness is com-
plex and difficult
Fire prevention
to define, but this
in no way implies that we
do not know when we are
F
happy. Happiness cannot be
orest fires pose a significant threat to a permanent state of eupho-
our environment, wildlife, and human ria as the mind constantly
settlements, especially during the changes its contours and
scorching summer months. As reported in shades and, by and large,
the recent meeting chaired by Roshan Jaggi, remains an individual expe-
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & rience. Hence any exercise
that seeks to generalise
HoFF, the urgency to address this imminent the impressions of a large
danger was underscored. The 8th meeting number of individuals like
of the UT Level Monitoring Committee on those living within a country
Forest Fire Prevention and Management con- and brand them as happy or
unhappy people is bound
vened a consortium of experts and officials
to be fraught with contro-
to strategize and fortify our defenses against versies. It will also inevita-
forest infernos. bly reflect the biases of the
The gathering, attended by esteemed fig- measurers. When the defini-
ures including APCCF Kashmir, CCF Jammu, tion of a variable cannot be
agreed upon, its measure-
environmental experts Dr. C M Seth and ment will raise more con-
Nadeem Qadri, and senior officers from troversies, but when such
various forest-related departments, illumi- rankings are internation-
nated the gravity of the situation. Delibera- ally publicised for branding
countries and peoples which
tions focused on the readiness of the Forest
may influence the decisions
Department to tackle the impending fire of investors and donors, it is
season, with meticulous planning and coor- no longer a benign exercise
dinated efforts taking center stage. without any accountability.
Key directives emerged from the meet- On March 20 every year for
the last seven years, which
ing, with the PCCF & HoFF emphasizing the date has been marked by the
imperative for field officers to maintain high UN as the International Day
alertness and readiness to swiftly respond to of Happiness, a New York-
fire incidents. The mobilization of resources, based agency called Sustain-
able Development Solutions
coupled with immediate action upon receiv-
Network has been bringing
ing fire alerts from the Forest Survey of India, out an annual World Hap-
was prioritized. Furthermore, the dissemina- piness Report, whose 2024
tion of toll-free numbers for reporting forest edition has placed India at
fires was underscored, ensuring prompt 126th rank among 143 coun-
tries, much below coun-
response and containment measures. tries like Saudi Arabia (28),
The importance of inter-departmental
Navigating the legal and ethical implications of AI
coordination resonated throughout the
discussions, with Chief Wildlife Warden,
Sarvesh Rai, advocating for seamless oper-
ations within joint control rooms. Dr. C M Maneesha Dhir
I
Seth and Nadeem Qadri, each bringing their
unique expertise to the table, stressed the n an era increasingly
significance of public awareness campaigns defined by Artificial
Intelligence (AI), the
and legal frameworks to bolster fire preven- pivotal question shifts
tion efforts, especially in sensitive areas like from what AI is capable
Dachigam National Park. of to what it should be
Crucially, the meeting addressed the spe- allowed to do. This reflec-
tion critically examines
cific vulnerabilities along the Yatra track to
AI’s potential to reshape
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in the Tri- our lives within ethical
kuta Hills. Recognizing the potential risks to and legal frameworks.
both pilgrims and pristine forest ecosystems, As we explore the vast
directives were issued to ensure meticulous landscapes carved by AI,
we must ensure that our
coordination between the Forest Depart- technological advance-
ment and the Shrine Board. This proactive ments are matched with
approach aims to mitigate any unforeseen an equally profound com-
eventualities and uphold the sanctity of this mitment to ethical respon-
sibility.
revered pilgrimage route.
The advent of AI is
Moreover, the imperative of collaborating a testament to human
with the State Disaster Response Force to for- ingenuity, offering trans-
tify vulnerable areas underscores the holistic formative possibilities in
approach adopted to forest fire prevention. virtually every aspect of
our existence. Yet, along-
By leveraging the expertise and resources of side its potential, AI intro-
multiple agencies, a robust defense mecha- duces a spectrum of legal
nism can be established to safeguard our complexities that require
forests and communities. careful consideration. The
evolution of legal jurispru-
Moving forward, sustained efforts are dence in the face of AI’s
paramount to effectively mitigate the threat
of forest fires. Regular monitoring, public
engagement initiatives, and capacity-building
endeavors must be pursued with unwavering Dandi March: Salt, soul and satyagraha
commitment. Additionally, harnessing tech- Rajdeep Pathak
nological advancements for early detection
T
and rapid response will be instrumental in he 1980s film ‘Mard’
our collective endeavor to protect our natu- immortalised a poi-
gnant scene that
ral heritage. encapsulates the essence
The 8th meeting of the UT Level Monitor- of patriotism, rebellion,
ing Committee on Forest Fire Prevention and and sacrifice in Indian
Management serves as a beacon of hope in cinematic history. In this
scene, the protagonist,
our battle against environmental degrada-
amidst relentless flogging
tion. Through concerted action, informed by the heroine armed
decision-making, and unwavering dedica- with chains, whispers with
tion, we can fortify our defenses and pre- unyielding spirit, “For this
serve the invaluable treasures of our forests salt, our Mahatma led a
revolution.” This homage
for generations to come. Let us heed the call vividly captures the spirit
to action and stand united in our commit- of the Salt Satyagraha of
ment to safeguarding our planet's lungs. 1930, a pivotal moment in
India’s quest for indepen-
dence, led by Mahatma
Gandhi.
DISCLAIMER NOTICE The Salt Satyagraha,
“Refugee Message” does not take responsibility for which took place from
the content of notices, advertisements given in this March 12 to April 6, 1930,
daily newspaper. The newspaper does not endorse the galvanised a nation against
content. Readers are requested to verify authenticity British colonial rule. Gan-
themselves before acting on it. dhi’s symbolic act of pick-
ing up salt at Dandi defi-
Edited, Printed, Published & Owned by Rajiv Chuni Printed at DEE AAR Printing Press, Bain Bajalta, Jammu and Published from 451-Bakshi Nagar, Jammu-180001 (J&K)
Ph (LL): 01917967407 (Mob) 94191-91412 E-mail: rajivchuni@gmail.com, dailyrefugeemessage@gmail.com refugeemessage2006@gmail.com.
(All disputes are subject to the exclusive Jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Jammu only.)
China (60), Russia (72), Ven-
ezuela (79), Senegal (99),
Iran (100), Palestine (103),
Ukraine (105), Pakistan (108)
even Myanmar (118).
These countries are either
strife-torn or war-ravaged,
where the basic security of
human life is not guaran-
teed, or ruled by autocrats
and dictators who ruthlessly
suppress the civil liberties
of their people, especially
of women, countries which
are reeling under relentless
crises in their democracy,
polity and economy.
This raises legitimate
questions about the meth-
odology used in the exercise
that can produce such weird
results. Finland has topped
the ranking in each year so
far, and the top 10 coun-
tries have also remained
more or less the same, Fin-
land, Denmark, Iceland,
Sweden, Israel, Nether-
lands, Norway, Luxemburg,
Switzerland and Australia.
A common thread runs
through all of them - high
per capita income. Other
higher-capita income coun-
tries also rank higher in the
list, like New Zealand (21),
UK (20), USA (23), Germany
(24), or France (27). This is
no surprise, because to the
materialistic West hung on
a culture of conspicuous
overconsumption, money
remains the primary and
often the only source of hap-
piness, unlike in Asian and
other continental cultures.
The only Asian country to
feature in the list is Kwait at
13th position, and the next
rapid development is a
topic of paramount impor-
tance, dealing with issues
ranging from privacy and
data protection to intellec-
tual property and employ-
ment.
The Indian Govern-
ment’s embrace of AI
through initiatives like
“Digital India” and a
National Strategy for Arti-
ficial Intelligence reflects
a visionary stance on
harnessing technology
for societal benefit. How-
ever, the journey toward
realising AI’s full promise
is fraught with challeng-
es that demand vigilant
oversight and a principled
approach to regulation
and ethics.
On a global scale, AI
raises questions that tran-
scend national boundar-
ies, presenting legal and
ethical dilemmas that
must be addressed com-
prehensively. The capacity
of AI to analyse and utilise
vast amounts of personal
data has challenged exist-
antly challenged the salt
taxes imposed by the Brit-
ish, symbolising defiance
and resilience in India’s
freedom struggle. Over
90,000 brave souls will-
ingly embraced brutality
in their pledge for nonvio-
lence, standing as a beacon
of hope against tyranny.
The genesis of the Dandi
March was rooted in the
momentum established
by the Bardoli Satyagraha
in 1928, led by Sardar Val-
labhbhai Patel. This suc-
cessful movement unified
farmers and nationalists
against oppressive British
taxation, revitalising the
spirit of the freedom strug-
gle. By 1930, the Indian
National Congress boldly
articulated its aspiration
for independence, setting
the stage for Gandhi’s Salt
Satyagraha.
Gandhi’s letter to Lord
Irwin, the Viceroy, articu-
one is Saudi Arabia at 28th.
While Singapore features in
30th position, Japan, which
has the largest concentra-
tion of longest-living people
in the world, at 51st position,
below Uzbekistan (47) and
Kazakhstan (49). This raises
natural questions about
whether the index also
reflects the inherent civi-
lizational bias of the West
against Asia, most of which
used to be their colonies
once—to treat them as supe-
rior or even equal would be
an anathema to the West.
Bhutan which reckons hap-
piness as a core responsibil-
ity of Government and has
adopted its Gross National
Happiness (GNH) Index as
a development indicator in
its 2008 Constitution, was
ranked 95th in 2019 and has
not been ranked this year.
GNH was the first such index
and is far broader - having
nine parameters, all non-
income.
Trying to measure the
immeasurable will have its
inherent contradictions.
Happiness is a state of being,
rather than a fixed state
like a goal to be achieved
that can be quantified and
measured. Such measures
therefore confuse happiness
with “well-being” which is
produced by the interplay
of numerous extraneous
factors like income, health,
education, liberties, choic-
es, relationships, physical
and social security, etc. But
even then, it is a subjective
sense of well-being, which
is neither measurable nor
ing privacy laws, sparking
a worldwide reassessment
of how we protect individ-
ual rights in the digital age.
Countries are adopting
comprehensive data pro-
tection regulations, such
as the European Union’s
General Data Protection
Regulation and India’s
Digital Personal Data Pro-
tection Act 2023, to safe-
guard personal informa-
tion while fostering digital
innovation.
The implications of AI
on the job market also war-
rant serious consideration.
The potential for automa-
tion to displace jobs cre-
ates a pressing need for
legal frameworks that can
mitigate adverse effects
and prepare the workforce
for an AI-driven future.
Similarly, the intersec-
tion of AI with intellectual
property rights challenges
conventional notions of
creativity and authorship,
calling for legal innova-
tions that recognise and
protect the contributions
lated the grievances of mil-
lions and announced his
intention to lead a nonvio-
lent protest against British
atrocities. Despite Gan-
dhi’s emphasis on dialogue
and peaceful resolution,
the Viceroy’s inadequate
response led to the com-
mencement of the Dandi
March on March 12, 1930.
Accompanied by 78 ded-
icated followers, Gandhi
embarked on a significant
march covering nearly
quantifiable.
The rankings used in the
World Happiness Report are
based on six parameters of
“subjective well-being”:
(1) per capita income, (2)
healthy life expectancy at
birth, (3) social support, (4)
freedom to make life choic-
es, (5) generosity, and (6)
perceptions of corruption.
The happiness rankings are
based on what the authors
say are “life evaluations”,
on which Gallup World Poll
(GWP) provides the data by
asking respondents to eval-
uate their current life on a
scale of 0 to 10 (happiest),
using a typical sample size
of 1000 for each country
regardless of its population,
and using a three-year aver-
age.
The sample size is too
small for a country like India
to represent all its diversity
and complexity. Data for
per capita GDP on purchas-
ing power parity (PPP) are
taken from the World Devel-
opment Indicators (WDI) of
the World Bank, and then
a natural log that fits the
observations better.
Data for healthy life
expectancy at birth is pro-
vided by the WHO Global
Health Observatory data
repository. Social support is
the national average of the
binary responses (0=no,
1=yes) to the GWP question:
“If you were in trouble, do
you have relatives or friends
you can count on to help
you whenever you need
them, or not?” Freedom to
make life choices is again the
of all stakeholders, includ-
ing those of AI.
The issues of bias and
discrimination in AI high-
light the critical need for
our technological systems
to be as impartial and
inclusive as possible. The
development and deploy-
ment of AI must be guided
by anti-discrimination
laws adapted to the digital
age, ensuring fairness and
equity in the application
of AI. Internationally, the
regulatory approach to AI
varies significantly, with
entities like the European
Union adopting compre-
hensive frameworks while
others pursue more sec-
tor-specific guidelines.
This diversity reflects
the complex interplay of
legal, cultural, and soci-
etal factors that influence
AI governance, emphasis-
ing the need for a globally
coordinated dialogue on
AI ethics and regulation.
Integrating AI into the
legal profession offers a
glimpse into the future,
241 miles from Sabarmati
Ashram to Dandi. This
symbolic journey aimed at
challenging the oppressive
salt tax and British monop-
olistic control over salt pro-
duction. The disciplined
resolve of the satyagrahis
exemplified unity amidst
diversity, embodying the
nation’s aspirations for lib-
eration.
On April 6, 1930, Gan-
dhi’s defiance of the Salt
Laws at Dandi marked a
national average of binary
responses to the GWP ques-
tion: “Are you satisfied or
dissatisfied with your free-
dom to choose what you do
with your life?” Generosity
is the residual of regressing
the national average of GWP
responses to the question:
“Have you donated money
to a charity in the past
month?” on log GDP per
capita, while perceptions of
corruption are the average of
binary answers to two GWP
questions: “Is corruption
widespread throughout the
Government or not?” and
“Is corruption widespread
within businesses or not?” It
does not require superlative
intelligence to divine that all
these parameters are deriva-
tives of a single parameter,
i.e., income or wealth of
a nation, and hence will
always favour rich nations
over the poorer ones.
So, the richer you are,
the happier you are; in
other words, income is syn-
onymous with happiness,
an assumption not validated
by facts, just as happiness
cannot be equated with suc-
cess in material terms. The
mind is influenced by social
and cultural factors; hence
how we perceive happiness
also depends on these fac-
tors. It also depends on the
questions asked and the way
they have been framed: Just
ask “How much time you
spend with your parents
every week”, or “For how
long you have been married
to your present spouse”,
and see how the scales turn
showcasing AI’s potential
to enhance legal analy-
sis, predict outcomes,
and even assist in judicial
decision-making. How-
ever, these advancements
underscore the imperative
for stringent ethical stan-
dards to uphold the integ-
rity of the legal system.
As AI continues to evolve
rapidly, it becomes crucial
for societies, especially
within the diverse con-
text of India, to engage in
proactive discourse. We
must anticipate future
developments and craft
legal frameworks that are
flexible enough to adapt
to the unpredictable tech-
nological landscape. This
includes ensuring that the
benefits of AI extend to all
and democratising access
to services like healthcare
and education.
In conclusion, as we
chart the course of AI
within the legal domain,
our focus must steadfastly
remain on enacting and
refining laws that protect
pivotal moment in India’s
struggle for independence.
His call to civil disobedi-
ence catalysed a mass
boycott of British goods,
prompting a harsh crack-
down from British authori-
ties. Despite brutal repres-
sion, the spirit of nonvio-
lent resistance persisted,
revealing the resilience of
the Indian populace.
The Salt Satyagraha
showcased resolute col-
lective action, with over
60,000 willingly impris-
oned and thousands more
participating in peaceful
protests. Despite Gov-
ernment reprisals, the
‘satyagrahis’ maintained
remarkable restraint and
nonviolent discipline. This
nonviolent resistance ulti-
mately led to negotiations
with Congress leadership
and Gandhi’s release after
a year of imprisonment.
The Dandi March cul-
EDIT
against the rich western
nations.
In collectivist societies
in Asia, people reckon hap-
piness more as a shared
experience rather than indi-
vidual satisfaction with life,
whereas in individualistic
societies, people perceive
happiness more in terms
of individual satisfaction.
Happy people increase the
happiness of others around
them; hence bonding within
social groups and families
contributes positively to
happiness. Individualis-
tic Western nations would
score higher given the way
the GWP questions have
been framed.
As every Indian knows
from experience, we are
not unhappy people, having
been brought up to regard
values and relationships
as more important than
wealth and to be content
to live a simple life with
few material possessions,
with strong bonds with our
extended families and the
community. Even though
perceptions are changing in
a growing economy, these
basic values have remained
intact. We do not need to
feel depressed at our 126th
ranking. Instead, we should
ignore such a phoney index
and go about our lives and
business as usual.
(The author, an
ex-bureaucrat, is currently
a Professor at the Arun
Jaitley National Institute
of Financial Management;
views are personal)
human rights and dig-
nity. Achieving harmony
between emerging tech-
nology and legal norms
requires a culture of
continuous learning and
adaptation, where laws
are designed not just to
respond to the challenges
posed by AI but to foresee
and embrace its vast pos-
sibilities.
With India at the fore-
front of AI innovation,
buoyed by progressive
policies and a wealth of
intellectual capital, we
stand on the brink of lead-
ing the global conversation
on ethical AI. As we ven-
ture deeper into this new
frontier, our collective aim
should be a future where
technology amplifies the
noblest goals of law and
justice, and in return,
legal frameworks foster
the responsible growth of
Artificial Intelligence.
(The author is a legal
expert. Views expressed are
personal)
minated in the historic
breaking of the salt laws,
a symbolic act of defiance
that reverberated globally.
Leaders like Martin Luther
King Jr. drew inspiration
from Gandhi’s example,
recognising the power of
nonviolent resistance in
confronting injustice.
The Dandi March was
not just a chapter in his-
tory but a transformative
moment in India’s fight
for independence, mark-
ing Gandhi’s emergence as
a spiritual force. Through
unwavering dedication
to love and nonviolence,
Gandhi wielded a potent
weapon against oppres-
sion, demonstrating the
profound impact of spiritu-
ality in challenging times.
(The writer is Programme
Executive, Gandhi Smriti
and Darshan Samiti;
views are personal)
 news jammu, MARCH 30, 2024 saturday REFUGEE MESSAGE 07

J&K Branch (NIRC) of ICAI
organizes Seminar on 'Bank
Branch Audit'
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, March 29
J&K Branch (NIRC) of the
Institute of Chartered
Accountants of India (ICAI)
under the aegis of Audit-
ing & Assurance Standard
Board of ICAI organized a
highly informative Semi-
nar on Bank Branch Audit
at ICAI Bhawan, Canal
Road Jammu.
CA Vineet Kohli, Chair-
man of the J&K Branch,
commenced the event
with a warm welcome
address, highlighting
the significance of the
CA Benevolent Fund. He
underscored the pivotal
role this fund plays in
providing support to Char-
tered Accountants in times
of need, emphasizing the
importance of solidarity
and mutual aid within the
professional community.
Kohli's emphasis on the
benevolent fund served
to encourage attendees
to contribute and partici-
pate actively in supporting
their fellow professionals,
fostering a sense of cama-
raderie and unity within
the accounting fraternity.
CA. Priya Seht, Secre-
tary, J&K Branch then took
the stage, conducted the
proceedings, and guided
participants through the
key aspects of the subject.
CA Amarjit Chopra,
Past President ICAI,
an esteemed speaker,
addressed the audience
on the critical aspects of
loan and advances in the
context of bank audits.
His expertise in the field
of auditing, particularly
in the banking sector,
has provided valuable
insights into the intrica-
cies involved in assessing
and evaluating loans and
advances, as well as the
associated risks and regu-
latory considerations.
Additionally, anoth-
er guest speaker CA.
Anil Sharma has shared
insights on the long-form
audit report. This report
is an extensive document
that provides a compre-
hensive overview of the
audit findings, including
detailed analysis, observa-
tions, and recommenda-
tions. The guest speaker
discussed the importance
of crafting effective long-
form audit reports, high-
lighting key elements such
as transparency, clarity,
and relevance to stake-
holders.
Both sessions have con-
tributed to the attendees'
understanding of crucial
areas in auditing, offering
practical guidance and
insights to enhance their
professional practices and
responsibilities.
CA. Sourav Pargal, Vice
Chairman, presented the
formal vote of thanks.
CA. Vikas Purdhani,
Immediate Past Presi-
dent, CA. Ayush Sawhney,
Executive Member & CA.
Nakul Saraf, Past Chair-
man along with many
senior members, several
Chartered Accountants
and students were also
present at the event.
84 Bn CRPF organizes “Free
Medical Camp” at Sanasar, Ramban
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, MAR 29
Entrusted with the
responsibilities of Internal
Security of the large and
diverse country, India,
CRPF is deployed across
the length and breadth of
the country. 84 Bn CRPF is
deployed in J&K, with all
of its Coys in Ramban and
Udhampur. The Unit is
securing a stretch of more
than 40 km of NH 44,
which is the major lifeline
to the Kashmir valley.
Besides rendering its
services of securing the
Nation, CRPF also car-
ries out social outreach
program to augment its
connect with the local
populace. In line with this
objective, 84 Bn CRPF, on
29 Mar 24, organized a day
long Free Medical Camp
at Sanasar, Ramban. Sana-
sar, a cup shaped meadow
situated at an altitude of
approx 2050 m, is a
popular tourist destina-
tion, famous for its lake
and breathtaking scenic
beauty of its surround-
ings. It is also known for
the adventure sports like
paragliding, rock climbing
and trekking.
Sanasar is situated at
a distance of 20 km fm
Patnitop and due to its
remoteness, the people in
the area do not have easy
access to good healthcare
facilities. Considering this
issue, 84 Bn CRPF, under
the aegis of Jammu Sector,
CRPF, organized a day
long Free Medical Camp,
catering to the local pop-
ulation of Upper Sanasar,
Lower Sanasar and Sana.
The camp was attended
by nearly 200 needy locals
of all age groups, includ-
ing women and children.
The locals were provided
free Medical Treatment
and medicines during the
camp. The camp was inau-
gurated by Sh N Ranbir
Singh Commandant 84
Bn CRPF. Sh Vikram Singh
Second In Command, Dr
Anu Gorke SMO 84 Bn, Dr
Biranmol Singh MO 84 Bn,
officers and personnel of
84 Bn, Sh Tulsi Ram Sar-
panch Sana Sh Krishan
Chand Sarpanch Sanasar
and Sh Parveen Kumar
Panch Sanasar partici-
pated in the camp. While
speaking during the func-
tion, Sh N Ranbir Singh
Commandant 84 Bn CRPF
spoke about glorious his-
tory of CRPF and its para-
mount contribution in
nation building. He also
highlighted about the vari-
ous initiatives taken up by
the CRPF and reiterated
CRPF’s unflinching com-
mitment towards the wel-
fare and well-being of the
local people. Light refresh-
ments were served to the
local participants during
the camp.
Sh Tulsi Ram Sarpanch
Sana and local partici-
pants profusely thanked
84 Bn CRPF for the noble
initiative. Pertinent to
mention here that this is
the first instance where
any Security Agency orga-
nized a Free Medical Camp
in Sanasar area, where the
famous Tulip festival is set
to open during first week
of April 24.
MSCB Trust acting as
stepping stone to success for
local toddlers: Anuradha
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
PATNITOP, MAR 29
On the second day of
national art camp organ-
ised by Master Sansar
Chand Baru Trust in col-
laboration with Petronet
LNG, a large number
of students studying
in nearby schools held
interaction with the par-
ticipants and acquired
skills to become success-
ful in the field of art and
culture. Addressing these
young lads, Trustee Baru
Trust, Anuradha Rishi
said that perseverance
and hard work are the two
attributes which form the
basis for success and for
a career in arts, patience
is another vital constitu-
ent in one’s personality to
achieve the ultimate goals.
It is pertinent to men-
tion that Baru Trust is
holding a six-day National
Art Camp in the pictur-
esque location of Patni-
top wherein artists from
across the country are
and held a meaningful
interaction.
Earlier, Anuradha Rishi
assured that her Trust
will provide all support
to the interested students
to excel in the field of art
and painting as this is one
of the main objectives of
the Trust. The Trust has
always preferred to pro-
vide support to people
living in remote and far
off places because nor-
mally this lot remained
deprived of the facilities
which their counterparts
get while dwelling in an
urban life full of facilities,
she added.
Gouri Vemula from
Hyderabad, one of the
participants of the art
workshop, said that
Master Sansar Chand
Baru Trust Jammu and
Kashmir is doing a great
job by holding such work-
shops which act as game
changers for the young
lot living in rural hamlets
with limited facilities. She
said that she felt elated

NSF Legends outclass Press Club XI to claim Drug awareness program participating with zeal
and zest. A total of 10
for being the part of this
camp which is providing

2nd Trimurti Balidan T20 Cricket Cup
held by Jammu police at artists in which Ashok
Kumar, Bannu Baidh,
help to young lads of vil-
lages.
Gouri Vemula, JD Maryan, Rahul J Mhetra from

REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU put a score of 150 runs on

Jammu
NSF Legends played bril-
liantly and outclassed
Press Club Jammu XI to
lift the winner’s Cup of
Second Trimurti Balidan
Cricket T20 Tournament,
the final of which was
played today at Jammu
University Ground, here.
Former member BCCI
and Joint Secretary JKNC,
Ankush Abrol was the
chief guest at the conclud-
ing ceremony. Dr. Vikas
Sharma Zonal Secretary
JKNC, Presided over the
function.
Sr. Journalist Vishal
Bharti, Gobind Chouchan
and Dinesh Mahajan were
the guest of honour.
This was stated by
Ankush Abrol, while
paying tributes to great
leaders who have sacri-
ficed their lives in making
India free from British
rulers.
He appreciated the
National Secular Forum
(NSF) for organizing such
events which promote a
sense of competitiveness
among youth and also an
occasion to pay befitting
tributes to the martyr trio
of Indian freedom strug-
gle.
While lavishing praise
on the organisers for hold-
ing the event in a fabulous
way in the memory of great
soldiers of the nation. He
said such events serve a
twin purpose of promot-
ing sports and enhancing
peace, integrity and har-
mony.
Also speaking, Dr Vikas
Sharma appreciated the
sportsmanship of all the
participating teams. He
mentioned that the tour-
nament was being orga-
nized every year by the
National Secular Forum
(NSF) to pay homage to
the great martyrs who
laid down their lives in the
prime of their youth.
The tournament is
being held under the
overall supervision of Vik-
shay Vashist, Secretary of
NSF who is being assisted
by Mohd. Umar Farooq
President University Unit,
Abhishek Uppal, Roshan
Sharma, Vineet Gupta and
Aditya Kargotra Working
President University Unit.
Earlier, Press Club XI
won the toss and elected
to bat first. In stipulated 20
overs, Press Club batsmen
the scoreboard. The dis-
ciplined bowling of NSF
Legends was spearhead-
ed by Dr. Vikas Sharma
who claimed 3 wickets
giving away just 14 runs in
a spell of 3 overs. Ashok
and Danish also claimed 2
wickets apiece.
For Press Club, Rajesh
Sharma was the top scorer
who made a fighting 55
runs. He was ably sup-
ported by few others but
could not convert starts
into big scores.
NSF chased the
required total in 16.3
overs scoring 153 runs.
Vishal was adjudged man
of the match for playing
a brilliant innings of 48 in
just 28 deliveries. Rupesh
Kumar was adjudged as
Man of the Series for deliv-
ering outstanding perfor-
mances throughout the
tournament.
The proceedings of the
valedictory function were
conducted by Vikshay,
while Dr Vishal singh pre-
sented vote of thanks.
Bagh-e-Bahu
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu,29.3.2024
Jammu Police organised
drug awareness program
at Bagh e bahu area of
Subdivision East. The
programme was aimed
to sensitise the general
public regarding drug
abuses and its prevention.
Programme was
attended by 200 people
including civil society
members , youth, chil-
dren and NGOs.
SP South Sh.Ajay
Sharma-JKPS , SDPO East
Sheezan Bhat-JKPS & SHO
Bagh e bahu Vijay Kumar
were also present at the
event.
Many speakers
expressed their ideas and
views on the topic and
the session was made
more interactive.Partici-
pants were acknowledged
for their contributions
towards the society .
SP South Ajay Sharma
urged participants to act
as messengers of jammu
Police to take this drug
awareness campaign to
the maximum reach. He
also appealed parents to
come forward if any of
their child has fallen prey
to addiction,J&k police
shall take care of such
persons who are in need
of counselling and treat-
ment.
People expressed grati-
tude to police for organ-
ising such initiative for
youths.
Jitendra Baidh, Triveni
Baidh, Sonal Gupta,
Mumbai, another par-
ticipant said there is no
Rahul J Mhetra, Nilisha J dearth of talent among
Phad and Monica Ghule the children of these faroff
from different parts of the hamlets but due to lack of
country are taking part in opportunity and edifice,
the workshop. they could not achieve
The local students of what they deserve and
Govt Girls Middle School, the way the Baru Trust
Dogra Zone, Chenani and is kindling hope in them,
other schools, showed one day these children
keen interest in the art will surely make a mark
works being created by in the society by coming
the national level artists out with flying colours.
Police distributes school kits
among students of different
Schools in Awantipora
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Awantipora, mar 29
As a part of Civic Action Programme, Police have dis-
tributed school kits among 100 needy students of Sub-
division Tral, Awantipora.
The school kits which include shoes, uppers and
shirts were distributed among 100 needy students at
Government Upper Primary Schools of Dodkulan, Nag-
pathri, Zisbal, Satoora, Nagbal, Gulshanpora, Shojan,
Darganiegund, Hajinad & Primary School Narigistan.
On the occasion, SDPO Tral Shri Suhail Reshi & DySP
DAR Shri Abdul Gafoor and other officers were pres-
ent.

Global Convent School Empowers Students with
Introduction of Speed Ball as Part of FIT India Initiative
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, Mar 29
Global Convent Hr. Sec.
School, a premier educa-
tional institution in Channi
Rama, Jammu commit-
ted to nurturing holistic
development, is excited to
announce the integration
of Speed Ball into its physi-
cal education curriculum
as a part of the FIT India
initiative. This progres-
sive step aims to promote
fitness, agility, and over-
all well-being among stu-
dents while aligning with
the national campaign for
a healthier India.
Speed Ball, a dynamic
and engaging fitness activ-
ity, combines elements of
cardiovascular exercise,
coordination, and agility
training. By incorporat-
ing rapid movements and
striking a suspended ball
with precision, students
not only improve their
physical fitness but also
enhance their motor skills
and focus. Global Convent
School believes that inte-
grating Speed Ball into the
curriculum will inspire
students to adopt an active
lifestyle and instill lifelong
habits of wellness.
"We are thrilled to intro-
duce Speed Ball as a part
of our commitment to
promoting health and fit-
ness among our students,"
said Ms. Mona Pandoh,
Director, Global Convent
Hr. Sec. School. "This ini-
tiative underscores our
dedication to providing
comprehensive education
that encompasses physi-
cal, mental, and emotional
well-being. By embracing
activities like Speed Ball,
we aim to empower our
students to prioritize their
health and lead fulfilling
lives." said Ms. Jagdam-
ba Gandotra, Principal,
Global Convent Hr. Sec.
School.
“On behalf of Global
Convent School, we
extend our heartfelt grati-
tude to Mr. Sunny Nanda,
Gen. Secretary, JK Sports
Speed Ball Association
along with his team mem-
bers for your invaluable
support in intro-
ducing Speed
Ball into our cur-
riculum. Your
partnership has
enriched our stu-
dents' fitness jour-
ney and contrib-
uted immensely
to their holistic
development.
We look forward
to further collaborations
in promoting health and
wellness.” said Mr. Raman
Jamwal, Vice Principal,
Global Convent Hr. Sec.
School.
Aligned with the FIT
India initiative launched
by the Government of
India, Global Convent Hr.
Sec. School is dedicated
to fostering a culture of fit-
ness and wellness within
the school community
and beyond. By integrat-
ing innovative fitness pro-
grams like Speed Ball into
its curriculum, the school
seeks to contribute to the
national goal of building a
healthier and more active
nation.
As part of the holistic
approach to education,
Global Convent School
encourages students
to participate in a wide
range of physical activi-
ties that promote fitness,
teamwork, and personal
growth. The introduction
of Speed Ball adds another
dimension to the school's
physical education pro-
gram, offering students a
fun and effective way to
stay active and healthy.
Global Convent Hr. Sec.
School invites parents, stu-
dents, and the community
to join in its commitment
to promoting fitness and
well-being among young
learners. By embracing
initiatives like Speed Ball,
the school aims to nurture
a generation of individuals
who prioritize their health
and make positive contri-
butions to society.
Many Congress, NC, PDP leaders
from Nowshera join BJP
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, MAR 29
Putting faith in the devel-
opment-oriented gov-
ernance by PM Modi,
hundreds of passionate
political and social person-
alities and ex-servicemen
from border Mandal Lam,
Laroka, Pukherni, Kampla,
Raipur, Bhata, Qila Darhal,
Naryian and adjoining
areas joined Bharatiya
Janata Party in presence of Kashmir are joining the BJP whole of J&K.
Ravinder Raina, President, in heavy numbers. Today, “Today, BJP is marching
J&K BJP, at party headquar- also the prominent person- towards victory in all the 5
ter, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. alities from the border area Parliamentary constituen-
Ravinder Raina, while of Nowshera have joined cies of J&K and this is the
welcoming the new the ranks of BJP and the result of public-centric and
entrants into the party party welcomes them from development-oriented gov-
fold, said that the ex-ser- the core of heart. He said ernance provided by BJP
vicemen who have served that many ex-servicemen under PM Modi. PM Modi
the Bharat Mata during form this area have joined has led J&K to an era of
their active service have BJP, giving strength to the peace and progress with
now dedicated themselves organization in the region. substantial development in
to serve the nation by join- He extended the apprecia- every sector. This all-inclu-
ing the BJP. He said that the tions to the party workers sive development generat-
prominent political and for their dedication as a ing a strong wave in favour
social personalities from result of which only BJP is of Modi government”, said
all the regions of Jammu & being seen everywhere in Ravinder Raina.
08 REFUGEE MESSAGE
JKEEGA calls off sit in protest on Mar 30
Govt constitutes committee to assess reasonable losses feeder wise
Refugee Message Bureau
Jammu, Mar 29
Jammu and Kashmir Elec-
trical Engineering Gradu-
ates Association led by
Er.Sachin Tickoo President
and Pirzada Hidayatullah
General secretary held
multiple round of talks
with the Adminstration
in the presence of Chief
Secretary and attended
among others by Principal
Secretary PDD.The Talks
were held in a very cordial
atmosphere wherein the
association put forward
that identifying the areas
of poor performance and
taking action against such
elements is top most pri-
jammu, march 30, 2024 saturday
While stating that
association is deeply
perturbed by the suspen-
sions of 12 Engineers of
the Power Development
department currently
on deputation to JPDCL/
KPDCL on unrealistic
grounds by the Adminis-
ing centrally sponsored
schemes. These are basic
minimum requirements
for fixing accountability
in realistic terms.
After deliberations
between both sides, the
management agreed
to issue charge sheet
benchmark for record-
ing the improvement and
efforts made to achieve
these shall serve a ground
to justify ones perfor-
mance in a particular
place. The order to this
effect was issued post the
meeting vide order no
67-JKPDD of 29/03/3024
Based on the above
positive developments
and understanding of the
management about the
key measures sought by
the association for ensur-
ing accountability in a
reasoned manner from all
engineers , JKEEGA Guid-
ance Council has decided
to call off the sit in protest
programme scheduled on
Jobs, livelihood, land, property rights
will be protected: Lal Singh
Refugee Message Bureau
Jammu, Mar 29
Former Member Parlia-
ment and Ex Minister
Choudhary Lal Singh on
Friday urged upon the
people to vote for him
en masse and promised
that the loss which they
suffered in the last ten
years which include loss
of jobs, land, property
and even the livelihood
of the common masses,
shall be restored.
Singh conducted its
DEO Samba inspects polling
canvassing for the Par-
liamentary Election and
started a bike and car
rally from Challog that
culminated at Bani in
Kathua district of Jammu
and Kashmir.
Singh addressing the
gathering reiterated its
stand of fighting for the
interest of the Dogra race
and pledged to expose
all those forces inimical
to the growth of the
Dogras.
"I am contesting elec-
tions for the jobs of the
people of my area and
state and I am struggling
for the protection of the
Dogra posterity and will
never be demoralized,"
said Singh adding that the
local issues of the people
of his constituency will
remain his top priority.
He stated that the
water pipe scam of PHE
will be investigated fairly
and if the Congress is
voted to power, all the
culprits will be behind
the bars.
He also took up the
NEWS
issue of long power cuts
in the area and said the
present MP does not even
know the issues of the
Bani where long and long
power cuts are observed
and what to talk of the
other issues.
He called upon all his
party workers and sup-
porters to be always pro-
active and take his vision
to every nook and corner
and make every worker
well versed with the
malafide agenda of the
present government.
District level NCORD
committee evaluates

stations, bunkers in border areas

ority of the Engineers as
well , but at the same time
it has also been entrust-
ed the responsibility to
see that a justfied , fair
ground, level palyng field
is there for all to perform
and be evaluated based on
realistic achievables vis a
vis the key parameters of
Billing effeciency, collec-
tion effeciency and overall
reduction of AT&C losses.
First Randomization of Polling Personnel held at Samba
Refugee message bureau
SAMBA, MARCH 29
The District Election
Officer Samba, Abhishek
Sharma today super-
vised the first random-
ization process of poll-
ing staff to be deployed
across 365 polling sta-
tions for the Parliamen-
tary Elections-2024. The
randomisation process
took place in the meet-
ing hall of the DC office
complex, with key offi-
trative Department Power
Development Department.
These engineers have
been made scapegoats
and their suspensions has
been used to hide real
problems like poor infra-
structure, lack of adequate
staff and non metering,
partial ABC cabling and
most importantly poor
performance of central
PSU’s in implement-
immediately and give a
rethought to the suspen-
sion orders based on rea-
soned replies of the con-
cerned engineers and it
was also mutually decided
that a Technical commit-
tee to evaluate and submit
reasonable achievables vis
a vis the Billing effeciency,
Collection efficiency and
AT&C losses with respect
to 11KV feeders shall be
30th March and hoped
that administration shall
review the suspension in
time bound manner as
agreed in the meeting and
in future , evaluation with
the benchmarks set by the
Technical committee on
loss reduction, and after
giving sufficient opportu-
nity to the person in ques-
tion, such harsh measures
will be thought about.
cials and stakeholders
were present.
The randomization
process was conducted
as per the prescribed
guidelines of ECI ensur-
ing fairness and impar-
tiality in the selection of
polling staff. Additional
SP Samba, Nodal Officer
Law & Order; Nodal Offi-
cer HR/Manpower man-
agement; Nodal Officer
Training and Dy. DEO
Samba were present on
the occasion.
Refugee message bureau
SAMBA, MARCH 29
District Election Officer
(DEO), Samba, Abhishek
Sharma today under-
took a comprehensive
visit of polling stations
in border areas of BOP
Suresh Nanga, Ramgarh
and other adjoining areas
to assess and review the
status of assured mini-
mum facilities in view of
upcoming Lok Sabha Elec-
tions 2024.
During the visit, the
DEO had detailed assess-
ment of the essential facili-
ties in Polling Booths for
the smooth conduct of
Lok Sabha Elections 2024
in the border areas.
He engaged with the
stakeholders to ensure
that all necessary arrange-
ments are put in place to
facilitate smooth and effi-
cient voting process. He
also took stock of provi-
sion of basic amenities like
electricity, water supply,
sanitation facilities, and
accessibility for different-
ly-abled voters at the poll-
ing stations.
It was informed that
two model air-condition-
er equipped bunkers,
one each established in
block Ramgarh and block
Suchetgarh are fully func-
tional. These model bun-
kers can be used by the
general public in wake of
Pakistan shelling and as
library, gym and for the
entertainment purpose
during normalcy.
drug control measures
across Doda district
Refugee message bureau
DODA, MARCH 29
The district-level Committee
under Narco Coordination
Centre (NCORD) met here
today under the chairmanship
of Additional Deputy Com-
missioner (ADC), Sudershan
Kumar to evaluate existing
drug control measures and
enhance efficacy in combating
drug abuse and illicit narcotics
trade in the district.
The meeting served as a
platform to assess the imple-
mentation of previous direc-
tives and initiatives aimed at
curbing drug-related activi-
ties in the district. During the
meeting, participants deliber-
ated on effectiveness of cur-
rent strategies and identified
areas for improvement. Strate-
gies were devised to strength-
en enforcement measures and
enhance collaboration among
law enforcement agencies,
community stakeholders, and
civil society organizations.

From the Front Page...

Ten killed as vehicle...
including NHAI, private construction companies and
traffic authorities, as preventive measures for road acci-
dents," he said.
The SSP said drones have been deployed to locate
the vehicle, as the gushing water flow in the Nallah has
swept it away.
Meanwhile, President Droupadi Murmu expressed
her condolences on the tragic incident.
Taking to her official X account she said, “The news
of many people getting killed after a vehicle fell into
a ditch in Ramban area on Jammu-Srinagar National
Highway is very sad. I offer my condolences to the
bereaved families.”
In a post on X, PMO India said, “PM Modi has
expressed grief on the accident in Ramban, Jammu
and Kashmir. He extends condolences to the bereaved
families and prays for a quick recovery of the injured.”
The Prime Minister’s Office said an ex-gratia of Rs
2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund
would be given to the next of kin of each of the deceased.
The injured would be given 50 thousand rupees
J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed
shock and grief over the loss of lives in the Ramban
road accident.
In a condolence message, the Lt Governor said, “I
am deeply shocked to learn of the unfortunate road
accident in Ramban today, in which precious lives
have been lost. I send my heartfelt condolences to the
bereaved families. I have issued instructions to the
District Administration and Divisional Commissioner
to render all assistance, as provided in rule, to the kin
of victims”.
Former Chief Minister and National Conference
vice president Omar Abdullah took to X to express his
anguish over the accident. “What a terrible tragedy as
our highway claims more precious lives. We eagerly
await the day when the promised 4 lane highway is
completed & people are able to undertake this journey
with the assurance of greater safety. May the souls of
the deceased rest in peace,” he wrote.
Peoples Democratic Party president and former Chief
Minister Mehbooba Mufti took to X and wrote, “Terrible
to know about the accident at Ramban that claimed ten
lives. My deepest sympathies to their families & loved
ones.”
In a statement issued here, J&K Apni Party president
Altaf Bukhari expressed grief over the loss of lives in
the accident. “I extend my heartfelt condolences to
the family members, who have lost their loved ones,"
he said.
Bukhari demanded immediate eviction of the injured
persons in the road accident site, and free of cost medi-
cal treatment to the injured persons. “The administra-
tion should release the compensation in favour of the
next of kin of the deceased persons,” he said.
Former chief minister and Chairman, Democrat-
ic Progressive Azad Party, Ghulam Nabi Azad also
expressed condolences.
J&K BJP Chief Ravinder Raina and J&K Pradesh
Congress Committee (PCC) President Vikar Rasool
also expressed condolences to the bereaved family
members. They prayed for the speedy recovery of the
injured—(KNO)
Tech can play big role...
for a third straight term after the general elections.
Digital public infrastructure is required, the prime
minister said, with Gates adding that India is leading
the way.
Speaking on the issue of climate change, Modi said
the world needs to change parameters like use of elec-
tricity or steel to define development as it is anti-climate
and should instead adopt terminologies like green GDP
and green employment.
Discussing the issue of Artificial Intelligence (AI), he
said it should not be seen as a magic tool or as a replace-
ment for people’s laziness to do some work.
Prime Minister Modi noted as to how he used AI in
the G20 summit for translating speeches and also his
addresses in different languages in several events. A
technology like ChatGPT should be used to constantly
improve oneself, he added.
Highlighting his use of AI, Modi asked Gates to take
a selfie through his (NaMo) app and then showed him
how it could be located through the face-recognition
technology.
Modi said he believed in democratisation of technol-
ogy as it gives everyone an equal opportunity and added
that he is taking technology to villages.
To a query from Gates, he said he is fascinated by
technology but is not a slave to it. “I am not an expert
but have childlike curiosity for technology,” he said
Speaking of digital revolution in India, the prime minis-
ter said he believed that nobody should have monopoly
over it and it should be driven by the common people.
In this context, he highlighted the “Drone Didi”
scheme for women to use drones in agriculture and the
initiative to provide long-distance treatment to patients.
Technology is being used to plug the shortcomings
of teachers in education, Modi said.
He said digital technology will have a big role in the
fourth industrial revolution and he is confident that
India will do well.
Modi noted as to how India used the CoWin platform
to provide Covid vaccination slots and certificates to
people while the world was struggling to do it during
the pandemic. (Agencies)
Infiltration chances...
alert and capable enough to foil any such bid, a senior
BSF official said here on Friday.
“The BSF is deputed with the Army on the LoC. The
election is an important time and we are ready to thwart
any infiltration attempts from across. We are conduct-
ing area domination exercises,” BSF Inspector General
(Kashmir Frontier) Ashok Yadav told reporters here.
He said while chances of infiltration attempts along
the LoC are always there, “they increase when there is
an important event like an election”.
“So, the BSF and the Army are alert and ready to foil
such attempts,” he added.
Yadav said the chances of infiltration attempts also
increase as the routes of infiltration open after the snow
melts.
“We have put plans in place to dominate those areas.
We have made vulnerability maps and the forces will
conduct area domination exercises according to that.
The forces are capable to foil any such attempts,” he
said.
The BSF IG said about 65 companies of the BSF are
deployed in the hinterland in Kashmir along with the
Jammu and Kashmir Police to make the security grid faced by the inhabitants of this region to reach out
stronger. to various administrative offices located or based in
“About 65 companies of BSF are deputed in North, Kathua part for the people living in remote villages and
South and Central Kashmir ranges and are making secu- upper reaches of Basohli.
rity grid stronger and conducting area domination exer- Dr Jitendra Singh said, whenever the next District
cises along with the J-K Police. Whatever we have to Reorganisation Committee is constituted under the NDA
do to ensure smooth elections, we will do that,” Yadav government, this long standing demand of separate
said. (Agencies) districts will also be addressed.
Under Prime Minister Modi, Dr Jitendra Singh said,
for the first time this region has started getting its equi-
DoT advisory... table share of both development as well as resources.
impersonating government officials and duping the Those accompanying Dr Jitendra Singh in whirlwind
people. election tour of the region included DDC Chairman
Cyber criminals through such calls try to threat/steal Col(Retd) Mahan Singh, BJP President Darshan Singh,
personal information to carry out cyber-crime/financial DDCs Narayan Dutt Tripathi and Dr Shweta, former
frauds. Chairman Municipal Council Shammi Sapolia, BJYM
“The DoT does not authorise anyone to make such President Udit, Sonu Gupta, Shailendra, Tejinder, Jag-
call on its behalf and has advised people to stay vigilant dish Sapolia and several other PRIs and prominent
and asked not to share any information on receiving leaders of the area.
such calls,” the advisory said.
The DoT has advised citizens to report such fraud
communications at ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud More than 79,000...
Communications’ facility of Sanchar Saathi portal poll panel said. A total of 1,000 complaints were for
(www.sancharsaathi.gov.in). campaigning beyond the prohibited period, including
Such proactive reporting helps DoT in prevention of those related to the use of speakers beyond the permit-
misuse of telecom resources for cyber-crime, financial ted time.
frauds, etc. The EC pointed out that at the press conference to
Further, citizens can check the mobile connections in announce the Lok Sabha poll schedule, Chief Election
their name at ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ facility Commissioner Rajiv Kumar had urged citizens to be vigi-
of Sanchar Saathi portal (www.sancharsaathi.gov.in) lant and use the app to report Model Code of Conduct
and report any mobile connection not taken by them violations and distribution of any kind of inducements
or not required. among voters.
The DoT has also advised citizens to report at cyber- The seven-phase polls were announced on March 16
crime helpline number 1930 or www.cybercrime.gov. and voting will take place between April 19 and June 1.
in in case of already a victim of cyber-crime or financial (Agencies)
fraud. (AGENCIES)
Basohli deliberately...
identity but the Congress leaders who apparently
always claimed to be the protagonists of regional pride
did not pursue this cause because they were more con-
cerned about preserving their Ministerial berths, he
said.
It is under Prime Minister Modi that Basohli had
received a network of road connectivity, as a result
of which the travel time between Jammu and Basohli
had considerably reduced bringing a lot of relief and
convenience to daily commuters and ease of business
for the industry.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that Basohli richly deserve the
status of being designated as the “Heritage Town” for
which the initiative has already been undertaken. He
said, there is a proper procedure laid out for being con-
ferred the status of Heritage Town and the recognition
of status has to come from accredited agencies which
will also happen under the Modi government.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, BJP had been in favour of a
separate hill district comprising Basohli and Billawar
regions and we had taken up this cause even when we
were in opposition. The evidence of this is that in the
BJP organisational structure, Basohli-Billawar enjoys the
status of a separate hill district and we have a separate
BJP District President for Kathua and a separate one
for Basohli.
Considering the vast area of district Kathua, Dr Jiten-
dra Singh said, there are logistic and practical problems
 news jammu, march 30, 2024 SATURDAY REFUGEE MESSAGE 09

Lok Sabha Elections 2024

Amar Singh College organizes SVEEP: orientation programme DEO Rajouri interacts
for NCC Cadets, NSS Volunteers with polling personnel
Declamation Event undergoing training
held at GGHSS Nishat
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
SRINAGAR, MARCH 29

On the directions of the

REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
SRINAGAR, MARCH 29
The Electoral Literacy
Club (ELC) at Amar Singh
College Friday organized a
declamation event centred
around the theme ‘Elector
as an Ideal Citizen of the
Country.’
The event aimed to
promote electoral liter-
acy among students and
faculty members, empha-
sizing the importance of
active participation in the
democratic process. The
students participated in
this declamation event.
The event commenced
with an insightful address
by Principal, Prof. Sheikh
Ajaz Bashir, who under-
scored the significance of
exercising the right to vote
as a fundamental duty of
every citizen. He empha-
sized that by participating
in elections, individuals
contribute directly to the
functioning of democracy,
thereby shaping the future
of the nation.
The event is undertaken
on the directions of Elec-
tion Commission of India
and District Election
Officer Srinagar, Dr. Bilal
Mohi-ud-Din Bhat.
Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad
Rather, Convenor of the
Electoral Literacy Club,
provided an overview of
the club's various activi-
ties and highlighted the
responsibility of ELC
members in fostering
voter participation both
within the campus and
beyond.
Prof. Rather empha-
sized the role of students
and faculty members in
promoting awareness
about electoral processes
and encouraging fellow
citizens to exercise their
franchise.
The event witnessed
active participation from
a significant number
of students and faculty
members, demonstrating
a keen interest in the sub-
ject matter. The diverse
audience engaged in dis-
cussions and expressed
their viewpoints on the
theme, reflecting a deep-
seated commitment to
democratic values.
The declamation event
was adjudicated by panel
comprising Prof. Isaaq
Ahmad, Dr. Zubair Nazeer,
Prof. Tawheed Yousuf
Dadoo, and Prof. Irfan
Yousuf.
Students namely Maliha
of 1st semester bagged
the 1st position, Muskan
Javid of 2nd semester was
declared runner-up and
Imroz Rashid and Salika of
3rd semester got the 3rd
position in the Declama-
tion Contest.
District Election Officer
(DEO) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal
Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, an
orientation programme
aimed at empowering
NCC Cadets and NSS Vol-
unteers was successfully
conducted at Govern-
ment Girls Higher Sec-
ondary School (GGHSS)
Nishat here today.
The programme was
conducted under the
supervision of District
Nodal Officer SVEEP/
AMF Abdul Hamid Fani
as a part of the ongo-
ing Systematic Voters'
Education and Electoral
Participation(SVEEP)
campaign.
During this impactful
program, both NSS vol-
unteers and NCC cadets
were given comprehen-
sive training on how to
assist elderly and physi-
cally challenged voters
from their family or com-
munity in reaching poll-
ing booths and casting
their votes without any
difficulties.
The DEO Srinagar
regarding the event said
that the orientation pro-
gramme marks a signifi-
cant step towards foster-
ing an inclusive and acces-
sible voting environment
challenges or belong to
older age groups.
He added that, as the
orientation programmes
continue to be conduct-
ed in schools and educa-
tional institutions across
the district, it is expected
that a greater awareness
regarding the significance
of voting will be instilled
in the minds of the youth,
further strengthening the
democratic fabric of the
nation
During the orienta-
tion programme, District
Nodal Officer SVEEP/AMF
said that these orientation
have NSS and NCC units.
He added that we are
organizing various pro-
grams in educational insti-
tutions to raise awareness
among the general public
and students about the
paramount importance of
voting in a vibrant democ-
racy.
The Principal of
GGHSS Nishat, Surraya
Bano and trainers briefly
oriented the participants,
providing them with the
necessary knowledge
and skills to assist voting
for all citizens, especially
those who face physical
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
RAJOURI, MARCH 29
District Election Offi-
cer (DEO), Om Prakash
Bhagat today interacted
with the polling person-
nel undergoing training
in morning shift at Gov-
ernment Degree College,
here.
As many as 650 offi-
cials will be trained in two
shifts. The training session
emphasizes the pivotal
role of polling personnel
in upholding the demo-
cratic process and ensur-
ing the fair and efficient
conduct of elections.
Addressing the gath-
ering, the DEO reiter-
ated the importance of
meticulous preparation
and unwavering dedica-
diligence of each individ-
ual involved in the elec-
toral machinery. During
the interactive session,
polling personnel were
acquainted with various
aspects of the election
procedure, while hands-
on training was also
imparted in each training
session. The District Elec-
tion Officer impressed
upon the polling person-
nel to perform their duties
with utmost sincerity and
commitment, upholding
principles of democracy
and ensuring a transpar-
ent and impartial electoral
process.
Among the others,
ACR, Mohammad Jhangir
Khan; DPO, Mohammad
Nawaz Choudhary; Chief
Animal Husbandry Offi-

EVM/ VVPAT Training held at for all citizens, especially

those who face physical
programmes will be con-
ducted in all schools that
challenges or belong to
older age.
tion in facilitating smooth
functioning at the polling
stations. He emphasized
cer, Dr Khalid Hussain;
District Nodal Officer
SVEEP, Iqbal Raina and

Town Hall Handwara Election Office Kulgam organizes

that the success of the
electoral process depends
upon the dedication and
other concerned officers
accompanied the DEO
during his visit.

day-long Orientation programme for

REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
KUPWARA, MARCH 29
In preparation for the
forthcoming Lok Sabha
elections 2024, a training
program was today orga-
nized for Supervisors/
BLOs of all the polling sta-
tions of Tehsil Zachaldara
and Drugmulla at Town
Hall Handwara. The train-
ing was imparted by Dis-
trict Level Master Trainer,
Syed Saqib Geelani. He
provided full guidance to
the participants on vari-
ous facets of the electoral
process and operations of
EVM/ VVPAT.
Emphasis was placed on
the importance of active
participation and adher-
ence to the guidelines out-
lined by the Election com-
mission of India to ensure
smooth and transparent
conduct of the elections.
Addressing the trainees,
the Additional Deputy
Commissioner Handwara,
Aziz Ahmad Rather who
is also Assistant Returning
Officer (ARO) Handwara-5,
stressed upon the con-
cerned to ensure Assured
Minimum Facilities at
every polling station, PWD
voters flagging, Migrant
Voters registration and
strategy for their voting,
provisions for absentees
voters etc.
Among others, Tehsil-
dars of Zachaldara and
Drugmulla also attended
the training programme.
NCC/ NSS & Campus Ambassadors
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
KULGAM, MARCH 29
The District Election Office
Kulgam today conducted a
one-day orientation pro-
gramme at the Confer-
ence Hall of Mini Secre-
tariat, here for NCC/ NSS
and campus ambassadors
from various Colleges and
Higher Secondary Schools
of the district regarding
conduct of election.
District Level Master
trainer, Showkat Ahmad
Wani and ALMT, Mushtaq
Ahmad briefed the stu-
dents in detail about the
importance of electoral
participation of all, espe-
cially the young genera-
tion. Student Volunteers
General, Police Observer
interact with AROs, Nodal
were also familiarized
regarding various process-
es of conduct of elections.
The young participants
were enthusiastic and
posed many questions
which were answered by
the DLMT and ALMT to
their satisfaction. Dy DEO
Kulgam, Bilal Ahmad
Kamgar in his address wel-
comed the young volun-
teers and exhorted upon
them to become ambassa-
dors for enrollment of all
eligible voters in the elec-
toral list and take the mes-
sage of greater participa-
tion for stronger democ-
racy to the community.
officers of Kathua district
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
KATHUA, MARCH 29
General Observer, Dheeraj Kumar and Police Observ-
er, Daljeet Singh for General Elections, today held
a maiden meeting with Assistant Returning Officers
(AROs) and Election Nodal Officers of district Kathua
here. The purpose of the meeting was to review the
election preparedness for the upcoming polls sched-
uled to be held in the constituency on April 19.
During the meeting, Returning Officer for 4-Udham-
pur Parliamentary Constituency, Dr. Rakesh Minhas
(District Election Officer Kathua), briefed the Observ-
ers about the status of election-related processes being
followed in the parliamentary constituency.
The General Observer and Police Observer inter-
acted with AROs and Nodal Officers, sought updates
on progress made in election-related duties. They also
inquired about the measures being implemented to
ensure smooth, fair and transparent election process
in the constituency.

Voters Awareness program Patnitop to Gauri Kund Spiritual Trek SVEEP awareness
programme held at

under SVEEP held at Langate organised as part of SVEEP campaign

REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
KUPWARA, MARCH 29
A mega Voters Awareness
programs under the Sys-
tematic Voters’ Education
and Electoral Participa-
tion (SVEEP) initiative was
today organized at BHSS
MH Pora Langate.
The awareness pro-
gram was aimed to raise
awareness about various
voting-related activities
and promote electoral
literacy among citizens,
especially first-time
voters in the run up to
the upcoming Lok Sabha
Elections 2024.
The program was
attended by Dy. CEO Kup-
wara, Manzoor Ahmad
Bhat; Dy. SP, Principal,
ZEO Mawar and Langate,
District Cultural Coor-
dinator, Cluster heads,
Teachers and students
from different schools,
besides, officials from
various departments, first
time voters, community
leaders and local artists,
besides general public
also participated in the
awareness program.
On the occasion, the
school children and the
artists presented different
colourful programmes to
educate and inspire active
participation in the demo-
cratic process.
Pledge taking ceremo-
ny under SVEEP was also
held where participants
took the pledge to vote
enthusiastically in the
upcoming Lok Sabha elec-
tions.
Meanwhile, experts
and various other speak-
ers spoke and highlighted
the significance of elector-
al literacy in empowering
citizens and urged every-
one, especially first-time
voters, to exercise their
franchise responsibly in
the upcoming elections.
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
UDHAMPUR, MARCH 29
In a collaborative effort,
Patnitop Development
Authority, Directorate of
Tourism, Jammu, District
Administration, Udham-
pur and Shri Mata Vaish-
no Devi University today
came together to organize
Patnitop to Gauri Kund
Spiritual Trek as part of
the SVEEP campaign for
forthcoming general elec-
tions. The trek was flagged
off by ADC Udhampur,
Joginder Singh Jasrotia
which traced an ancient
pilgrimage route leading
to Sudh Mahadev-Mant-
alai, prominent Shaivite
centers and is steeped in
natural wonders especial-
ly with the onset of spring.
Commencing from the
Nag Temple, renowned
for its construction
using stones—a deviation
from the prevalent use
of Deodar wood in the
region—the trek concluded
at the Gauri Kund Temple,
dedicated to Bhagwan
Shiv and Mata Parvati.
The participants relished
traditional cuisines offered
year-round in the temple’s
bhandara.
Enthralled by pictur-
esque vistas and envel-
oped in a mystical aura
throughout the trek, more
than fifty students from
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi
University, represent-
ing various districts of
the Jammu and Kashmir
Union Territory, expressed
gratitude to the authorities
for this endeavour. After
the trek, the participants
paid obeisance at Sudh
Mahadev temple.
At Sudh Mahadev, the
participants from SMVDU,
who were mostly first
time voters, were sensi-
tized about the electoral
process, the importance
of exercising the right
to vote, and rights and
responsibilities of voters
by Pankaj Singh Bhau,
Tehsildar Chenani. Addi-
tionally, they were given
hands-on experience of
voting equipment like
EVM and VVPAT. Students
of Government Higher
Secondary School Sudh
Mahadev created placards,
presented skits and dance,
which was followed by
Sangam Theatre group’s
nukkad natak for voter
awareness. Devender
Singh Bhau, CEO, PDA,
said that beyond electoral
processes, adventure, and
spirituality, the event also
underscored cleanliness,
environmental conscious-
ness, and the preserva-
tion of natural beauty that
attracts travelers from far
and wide. He added that
the PDA staff, as part of
ongoing PDA initiatives
like ‘Clean Patnitop Green
Patnitop’, ‘Carry the
Trash Back’ and ‘Clean
Mountains Save Future’,
collected waste along the
trail. The students were
accompanied by their fac-
ulty including Dr. Satish
Kumar Tiwari, Krishna
Pandey, Keshava Pandey,
Balbir Singh, Karan Singh,
and officials and staff from
both PDA and District
Administration Udham-
pur.
Madra-Tut-Touheed
Thannamandi
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
THANAMANDI, MARCH 29
An awareness program
under the aegis of Systematic
Voters’ Education and Elec-
toral Participation (SVEEP)
program was today held here
at Madra-Tut-Touheed Thana-
mandi. Led by Nodal Officer
SVEEP Prof. Iqbal. Raina, the
event was attended by Prof
Manzoor Ahmed Dar, Prof.
Khalid Rayaz and Moham-
mad Ayaz Raina, lecturer.
The team visited Madrasa-
Tut-Tiuheed Thannamandi
to enlighten students and
teachers about the impor-
tance of voting. The attend-
ees were provided insights
into the election process. The
event was organized as part
of the SVEEP’s door-to-door
campaign. Later, the team
engaged with the public at
Jamia Masjid Thannamandi,
underscoring the significance
of adult franchise in democ-
racy and urging maximum
participation in the electoral
process.
 10 REFUGEE MESSAGE
DEO Rajouri briefs political No one can stop Lotus to bloom
representatives about MCC in every house of J&K: Chugh
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
RAJOURI, MARCH 29
District Election Offi-
cer (DEO), Rajouri, Om
Prakash Bhagat today
convened an important
meeting with representa-
tives from different politi-
cal parties to brief them
about Model Code of Con-
duct (MCC).
The objective of the
meeting was to under-
score the importance of
adhering to highest ethi-
cal standards outlined in
the MCC to be observed by
all in Lok Sabha Elections
2024.
The meeting served
as a platform to sensitize
political parties about
the imperative nature of
upholding integrity, fair-
ness, and transparency
throughout the electoral
process.
The discussions held
during the meeting under-
scored the collective com-
mitment of all political
stakeholders towards
fostering an environment
characterized by ethical
conduct, accountability,
and respect for democrat-
ic principles as per ECI
guidelines.
The DEO urged all polit-
ical parties to refrain from
criticizing any party based
on unverified facts and
cautioned against making
personal comments or
engaging in caste and
communal politics.
Furthermore, the DEO
also urged all political par-
ties to intimate the venue
Awareness Talk on ‘Women
Empowerment’ at Kotranka, Rajouri
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Rajouri : 29 Mar 2024
Women empowerment
is a multifaceted concept
that encompasses various
dimensions of life includ-
ing social, economic, polit-
ical and personal aspects.
Indian Army strive to
empowers women, by
equipping them with
knowledge, shills, resourc-
es and opportunities to
make informed choices,
exercise their rights and
participate fully in all
spheres of society. They
organized an awareness
talk on Women Specific
Government schemes at
JNV, Kotranka.
The aim of the whole
session was to spread
awareness among stu-
dents about various
women empowerment
schemes initiated by Cen-
DSS advocates preservation of monuments,
rich culture of Duggar Pradesh
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, MAR 29
Dogra Sadar Sabha J&K
held a crucial meeting at
the Sabha Bhawan, Dogra
Hall Jammu, expressing
unwavering support to Th.
Gulchain Singh Charak,
President, Dogra Sadar
Sabha and former Cabinet
Minister, in advocating for
the promotion of Dogri
language and the revival of
Dogra culture.
The meeting empha-
sized the importance of
upgrading Jammu Door-
darshan Kendra, launch-
ing Duggar Satellite Chan-
nel, and safeguarding
Dogra heritage, including
the Mubarak Mandi Heri-
tage Complex, historical
sites and the iconic Ranbir
Canal, promoting business
and tourism in all districts
of Jammu region through
organisation of Jammu
Festival/Duggar Festival to
jammu, march 30, 2024 SATURDAY
and time of their meet-
ings and rallies to the
police and administration
in advance. Additionally,
the DEO asked the party
representatives that poll-
ing agents should strictly
adhere to the guidelines
and refrain from entering
the polling stations.
The District Election
Officer reiterated the
pivotal role of political
parties in upholding the
democratic ethos of the
nation and emphasized
the need for cooperation
and adherence to the
guidelines set forth in
MCC. He urged all parties
to conduct themselves
with utmost integrity and
responsibility, thereby set-
ting a positive precedent
for a free, fair, and peace-
ful electoral process.
The DEO expressed
confidence in the coopera-
tion in conduct of political
tral/State Government
especially for women/
girls which include
Financial Assistance for
Women (Integrated Social
Security Scheme), Profes-
sional Training for Women
(Mahila Samridhi Yojana),
Support to Women with
Disability (National Hand-
icapped Financial and
Development Corpora-
tion), Pradhan Mantri
SURAJ Scheme, J&K Ladli
Beti Scheme, Financial
Assistance for Marriage
mark Baisakhi Celebrations
in a big and befitting way.
Shri Charak, along with
members of the Working
Committee and special
invitees visited the Raja
Jambulochan Memorial to
honor the legacy of Raja
Jambulochan and applaud-
ed the initiation of renova-
tion work by the Jammu
Municipal Corporation
under the Smart City proj-
ect. He urged the district
administration to give due
focus to this heritage site
and maintain it properly
with the functioning of a
fountain in the park.
Later, he along with the
working committee mem-
bers visited Balidan Stambh
in Jammu wherein heartfelt
tributes were paid to the
martyrs. It was demand-
ed that a small tuck shop
and a sale outlet must be
established at the Balidan
Stambh from where the
visitors could purchase
parties to the guidelines
outlined, thereby foster-
ing conducive environ-
ment for the smooth
conduct of the Lok Sabha
Elections.
A detailed briefing was
given regarding mandato-
ry pre-certification as per
MCMC norms as required
by all political parties/
candidates for all issues of
advertisements and paid
news. The political repre-
sentatives were asked to
ensure that with MCMC
certification no advertise-
ment is allowed.
Officers who attended
the meeting were ADC
Rajeev Kumar Khajuria;
ACR, Mohammad Jhangir
Khan; Dy DEO, Shakeel
Ahmed; DPO, Mohammad
Nawaz Choudhary and
DSWO, Wakeel Ahmed
Bhatt besides representa-
tives of political parties
were also present.
(State Marriage Assistance
Scheme) etc any some of
the important employ-
ment opportunities that
are initiated by Govern-
ment Sector for the resi-
dents of remote areas of
J&K.
These endeavors by
the Indian Army will not
only aid the women in
achieving economic inde-
pendence but also ensure
preservation of hard
earned peace and tran-
quility in the region.
information leaflet/bro-
chure about the martyrs,
mementos, light eatables,
etc. He also reiterated that
the construction work of
Balidaan Stambh at Pratap
Park Srinagar with names
of Armed forces martyrs
who have saved, defended
and protected Kashmir,
has not yet started after
the Hon’ble Home Minis-
ter Shri Amit Shah laid the
foundation Stone in June
last year.
Later, he along with
members of the working
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
jammu, mar 29
BJP national general sec-
retary and party Incharge
for J&K, Tarun Chugh
Thursday welcomed the
announcement of Union
Home Minister Amit
Shah that the Centre was
prepared to revoke the
Armed Forces (Special
Powers) Act (AFSPA) in a
phased manner and said
that the Opposition lead-
ers like Abdullahs and
Muftis should stop trying
to politicize it to build a
fake narrative.
Chugh said National
Conference vice president
Omar Abdullah and PDP's
Mahbooba Mufti should
acknowledge the Modi
government's contribu-
tion in bringing peace to
J&K. The Abdullah and
Mufti families have been
promoting separatism in
J&K for their petty politi-
cal interests and with the
new policies of the Modi
government both of them
are rattled and frustrated.
He said the Modi gov-
Ashok Koul addresses series of
meetings in Jammu North
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
jammu, mar 29
Ashok Koul, J&K BJP Gen-
eral Secretary (organiza-
tion) chaired a series of
organizational meetings of
BJP District Jammu North
led by its President Omi
Khajuria, to discuss the
strategies for Lok Sabha
elections 2024.
Sham Lal Sharma,
J&K BJP Vice-President
& former Minister, Sukh-
nandan Choudhary,
former Minister, Devender
Singh Rana, former MLA,
Bharat Bhushan, Chair-
person DDC, Shiv Dev
Singh Manhas, former
MLA, Vikas Choudhary,
Secretary, Rajinder Singh
Chib, senior leader, Nand
Kishore Sharma, and
other senior leaders also
accompanied Ashok Koul
during these meetings.
State Office Bearers
residing in District Jammu
North, District Office
Bearers, District Prab-
hari, senior party leaders,
Vidhan Sabha Convenors
& Prabharis, Mandal Pres-
idents & Mandal General
Secretaries, Mandal Prab-
haris, Morcha Presidents,
and other party lead-
ers participated in these
meetings.
Ashok Koul, while
addressing the meetings,
committee and special invi-
tees visited Jammu’s first
Power House near Canal
Road in Jammu. Expressing
concern over the deterio-
rating state of the historical
Ranbir Canal and Jammu’s
first Power House, Shri
Charak stressed the urgen-
cy for preservation and
development, proposing its
declaration as a protected
monument and develop-
ment akin to Sabarmati
riverfront in Gujarat.
The former minister
urged the UT government
ernment had taken a
series of steps including
abrogation of Article 370
to take J&K onto the new
path of development and
progress.
"Since Union Home Min-
ister Amit Shah has AFSPA
and withdrawal of troops
in Jammu and Kashmir,
the regional political par-
ties especially NC seems to
be in absolute frustration.
Perhaps NC has forgotten
its role in its bringing and
implementation in J&K,"
Chugh said.
He said NC has brought
AFSPA to J&K in 1978 with
an aim to crush their
political opponents and
asked the party workers
to devote this one month
time to reach to all the
voters. He asked them to
touch every voter, not just
restricting themselves to
the party’s supporters. He
said that the party leaders
should deliberate on the
strong policies of the Modi
government to strengthen
and develop the nation
along with the precise pol-
icies to the welfare of the
poor, which will inevitably
force them to support the
party in this Parliamen-
tary election.
Koul further asked
the party leaders to lead
the team of ground-level
workers in all the areas
and make it sure that no
person belonging to any
community in any area
remains untouched. He
asked them to encour-
age the people to vote in
favour of Modi govern-
ment to give a further
boost to the development
to address these issues
promptly and emphasized
the support of the people
of Jammu in safeguarding
their cultural identity. He
appealed to political parties
to unite for the betterment
of Jammu, emphasizing the
organization's responsible
approach in advocating for
genuine demands.
In the end, DSS mem-
bers requested Hon’ble
LG to kindly expedite time
bound action on it so that
the site gets in some shape
by the Independence day-
2024. Prominent among
those who were present in
the meeting include Col.
Karan Singh, Prem Sagar
Gupta, Ghulam Ahmed
Khwaja, Gambhir Dev
Singh, Maj Gen. Sunita
Kapoor, Col. Dr. Virender
Sahi, Rajesh Gupta, Kul-
deep Wahi, Abdul Majid,
Jagdeep Singh, Chhankar
Singh, Raghuvir Singh and
others.
to remain in power. This
party has made enough
destruction to J&K and
its institutions with the
help of such laws. "Now
when BJP took a stand to
revisit the law it led NC
and its entire leadership
into absolute frustration,"
Chugh added.
"NC during their times
pampered terrorism, sep-
aratism, and corruption.
They made thousands of
youth scapegoats for their
cheap politics," he held.
Chugh said that the
regional parties of Jammu
and Kashmir have been
rejected by masses, and in
the upcoming Lok Sabha
elections these leaders
will lose their addresses.
"Kashmiris h av e
embraced BJP after August
05, 2019. They are sup-
porting pro-people initia-
tives of Prime Minister
Narendra Modi. March 7
rally at Bakshi Stadium
Srinagar is eye opener for
regional political parties.
No one can stop Lotus to
bloom in every house of
J&K," Chugh added.
in Jammu & Kashmir and
in whole of India.
Sham Sharma said that
the Modi government
has dedicated itself to
the people, society, and
nation in the last 10 years
and the party workers
have to ask the people to
vote for the development,
peace and progress by
voting for the Modi gov-
ernment.
Devender Singh Rana
emphasized on the ground
working during the elec-
tion time to secure the
maximum votes for the
party. He asked them to
leave no stone unturned
to seek every single vote
to strengthen the hands of
PM Narendra Modi.
Omi Khajuria asked the
party leaders to initiate
extensive groundwork and
assured the party seniors
that the party would gain
maximum votes from all
the booths under Jammu
North District.
Army provides stationery, furniture,
sports items to border area schools
Refugee Message Bureau
Nowshera, Mar 29
Under 'Operation Sadbha-
vana' a program was orga-
nized by Indian Army's
Kalal Battalion in Govern-
ment Lower High School,
Kalal, Nowshera. On
this occasion the Indian
Army presented study
material as well as sports
goods and furniture to the
school. Senior Army offi-
cials, school teachers and
school students were pres-
ent during the program.
School teachers said that
under Operation Sadb-
havana, the Indian Army
has provided Volleyballs
as well as other essen-
tial items to the school
by providing tables,
benches, water coolers,
easel boards for children
, book shelves and chairs
for teachers. He said that
the army is working with
the people to uplift the
level of education under
SVEEP team spreads voters
awareness across Banihal
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
RAMBAN, MARCH 29
On the directions of Dis-
trict Election Officer
(DEO), Ramban, Baseer-
Ul-Haq Chaudhary, a
series of awareness pro-
grams were held today
under Systematic Voters’
Education and Electoral
Participation program
(SVEEP) at different insti-
tutions and locations of
the district.
Resource Persons and
members of the district
SVEEP Cell dispersed
across key locations and
institutions such as Doli-
gam Banihal, Bus Stand
Banihal and other adjoin-
ing areas, sensitized the
gatherings about voting
rights. They also engaged
with devotees after Friday
prayers in Banihal town.
Through comprehen-
sive presentations, they
elucidated the impor-
tance of inclusive voter
participation in safeguard-
ing democratic principles
and fortifying the elector-
al framework.
DEO Rajouri reviews
security arrangements
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
RAJOURI, MARCH 29
District Election Officer
(DEO), Rajouri, Om Prakash
Bhagat today convened
a meeting with the Army
and police authorities to
discuss security arrange-
ments for Lok Sabha Elec-
tions 2024.
Recognizing the critical
importance of maintaining
law and order, and to con-
tain any untoward incident
during the electoral pro-
cess, the DEO emphasized
the need for robust coordi-
nation among all security
forces and law enforce-
ment agencies for smooth
execution of elections.
The DEO underscored
the significance of border
area sanitization to con-
tain all potential security
threats and asked for keep-
ing high vigil in border
areas, towns and at sensi-
tive locations.
Operation Sadbhavana.
We thank the Indian
Army from the bottom
of our hearts for provid-
ing every facility to the
school students studying
near the border area. We
are proud of our Indian
Army. For the last sev-
eral years, the Army has
been providing all kinds
of facilities by visiting the
schools of this border area
village. From time to time,
news
The awareness pro-
grammes were conduct-
ed under the supervision
of District Nodal Offi-
cer SVEEP, Mohammad
Ashfaq Kanji.
The events, conducted
in the Sub-division of Ban-
ihal, aimed to uplift citi-
zens’ involvement in the
electoral process, General
election Lok Sabha, 2024
and cultivate a culture of
civic responsibility.
The campaign empha-
sized the pivotal role of
strong civic engagement
in shaping the democratic
landscape. The vibrant
participation of youth,
alongside members of the
public and election per-
sonnel, underscored the
collective commitment
to fostering an informed
electorate.
District Nodal Officer
for SVEEP, played a piv-
otal role in ensuring the
seamless execution of the
programme. The unwav-
ering dedication of SVEEP
to its mission significantly
contributed to the success
of the initiative.
Furthermore, the DEO
stressed the importance
of maintaining dominance
at the ALG Rajouri, under-
scoring its strategic sig-
nificance in ensuring the
security and integrity of
the electoral process.
By fostering collabora-
tion and synergy among
the stakeholders, the Dis-
trict administration Rajouri
aims to create a conducive
environment wherein
voters can exercise their
franchise without fear or
intimidation in a properly
secure environment.
Dy. Commandant BSF,
Gajendra Prasad; ASP CID,
Zulfqar Ahmed; Town CDR,
Munish Chandan; SDPO
Manjakote, Tussif Ahmed;
DySP HQr Rajouri, Ash-
wani Sharma; Dy. SP CID,
Deepak Jasrotia; Sector
Officer IB, Vivek Rattan
and other concerned offi-
cers were present on the
occasion.
the army provides desks
and other necessary facili-
ties to various schools. He
said that a few days ago,
the army had organized a
similar program and pro-
vided study material as
well as sports equipment.
Along with protecting the
borders, the Indian Army
makes efforts to provide
every basic facility to the
people living in the border
areas and students.
 NEWS
General, Police Observer chair
high-level meeting on election
preparedness in 4-Udhampur PC
JI NEWS SERVICE
KATHUA, MARCH 29
General Observer, 4-
Udhampur Parliamentary
Constituency (PC) Dheeraj
Kumar, along with Police
Observer, Daljeet Singh
today convened a meet-
ing with district election
officers, SSPs and AROs of
4 Udhampur PC here in
the VC room of DC office
complex.
Returning Officer,
Udhampur Parliamentary
Constituency, Dr Rakesh
Minhas (District Elec-
tion Officer Kathua); SSP
Kathua, Shivdeep Singh
Jamwal; ARO Hiranagar,
ARO Kathua, ARO Jasrota,
ADC Kathua attended the
meeting. DEO Udhampur,
Saloni Rai; DEO Doda,
Harvinder Singh; DEO
Kishtwar, Devansh Yadav;
DEO Ramban, Basheer-
ul-Haq Chaudhary; SSP
Udhampur Joginder Singh;
SSP Doda Javid Iqbal and
SSP Ramban Anuj Kumar
joined the meeting virtu-
ally.
While taking first hand
appraisal of the topog-
raphy and demography
from the concerned Dis-
trict Election Officers,
the Observers discussed
in length key aspects of
the training, security and
transport plans. They laid
stress on devising a work-
Spring Start-up Challenge Workshop: KU
empowering youth with skills, mindset
needed for competitive ent’ship: VC
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Srinagar, Mar 29
The NewGen Innovation
and Entrepreneurship
Development Centre
(IEDC), Kashmir Univer-
sity (KU), in collaboration
with Kashmir Angel Net-
work (KAN), organised a
three-day ‘Spring Start-
up Challenge Workshop’
here. The event, which
concluded on Wednes-
day, aimed to encourage
innovation and entrepre-
neurial spirit among the
youth of Kashmir, an offi-
cial statement issued here
read. KU Vice Chancellor,
Prof Nilofer Khan, high-
lighted the importance of
such initiatives in nurtur-
ing a vibrant start-up eco-
system within the region.
“Our University is com-
mitted to empower the
youth with the skills and
mindset needed to thrive
in the competitive world of
entrepreneurship,” an offi-
Swami Gurdeep Giri Ji Maharaj addresses congregation:
Peace, compassion essence of harmonious society : Rana
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, Mar 29
Senior BJP leader Mr Dev-
ender Singh Rana today
called for imbibing the
spirit of love, compassion,
peace and harmony as pro-
fessed by great saints and
seers all their life, saying
that striving for social jus-
tice and equality will be
best tribute to Guru Ravi
Dassji.
“Relevance of the teach-
ings of great Gurus and
Saints assume significance
in this age more than ever
before as intolerance,
hatred and greed have
become the way of life”, Mr
Rana said while attending
a congregation which was
blessed by the presence
and discourse of Shri Shri
108 Swami Gurdeep Giri
Ji Maharaj, at Devikan in
Ranjan in Nagrota assem-
bly constituency here this
afternoon.
Mr Devender Rana
able plan keeping in mind
the local topographical
constraints.
General Observer,
Dheeraj Kumar under-
lined the role of sector
Magistrates in handling
exigencies especially
related to EVMs malfunc-
tion or for any other rea-
sons and adopting swift
procedures to address the
issues in real time basis.
He called upon the need
for visiting of polling sta-
tions by sector Magistrate
before the polling dates to
get them well versed with
the locations.
Regarding the commu-
nication plan, the general
observer opined that the
dry run of all adopted
communication channels
in advance can help in
making the plan robust
and workable.
The meeting also
cial spokesperson quoted
Prof Khan as saying.
KU Registrar, Prof
Naseer Iqbal, emphasised
the workshop’s role in
inspiring students towards
entrepreneurial pursuits.
He said, ‘Events like
these serve as catalysts
for transforming ideas
into impactful ventures,
ultimately contributing to
the socio-economic devel-
opment of our region.”
The workshop featured
industry experts and sea-
soned entrepreneurs who
shared insights into start-
up ideation, validation,
business model formula-
tion and key financial and
legal considerations.
“ The participants
engaged in interactive
sessions, practical work-
shops, and enriching dia-
logues, equipping them
with the necessary tools
to translate their ideas into
successful ventures,” the
spokesperson said.
hoped the life and teach-
ings of Guru Ravi Dassji
will continue to inspire
and motivate humanity to
work for betterment of all,
irrespective of caste, creed
and colour. The society,
he said, has an onerous
responsibility to work for
the upliftment of mar-
ginalized segments and
ensure that opportunities
of growth and progress are
provided to all, he added.
Mr Rana said the glori-
ous heritage and legacy of
inclusiveness has to be sus-
tained, strengthened and
bequeathed to the poster-
ity by spreading the divine
deliberated the need of
early preparedness in
establishing minimum
assured facilities in poll-
ing stations, mapping and
deployment of polling
staff and security person-
nels besides focusing on
achieving timely enrol-
ment of service voters so
as to ensure they can cast
their vote while discharg-
ing their duties.
Later, as part of ongo-
ing SVEEP campaign, the
Kathua Election Cell gets
creative and in a ceremo-
nial gesture, the Observ-
ers, Returning Officer,
AROs and Nodal officers
unveiled the attractive
Voter Invitation Card
inspired by the marriage
cards to invite voters to
participate in the celebra-
tion of democracy by cast-
ing their vote on April 19,
2024.
A highlight of the event
was the sessions on craft-
ing persuasive pitch decks
and mastering the art of
pitching, where partici-
pants received person-
alised mentorship and
feedback from industry
experts. Start-ups also had
the opportunity to pitch
their concepts to a panel
of experts from KAN, who
provided valuable insights
and guidance, the state-
ment read.
During the valedictory
ceremony, Dean, Colleges
Development Council, KU,
Prof Khursheed Ahmad
Butt, encouraged the par-
ticipants to “fearlessly
pursue entrepreneurial
aspirations and make a
positive impact on soci-
ety”, read the statement.
Coordinator, NewGen
IEDC, Dr Sartaj Hussain,
reiterated KU’s commit-
ment to encouraging an
entrepreneurial mindset
among the youth.
message of righteousness.
The spirit of humanism
alone can guide the soci-
ety to overcome hate, ani-
mosity and bitterness that
is pivotal for making this
world a better place to live
in, he added.
He said the life and
teachings of Guru Ravi
Dass Ji have inspired the
generations and helped
in transforming the soci-
ety, making it conducive
for various communities,
irrespective of caste, creed
and colour.
“Guruji emerged as a
beacon of light at a time
when the society was
Samsung Announces Roll out of
Galaxy AI on More Flagship Devices;
Democratising Mobile AI Experience
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Jammu, March 29
Samsung, India’s larg-
est consumer electronics
brand, today announced
the roll out of Galaxy AI
features on more Galaxy
flagship devices engi-
neered to further the
democratization of mobile
AI. The roll out is set to
commence starting today
and will be available across
the Galaxy S23 series, S23
FE, Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and
Tab S9 series. Aligning
with the recently launched
Galaxy S24 series, the
update elevates the stan-
dard of users’ mobile AI
experience.
With the roll out of the
Galaxy AI features, users of
Galaxy S23 series, S23 FE,
Z Fold5, Z Flip5 and Tab S9
series will now be able to
take advantage of several
features including Circle
to Search, Live Translate
and Note Assist amongst
others. The broader inte-
gration of Galaxy AI across
the Galaxy ecosystem also
enables a seamless user
experience in day-to-day
tasks on AI-supported
models, driving new levels
of efficiency.
Circle to Search with
Google generates insight-
ful, high-quality Google
search results when you
simply circle, highlight
or tap any image on your
display.
Live Translate produces
two-way, real-time voice
and text translations of
phone calls, making it
easier than ever to book
reservations while trav-
eling or chat with your
grandparents in their
native language.
Note Assist can create
AI-generated summaries,
pre-formatted templates
and cover pages, elevat-
ing your day-to-day pro-
ductivity. Chat Assist can
help perfect conversa-
tional tones by generating
context-aware suggestions
Police arrests 2 absconders in Baramulla
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
BARAMULL, MAR 29
Police in Baramulla
arrested two absconders
who were evading their
arrests from decades
in case FIR numbers
41/2008 & 04/2010 of PS
Boniyar. Warrant under
section 512 CrPC issued
by Hon'ble Court of Sub
Judge JMIC Baramulla
pending with Police Sta-
tion Boniyar against
ridden with hate and dis-
crimination on the basis of
caste and creed”, Mr Rana
said while enumerating the
great role played by Guruji
in ensuring that all seg-
ments of the society live
with honour and dignity.
Rana said the best way to
remember the apostle of
peace is to take a pledge
to follow his teachings
in letter and spirit and
work for building a soci-
ety based on the natural
principles of social justice,
equality, compassion, love
and togetherness.
Shri Shri 108 Swami Gur-
deep Giri Ji Maharaj, in his
to ensure communication
sounds as it was intended,
whether it is a polite mes-
sage to a coworker or a
short catchy phrase for a
social media caption.
Interpreter can instant-
ly translate live conver-
sations through a user-
friendly split-screen view,
allowing people standing
opposite each other to
read a text translation of
what the other person is
saying. Transcript Assist
uses AI and Speech-to-Text
technology to transcribe,
summarize and even
translate voice recordings.
Browsing Assist helps you
stay up to speed on what
is happening around the
world while saving time by
generating concise sum-
maries of news articles
or web pages. Generative
Edit gives you even more
creative freedom to resize
position and align objects
even after the photo is
taken. Edit Suggestion
gives you your own per-
sonal photo editor that
uses AI to suggest per-
fectly suitable tweaks for
each photo. Customers
can purchase Galaxy S23
Ultra at an effective price
of just INR 99999, which
includes a HDFC Bank
cashback of INR 5000
and an additional upgrade
accused persons namely
Altaf Ahmad Mir son of
Hafizullah Mir resident
of Bernate & Shanaza
Begum wife of Qasim
Din Thakar resident of
Uranbowa Boniyar were
executed, who were evad-
ing their arrests from
last decades. They were
involved in case FIR num-
bers 41/2008 & 04/2010
of Police Station Boniyar
& were arrested by a spe-
cial Police team under
illuminating and thought
provoking discourse in the
congregation, dwelt upon
various facets of the event-
ful life of Guru Ravi Dassji
and said he emerged as a
beacon light at a time when
the society was engulfed
by darkness. “Those were
the times when fellow
human beings were being
discriminated on the basis
of caste and creed”, he said
and referred to the great
role played by the Guruji in
ensuring that all segments
of the society live with
honour and dignity.
Swamiji made a fervent
appeal to devotees to act
upon and spread the mes-
sage of love, peace and
compassion, which was
the high point of Guruji’s
life. “The path shown by
the Guruji has helped
the society to eschew the
tendencies of hatred and
intolerance”, he said and
added this will continue to
inspire generations.
jammu, MARCH 30, 2024 SATURDAY REFUGEE MESSAGE
bonus of INR 5000. Galaxy
S23 is available at an effec-
tive price of INR 55999
with INR 5000 HDFC Bank
cashback and an addition-
al upgrade bonus of INR
4000. Similarly, Galaxy
S23 FE is now available
at only INR 44999 after a
HDFC Bank cash back of
INR 5000 and an addi-
tional upgrade bonus of
INR. 5000.
Galaxy Z Fold5 is avail-
able at an effective price
of INR 138999, which
includes an HDFC Bank
cashback of INR 7000
and an additional upgrade
bonus of INR 9000. Galaxy
Flip5 can now be owned at
an effective price of INR
85999 with an HDFC bank
cash back of INR 7000 and
an upgrade bonus of INR
7000. Galaxy Tab S9 series
is available at an effec-
tive starting price of INR
60999, which includes a
HDFC Bank Cashback of
INR 9000 and an addi-
tional upgrade bonus of
INR 3000.
Consumers can now
experience the Galaxy AI
features at an EMI start-
ing at just INR 2292 per
month through Samsung
Finance+ and all lead-
ing NBFC partners with
No-cost EMI of up to 24
months.
the supervision of SDPO
Uri. Subsequently, the
arrested accused persons
were produced before the
Hon’ble Court of Law.
Police is implement-
ing rigorous measures to
ensure that all individuals
who are absconding their
arrests are apprehended
and held accountable for
their criminal actions.
This dedication to com-
bating crime will remain
steadfast.
Baru asks party leaders to gear up contact
by conducting "Path Sabha", door-to-door
campaign
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
JAMMU, MAR 29
Sanjay Kumar Baru, BJP
senior leader and former
JMC Councillor asked the
party workers to gear up
Lok Sabha election cam-
paign.
Baru put special impetus
on the "Booth Jeeta, Chunav
Jeeta” campaign" and "Path
Sabha" and asked the party
workers to conduct maxi-
mum door to door contact
with the masses to achieve
the unprecedented victory
margin for the BJP in Parlia-
ment election 2024.
Sajay Kumar Baru was
addressing a meeting in
JMC Ward-41, which was
organized for the prepa-
rations regarding the rally
during the nomination of
BJP Jammu-Reasi Parlia-
mentary Candidate Jugal
Kishore Sharma at Jammu
West Assembly Constitu-
ency office at Paloura.
Alamdar Nursing College IUST
Conducts Fire Safety Training
REFUGEE MESSAGE BUREAU
Awantipora, March 29
Alamdar Memorial Col-
lege of Nursing and Medi-
cal Technology, Islamic
University of Science and
Technology in collabora-
tion with Fire and Emer-
gency Services Command
Budgam, hosted a com-
prehensive fire safety
awareness training pro-
gram and mock drill at
its Chair Sharief College
campus today. The event
was aimed to educate stu-
dents and staff on fire pre-
vention, protection, and
safety measures.
Led by expert trainers,
the program included
demonstrations on han-
dling various fire hazards,
such as gas cylinders,
Anger brews after proposed
railway line alignment marking
in Baramulla college
Refugee Message Bureau
Srinagar, Mar 29
Anger is brewing in
north Kashmir’s Baram-
ulla town, a day after the
proposed railway line
alignment was marked in
one of the oldest college
grounds.
The proposed Baramul-
la-Uri railway line will pass
through key locations in
Baramulla city, Sheeri,
Gantmulla, Boniyar,
Limber, and Lagama vil-
lages before it touches Uri
town, close to the Line of
Control in North Kashmir.
The 50-kM Baramulla-
Uri, already approved by
the Government of India,
would serve as an exten-
sion of the under-con-
struction Udhampur-Sri-
nagar-Baramulla Rail Link
(USBRL) project and once
completed would extend
the Indian railways net-
work close to LoC in Uri
dividing Kashmir between
India and Pakistan.
After the alignment was
marked at Degree Col-
lege Baramulla on Thurs-
day, the civil society got
together and proposed a
meeting on the ground to
express their anger over
the move. However, the
meeting was deferred
after local authorities held
a meeting with the civil
society members.
A high-level delegation
comprising members of
Civil Society Baramulla
including Traders Feder-
ation Baramulla, promi-
nent members of Bar
Association Baramulla,
Auqaf Islamia Baramulla,
and members of various
sports bodies and associa-
tions of Baramulla town
Sanjay Kumar Baru said
that BJP is a party of work-
ers who work for the soci-
ety for 24 hours in a day
and 7 days in a week. The
public welfare schemes ini-
tiated by the Prime Minister
Narendra Modi led Union
government ensured the
welfare of poor, by making
sure that the benefit reach-
es to every section of the
society and the people
have reciprocated staunch
love for PM Modi as for the
first time in history the
needy and the neglected
sections of the nation
have been empowered, he
added. Baru exhorted BJP
workers to gear up for Lok
11
liquid fuels, and short
circuits. Attendees also
learned proper fire extin-
guisher usage for emergen-
cy situations. The program
also featured interactive
sessions and return dem-
onstrations, fostering a
safer environment for all.
met Deputy Commission-
er Baramulla and apprised
him about the concerns
of the residents of town
about the famous sports
ground of town known as
"College Ground" which
has been marked by the
railway officers for pro-
posed Baramulla Uri rail-
way line.
The proposed railway
track, if constructed,
would bisect the College
playground in the middle
and it is the only ground
left for sports lovers in
Baramulla, one of the
fourth largest populous
Urban centers of J&K.
“In the meeting, Deputy
Commissioner Baramulla
assured the members of
Civil society that he will
speak to government and
top railway authorities
about the issue and this
ground will be saved for
future generations of the
town,” a statement issued
by the civil society Baram-
ulla read.
“The Deputy Commis-
sioner told the delegation
that they will try to get
alternate land for the rail-
way track adjacent to the
college ground,” it added.
After the meeting, the
civil society members
said they would wait for a
few days before taking any
future action.
The President of the
Gurdwara Parbandhak
Committee, Baramulla
said this decision, if imple-
mented, will not only rob
the community of its rec-
reational space but will
also deal a severe blow
to the aspirations and
dreams of thousands of
sports enthusiasts,”
The sports lovers feel
Sabha Polls and said that
now the party has entered
into the election mode. He
asked the party leaders to
participate with full force
in the nomination rally of
MP candidate Jugal Kishore
Sharma. He asked the party
workers to ask all the sup-
porters and the sympathiz-
ers of party to join the rally
in maximum numbers.
Meeting was attended by
Shakti Kendra Incharges
Rakesh Sharma, Bhubesh
Sharma, BJP leader Jatin
Sethi, Onkar Verma, KL
Sharma, BJYM mandal
president Sanchit Sharma
and other local leaders of
party.
 12 REFUGEE MESSAGE jammu, march 30, 2024 saturday SPORTS

Nortje is going to keep getting
better: DC bowling coach Hopes
after 12-run loss to RR
agencies
Jaipur, March 29
After Delhi Capitals (DC)
suffered their second
consecutive loss in the
IPL 2024 through a 12-run
defeat to Rajasthan Royals
(RR) at Sawai Mansingh
Stadium in Jaipur on
Thursday, bowling coach
James Hopes believes tear-
away pacer Anrich Nortje
will keep getting better in
coming matches.
Nortje was playing his
first game of IPL 2024 and
has recently returned to
action following a long
layoff due to stress frac-
ture in the back. Though
he took out Dhruv Jurel
in the match, the South
African pacer was at
the receiving end of an
onslaught from Riyan
Parag, who hit him for
three fours and two sixes
in a 25-run final over as RR
made 185/5.
"I won't say too much
bad about the bowlers.
They just tried to execute.
It was a good first half with
the ball but got away from
us a little bit in the last five
years. It's the first time
that Nortje has been at
this level in a while.
"He had a fair time out
of the game, but if you
look at all the numbers,
he is one of the premier
death bowlers in the
game. We trust that he
is going to keep getting
better," said Hopes after
the match. He also felt DC
fell apart with the bat after
having a good power-play,
with David Warner top-
scoring via 49 and Tristan
Stubbs making a valiant
44 not out. "With the bat,
we started really well, we
were in front of the game,
and then fell away a little
bit in the middle. They
bowled 10 overs of death
bowling pretty much at
us, and executed it well."
With DC still being win-
less in the competition,
Hopes commented on
the improvement areas
the team needs to make.
"We need to tidy up what
we do at the end of the
game. It's one game, I
don't even count the first
game because we had to
take a bowler out to get an
extra batter in and then
Ishant went down, so I'm
not going to judge us too
harshly on one game."
Hopes also called for
patience to be shown with
returning captain Rishabh
Pant, who’s coming back
to playing competitive
cricket after 14 months of
recovering from injuries
suffered in a life-threaten-
ing car accident in Decem-
ber 2022.
Sai Kishore did not expect I will go after
him off the first ball: Shivam Dube
agencies
Chennai, March 29
Big-hitting all-rounder
Shivam Dube, who was
the top-scorer for Chennai
Super Kings (CSK) in their
63-run win over Guja-
rat Titans (GT) at the MA
Chidambaram Stadium
on Tuesday, felt that left-
arm spinner R Sai Kishore
didn’t expect him to hit a
six on the very first ball
from him.
Dube smashed two
fours and five sixes in
a 23-ball 51 coming at a
whopping strike rate of
221.74. His striking innings
began by smashing Sai
Kishore for consecutive
sixes off the first two balls
of his innings, which set
the tone for him neutral-
izing GT’s bowlers to good
effect.
"This match we won by
a big margin, it is really
amazing for us. So back-
to-back wins especially the
third win against Gujarat.
So, feels good to beat them
again. As I know, I'm much
stronger against the spin-
ners and I've played Sai
Kishore in the past as well.
"And that ball I was
waiting for, he's going to
bowl me in the slot and
he bowled me in the slot.
He did not expect that I'll
come on him on the first
ball, but I was ready for
that. The second one was
much more easier for me
because he was already
down,” said Dube to CSK
TV.
He also appreciated the
fast start provided by CSK’s
openers, especially from
young Rachin Ravindra,
who a 20-ball 46 to give a
rocking start in the power-
play. "And I think the start
by Rutu and Rachin was
amazing. Rachin went
after the bowlers in the
start, I felt that he's very
brave and he's going hard
on the bowlers. That's
what CSK needs from
the openers," said Dube.
Uncapped right-hand-
ed batter Sameer Rizvi
smashed Rashid Khan for
a six on the first ball of his
IPL debut, and Dube was
left in awe of it. “I think we
know Sameer Rizvi can do
some big things for CSK.
So, we trust him and that
was the message – to go
after the bowlers from the
first ball.”
"And the way he has his
talent and the way he has
his power…we thought he
would definitely go against
Rashid off the first ball.
And after hitting that six,
we felt, oh, that's amaz-
ing."
Speaking about the
acrobatic catches taken
by MS Dhoni and Ajinkya
Rahane, Dube said they
were amazing in their
own ways. "The catch (of
Vijay Shankar) was taken
by Mahi Bhai and I know
he is something different.
People tell him he is 42 but
I still think he is 32.

Have to go out and hit it big, was very clear
about it: Rizvi on first-ball six against Rashid
agencies
Chennai, March 29
Uncapped batter Sameer
Rizvi, who scored a quick-
fire 14 off six balls in Chen-
nai Super Kings’ 63-run
win over Gujarat Titans
(GT) earlier this week,
revealed that he was very
clear about going out and
hitting big boundaries
from the word go, which
resulted in him hitting a
first-ball six against Rashid
Khan.
"When Rashid came to
bowl in the 19th over, the
coach told me if a wicket
falls, you will go out to bat.
After that, it was set in my
mind that it was the 19th
over and it was a spinner
bowling and if they are
sending me at this point
of the match, anyone who
walks in will be expected
to smash boundaries. So,
in my head, only one thing
was going on – I have to
go out and hit it big – I
was clear about that,"
said Rizvi to reporters in
Chennai.
He also credited the
practice done in playing
against spinner under
the tutelage of his child-
hood coach-cum-maternal
uncle Tankeeb Akhtar. “If
you look at my previous
matches, I have always
been playing well against
spinners. Even at the nets,
I have been playing well
against spinb
Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh in USA's
T20I squad against Canada; Unmukt left out to Indian cricket: Sanju Samson
agencies
Houston, March 29
Former New Zealand fast-
bowling all-rounder Corey
Anderson has been includ-
ed in USA’s 15-man squad
for the five-match T20I
series against Canada, set
to be held from April 7.
Apart from Anderson,
Harmeet Singh, Milind
Kumar, Andries Gous,
Shadley Van Schalkwyk
and Nitish Kumar are the
other fresh faces in the
USA squad which is now
building up to prepare
for the Men’s T20 World
Cup, where it’s the co-
host alongside West Indies
from June 1.
Anderson last played
for New Zealand in 2018,
and is now eligible to play
for the USA after migrating
to the country during the
announcement of Major
League Cricket (MLC).
Since his move to USA,
Anderson has amassed
900 runs in 28 innings at a
strike rate of 146 in Minor
"When I was a kid, my
uncle (Tankeeb) was the
one who made me prac-
tice batting against spin,
he would bowl with tennis
balls in a 30-yard circle.
He would say if it goes out
of that 30-yard circle it
would be a six. So, slowly
we kept practicing over
the years.
The right-handed batter
made his IPL debut in
CSKs tournament opener
against the Royal Chal-
lengers Bengaluru, but
didn’t get to bat. By the
time his turn came to bat
against GT, the pressure of
coming out to bat had all
but vanished.
“Before I stepped onto
the ground at the team
meeting, I received my
debut cap. And that’s
when I found out I was
playing the first match. I
was a little nervous when
I was fielding but I never
Riyan Parag can give something special
League Cricket (MiLC),
the developmental league
for Major League Cricket
(MLC), whose inaugural
edition was held last year.
Harmeet, the former
India U19 left-arm spin-
ner, captained Seattle
Thunderbolts to the MiLC
trophy in 2022 and was
picked by Seattle Orcas
in 2023 MLC. Milind, the
former RCB batter who
turned out for Delhi and
Sikkim in domestic crick-
et, finds himself in the
squad after a good domes-
tic run. Gous and Van
Schalkwyk, who migrated
to USA from South Africa,
got to bat.”
“But, in the second
match, I mellowed down
a bit and was not feeling
nervous, there was no
such pressure. I think I
got used to the crowd after
the match, so that’s why I
was not feeling much pres-
sure.”
Rizvi admitted it took
him time to get accus-
tomed to white-ball action
after playing red-ball
cricket, notably in Uttar
Pradesh’s campaign at
the U23 Col CK Nayudu
Trophy, but found his
groove soon.
“I had just come back
from playing red-ball
cricket and then to direct-
ly play white-ball…and
making that shift immedi-
ately can be difficult. So, it
took me two to three days
to get used to it.”
“I was facing difficulty
in the initial days, with the
have been rewarded for
being consistent in the
domestic circuit. Nitish
Kumar, the former Canada
captain, is set to make a
return to international
cricket against his former
side after crossing over to
USA in 2021.
Unmukt Chand, the
former U19 World Cup-
winning captain for India,
is a notable omission from
the USA squad captained
by Monank Patel and
Aaron Jones being the
vice-captain, despite him
being the leading run-scor-
er in MiLC history since its
inception in 2021
ball judgement but after
a couple of days, I was
able to hit it and adapt.
Pace isn’t a problem for
me. When there’s a ball
change, format change,
you have to change your-
self too, so to adapt to
that quickly, it takes some
time.”
Rizvi signed off by
recalling his first interac-
tion with the legendary
MS Dhoni in the CSK camp
ahead of the tournament.
"I met Dhoni bhaiya for
the first time on March 16,
when I joined the team.
It was just a casual ‘hi,
hello!’ and then we met
on the ground.
"On the ground, he
taught me a few tips on
how to handle the pres-
sure, and how to play in
front of the crowd. He
told me to play my natural
game. It was a very nice
feeling to be picked by
CSK. It was my dream to
meet and play with Mahi
Bhaiya. And, that dream
was fulfilled.
"Apart from that, I
really did not expect to
get picked by CSK or any
other franchise for this
amount (INR 8.4 cr). But
I think they (CSK) showed
faith in me, so I really
liked that. One thing that
I like most about this team
is everyone backs one
another, all of them are
very helpful, it is amaz-
ing."
agencies
Jaipur, March 29
Following Rajasthan
Royals’ (RR) 12-run win
over Delhi Capitals (DC)
in IPL 2024, skipper
Sanju Samson said all-
rounder Riyan Parag, who
slammed an unbeaten
match-winning 84 off 45
balls, can do something
special for Indian cricket
in future.
At the Sawai Mansingh
Stadium, Parag made just
26 runs off the first 26 balls
he faced. But he flicked a
switch post Ravichandran
Ashwin’s cameo of 29 to
make 58 runs in just his
next 19 balls, including
getting his fifty in 34 balls.
Parag hit seven fours and
six sixes, including smash-
ing Anrich Nortje for 25
runs in the final over, to
make his best-ever IPL
score in a brilliant match-
winning effort.
With the ball, Yuzven-
dra Chahal and Nandre
Burger took two wick-
Pakistan to tour Ireland
first time since 2018 for
T2OI series in May
agencies
Lahore, March 29
Pakistan men's cricket
team will tour Ireland for
the first time since 2018 to
play a T20I series as the
Pakistan Cricket Board
(PCB) has announced the
schedule for the three-
match series.
All three matches of
the series will be played
at Castle Avenue in Dublin
from May 10 to 14.
Pakistan last visited
Ireland for Ireland's inau-
gural Test match in 2018.
That was also the last time
that the two teams had
met across formats.
This series will be the
first multi-match bilateral
T20I encounter between
Pakistan and Ireland.
Previously, the two teams
ets each, while Sandeep
Sharma and Avesh, who
gave away only four runs
in the final over, held their
nerve with impeccable
yorkers and wide lines
in the death overs to give
RR its second consecutive
win of the competition.
"I saw Sandy was calm
and Avesh was also look-
ing good, so I went with
that (in the death overs).
Riyan Parag has been a big
name in the last few years.
Wherever I go, people ask
had only clashed once in
the shortest format, in
a one-off match back in
2009.
A two-match T20I
series was scheduled for
July 2020, but the tour
didn't go ahead due to the
Covid-19 pandemic.
Ahead of the Ireland
series, the Men in Green
will host New Zealand in
a five-match T20I series
starting on April 18.
After the conclusion of
the Ireland tour, Pakistan
will face England in four
T20Is between May 22-28.
Pakistan Tour of Ire-
land schedule-
May 10: First T20I,
Dublin
May 12 Second T20I,
Dublin
May 14: Third T20I,
Dublin
me about him. There is
something very special he
can give to Indian crick-
et," said Samson after the
match ended.
Samson also revealed
about the thoughts of
using Rovman Powell as
the Impact Player in the
match, especially after
they were at 58/3 at the
end of first ten overs. But
Ashwin’s pinch-hitting
promotion and Parag
coming good meant that
idea never materialised.
Osaka confirms first clay court
season since 2022, takes wild
card into Rouen
agencies
Rouen (France), March 29
Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka is set to take part in
the first clay court season after two years as the Japa-
nese tennis star has received a wild card for the Open
Capfinances Rouen Metropole main draw.
The WTA 250 tournament is scheduled to take place
from April 15 in the French city of Rouen. This will be
the third edition of the competition.
Osaka will compete on clay for the first time since
Roland Garros 2022, where she fell in the first round
to Amanda Anisimova. Her last match win on clay
came in the first round of Madrid 2022 over Anastasia
Potapova, according to WTA.
The Japanese player gave birth to a daughter Shai
in July last year, and returned from maternity leave in
January. She has compiled a 7-6 record so far, including
a Doha quarterfinal run in February.
Collins beats Alexandrova in Miami
for first WTA 1000 final; Rybakina
fights off Azarenka
agencies
Florida, March 29
American Danielle Collins advanced to her first career
WTA 1000 final with a 6-3, 6-2 win over No.14 seed
Ekaterina Alexandrova on Thursday night at the Miami
Open.
The 2022 Australian Open finalist, unseeded in this
tournament needed just 75 minutes to dispatch Alexan-
drova, who beat World No.1 Iga Swiatek and No.5 seed
Jessica Pegula en route to her first semifinal in Miami.
The 30-year-old, bidding to be the first unseeded
champion in Miami since Kim Clijsters in 2005, will
face No.4 seed Elena Rybakina for the title at Hard
Rock Stadium on Saturday. Collins has won two titles
previously in her career, both in 2021.
Collins is the first American to reach the Miami final
since Sloane Stephens in 2018 -- who won the title. Only
four Americans have reached the final at this tourna-
ment in the last 15 years, with Collins and Stephens
joining the Williams sisters in achieving that, WTA
reports. Earlier in the evening, World No.4 Rybakina
advanced to her fourth final of the season after defeat-
ing No.27 seed Victoria Azarenka 6-4, 0-6, 7-6(2) in the
semifinals.
Rybakina has enjoyed an outstanding start to her
season on the hard courts, with titles in Brisbane, Abu
Dhabi and her first WTA 1000 final of the year in Doha.
Last year, Rybakina was a win away from sweeping
the Sunshine Double, falling to Petra Kvitova 7-6(14),
6-2 in the Miami final.
She is just the third player in the last 10 years to
make back-to-back Miami finals, joining Serena Wil-
liams and Ashleigh Barty, the youngest player to do
so since Maria Sharapova in 2005-2006.
Chinese paddlers shine bright at
WTT Champions Incheon
agencies
Incheon (South Korea), March 28
All the Chinese top paddlers have made it to the last 16
as the WTT Champions Incheon entered its second day
here on Thursday. In the women's singles, the event's
top seed and world No.1 Sun Yingsha walked away
from Japanese player Miu Hirano with three straight
sets of 11-7, 11-6, 11-7.
Sun said she was well prepared for this match and
found herself in quite good condition. "I just focussed
myself on snatching every point, without giving my
opponent a chance to catch her breath," she said.
Meanwhile, China's fourth-seeded Chen Meng took
the game 3-0 (11-9, 11-7, 11-8) against French paddler
Prithika Pavade. Chen will battle against Japan's Miwa
Harimoto on Friday. Chinese player Wang Manyu
ranked world No. 2, eased past Germany's Nina Mit-
telham 3-0 (11-8, 11-4, 12-10) to also book a place in the
Round of 16, reports Xinhua.