Saroori expresses concern over Electricity crisis in Chenab Valley

“Allot RGGVY phase II scheme work”

Kishtwar, March 28: - Expressing serious concern over the precarious power situation in Jammu and Kashmir, PCC Vice President and MLA Inderwal, G. M Saroori today said it seems the administration has virtually decided to keep the people of Jammu and Kashmir especially Chenab Valley into darkness.

In a statement issued here the Saroori remarked that the people in cities and towns are provided with low voltage and erratic power supplies, the people living in rural and far flung areas are without electricity that too at a time when the power supplies are needed more to cope-up with the chilly weather.

“As the whole Chenab valley is face to face with a grim electricity scenario, Doda and Kishtwar districts seem to be at the receiving end of this power crisis. There is almost no electricity in Bhalessa, Jakyas, Kahara, Thathri, Bunjwah, Drabshalla, Saroor, Sarthal, Thakrie, Keshwan, Sarawan, Mugalmaidan, Sigdi, Chatroo, Chingam, Marwah, Warwan, Dacchan, Nagseni, Palmar, Paddar, Bharat, Marmat, Bhagwa, Gundana, Bhaderwah, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Banihal and other rural areas.

Some rural areas of these districts receiving erratic power supply are for the most of the time facing numerous problems on account of low voltage and the people are compelled to arrange alternative sources of illumination during the hours, they receive electricity,” Saroori remarked.

Saroori said it is unfortunate that the same situation is being repeated during harsh weather and the people of the Chenab valley are left helpless being devoid of basic amenities, especially the power and essential commodities. He said that no power schedule is being followed on ground and even metered areas are facing long and unscheduled power cuts much to the annoyance of public.

“The transmission and distribution system has also deteriorated thereby depriving the consumers of vital electricity facility. The dilapidated LT network especially in rural areas is posing a grave threat to the life and property of the common man, he stressed,” Saroori said, while urging the administration to allot tenders of RGGVY phase II work to some contractors or start the work departmentally so that people of the area will get regular power supply. He further said the administration needs to ensure a better coordination between different departments especially those providing essential services.

Meanwhile Saroori also expressed deep grief and sorrow over the demise of Qamar Din Bhat son of Abdul Rehman Bhat (58) a prominent social worker of Challar Bhalessa.

In a message Shri Saroori said: “It is most unfortunate that Qamar Din Bhat is no more with us. His social services would be remembered for a long time to come. He said his teachings are beacon lights for the society and the coming generations. Saroori said that late Qamar Din always worked for strengthening communal harmony and brotherhood and was put in high regard by every community for his deeds.

Saroori expressed his deep sympathies and solidarity to the members of the bereaved family. He prayed for eternal peace to the departed soul beside place in heaven.

G. M Saroori greet people on Holi

J&K is famous for its rich cultural amity and celebrations of festivals

Jammu, March 23: - Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Vice President, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today extended their greetings to the people on Holi, the festival of colours.

The state Congress Vice President said Jammu and Kashmir is famous for its rich cultural amity and celebrations of festivals in the state are unique for their secular and friendly colour.

In his message, Saroori said: ''Holi provides us an opportunity to break all barriers for sharing our joy, sentiments and good feelings and to spread happiness all around besides this the day would be celebrated with traditional gaiety, sobriety and decorum.''

''While celebrating festivals every one of us has to further cement the existing brotherly relations and extend message of love to everyone,'' Saroori added and also expressed the hope that the festival would go a long way in strengthening the bonds of brotherhood, unity and integrity of the country.

G. M Saroori congratulated newly nominated office bearers of JKPCC ST Cell

"Ch. Mohd Akram heads ST cell JKPCC"

Jammu, March 22: - State Congress Vice President Ghulam Mohammad Saroori has congratulated all the newly office bearers of newly constituted Schedule Tribe cell of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee.

PCC President Ghulam Ahmed Mir has constituted ST cell of the party with Chowdhary Mohd Akram MLA Surankote as its Chairman.

Those who are nominated from district Doda and Kishtwar in JKPCC ST Cell are Master Ghulam Mohd Kohli resident of Chatroo Kishtwar as Vice President, Mohd Issaq Gegi resident of Patshalla Bunjwah as State Executive Member and Chowdhary Ali Mohd resident of Chilli Bhalessa as Member ST Cell.

Saroori said that I am confident that the ST cell of the party will scale newer heights under Chowdhary Mohd Akram’s leadership. Chowdhary Akram combines grassroot-level work & rich organisational experience when his father late Chowdhary Mohd Aslam was the president and MLA of the Congress party, which will benefit the Party immensely. He hoped that all the newly nominated office bearers will work hard for the betterment of the ST people in the state.

Saroori lauded role of Governor J&K for enhancement of SPO’s honorarium

Congratulates SPO’s for the hike in their salary

“Efforts brought result”

Jammu, March 20: - PCC Vice president and MLA Inderwal, G. M Saroori today congratulated all Special Police Officer (SPO) for their hike in their monthly salary and lauded Governor J&K role for enhancement of SPO’s honorarium.

Saroori has been pursuing it since long in Assembly and at various fora and timely efforts have borne fruit. As already said it is not for taking credit but for giving deserving their dues.
He said without politicizing the matter the long pending demand has been met and he thanked honorable Governor J&K N. N Vohra for taking up matter with central government on priority and got it done.

Saroori urged upon Home commissioner J&K to release the dues to J&K DGP for further payments and any further delay will bring down their morale.

It is to mention here that Rs. 5000 will be the honorarium for the SPO’s having experience less than one year, Rs. 5500 for those whose having experience more than one year and the SPO’s having more than three years of experience will get Rs. 6000 with effect from 1st January 2016.

Meanwhile Saroori has also expressed deep condolences on the passing away of Ghulam Qadir Kamal son of Baha Ud Din Kamal who was under treatment in SMGS hospital.

Saroori said “I stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief and pray to Almighty to give them courage to withstand this tragic loss”. He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul beside place for him in a heaven.

Saroori calls on Secretary RDD, highlighted various developmental issues

Raise infrastructure in newly created blocks of state; Stresses on achieving set targets

Jammu, March 16: - Former Minister and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori today met with Secretary Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Khursheed Ahmad Shah here at civil secretariat in Winter Capital Jammu and discussed various developmental issues.

Mr. Saroori discussed various issues pertaining to rural development schemes including Mahtama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan scheme and others.

During the course of meeting with Secretary RDD, Saroori discussed series of issues confronting the smooth functioning of rural development schemes in district Doda and Kishtwar, notable among them are early release of MGNREGA wages to the Job card holders, release of honorarium to Sarpanches/Panches and raising infrastructure in the newly created blocks in J&K state.

Saroori stressed to Secretary RDD to pass directions to officers to achieve the targets set under various Rural Development Schemes including MGNREGA, IAY, IWMP and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan maintaining that they have been instrumental in changing the rural landscape of the state by way of asset creation, providing employment avenues and also giving the much needed housing facilities to the needy people. Also the implementation of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan should also be expedited as the scheme has tremendous potential of providing clean and pollution free environs in the rural areas within the stipulated time frame to ensure requisite benefits reach the targeted populace. He further asked Secretary RDD to expedite the release of funds so that the pace of works gets accelerated and new projects are also be taken up. He said that the requisite process for ensuring the release of pending funds from the Centre should also be initiated.

He further sorted deployment of adequate staff in the newly created blocks of Doda and Kishtwar districts so that the functioning of the blocks doesn't hamper.

Saroori was assured by Secretary RDD that all the issues would be addressed in a phase manner at an earliest. He further said that the districts like Doda, Kishtwar are Governments top priority as they are the hilly and mountainous districts and nearing 90% of their areas are rural so government will give more focus attention.

He also informed to Saroori that per day wages under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been raised from earlier Rs 157/day to Rs 173/day. The scheme which was launched by Congress led UPA government is the first of its kind scheme which is believed to be the biggest job creating avenue in the world and had been the most successful and guarantees 100 day job for every rural household.

Contractual lecturers calls on G. M Saroori, sorted his intervention regarding continuation of their service

DSE Jammu assured sorting of the issue within a week time

Jammu, March 19: - A deputation of 10 plus 2 contractual lecturers association today called on state Congress Vice President and MLA Inderwal Ghulam Mohammad Saroori here at his Jammu's residence Gandhi Nagar and apprised him about their grievances, problems and sorted his intervention.

The deputation gave a brief about the Judgment which was passed by Honorable High Court favoring retaining of the contractual lecturers which were working in different departments from the last over a decade for the current session but startlingly Education department turned blind-eye to the judgment of the court and denied the joining of contractual lecturers at their respective place of posting, thereby flaying the order of High Court.

Saroori gave patient hearing to the contractual lecturer deputation and assured them of all the possible help. He (Saroori) then took the matter with Director School Education Jammu Ms. Smiti Sethi and asked her to address the contractual issue at an earliest.

Director School Education in a goodwill gesture has assured Saroori of sorting out the issue within week's time and assured Saroori that issues related to contractual lecturers will be resolved at the earliest.

The deputation which met Saroori included Mudassir Ali, Vijay Thakur, Asif Iqbal Butt, Azad Hussain, Akther Hussain, Arif Hussain and others.

Meanwhile G. M Saroori also paid a visit to Government Medical College (GMC) and enquired about the welfare of the people suffering from various diseases. He interacted with the patients including Shamasdin Mughal son of Abdul Gani Mughal resident of Bhatyas Bhalessa, Hajra Begum Wife of Ghulam Ali Lone resident of Thathri and Abdul Gani son of Ghulam Mustafa resident of Dellar Chatroo. He asked about their health and prayed for their early recovery. He directed the GMC authorities to provide best treatment to them and wished for their speedy recovery.

Saroori has also expressed deep condolences on the passing away of young Danish Rasool son of Gulam Rasool Ganaie of Hurna Durbeel, Mugal Maidan, who was under treatment in PGI Chandigarh hospital after receiving head and neck injuries in an accident at Premnagar Doda.

Saroori said “I stand in solidarity with the bereaved family in this hour of grief and pray to Almighty to give them courage to withstand this tragic loss”. He also prayed for the eternal peace of the departed soul beside place for him in a heaven.

Congress expresses grief over loss of property in fire incident at Malanoo Kahara

Asked administration to carry out relief and rehabilitation measures

Kahara, March 15: - The Indian National Congress (INC) state vice president, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori has expressed deep sorrow over the huge loss of property in the tragic fire incident today at Malanoo Kahara in which one double story house belonging to Molvi Ashiq Hussain Malik and Altaf Hussain Malik was completely burned.

Expressing his deep sympathies with the Ashiq Hussain and Altaf Hussain families who lost their house in the tragic fire accident, Saroori asked District Development Commissioner (DDC) Doda to carry out relief and rehabilitation measures including provide free ration, tin sheets, blankets and others for the Kahara fire incident victims.

Urged administration for proper and timely compensation, relief for the effected family, Saroori said the government should provide every possible support to the victims so that they could not face any problem in the prevailing cold conditions.

Meanwhile, Saroori has also condoled the death of Alhaj Mohammad Shafi Butt son of Ahamdullah Butt resident of Badanoo Thathri, Zanifa Begum Wife of Shamash Din Sheikh resident of Hoja Bhola Kahara and Saroop Singh son of Bhagat Ram resident of Patnazi Bunjwah. He conveyed his sympathies to the bereaved families and prayed to the Almighty to give them courage to bear this irreparable loss. MLA Inderwal G. M Saroori also prayed for peace to the departed souls.

Saroori demands early release of wages of SPO's at Rs 6,000 in J&K

Questioned the government that how long they have to wait for getting the salary at sanction proposal

Jammu, March 14: - Expressing serious disappointment over the unnecessary delay in increasing wages of Special Police Officials (SPOs), PCC Vice President and MLA Inderwal, G. M Saroori has said the SPOs are equal to their regular counterparts in discharging their duties so there should be no discrimination with them.

In a statement issued here, Mr Saroori said the SPOs were expecting a passionate consideration of their pending demands but the Union Government has only approved the proposal but failed to implement the salary at Rs 6,000 per month to SPOs.

Mr. Saroori questioned the government that where the file is stuck and how long they have to wait. They can’t b exploited anymore. It was Congress regime salary was enhanced from Rs 1500 to 3000 and again we gave proposal of further enhancement to Rs 6,000. It is not a question of taking credit but giving the deserving their dues.

He said delaying in releasing the salary at Rs 6000 per month is a matter of serious concern as a large number of educated unemployed youth have opted for this job keeping its promotional prospects into consideration.

Saroori demanded that they should be paid Rs 10000 instead of Rs 3000 per month keeping in view the inflation. “Hundreds of SPO members met me and they apprised about their problems. They are committing suicides and if immediate measures are not taken, it would have serious repercussions,” Saroori warned government.

While demanding the comprehensive policy formulated in 2009 for the absorption of SPOs as constables/ Followers by reserving 15 per cent posts in the general recruitment be implemented in letter and spirit. The Congress leader G. M Saroori urged the government to consider the provision of 'Compassionate Appointment' under SRO-43 for Kith and Kin of SPO killed in militancy related incidents and release the salary at per sanctioned proposal that is Rs 6,000 per month at an earliest.

Saroori grieved over loss of life in Machipal Eco car accident

Take adequate and stringent measures to check the recurrence of road accidents

Jammu, March 13: - Expressing concern over frequency of road mishaps, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee Vice president Ghulam Mohammad Saroori-(MLA Inderwal) has expressed extreme grief and sorrow over the tragic road accident in remote area of Thathri today resulting in the loss of one person.

Saroori, was grieved to know about the accident and has urge Governor J&K N. N Vohara to take effective steps to check road accidents and pass the directions to the traffic department to take adequate and stringent measures to check the recurrence of road accidents. He also urged the Governor to provide adequate ex-gratia relief in favour of the deceased family members.

He enjoyed upon the administration of sub-division Thathri to extend all possible assistance to those who got injured in the unfortunate accident.

In his condolence message, Mr Saroori conveyed his heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the bereaved family in their hour of grief to the family whose dear one died in the accident. He prayed for peace to the departed souls beside a place for his in a heaven. He also wished speedy recovery to those who were injured in the accident.

The accident occurred when the ill-fated vehicle bearing no JK068762, which was on way from Thathri to Kahara rolled over and fell into a deep gorge near Machipal Dunadi on Thathri-Kilhotran road some five kilometers away from Thathri town. The deceased has been identified as Bagh Hussain son of Mushtaq Ahmed resident of Zaba Kahara and the two seriously injured one have been identified as Sajjad Hussain son of Mohd Amin Khan and Rashid Ahmed son of Mohd Shafi both resident of Kahara Gandoh of district Doda.

Saroori also expressed deep grief over the sad demise of daughter of Suhail Ahmed Khurwaey resident of Tatani Saroor who passed away today.

MLA Inderwal expressed solidarity with the bereaved family and conveyed his sympathy. He prayed to the Almighty Allah for blessing peace to the departed soul beside a place for her in heaven. He also prayed to Almighty Allah to give strength to the family members of the deceased to bear irreparable loss.

Air service for Kishtwar demanded: Saroori

Batote-Kishtwar-Sinthan virtually a deathtrap for the commuters; urged for sanctioning four lanes

Jammu, March 11: - J&K Congress Vice president and MLA Inderwal G. M Saroori today requested the Governor J&K N. N Vohra and Union Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju to start the private aircraft or Air India aircraft ATR 50 service from Jammu to Kishtwar, keeping in view the bad condition of Batote-Kishtwar NH1B road which remains isolated from the rest of the world due to deplorable condition of the road.

“Due to poor condition of Batote-Kishtwar road and geography of the region, the people of most of the Kishtwar district wants that air service from Jammu to Kishtwar should be started as people residing in far off places like Chatroo, Singhpora, Chingam, Sigdi, Passerkote, Mugalmaidan, Marwah, Warwan, Dachhan, Paddar, Keshwan, Thakrie, Saroor, Drabshalla, Bunjwah, Bhalessa, Kahara, Thathri, Doda, Bhaderwah, Assar, Doda areas are facing enormous difficulties due to bad condition of the National highway connecting Kishtwar and Doda districts with rest of the world.

Saroori has sought immediate intervention of Governor J&K and Union Minister for Road and Surface Nitin Gadkari to safeguard the lives of the thousands of the commuters traveling on this prestigious National Highway Batote-Kishtwar of the state connecting population of nearly 15 lacks with the rest of the country. He said that people of three and half Districts of Chenab Valley dependent on this very highway for commuting and transportation of goods and supplies. He regretted that due attention to its proper upkeep and maintenance is not being paid which has multiplied the woes and miseries of the people of the Chenab Valley.

“The journey has turned highly risky and the rate of road accidents has soared to unusually higher levels--- Road surface have become order of the day and travelling time has increased manifold on this road” said Saroori and added that as the matter is causing grave annoyance to the commuters, besides severely impacting the credibility of Jammu & Kashmir as a reputed tourist destination, I hope Governor and Union Minister will lend attention to the matter that it deserves to facilitate smooth and hassle-free journey of the people of Chenab Valley”.

While suggesting the long-term and permanent solution to the problems faced by commuters as well as the people of the Chenab Valley, Saroori urged the Union Minister for Road & Surface and Governor J&K for sanctioning four lanes from Nashri tunnel to Kishtwar-Chatroo-Anantnag via Singpora Vailoo tunnel, beside short run proper maintenance and upkeep of the existing National Highway can bring huge respite for the commuters/tourists as well as lacks of people living in Jammu province, Chenab Valley and Kashmir Valley. Besides this start the air service either privately or ask Air India who has ATR-50 aircrafts to start the air service to this hilly district. He also pleaded for operation of full-fledged air service to Kishtwar as no such service operates for the hilly district. He said the infrastructure of Kishtwar airport under Indian Army was already in place to facilitate such flight operation.

Saroori hoped that with kind indulgence, Union Minister for Civil Aviation, Road & Surface and Governor J&K will direct the concerned for taking urgent steps to ensure proper maintenance and sanctioning of four lanes for Batote-Kishtwar-Chatroo Anantnag National Highway NH1B and start either air service privately or ask Air India to start the air service from Jammu to Kishtwar. As during UPA II regime such air service was made operational to Kargil as well to North-Eastern region of the country.

Several deputations call on Saroori; met with Parvez Dewan and Pawan Kotwal in Jammu

Condoles death of retired teacher Nazir Ahmed Mir

Jammu, March 10: - Several deputations on Wednesday called on PCC Vice President and MLA Inderwal, G. M Saroori at his residence Gandhi Nagar in summer capital Jammu and apprised him of their grievances. The deputationists interacted with the MLA Inderwal and projected their problem. Mr. Saroori gave them patient hearing and assured for timely redressal of the public grievances.

Deputationists put forth their demands pertaining to Hostel facility for the students of degree colleges of Chatroo, combination of UG subjects, sans infrastructure, early completion of Gujjar hostel Chatroo, Introduction of more subjects in degree colleges, absorbing of KGBV female teachers, regularization of distance mode degree holders, transfer of Regularized ReTs, streamlining of SSA salaries and KGBV regularization, regulization of Ret, early completion of Atholi Machail road, shortage of ration, early filling of vacant post of Doctors and Para medical staff in the PHC’s and sub-centres, shortage of staff in schools, give importance to promotion of Tourism and sanctioning of paying guests house at Marwah.

Later a deputation of ReT’s led by G. M Saroori also met Advisor to Governor Parvez Dewan and had submitted a memorandum to address the genuine demands of ReT teachers. The Advisor patiently heard all the issues and said that the Administration is fully aware of the issues and assured that every possible support will be provided to them by the government for redressing the genuine issues.

A padder deputation led by MLA Inderwal G. M Saroori also met Divisional Commissioner Jammu Dr. Pawan Kotwal and put forth the demands. The Divisional Commissioner gave them a patient hearing to the demands raised by the deputationists and assured that he will leave no stone unturned in providing the basic facilities to remote and far flung areas of the region. He also directed the concerned for timely redress of their genuine issues.

The delegation included Mushtaq Ahmed Hap, Thakur Rangaeil Singh, Kartar Singh Rathore, Mahinder Kumar, Boodh Raj, Thakur Chand, Chamail Singh, Sansar Singh, Nand Lal, Durjay, Rakhi Devi, Balla Devi, Gurdesh, Abdul Majeed Bichoo, Ghulam Mohd, Ghulam Rasool Wani, Noor Mohd, Mahinder Singh Parihar, Madho Bala, Taishi Chering, Lakh Raj, Girdhari Lal, Sri Lal, NSUI deputation led by Wasim Sajjad, Mehran Anjum Mir and ReT deputation led by Farooq Ahmed Tantray, Jawaz Hussain Malik, Refaz Ahmed Malik, Hafeez Bhat and others.

Saroori has also expressed deep sorrow on the passing away of retired teacher from Jangalwar Thathri, Nazir Ahmed Mir.

In a message Shri Saroori said: “It is most unfortunate that Nazir Ahmed Mir is no more with us. He was a very eminent teacher, a renowned educationist who dedicated his entire life for the cause of education and has earned name and fame in the area due his great intellectual mind.

Saroori expressed his deep sympathies and solidarity to the members of the bereaved family. He prayed for peace to the departed soul beside place in heaven.

JKPCC accuse BJP-PDP for political chaos

‘Cong represents aspirations of people’

KHOUR (Jammu), Mar 07: Accusing BJP-PDP for the present political crisis and chaos in the State, former minister and JKPCC president Ghulam Ahmed Mir has said that only Congress represents the aspirations of the people and this is the party which can ensure justice to the people of all the three regions of the State.

Addressing a largely attended public meeting at Khour in Akhnoor Sub Division of district Jammu today, Mir referred to the present chaos pertaining to absence of the Government in the State. He accused both the PDP and BJP for misleading people on the name of agenda of alliance. He said people are being treated as slaves by both the parties and the present political drama staged by them is another attempt to hoodwink the people like they have done in the previous Assembly elections.

PCC chief exhorted the party cadre to remain steadfast in serving the people to the best of their ability. He said Congress party has always been committed to reach out to the people for addressing the issues they are facing, for the fact, it is the Congress party alone, which has always been committed for betterment and development of the people.

While speaking on the occasion former Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leaders Tara Chand said that it is the Congress Party alone which has the capability of serving and resolving the issues people are facing. He said that Congress party is capable enough to serve the State and its people.

Tara Chand held BJP and PDP responsible for the political chaos created in the State and said that both the parties must clear their stand. The people of the State are badly suffering due to their political drama.

PCC vice president and MLA, GM Saroori castigated PDP- BJP for the present stalemate and sought clarity from them. He asked them to explain to the people why they are not moving ahead for Government formation, as the people are worst hit by their political drama.

Expressing concern over the present political crisis in the State, former minister and senior Congress leader Raman Bhalla accused BJP for failing to respect the aspirations of people in Jammu. He accused BJP of playing with the emotions of people for the sake of coming into power, now the time has changed, people of Jammu would give a befitting reply to BJP for betraying them.

Dy Chairman of Legislative Council Jehangir Hussain Mir, PCC treasurer Rajnish Sharma and District president Jammu (Rural) Shamsher Singh, Block president Suram Singh, Mahila president and others also spoke on the occasion.

Congress delegation meets Governor

Welcomes announcement of Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies elections

Jammu, March 07: A delegation of Jammu & Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) comprising Mr. G.A. Mir, President; Mr. Rigzin Jora; Mr. G.M. Saroori; Mr. Ajaz Khan; Mr; Jugal Kishore; Mr. Sham Lal Sharma, Senior Vice President; Mr. Raman Bhalla; Mr. Moola Ram;, Mr. Haji Abdul Rashid; Mr. Ravinder Sharma; Mr. Manjeet Singh; and Mr.Vikram Malhotra met Governor N.N.Vohra at the Raj Bhavan here today.

Important issues which the delegation brought to Governor’s notice included: enhancement in the quantity of rations under NFSA for the poor segments of the population; early regularization of Daily Wagers, need based seasonal and casual workers and other categories of temporary workers; enhancement in SPOs’ salary; payment of enhanced relief to the 2014 flood victims; compensation to persons whose properties got damaged in the 2014 floods; relief to the farmers and horticulturists who suffered losses on account of the dry spell and unrest in the border areas; early sanction of one time package for refugees of various categories as per the recommendations of All Party Parliamentary Committee; adequate security cover to prominent Congress leaders in the State; public concerns about field firing and artillery range in some notified areas of the Akhnoor Tehsil.

Welcoming the announcement of elections to Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies the delegation re-iterated their Party’s commitment towards strengthening Panchayati Raj system in the State and urged early polls.

The Governor assured the delegation that their concerns shall be given due attention.

Congress leaders greet people on Mahashivratri

Jammu, March 06: - Indian National Congress (INC) leaders from Jammu and Kashmir have greeted the people on the auspicious occasion of Mahashivratri, which is celebrated by Kashmiri Pandits as Hairath.

In a message of felicitations, the Congress leaders including Haji Abdul Rashid Dar, G. M Saroori, Aijaz Khan, Mohd Amin Bhat, Taj Mouhiuddin, Tara Chand, Ghulam Nabi Monga, Usman Majid, Mohd Sharief Niaz, Abdul Majid Wani, Mumtaz Khan, Chowdhary Akram, Gulzar Ahmed Wani, Naresh Kumar Gupta, Sham Lal Sharma, Salman Nizami, Amir Rasool, and others said that this festival symbolizes the values of piety, devotion, brotherhood and harmony, which are the hallmark of our glorious cultural ethos.

The Congress leaders referred to the tradition of the people of Jammu and Kashmir of celebrating such occasions in amity and brotherhood. They expressed the hope that this trait will get further strengthened with the passage of time and all contribute positively in flourishing this speciality and characteristics of the State. They said observation and celebrations of holy occasions and festivals in collectively and togetherness adds colour to the joyful events.

Making a mention of the traditional manner in which Kashmiri Pandits observe and celebrate Shivratri, Saroori said the ‘Hairth’ is the important part of Kashmiryat and denotes historical bonds of love and amity between Hindus and Muslims. He extended Hairth Mubarak to the Kashmiri Pandits and wished them well-being.

The state Congress leaders also prayed for peace and betterment of the State and the Country on the occasion.

G. M Saroori visits GMC Jammu; enquires about well being of the patients

Jammu, March 04: - PCC senior leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Inderwal G. M. Saroori today visited Government Medical College hospital (GMC&H) Jammu to enquire about the health of various patients including Ghulam Qadir Tappal Senior Congress leader from Mugalmaidan and Ghulam Mohammad resident of Trankhle Kahara who are suffering from various diseases.

MLA Inderwal G. M Saroori interacted with the patients attended at GMC Hospital, Jammu and assured them all help. He asked the doctors about the status of the patients and instructed the Hospital authorities and Doctors to provide every required medical facility to the patients so that they do not feel any inconvenience.

Saroori also wished for early recovery of the patients. He was accompanied by Congress leaders including Sarfraz Ahmed Khan (Gillu) and Youth Congress leader from Kahara Asif Iqbal Butt.