Reasi, July 4
Traffic on the Talwara-Thanpal road was suspended for eight hours following protest by Talwara villagers over the repair of Talwara-Thanpal road this morning. The villagers also clashed with the police leaving several injured.

Villagers alleged that they were lathicharged by the police.

Residents of Talwara, Chinkah, Thanpal, Arnas villages facing great hardship due to the bad condition of the road and made several representations to various government departments. Failure of the authorities to address their problems led to the protest.

Dev Raj, a protester said, “Due to the movement of heavy vehicles, most of the stone-laden lorries plying between Talwara and Thanpal, had damaged the road completely. Huge craters had been formed; making it difficult for commuters. The Salal power station authorities responsible for the maintenance of the road were least bothered about its upkeep, they alleged.

A team of officials from the Salal power station, headed by its general manager, AG Ansari, came to the spot and said they would undertake temporary patchwork immediately and assured them that the road will be repaired on priority and apologised for police action.

Villagers lifted the bockade following an assurance by the Salal power station authorities.

Jammu, July 4
Despite repeated reminders to the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) by students pursuing Elementary Teachers Training (ETT) course in various institutes across the state regarding non-updating of information on its official website, the school education board is yet to initiate any concrete measure to address the grievances.

Sources said most of the students hailing from outside the state, who had taken admissions to pursue the course in colleges, had complained to both the management of the ETT institutes and the school education board about the hardships they were facing regarding non-updating of information on the official website of the board.

Sources said following that, representatives of various ETT colleges had met the BOSE officials and urged them not only to put the list of ETT colleges of both the division on its official website but also to update it on a regular basis for the benefit of students who were coming from outside the state to pursue the course.

“In spite of complaining on numerous occasions to the BOSE authorities to update the latest information on its official website regarding all the colleges, they are yet to take it seriously,” said one of the aggrieved ETT aspirants.

“Though a majority of the colleges are found on the website, an important thing is to update it on a regular basis so that students get access to important information like full address of the college, fee structure, availability of seats, courses to be offered by the institute, availability of hostel facility, etc,” he said.

“A few days ago, one of the owners of an ETT institute found that BOSE has not even updated its own website wherein it showed the same public information officer (PIO) who had retired long back. It was only after he apprised the school education board authorities, they rectified it,” another student claimed.

“It is the responsibility of both the ETT institutes and the school education board to maintain a close coordination and if any college added another branch, it should inform the BOSE so that they could further adjust it in its website for the convenience of aspirants,” he said.

A senior BOSE official said, “We are taking every possible measure to update our official website”. “In fact, ETT aspirants can get the latest information at any time on our official website and if they face any problem in getting it, they have the option to inform this to the colleges concerned,” he added.

Jammu, July 4
Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has served one-week notice to residents of Trikuta Nagar in Ward number 53-54 asking them to lift the construction material dumped on the road or face action. A MC team lead by Health Officer, Dr Vinod Sharma also asked people to seek the help of the JMC to keep the area clean.

The Health Officer along with the members of Trikuta Nagar Welfare Society (TNWS), including Vikram Gour, president TNWS, Rajinder Kakkar (secretary), Narinder Sharma, O P Sharma, B S Puri, S N Kaul, S L Sharma and Sanjay Dogra, jointly inspected the area under the two wards.

The joint inspection was carried out in sectors 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8.

The TNWS members pointed out spots where huge dumps of garbage and choked drains had created unhealthy environment for the residents.

The Health Officer also passed on the spot instructions to clear the garbage dumps and clean the drains within a week’s time and then see to it that the drains are cleaned at least once a week. Other instructions include placement of two garbage collection containers along the eastern side of the RBI Colony, Sector 7-8.

Another set of garbage containers will be placed along Panch Mandir nullah.

He also ordered that garbage collection will be done twice a week instead of once and sweeping of the road will be done at least twice a week.

Dr Sharma said those plot owners who have allowed jhuggies to come up in their plots will be served notices to build septic-tanks in their plots for the convenience of the labourers failing which they will be prosecuted.

Jammu, July 4
A total of 33 students from Jammu have excelled as state toppers in the recently concluded International Olympiad 2013. The 16th International Award ceremony of the Science Olympiad Foundation (SOF) was organised at New Delhi recently to felicitate the winning students, teachers and principals of Olympiad exams for 2012-13.

Former Chief Justice of India Justice RC Lahoti was the chief guest on the occasion while Prof YS Rajan of ISRO was the guest of honour. Awards were conferred on the top 3 international rank holders from classes I to XII for the four Olympiad exams conducted by the SOF. Winners from classes VII to XII won Rs 50,000 each, Rank 2 holders won Rs 25,000 each while Rank 3 holders won Rs 10,000 each whereas winners from classes I to VI were awarded I-pads.

In addition, attractive gifts were given to all winners. The top 10 principals and top 40 teachers whose students put up an excellent performance were also felicitated with cash awards, mementos and citations.

The students from Jammu included Advay Gupta, Devansh Magotra, Dhariti Kotwal, Shuvang Jandiyal and Pranav Krishan (KC International School), Uditi Verma, Vinod Gupta , Prabhnoor Singh , Ananya Sharma, Sushant Padha (Jodhamal Public School), Sparsh Jandial, Rishab Anand , Nadeem Aslam, Arnuv Rana, Danish Mehmood, Medhashree Bansal (Heritage School), Nalin Mujoo (Kendriya Vidyalaya No 1 School, Jammu), Aabir S Wani (BSF Senior Secondary School), Shubham Attri (Banyan International School), Harsimran Singh (Army Public School, Jammu), Mahika Kaul (Heaven Kingdom High School) and Pranav Krishan (KC Public School).

Justice RC Lahoti met students who won prizes and received certificates in the final stage of the Olympiads.

Mahabir Singh, founder Executive Director of the SOF said as many as 24,000 students drawn from 1,050 cities across India and 14 countries were awarded for achieving top state level ranks. In addition, close to 3,50,000 students have been awarded medals of excellence for achieving top rank in their respective schools.

The SOF is the largest conductor of Olympiads in Asia. Singh informed that in addition to conducting Olympiads, the SOF was providing an annual scholarship of Rs 5,000 each to 300 meritorious girl children from the economically weaker section under the Girl Child Scholarship Scheme (GCSS).

Prominent among others present on the occasion included Charlie Walker, Director, Programmes, British Council India and Swami Nikhilananda Saraswati, Acharaya Chinmaya Mission. 

Jammu, July 4
The Crime Branch, Jammu, today booked revenue and custodian department officials for forging the revenue records and allotting the evacuee land only on paper.

These officials were identified as Ajit Singh Jasrotia, the then Tehsildar (assistant custodian), Samba, Satpal Sharma, the then naib tehsildar, Samba, Satish Sharma, son of Gori Shanker, a resident of Samba, Raj Kumar, son of Swaran Singh, a resident of Greater Kailash, Jammu and other officials of the revenue and custodian department.

The Crime Branch, Jammu, has registered a case under FIR No 16/2013 under Sections 420, 467, 468, 471,120-B, RPC, and Section 5(2) PC Act 2006.

The SSP, Crime Branch, Jammu, said a written complaint was lodged by the custodian, evacuee property, Jammu, alleging that the land measuring 18 kanal and 18 marlas situated at Nanak Chak village, Samba, has been illegally allotted to a displaced person Prithi Singh, a resident of Wattal, Bimber (PoK), on December 2, 1985.

An inquiry was initiated in the Crime Branch, Jammu, and it was found that Prithi Singh (1947 refugee), now dead, was a non-existent person in whose favour the land was allotted in 1991 by the then tehsildar.

It was also found that Prithi Singh had tenancy right over the said property through fraudulent general power of attorney executed in his favour in gross violation of set norms and that the land was sold to various persons by using the general power of attorney holders.

The SSP said from the aforementioned facts, it spelled out that evacuee property land in question had been usurped by the accused in connivance with the officials of the revenue and custodian department. — TNS

Jammu, July 4
Summer Cricket Club (SCC) notched up a thumping 10-wicket win over Panthers Cricket Club (PCC) to secure a berth in the quarterfinals of the ongoing 5th Pawan Singh Memorial Twenty20 Cricket Tournament being played at Government Higher Secondary School Ground, Akhnoor.

Batting first, after winning the toss, PCC was bowled out for 67 runs in 16.7 overs. In reply, SCC romped home in just six overs without losing any wicket.

Sanjay and Sandeep were the main contributors with 18 and 16 runs, respectively while Sumit chipped in with 13 runs to the total. For SCC, Ram Dayal took three wickets followed by Sourav and Manu, who shared two wickets apiece. Rohit, Nowshad and Hardeep Singh shared a wicket each.

In reply, SCC overhauled the target in six overs with all wickets intact. Amrit Pal Singh (33 off 17 balls) and Hardeep Singh (29 off 20 balls) played unbeaten knocks to help their side script a resounding win. Later, Ram Dayal was declared man of the match. The match was officiated by Sonu Malhotra and Joginder Magotra as umpires.

Jammu, July 4
Super Strikers overcame the challenge of Dream Chasers by 22 runs to enter into the next round of the ongoing Friendship Cup Night Cricket Tournament being organised by Swabhiman (NGO) at DBN School Ground, Mubarak Mandi.

Batting first, Super Strikers set a target of 65 runs in 12 overs. Kunal (23) remained the highest scorer. Shanky contributed 20 runs to the total. For Dream Chasers, Shubam and Shivam clinched three and two wickets, respectively.

In reply, Dream Chasers were bundled out for 43 runs. Jatinder played a gutsy knock of 22 runs, but in vain. Piyush was the wrecker-in-chief with three wickets followed by Rahul, who bagged two wickets.

Kunal was the declared man of the match.

In another match, Aashish Club got the better of Ishan Club by three wickets. Batting first, Ishan Club garnered 30 runs with Anshu contributing 15 runs. In reply, Ashish Club did the needful losing seven wickets in the process. Honey played a match-winning knock of 19 runs and was later declared man of the match. 

Jammu, July 4
The second cut-off list for 2013-14 was released today by all Government Degree Colleges. According to the cut-off list, the highest merit was registered in computer applications subject at Government Gandhi Memorial College with 82 per cent.

At GCW, Gandhi Nagar, the highest cut-off was recorded in medical stream with 70 per cent and minimum was recorded in arts stream at 38.13 per cent.

The total application forms received till now are 2,744 out of which 406 admissions have been done in the Science stream.

The cut-off percentage of other subjects in Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, was 50 per cent for non-medical, 65 per cent for statistics, 71 per cent for geography, 61.2 per cent for English (Honours) and for BCom was recorded at 59.6 per cent.

For GCW Parade, the highest cut-off was recorded for electronics with 73.2 per cent and minimum cut-off was of BA with 45 per cent.

Total students who have submitted their admission forms to seek admission in the college are 3,400.

The cut-off percentage for other subjects in this college was 61 percent for medical, 55.2 percent for non-medical, 48 per cent for BCom and 66.8 per cent for BCA.

In BCom and medical streams, there were total 400 seats and 550 seats, respectively, out of which 200 seats and 250 seats have been filled till now.

For Maulana Azad Memorial (MAM) College, the highest cut-off was recorded at 70 per cent for BBA and minimum remained at 45.2 per cent for Arts stream.

The cut-off percentage for BCA and non-medical was 63 per cent and 50.4 per cent, respectively.

Dr Romesh Chander, principal, MAM College, said, “Our College has been declared lead college by the state government. Students of general category who have marks below than 45 per cent are not given admission in arts subject.”

“We don’t have medical stream in our college, so for the non-medical stream, admissions are given to those students in the general category whose percentage is 50 per cent or above. For students, who come under the reserved category, admissions are given to those whose percentage is 45 per cent or above,” he said.

Sri Pratap Memorial Rajput College of Commerce (SPMR) issued 2,000 forms out of which 1,900 forms have been filled by the students. The highest cut-off was 69.4 per cent for BBA and minimum remained at 45 per cent for BCom.

In GGM College, the highest cut-off was registered in computer applications i.e. 82 per cent. The cut-off percentage of other subjects was 47.73 per cent for medical, 50.2 per cent for non-medical 74 per cent for BCA, 77 per cent for biotechnology and 73 per cent for geography.

In all, 3,000 admission forms have come up with college till now. Meanwhile, the colleges will declare the third cut-off list on July 8. 

Jammu, July 4
After being severely criticised for recent steep hike in the registration fee of trainees, the J&K State Sports Council has finally rolled back its earlier decision and announced fee concession for trainees of all age groups practicing at the Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium, Jammu, with immediate effect.

Sources said the new fee structure fixed by the autonomous sports body was not accepted by the parents of sportspersons who met Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Youth Services and Sports and apprised him about their concern.

Sources said the Sports Minister then convened a crucial meeting of officials and decided to provide registration fee concession to the trainees in all age groups. Earlier, there were rumours that the sports council might provide concession in fee for trainees of the U-21 age group, but the Sports Minister, who is also the vice-president of the State Sports Council, had ended all these speculations.

Sources claimed that Taj Mohi-ud-Din had convened a meeting with the office-bearers where discussions were held threadbare on the issue.

The decision to provide concession in registration fee had been taken barely after three months when the sports council had revived its fee structure after a gap of 30 years.

Sources said a suggestion was also mooted in the meeting wherein it was mentioned that outstanding sportspersons who have brought laurels for the state in different disciplines should be provide coaching free of cost. But the authorities concerned have yet to reach a consensus on this issue.

As per the new fee structure, the annual registration fee for a trainee of U-14 age group at the Indoor Sports Complex is Rs 200. Earlier, the registration fee was Rs 295, excluding identity card charges.

The registration fee for trainees of U-16 age group is fixed at Rs 300 which earlier was Rs 395 as per the old fee structure. The annual registration fee for trainees of 21 years is Rs 400 while for trainees of above 21 age group, it has been fixed at Rs 600.

The fee of multi-purpose hall which is being used by both the affiliated and non-affiliated sports associations, besides other departments for conducting events, is also increased. For non-affiliated sports bodies, the fee is fixed at Rs 2,500. Satish Gupta, manager, Indoor Sports Complex, said, “Yes, the newly revived fee structure has been implemented and the parents are happy with it.”

revised fee structure

* For U-14 age-group, the annual registration fee is ~200 from the earlier ~295, excluding identity card charges.

* For the U-16 age-group, the registration fee for trainees has been fixed at ~300 from the earlier ~395.

* The annual registration fee for trainees of 21 years is ~400. For trainees above 21 years of age, the fees has been fixed at ~600.

Jammu, July 4
Hotel Asia has launched ‘Tex Mex’ American Mexican cuisine at its restaurant ‘Yangtse’ and their chefs are all set to add some unique and flavour for Jammuites. ‘Tex Mex’ cuisine is one of the most popular cuisines of the world as per executive chef Naresh Dabral of Hotel Asia.

The term Tex Mex describes the culinary creations of Mexican Americans cuisine. The cusine has spread from border states such as Texas and those in the south-western United States to the rest of the country. Tex-Mex cuisine is characterised by its heavy use of flour tortilla, corn tortills, Mexican rice, shredded cheese, sour cream, meat, chicken, beans, jalapeno chili, cayenne pepper, paprika powder, cumin powder and cajun spices and a lot of garden fresh vegetables which are all ready to tickle the buds with cheesy, creamy, crunchy, spice tangy to spice sweet and sour taste.

Tex Mex chef Arvind Saklani said, “We are serving selective dishes of Texas style chicken tenderloin, chicken wings, lamb steak to Mexican bean nachos, chimichangas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and quesadillas to chicken veracrus, chill concarne and many more of Tex-Mex inventions.” “In addition to Tex Mex we will be also serving an array of Mexican fruit drink’s,” he added.

The general manager of the hotel said, “We have been always to introduce the international cuisines for the elite of Jammu. We have already done such type of food festivals previously also.”

Jammu, July 4
Sanjeev Jamwal has joined as the executive member of the J&K Amateur Boxing Association (JKABA). He was elected in the recently held elections to the sports body.

The JKABA now has five members.

PDP leader Tariq Hamid Qarra was unanimously elected as the JKABA president and Dr Nirmolak Singh as general secretary.

Ranjig Singh was elected as patron-in-chief while Ashutosh Sharma was elected as senior vice-president.

Sports Officer, Rajan Sharma, was elected as the head of the technical committee. The other members of the committee include boxing coaches Anil Kumar Wadhera, Satyakam Sharma and Mushtaq Ahmed.

Rajouri, July 4
A medical camp organised by the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion, under the aegis of Counter Insurgency Force (Uniform), for residents of border and far-flung villages of Bamliya, Thrangriot, Sia, Bandhari, Desli, Ransu, Una and Karota of Rajouri today.

Number of patients were examined by medical officers, nursing assistants and supporting staff and much needed specialised medical cover was given to women’s, children and elderly at the camp. Nearly 206 persons, including 47 women, 123 men and 36 children were treated at the camp. Besides, 12 patients were also referred to Community Health Centre, Kalakote, for treatment.