Jammu, October 26
Even as there has been a significant fall in temperature, dengue toll continues to increase in Jammu, Samba and Kathua districts of the region.

Expert say since the temperature is still favourable for breeding of yellow-fever mosquito, also known as aedes aegypti. About 970 cases have been detected with dengue symptoms at the Government Medical College (GMC) so far.

Officials said that no respite is likely till mid-November when winter sets in fully in the southern districts of the Jammu region. About 28 cases were detected at GMC on Friday alone.

The places worst hit by the epidemic in the region are Samba, Vijaypur, Parmandal, Gura Slathia, Bari Brahmana, Ramgarh, Kathua, Jammu, RS Pura, Satwari, Gajansoo, Gomansa and parts of Rajouri district.

Various localities in Jammu city such as Gandhi Nagar, Rajiv Nagar, Talab Tillo, Qasim Nagar and Bhagwati Nagar have been categorised as vulnerable areas and are being monitored closely.

“Though the number of cases reported everyday is falling, the weather is still favourable for breeding of vectors. We expect that it will be fully controlled by November 15,” said Dr GS Pathania, Director Health.

“Till then, we are using fogging methods and other chemical treatments at spots where mosquito breed,” Pathania further said.

Dr Pathania said despite initial problems, they had been able to curb the dengue spread with the help of the civic body and other departments.

“It is a collective endeavour by different government agencies. Though there were some problems initially, now we have better control over the situation,” the Director Health said.

Since August, dengue fever has created panic in the southern districts of the state and people have been blaming the Health Department and other civic agencies for failing to control its spread.

The administration, however, claims that in most of the cases people relied more on testing methods adopted by private bio-medical laboratories which fleeced the patients.

To prevent panic among residents, the Health Department has already banned the rapid serology test (NS1) which is used for diagnosing dengue by clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and clinical establishments and instead recommended the ELISA test, also known as National Institute of Virology Kit, for the detection of 1gM to confirm dengue fever.

Dengue is an acute fever caused by a virus and has two forms- dengue fever and dengue hemorrhagic fever. Owing to variations in weather, Jammu region is more prone to malaria.

Jammu, October 26
A general secretary of the Pradesh Youth Congress (PYC) has reportedly received threatening calls.

Abid Kashmiri, PYC general secretary, today alleged that he had received threatening call from an unknown number.

"I have already lodged a written complaint in the police station concerned after receiving threatening call on my mobile phone. The caller threatened me with dire consequences," Abid told The Tribune.

With this, the infighting within the Pradesh Youth Congress has got murkier as the development is being seen in the light of his revolting against the PYC state president.

"After informing the police, I reached Jammu this afternoon to consult the issue with my party colleagues because it is a very serious matter," Abid said.

Six party leaders, who had passed no-confidence motion against incumbent PYC chief Shahnawaz Choudhary, have also been served show-cause notices by J&K PYC in-charge Chetan Chouhan for going to the media.

Executive committee of PYC, in its meeting on October 23, had levelled serious allegations of corruption and nepotism against the state president of PYC and decided not to attend any meeting chaired by the president in future.

Sources said show-cause notices were served to Pranav Shagotra, vice-president, RS Pathania, Manjeet Singh Jatt, Abid Kashmiri, Dr Rashid Choudhary (all general secretaries) and Rajveer Singh Manhas, secretary. In the notice, all these leaders have been asked to give their explanations within five days.

Despite repeated attempts, the PYC president could not be reached for comment. Sources said PYC leaders have decided to approach AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi, AICC general secretary in-charge J&K affairs Ambika Soni and Youth Congress national president Rajeev Satab to "expose" PYC president Choudhary.

"The rebel PYC leaders have collected evidence against the president to substantiate their allegations," sources said.

Jammu, October 26
The Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) has started a major anti-adulteration drive in the city ahead of the festival season.

Teams of Health Department officials are being deputed everyday to different markets to ensure quality products are sold to end consumers.

Keeping tabs on adulteration in milk and milk products, a team of the civic body comprising Health Officer, Municipal Veterinary Officer along with other staff, is inspecting various milk shops and milk vendors in the city, especially in Channi Himmat, Gandhi Nagar, Narwal, railway area, Panama Chowk, Jewel, Shastri Nagar and Sanjay Nagar etc.

The Jammu Municipal Corporation also sealed on Friday two well-known sweetmeat shops— Mahajan Sweet Shop & Namkeen and Mahajan Sweet Shop at Canal Road in Jammu city.

These outlets were reportedly functioning without the requisite licences needed for eating houses, officials said.

“We randomly check the quality of eatables being sold in the shops throughout the year. But during the festival season, we make it a routine on a daily basis,” said Dr Vinod Sharma, Health Officer, Municipal Corporation.

“We are regularly collecting the samples and sending them to laboratories for quality testing. If we find someone selling eatables under unhygienic conditions, we destroy the eatables and fine them on the spot,” he added.

Shopkeepers dealing in food items have been strictly warned to ensure supply of good quality food items to the general public, especially milk and milk products, and also obtain necessary licence from the Municipal Corporation.

Many shopkeepers indulge in adding more sugar or besan in sweets to make more profit during the festive season. The department is keeping a close eye on sweets shops which sale is above Rs 12 lakh per year.

The health Officer also appealed to the shopkeepers not to add colour in sweets and that consumers should also not buy sweets which are more colourful.

Jammu, October 26
Minister for Housing and Culture Raman Bhalla today said expansion of education remained a priority of the government by bringing it to doorsteps of the masses.

The minister was addressing students after inaugurating the National Group Song Competition organised by Bharat Vikas Parishad (BVP) at Regional Research Laboratory auditorium here. About 18 teams from Jammu, Samba, Katha, Udhampur and Reasi districts participated in the competition.

The minister said education should empower the youth and imbibe the virtues of humanity in them. He appealed to the teachers to impart quality education to students.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand (second from left) and others

Jammu, October 26
Different political and social organisations today celebrated the 66th Accession Day by organising several functions in different parts of the state, Jammu city in particular.

It was on October 26 when Maharaja Hari Singh had signed the instrument of accession with the Indian State in 1947.

Duggar Vikas Manch organised an impressive cultural programme and a rally at the historic Mubarak Mandi complex as part of its three-day-long Duggar festival to celebrate Accession Day and highlight rich Dogra culture.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand was the chief guest on the occasion. In his address, he said that concerted efforts were being made by the government to exploit the tourism potential of the Jammu region.

MLAs Ashok Khajuria, Ashwani Sharma, former Mayor Narinder Singh, Jammu TL CEO Mulnivasi, Manch president Daneshwar Singh, prominent citizens, members of civil society and scores of schoolchildren attended the event.

Tara Chand said with the efforts of great visionary leaders of India, hundreds of smaller states were united under one flag and J&K also became a part of the Indian dominion. Appreciating the efforts of the students, the Deputy Chief Minister announced a cash prize of Rs 50,000 for them.

The state BJP celebrated the day by organising a ceremonial programme at the venue of Maharaja Hari Singh statue overlooking the Tawi bridge. The programme started by laying wreaths at the statue by BJP leaders and workers.

Several people also joined the party programme as a mark of respect to the late Maharaja. The programme was organised by the district unit of BJP.

Leader of Legislative Party Ashok Khajuria presided over the function. He said it was an irony that the BJP observed this day at the statue of Maharaja Hari Singh every year.

Nirmal Singh, BJP national executive member, while making a direct attack on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for questioning the instrument of accession, said, "We should not get ourselves involved in debate over issues including accession and merger which has already been settled. The government should focus on development and welfare of its citizens instead of raisng such contentious issues."

Shamsher Singh Manhas, a senior member of BJP, said people should not get misled by the false propaganda of the National Conference and the silence of Congress over the accession. He said the statement issued by NC leaders was a "threat to national security".

Jitendra Singh, chief spokesperson of BJP, said the Accession Day should be declared a state holiday and a notification be issued cancelling the Martyrs Day on July 13 in its place, which, he said was unconstitutional.

Former Mayor Kavinder Gupta and senior BJP leader Hari Om also addressed the gathering on the occasion.

The Jammu Kashmir Nirman Sansthan also celebrated the Accession Day with great enthusiasm. Activists of the sansthan assembled at Moti Bazaar in the old city and distributed sweets among people and students. They also raised pro-India slogans and unfurled the Tri-colour there.

Suresh Ajay Magotra was the chief guest on the occasion. He said the instrument of accession was a legal document executed by Maharajah Hari Singh, the ruler of the princely state of Jammu and Kashmir.

"Accession with India is complete and final and thus unchallengeable," he said.

The Bhagya Laxmi Charitable Trust also celebrated the Accession Day near AG Office in Shakti Nagar here. The programme was inaugurated by BJP state secretary Munish Sharma by unfurling the national flag in presence of trust chairman Ashwani Sharma, vice-chairman Manmohan Kumar and other volunteers.

The Civil Rights Forum organised an impressive function to celebrate the Accession Day at Kachi Chawni area of the old city. Forum convener Ramesh Arora while addressing the gathering said accession could not be challenged as it was settled forever.

Jammu, October 26
The Army has proposed to convert the Jammu & Kashmir State Forces War Memorial into an All Infantry Regiment Memorial wherein the names of those martyrs who had laid their lives in J&K after 1947 would be engraved.

Defence PRO, Jammu, Colonel RK Palta said marble slabs from Rajasthan had been purchased for engraving the names of martyrs. The construction work on the wall inside the hall and engraving work would be undertaken soon, he added.

The J&K State Forces War Memorial, situated inside the Jammu Cantonment, is a tribute to the Dogras and other war heroes of the Indo-Pak War of 1947.

Before independence, the British government had given an open offer to all the kingdoms in 1947 whether they wished to join India, Pakistan or wanted to stay independent. The state of J&K had decided to stay independent. Pakistan, however, wanted Kashmir.

Pakistani raiders were sent to capture the entire J&K. Nine battalions of the J&K State Forces and JAK Militia valiantly fought the raiders till the Indian Army concentrated in Srinagar on October 27 that year.

The J&K Infantry and JAK Militia had fought valiantly during the war. Out of the total 4,076 martyrs of the joint force, comprising the Indian Army, J&K State Forces and JAK Militia, 1,201 soldiers belonged to the J&K State Forces and JAK Militia.

To recognise the sacrifices made by the J&K State Forces and JAK Militia to save their motherland, Karan Singh, the then Sadar-e-Riyasat, J&K, had conceived the idea of getting a war memorial constructed in the Jammu Cantonment.

A committee was constituted to project the design and raise funds. The committee had got the hall designed on the basis of European architecture. Initially, the purpose of the hall was to create a reading room-cum-library and the outside premises were to be used as a children's park.

An appeal was made by Karan Singh to all the civilians and Army units to contribute for the construction of the memorial hall. The money was contributed by Karan Singh, JAK RIF units, JAK RIF Regimental Centre, civilians and a few other units of the Indian Army.

The foundation stone for the construction of the hall was laid by Karan Singh on April 13, 1953. The work was completed in one year.

Jammu, October 26
Asserting the party’s commitment to address the issue of unemployment in the state, National Conference provincial president Devender Singh Rana today said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken up the matter of recruitment of border youth in the Army and paramilitary forces with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken up with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh the issue regarding the special package for recruitment of youth, living along the international border and Line of Control, in armed and paramilitary forces,” Rana said during a function to commemorate Sepoy Subash Chandra of 10 Dogra, who sacrificed his life while fighting elements inimical to the nation at Budhal in the Rajouri sector this day in 2000.

Rana paid glowing tributes to the martyr and said he has left an indelible mark of heroism for others to emulate.

He said he has not only made his valiant parents proud but brought glory to the State as well.

Inspector General of Police, Jammu, Rajesh Kumar was the guest of honour on the occasion.

Referring to the problems faced by the border people in the wake of shelling from across the border for past few weeks, Rana said: “This is a situation that was not expected, as India had engaged Pakistan in a meaningful dialogue.”

“The ceasefire agreement of 2003 had worked well for almost a decade bringing cheer in the lives of the people,” he said.

The NC leader, however, hoped good sense to prevail upon Pakistan, so that this “nightmarish era” ends.

Rana admitted that the situation has created uncertainty among the border dwellers. He, though, urged the people not to get panicky and stay put in their areas, as the security forces and the government was well poised to meet the situation.

Emphasising Omar’s recent visit to the affected areas of the state, Rana said the Chief Minister has taken up this issue at the appropriate level.

“Continued tension on borders is not in the larger interest of the people of border areas and sagacity demands Pakistan to see reason and end it forthwith. This has been unequivocally emphasised by Omar Abdullah time and again,” he said.

The provincial president, meanwhile, exhorted the youth to come forward and play a useful role in the nation building.

Jammu, October 26
As a part of an inter-class activity, the MV International School here today organised a ‘cooking without fire’ workshop for its kindergarten students.

During the workshop, tiny tots prepared sandwiches with the help of their class teachers and exhibited them on plates in various shapes and sizes.

Director of the institution, Gourav Abrol, appreciated the efforts of children and encouraged them to participate more in such competitions.

“Cooking without fire”, is a wonderful display of skill and creativity,” said one of the teachers.

Ramban, October 26
A day-long workshop on civil registration system was held here today under the chairmanship of Director General Statistics and Economics, BR Lachotra.

During the workshop, officials from health, police, revenue and cooperative departments were taught about the techniques of the civil registration system. Speaking with the participants, Lachotra emphasised the importance of birth and death registration and stressed the government functionaries to help the department in generating actual registration data, as it helps in framing effective policies for the overall development of the state and nation, especially in health and nutrition sectors.

Jammu, October 26
Jammu and Kashmir Bharat Scouts and Guides today organised ‘Pravesh’ and ‘Pratham’ camps for students of Rich Harvest School here.

Bharat Scout representatives Harcharan Singh and Manjeet Kour, concerned teacher Monika Bharti and Rich Harvest School principal Dr Shivani Singh were present on the occasion.

The participating students were divided into different sub-categories based upon the class they were studying in. — TNS

Jammu, October 26
Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP) XI, Simula XI and Jammu Gymkhana Club notched up contrasting victories to stay alive in the ongoing Eid-Diwali Milan T20 Cricket Cup, being played at the MA Stadium here.

While JKP XI got the better of Eleven Star by 51 runs, Simula XI scripted a comfortable 4-wicket victory over Atman Sports Club.

In another match of the day, Jammu Gymkhana thrashed BCC by 4 wickets to stay in the hunt.

Batting first, JKP XI accumulated 163 runs for the loss of six wickets from their stipulated quota of 20 overs.

Farooq was the top scorer with 66 runs, while Pankaj Lada (44) and Amit (20) also made useful contribution to the total.

In reply, Eleven Star was bundled out for 112 runs, courtesy five-wicket haul by JKP XI skipper Rajesh Gill.

Meanwhile, Simula XI rode on a superb show by its batters to beat the Atman club.

Chasing a target of 143 runs, Simula XI top-order batted with purpose as they romped home with couple of over to spare.

Dhruv Mahajan was the top scorer with 40 runs.

Earlier, Atman club rode on a quickfire 58 by Jaswinder to pose a moderate total on board.

Jammu, October 26
A day-long inter-school U-19 speedball competition for Udhampur District was held at Amardeep High School, Jakhani.

The competition was held under the supervision of Sukhdev Singh, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Udhampur.

As many as six schools, including Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Happy Model Higher Secondary School, Government Boys Higher Secondary School, Common Public School and BB Shanti Vidya Peeth, besides hosts Amardeep High School, participated in the competition.

The matches were officiated by Sanjay Sharma, Somdev Khajuria, Navin Sharma, Ramesh Chander, Sahil Janjua, Gurmanjeet Singh and Ankit Sharma.

In the boy’s doubles, the duo of Avinash Sharma and Dhananjay Sharma bagged the gold, while Mohit Sharma and Sahil Chand clinched the silver.

The bronze medal went to Shivam Modi and Rishav Kundal.

In the girl’s doubles, the gold medal went to the pair of Rita Sharma and Shivali Jamwal, whereas Pallavi Bhagat and Shilpa Kumar won the silver.

Sumita Kumari and Ritu Kumari bagged the bronze medal.

Meanwhile, Rakesh Sharma clinched the top spot in the boy’s super solo category, while in the girl’s section it was Priya Sharma who bagged the gold medal.

In the boy’s singles Manpreet Singh won the gold medal, while Manasvi Dubey was the topper in the girl’s singles.

In the mixed doubles category, the pair of Jyoti Kumari and Raghuvir Singh won the gold, while Poornima Rani and Sharon Sharma bagged the silver medal.

Jammu, October 26
The cycling team of Jammu and Kashmir today left for Rohtak to participate in the 18th National Road Cycling Championship to be conducted by the Cycling Federation of India.

Jammu, October 26
Over 800 participants from different schools and clubs across the state today participated in the inaugural Open State Kickboxing Championship at the indoor sports complex of the M A Stadium here today.

The championship was organised by the Kickboxing Association of Jammu and Kashmir.

The competition was inaugurated by state Kickboxing Association general secretary Abhishek Jain and Technical Director Vivek Bassan.— TNS