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Disengaged SPO climbs mobile tower
Drizzle, cloudy weather set winter mood in Jammu
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Season’s first snowfall for Pir Panjal
Snow, rain in Poonch
Woman, son killed as lightning strikes Kalakote
Traffic lights on the blink as electronics firm casual
Address issues of special groups: Ministry to authorities
Tour, travel operators can play active role in promoting tourism: Minister
Varsity plans to set up Gojri research institute at Poonch, says VC
Painters from Delhi display art work in city
Bar Association felicitates judges
Dashmesh Club win hockey c’ship
LOC XI enter hockey final
3 officials suspended for absence from duty
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Disengaged SPO climbs mobile tower
Jammu, November 7 He was one of the 31 disengaged SPOs of Ramnagar tehsil who had been on a hunger strike for the past two days. They had been demanding regularisation of all SPOs across the state and immediate reinstatement of 31 disengaged SPOs. The disengaged SPO, identified as Rattan Chand, also threatened to jump off the cell phone tower and commit suicide if the authorities tried to bring him down forcibly. The police and the local administration tried to assuage the SPO, but he refused to come down, saying they (SPOs) had played a pivotal role in fighting militancy in the state and they should be awarded with regularisation of their services. Speaking to reporters on his mobile phone, Rattan Chand said he worked as SPO for 12 years and risked his life when militancy was at its peak in Basantgarh area of Ramnagar tehsil. Around two years back, when he, along with 150 SPOs, was on a hunger strike demanding their regularisation on the pattern of ReT teachers, they were forcibly taken to the hospital and an FIR was registered against 31 SPOs thereafter. At that time, they were disengaged from service and put behind bars. Thereafter, he worked as a roadside vendor for two years, but his ‘rehri’ (push cart) was allegedly confiscated by municipal officials a day before
Diwali, that frustrated him, and he decided to start a hunger strike along with other disengaged SPOs two days back, he said. He alleged that his family had to suffer because of "indifferent and repressive" attitude of the authorities concerned. "I am left with no option but to take this extreme step," Chand said. His wife Babli Devi said his husband had yesterday told them that he would do something which would change the future of thousands of SPOs in the state. Hundreds of locals also requested him to come down, but he refused to call off his protest. Senior officers of police and administration were trying to pacify and bring down the disengaged SPO when reports last poured in. The incident
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Drizzle, cloudy weather set winter mood in Jammu
Jammu/Poonch, November 7 According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the day temperature in Jammu dipped by almost eight degrees and it was 21.7 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature stood at 14.4 degrees Celsius. Similarly, the maximum temperature in Katra - the base camp of holy cave shrine of Goddess Vaishno Devi — was 20.1 degree Celsius, six notches below normal. The minimum temperature was 12.4 degrees Celsius, one degree below normal. In Bhaderwah town of Doda district, the maximum temperature was 18.1 degrees Celsius while the minimum temperature stood at 6.1 degrees Celsius. IMD officials have predicted that there will be more rains along with thundershowers during the next 24 hours. The Power Development Department and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) turned on the street lights on various roads in the wake of low visibility due to cloudy weather. Health department officials said the light drizzle, however, would bring in relief from cough, cold and viral fever. "Because of dry weather conditions, the people faced health problem," an official said. Reports from various district headquarters said the upper reaches of the region also received fresh snowfall following moderate rains, which has intensified the cold wave in these respective areas. |
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Season’s first snowfall for Pir Panjal
Rajouri, November 7 The mountains in Pir Panjal and Tuti, Kutti ranges of Rajouri and Poonch districts of the state received the season's first snowfall last night. Following snowfall, a sharp decline in the minimum temperature was witnessed in the region. While the upper reaches of Budhal, Kotranka, Bakori, Thanamandi, Darhal and others including Deera ki Gali received snowfall, reports said snowfall and heavy rain lashed Mandi, Surankote, Sawjian and Loran areas due to which road connectivity remained affected owing to slippery conditions. The Mughal Road has also been closed owing to heavy snowfall. Speaking to the Tribune, Dr Veena Sharma, Technical Officer of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences meteorological department, said since last night, there have been heavy rainfall and snowfall in the upper reaches, resulting in mercury dipping sharply in the region. She said, "We have recorded a minimum temperature of 7.6 degrees Celsius in the region while the maximum remained 17 degrees Celsius today. Meanwhile, 55.8 mm rainfall has been recorded since last night," she added. |
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Snow, rain in Poonch
Poonch, November 7 The high-altitude areas of Loran, Mandi, Saujian, Bufliaz and Surankote in Poonch districts experienced fresh snowfall with the season's first rain while Pir ki Gali again experienced moderate to heavy snow (6 to 10 inches snow) today. The Pir ki Gali on the Mughal Road, which connects Poonch-Rajouri twin border districts with the Kashmir valley, was initially closed in the morning for motorists as it experienced 6 to 10 inches of fresh snow with slips on the road. Sources said over 30 heavy and light vehicles were initially stopped at Chandimarh in Bufliaz in the wake of heavy snowfall at Pir ki Gali this morning, but were allowed after 4 pm. |
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Woman, son killed as lightning strikes Kalakote
Rajouri, November 7 Both mother and son were killed on the spot. The rescue teams and police rushed to the spot and shifted the deceased to a local hospital. After conducting the legal formalities, the bodies were handed over to the family for their
last rites. In another incident, a youth, identified as Sunny Kumar, also received serious injuries in the same incident. Doctors of the local hospital have shifted the injured to Government Medical College, Jammu, for improved treatment. |
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Traffic lights on the blink as electronics firm casual
Jammu, November 7 The traffic signal lights were installed at Jammu on August 4, 2012 at 30 main points of the city by a Delhi-based company, Onex Electronics. But after installing the traffic signal lights in the city, the company has not conducted a third party inspection, which is mandatory for clearance of bills. Many of the traffic signal lights in the city are lying non-functional and many are partially functional, but even after information to the company by the authorities, the company is not repairing the lights. Traffic lights at Green Belt park, Gandhi Nagar crossing, Science college Road and many other places are not working. A traffic light pole damaged at Roop Nagar chowk is lying abandoned for the last 20 days. Manmohan Singh, SSP traffic, said, “Whenever traffic lights stop functioning, we immediately inform the JMC officials about it, but it is being delayed by the company which has installed it.” Sources said the Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), which has given tender to the company, has not paid the pending dues. Only 15 per cent of the funds have been paid to the company till date. The total cost for the project was more than a crore rupees. Kiran Watal, Commissioner, JMC, said, “We are ready to pay their pending dues, but they themselves are not serious about the work and their payments.” “Wherever the lights are not working, we will call the people from the company and get them repaired,” he added. Pradeep Kaushik, Director, Onex Electronics, refused to comment on the issue, saying, “I don’t have the details. We are busy with other projects at the moment.” “As far as the payments are concerned, the government payments always take time. I don’t want to comment on it,” he added. |
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Shortage of safai karamcharis affects cleanliness in Jammu
Jammu, November 7 This garbage blocks the drains and the entire area, giving out a foul smell. Choked drains have made life miserable for people. Residents of Prem Nagar shared that the situation was very pathetic in their colony. They consider it a miracle that they are not having any epidemic in this part of the city. Dr Vinod Sharma, health officer, JMC, said though they were suffering from shortage of safai karamcharis, they were making every possible effort to deliver services to the entire city. “If someone has any problem in his locality, he can contact me directly. I am always available for the general public and I am just a call away,” he said. “Besides shortage of safai karamcharis, we do suffer from paucity of funds. To deal with the situation, we have started collecting Rs 50 per family as sanitation charges in old city. But it is unfortunate that less than 10 per cent people are paying these charges. If the residents of the city start paying for the services being provided by the Municipal Corporation, the civic body revenue may go up to Rs 10 crore — It is presently just Rs 50
lakh,” he added. Arun Sharma of Prem Nagar shares, “JMC has lost its credibility among the residents. No one will pay a single penny till they come out with a comprehensive plan for sanitation and provide better facilities to the public.” |
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Address issues of special groups: Ministry to authorities
Jammu, November 7 The ministry in its recently issued guidelines has maintained that the nature of affirmative action that was required to overcome the challenges and barriers to participation of special groups needs to be incorporated into the skill action plan proposed by the state. “Job melas are to be organised by State Rural Livelihood Mission at the block and gram panchayat (GP) level. This should bring potential employers and local youth face to face. These melas should be organised with due care by adopting the standard operating procedures (SOP) developed for the purpose,” a statement from the MoRD said. “These fairs are primarily meant for those who have employable skills acquired without participating in the training programmes funded under the Aajeevika skills. However, this should not prevent those already trained from using these job melas to improve their job prospects,” it added. Sources claimed the exercise was needed for the SRLMs to fix district, block and GP wise targets for mobilisation, job fairs, information education communication (IEC) etc and also to meaningfully assess proposals submitted by the project implement agencies (PIAs). Sources said the SRLMs would be provided funding by the MoRD from the Aajeevika skills budget at the rate of up to 1 per cent of the total project cost paid to the PIAs in the state in a year. “The SRLMs may also build a statewide youth database with details of those willing and able to benefit from the Aajeevika skills in each GP. Proper study of labour markets to assess skill requirement for jobs within the state and in regions outside it are also needed to be carried out from time to time,” it was stated. |
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Tour, travel operators can play active role in promoting tourism: Minister
Jammu, November 7 Addressing the concluding function of the four-day World Travel Market at Excel Center, London, the minister said tour and travel operators could play an active role to promote tourism between countries. He assured of full cooperation of the Jammu and Kashmir Government to the foreign and domestic tour and travel operators in this regard. He said the J&K Government had taken several steps to upgrade the world class tourist infrastructure at varied destination of its famed regions, besides introducing new destinations and tourism activities in the state. The minister invited the domestic and overseas’ tour and travel operators to see for themselves, varied tourism potential of the state. He said such a visit would help in showcasing the rich tourism potential of the state. He said the state government had also developed conventional tourism facilities in the state and Kashmir was an ideal place for holding national as well as international conferences. He made a fervent appeal to all the participant tour and travel operators to be ambassadors of J&K in spreading good message among their countrymen about the magnificent and mesmerising tourism destination of Jammu and Kashmir. Over 5,000 delegations from different countries of the world participated in WTM London, where Jammu and Kashmir Government had also set up stalls showcasing the varied distinct tourism potential of the state. |
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Sumita bags best oral presentation award
Jammu, November 7 In conjunction with the Congress, the college also initiated the children’s science exhibition with a view to encourage, popularise and inculcate scientific temper among the children of the state in which a number of government and private schools of Jammu participated. The valedictory function started with colouful cultural items presented by the Department of Music. Principal of the college Hemla Aggarwal welcomed the chief guest while the Government Medical College principal Shashi Gupta and the guest of honour Prof Indira Rathore, former principal, academicians, researchers, scientists, students and entrepreneurs from different premier institutions, universities of the state and research labs also attended the function. The main highlight of the Science Congress was the young scientist award competition wherein a total of 18 budding scientists contested for the award and the best oral presentation award. Sumita Sharma was awarded the best oral presentation award while Dr Surbhi and Uzma Hamal were awarded the young scientist awards. The Children’s Science Exhibition comprising 45 displayed models was visited by a number of school and college students and delegates of the Congress. The models prepared by the 26 schools were evaluated by former principal Prof Sarla Kohli. Pragya Khanna, organising secretary of the programme announced that the college would take out the proceedings of the Science Congress in the printed form containing all significant happenings of the event and full-length research papers of the participants along with the recommendations of the delegates, benefactors and the supporters to be forwarded to the Department of Science and Technology. |
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Reasi emerging as tourist destination of state
Katra, November 7 Earlier, devotees visited the cave during Mahashivratri, but now the shrine is also witnessing heavy rush during the Amarnath yatra. Reasi is emerging as a tourist district of Jammu and Kashmir as the Vaishno Devi shrine attracts over 1.1 crore pilgrims and the Shiv Khori cave shrine is attracting 20 lakh pilgrims attracting annually. "Shiv Khori is attracting a good number of devotees, over 25 thousand devotees have paid obeisance at the Shiv Khori Shrine in the past seven days," said Rajinder Singh Tara, vice-chairman, Shiv Khori Shrine Board. Aghar Jitto, Noaun Pandian, Baba Dhansar, Deera Baba Banda Bahudur and Shiv Khori are the holy shrines which had been developed to divert maximum number of Vaishno Devi pilgrims towards the interior of the Reasi district, he added. After Vaishno Devi, Shiv Khori is the only religious place which has been attracting devotees from all over the country. According to the official data, a record number of over 14,79,007 pilgrims visited the cave situated in Sanger village near Ransoo of the Pouni block of Reasi district during the current year. "The yatra would touch the 25 lakh mark by the end of 2013," Singh said, adding that, "At present, 5,000 to 6,000 devotees are visiting the cave shrine daily to pay obeisance and their numbers are increasing." Keeping in view the natural beauty, topography and significance of the area, the board is also making all-out efforts to develop the place as a popular tourist resort with infrastructure for the visiting pilgrims. A number of development works have been taken up by the Shiv Khori Shrine Board to provide facilities to the pilgrims. |
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Varsity plans to set up Gojri research institute at Poonch, says VC
Jammu, November 7 Rana claimed that the state government had already taken several measures for the welfare and uplift of the Gujjar community. “Special focus is being paid towards the education and career building of the youth of the community,” he maintained. The function was organised by the Gujjar Bakerwal Students Federation, University of Jammu, at Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium. Rana was the chief guest while the felicitation function was presided over by Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar. Masood Choudhary, former Additional Director General of Police and Vice-Chancellor of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University was guest of honour. The Vice-Chancellor lauded the youth, particularly those residing in far-off areas for their academic excellence and keen interest in pursuing higher studies. Prof Ishar also dwelt on the Gojri Centre and said the university was intending to set it up on the Poonch Campus of
JU. — TNS |
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Painters from Delhi display art work in city
Jammu, November 7 Painters whose painting were featured in the exhibition included Vijay Joshi (Rajasthan), Krisendu Dey (Gujarat), Manisha Jha (Orrisa), Priyanka Sharma and Naryan (Delhi). Thakur said though the prime mandate of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations was to promote global understanding between nations through cultural initiatives, the Regional Office, Jammu, with the motive to promote local artists, had organised 38 world class programmes since its inception in Jammu in 2012. "With the establishment of the ICCR in Jammu, people now have the opportunity to witness international performances happening in Jammu. The ICCR Jammu has brought Zambia, Democratic Republic of Laos and Poland to Jammu," said Balwant Thakur, regional director, ICCR. |
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Bar Association felicitates judges
Jammu, November 7 Chief Justice MM Kumar was speaking at a function organised by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu, on the High Court premises to felicitate the five newly elevated judges of the High Court, Justice AM Magray, Justice DS Thakur, Justice Tashi Rabstan, Justice BL Bhat and Justice JR Kotwal. Justice Virender Singh, Justice Hasnain Masoodi, Advocate General MI Qadri, Registrar General Suresh Kumar Sharma, senior advocates, former judges of the High Court, former presidents of the Bar Association, Members of the Bar and subordinate judiciary, besides others were present on the occasion. The Chief Justice said they had earned it through their excellence and merit and urged all the budding advocates to come forward and take inspiration from their elevation. Earlier, in his welcome address, senior advocate and Bar Association president MK Bhardwaj said the function had been organised to honour the five newly elevated judges. He presented a brief insight into their meritorious background. On the occasion, mementos were also presented to the newly elevated judges. Bar Association vice-president Sindhu Sharma presented the vote of thanks. |
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Dashmesh Club win hockey c’ship
Jammu, November 7 Players of the Deshmesh Club dominated proceedings from the onset by opening the account in the 12th minute. After that, the club slammed three back-to-back goals in the 15th, 19th and 22nd minute, respectively. Two goals were scored by Charanjit while Rakesh chipped in with one goal. Rakesh scored two more goals in the 47th and 50th minute while Satwant netted the seventh and the last goal for Deshmesh Club in the 63rd minute of the match. For Young Star Club, Jasbir Singh and Bharat scored one goal each in the 48th and 55th minute, respectively. Minister for Planning, Labour and Employment Ajay Sadhotra was the chief guest at the valedictory function, who distributed prizes among the winners and runner-up teams. Prominent among others present on the occasion were Jaswant Singh, Romal Singh, Sarla Kohli, Rajinder Singh, Harminder Singh and Taran Singh. The match was officiated by SP Singh, Iqbal Singh, Jagjeet Singh, JS Reen and GS Bakshi. The tournament was conducted under the supervision of MS Reen, resident secretary, Hockey J&K. Earlier, in the final match of the 2nd Senior Women Hockey Tournament, Stadium XI overcame the challenge of Army Public School (APS) by 3-0 with the utmost ease. The match was officiated by Jagjeet Singh, JS Reen and GS Bakshi. |
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LOC XI enter hockey final
Jammu, November 7 Sonu was the top scorer with 45 runs while Yasir contribute 17 runs. For LOC, Shahzad took two wickets. In reply, LOC XI overhauled the target as Govel played a match-winning knock of 63 runs. Naveed claimed three wickets for YCC by conceding 17 runs. Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP), Poonch, Mohammad Rashid Bhat, was the chief guest
who interacted with the semifinalist teams. Higher Secondary (Boys) School principal Makhan Lal Sharma was also present on the occasion. |
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3 officials suspended for absence from duty
Katra, November 7 Show-cause notices have been issued to Rani Devi, teacher, Sushma Khousal, teacher and Soom Dutt Khajuria, junior engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Departments, who were placed under suspension. “The inspection was in response to growing public complaints against public servants," he added.
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