Dehradun, November 9
The natural disaster that struck the state in June and caused extensive damage cast its shadow on the 13th statehood day ceremonial function held at the Police Lines here today.

Governor Aziz Qureshi praised the role played by the Uttarakhand Police in disaster management. A total of 14 policemen had lost their lives in the natural calamity in June.

The Governor said the Uttarakhand Police along with the Army, the ITBP and the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) played a memorable role in protecting pilgrims and tourists during the disaster without caring for their own lives. He added the state and the nation should always remember these martyrs.

Taking the salute at the ceremonial parade, the Governor paid tributes to the 14 policemen and 26 members of the Air Force, the NDRF and the IDBP who sacrificed their lives while serving during the flood-ravaged district.

“Armed forces, paramilitary forces and police personnel have shown great courage and have laid down their lives to save people during the rescue operation,” said the Governor.

He also welcomed the state government’s decision to form its own State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), which will be a special force to deal with post-disaster rescue and rehabilitation work.

On the issue of modernisation of state police force, the Governor said the Centre and the state government have arranged Rs 5.83 crore this year for modernisation of police force. He also spoke on the issue of the state internal security. "The government must chalk out a plan to tackle the problem of female foeticide and malnutrition in the far-flung areas," he added. He gave the President’s police medal to Superintendent of Police (Rural) Jagdish Singh Bhandari.

Police medals were given to Deputy Superintendent of Police HP Singh, Inspector DS Digari, SI Rajpal Lal, SI MC Joshi and retired SI JS Samant.

Ritu Negi, wife of martyred police person SS Negi, was presented a shawl and Rs 2.5 lakh from the Police Martyrs’ Fund.

DGP BS Sidhu, gave a welcome address and remembered those who laid their lives in the state formation struggle. He said the state police force would continue serving its people with full dedication.

He said for ensuring effective policing in the state, the vacant 800 positions of constables will be converted into 500 sub inspectors post and 300 serving constables will be promoted to head constable post. He said a new state highway patrolling force was going to set up, which will specialise in traffic management.

"A new state forensic lab will be set up in Rudrapur and the present state forensic lab in Dehradun will be upgraded soon," he added.

A breathtaking performance by the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) and Border Security Force (BSF) remained the main attraction of the parade ceremony. They performed stunts on wheels that enthralled everyone. Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna, Cabinet Ministers Dinesh Aggarwal and HC Durgapal, Mayor Vinod Chamoli and former Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank were also present on the occasion.

Dehradun, November 9
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna said a lot of development had taken place in the state since its inception, but there was no need to become complacent. “There is a lot more we have to achieve,” he said while addressing a function on the 13th anniversary of the state’s formation here today.

He also launched a booklet ‘Samaveshi vikas ki ore badhtey kadam - Milkar gadhenge naya Uttarakhand’ published by the Information and Public Relation Department.

The CM urged the media to bring forward shortcomings in the implementation of development schemes at the grassroots level, so that they could be removed at the earliest for the benefit of the people.

Bahuguna said state residents would have to be convinced that the benefit of development would reach out to border areas, women, youth, SCs and STs in the coming days. He appreciated the role of the commoners, who helped outsiders during the natural disaster despite suffering themselves immensely. He said the entire nation appreciated collective efforts of local residents, state administration, the police, Army, air force, ITBP, NDRF and officials, who came forward to help despite extreme conditions.

Extending gratitude to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, Bahuguna said the state government had always received support from them. The Chief Minister said development process in the new state was initiated during the regime of ND Tewari government, when many projects were planned and started. He expressed confidence over the state’s beginning of emergence from the impact of the recent disaster.

The CM said, “The state will be developed keeping a balance between development and environment. Help will be taken from the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Archeological Survey of India (ASI) and scientists in this task.” Cabinet Ministers Dinesh Aggarwal, Harishchandra Durgapal, MLAs Subodh Uniyal, Kunwar Pranav Singh Champion, Rajkumar, Minorities Commission Chairman Narendra Jeet Singh Brinda and other officials were also present on the occasion. 

Dehradun, November 9
Protesting statehood activists created a ruckus when Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna reached the martyrs' memorial at the Collectorate's office to pay tributes on the occasion of the 14th State Foundation Day here today.

Police reinforcement was called in to arrest the protesters who were raising slogans against the government in front of the Chief Minister.

The members of various organisations of statehood activists alleged that politicians and the successive governments had defeated the very purpose of having a separate state in the last 13 years and shattered the dreams of the local people.

They said for ensuring inclusive development, priority should be given to the hill areas while the present governance model had only benefited plains.

The activists also blamed the government for not having any employment policy due to which there was widespread unemployment across the state. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister assured the protesters of meeting them and listening to their suggestions regarding development in the state.

Dehradun November 9
Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna honoured three sportsmen on the occasion of the state formation day here today. Ace shooter Jaspal Rana was honoured with the Dev Bhoomi Uttarakhand Khel Ratna and a cash reward of Rs 5 lakh.

Hari Singh Thapa was given the Dev Bhoomi Dronacharya Award and Rs 3 lakh cash reward.

Olympian Padam Bahadur Mall was awarded with the lifetime achievement award and Rs 5 lakh whereas athlete Gurmeet Singh was given Rs 5 lakh for his next Olympic
preparations. 

Dehradun, November 9
In a major initiative toward providing rescue and relief to the wildlife in distress, Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna flagged two wildlife rescue vans here today.

The flagging off was done at the Chief Minister’s residence in a simple ceremony on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Uttarakhand state.

One rescue van will be stationed at Badrinath forest division in Garhwal and the other rescue van will be deployed at Almora forest division in Kumaon.

The two rescue vans have been funded under the Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) fund.

Bahuguna said the Forest Department was planning to station one such rescue van at every district in future. He said apart from providing immediate treatment to the injured animals, the vans would also help in rescuing leopards that often stray into the residential areas of the state. S Ramaswamy, principal secretary, Dr RBS Rawat, principal chief conservator, and other senior officials of the Forest Department were present on the occasion.

Haridwar, November 9
With a few days left for Moharram the demand for taziyas has increased manifold in Haridwar. Artisans are working round the clock to ensure taziyas are made and delivered in time.

Particularly in suburban Jwalapur, where a sizeable population of Muslims lives, artisans can be seen making and giving the final touches to a large number of taziyas.

Many artisans are using innovative ideas and themes to give a special touch to the taziyas.

Hazi Gulzaar, who has been involved in taziya making for more than a decade, said they had been conceptualising and making taziyas for the past few months as their demand was quite high in the district.

Artisans could be seen working overnight at Mohalla Maidaniya, Kassaban, Kotarwan, Pao Dhoi, Maliyan and Kathera Bazaar to make various kinds and colours of taziyas.

Meanwhile, the administration is busy deciding the route of the Moharram procession and making adequate arrangements for it. The members of the Muslim community are also cooperating with the administration to ensure that the procession passes off peacefully.

Moharram is observed in the memory of Imam Hussain Ali, grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in the battle of Karbala. The event is marked by arranging ‘majalis’ (gatherings) to commemorate Hussain’s sacrifice by way of mourning and holding taziyas.

Dehradun, November 9
Carmen School registered a massive victory of 129 runs against Brooklyn School in the ongoing senior council 20-20 cricket tournament played at St. Joseph Academy here today.

Batting first, Carmen School displayed a brilliant show and scored 162 runs. Mayank from Carmen School scored 65 runs. Himanshu also contributed 24 runs. In reply, Brooklyn School stumbled from the beginning with no player crossing even double-digit mark and the whole team getting bowled out at mere 33 runs.

In the second match of the day, Indian Cambridge School defeated Colonel Brown School by three wickets. Batting first, Colonel Brown scored 85 runs in its innings, whereas, The Indian Cambridge School chased down the target in 14.4 overs easily with Sandeep scoring 28 runs.

Dehradun, November 9
Asian School and SD Butt Sports Academy entered into the finals of Patidas Singh Memorial GTM 20-20 Cricket Challenger Trophy after winning their semifinal matches played here today at Doon Global School.

In the match between Asian School and Himalayan Cricket Academy, Asian School elected to bat first and scored 163 runs in 20 overs with the help of Kunal’s quick 64 runs. In reply, Himalayan Cricket Academy couldn’t face the bowling fire line of Asian School and managed to score 133 runs and lost the match.

The second semifinal match was played between SD Butt Sports Academy and Doon Global School. After winning the toss, SD Butt Sports Academy elected to bat first and set a target of 137 runs. While chasing the target, Doon Global School was bowled out at 110 runs.

Dehradun, November 9
The Dehradun Council Schools’ Association Senior Girls' Basketball Tournament began at The Aryan School here today.

The inaugural match was played between the host The Aryan School and St Joseph's Academy. The Aryan School won the match by 33-21.

In the second match, Welham Girls' School beat Convent of Jesus & Marry 39-13.