Hajin (Bandipore), Nov 25
Braving early winter chill and separatists’ boycott call, people turned up in large numbers to vote for change and development as five constituencies in Bandipore and Ganderbal districts of north Kashmir went to the polls in the first phase of Assembly elections today.

The morning haze and a thin layer of clouds coming in the way of early winter sun adding to the chill did not stop villagers from coming out to the polling stations set up under high security cover at walking distance from their homes.

Some of the voters at a number of polling stations had queued up much before the voting began at 8 am. The dry fallen leaves of poplars, willows and chinar trees on the premises of some polling stations made crunching sounds with every voter footfall, adding to the zest of polling. The polling areas presented a relaxed atmosphere as young women voters came with their babies and kids could be seen playing with plastic bats and balls around many polling booths as young and old queued up for their turn to come.

“Many voters reached here before the polling started at 8 a.m. and there were long queues during the morning hours”, said a jawan on duty outside one of the polling stations here. The police and security forces kept a strict vigil to ensure peaceful polling throughout the day as long queues of men and women continued till the afternoon.

“Despite (separatist) boycott calls, we have all come out to vote this time… for a change in the government,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a voter in Sumbal, part of the Sonawari constituency. He said there was a definite reason (Modi factor) to “come out” in large numbers so as to ensure that there was no boycott. Riyaz, a graduate in computer science, whose views are echoed by fellow villagers, looks forward to an effective change in the overall development of the state.

Without taking notice of an “election boycott” poster put up at the entrance to a polling station here, voters turned up in large numbers to accomplish their mission of bringing about “change and development”. 

Jammu: Undeterred by sub-zero temperatures, voters in the four Assembly seats of the Ladakh region --- Nubra, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar --- turned up in large numbers to cast their vote today.

The voters, dressed in traditional Ladakhi attires, turned up for better road connectivity, development and quality education.

The polling started on a dull note as only four per cent of the total 59,440 voters exercised their franchise in the first two hours of voting till 10 am in Kargil, while the polling percentage in the Leh Assembly seat in the first two hours was 6.27 per cent.

There were 211 polling stations for 67,736 voters in Leh. The day remained incident-free and passed off peacefully. The polling concluded at 4 pm.

Similarly, the Nubra and Zanskar Assembly seats also witnessed low polling during the morning hours as only 9.56 per cent and 9.75 per cent electorates, respectively, cast their votes.

However, the voting gained momentum as the day progressed. The day’s temperature in Leh was 9°C while the minimum temperature was -7.6°C.

The Election Commission said the polling ended on a high note in the four Assembly seats of the Ladakh region despite harsh weather conditions and tough terrains.

“Nearly 66 per cent voters cast their votes in Leh, while the polling percentage in the Nubra constituency was 75.60 per cent.

— Arteev Sharma 

Doda: The fate of 123 candidates in 15 constituencies across seven districts of the state was sealed today. The six seats of Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts of the Chenab valley witnessed brisk polling. The Chenab valley voters decided the fate of 60 candidates on Tuesday.

Long queues of men and women were seen in all six constituencies and voters looked enthusiastic. A majority of people from the Hindu community had come out to vote on the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi while some people were confused about whom to vote. Despite cold weather and overcast sky, people came out to vote when polling started around 8 am.

“This time it is a totally different election. For the past several decades, we haven’t seen people keeping their cards close to their chest. In the 2002 and 2008 Assembly elections, we were able to predict the results in advance. But this time, no one is able to guess anything,” said Irfan Yousuf, an NC supporter, who was keeping an eye on electorates outside a polling station in Ghat, 5 km from Doda town. On the other hand, BJP supporters were speaking about their vote and were confident that the Modi wave would help the party win the seat.

“Many Muslims have voted for the BJP and all Hindus are on one side. This is the reason the BJP will win this seat. The NC and the Congress are behind us,” said Bihari Lal, a BJP supporter. In the neighbouring Bhaderwah seat, which is the home constituency of Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, votes got divided among the Congress, BJP and the PDP. Meanwhile, in Kishtwar where the polarisation is higher, people did not disclose whom they voted for. — Amir Karim Tantray

Jammu, November 25
It was the "toughest phase" of the current Assembly polls as there were "most difficult" areas of the state where the polling was completed today. The Election Commission of India had to use lot of "air support" to carrying polling parties to remote parts of the state. Over 70 per cent of the total 10, 61,275 electorates today turned up to polling stations to cast their votes in 15 constituencies of seven districts in the first phase of five-phased Assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

"The tentative polling percentage of 70 would go up as we are yet to receive reports from remote areas," said Umang Narula, Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), J&K.

Barring a few minor scuffles between party workers outside polling booths, the polling ended peacefully. No major incident of violence or terror strike was reported from any part of the state, he said. Giving constituencies-wise details of tentative polling percentage, the CEO said Sonawari constituency of Bandipora district recorded the highest polling among all the 15 segments where 80.1 per cent voters exercised their right to franchise.

The mountainous Doda Assembly seat followed Sonawari and it recorded 79.6 per cent polling. "Gurez and Bandipur Assembly constituencies have witnessed 77.15 per cent and 70 per cent voting during the polling day," Narula said.

The two seats of Ganderbal district -- Kangan and Ganderbal---recorded 76.83 per cent and 52.97 per cent polling. Ganderbal seat was won by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in 2008 but this time chose to contest Assembly polls from Sonawar and Beerwah constituencies.

In four Assembly seats of Ladakh region comprising Nubra, Leh, Kargil and Zanskar, a high turnout was also recorded, notwithstanding harsh weather conditions and tough terrains. "Nearly 66 per cent voters cast their votes in Leh, while the polling percentage in Nubra constituency was 75.60 per cent. In Kargil Assembly segment, about 60 per cent voters turned up to the polling booths while 71.07 per cent voters exercised their right to franchise in Zanskar," the CEO said.

Handwara, November 25
A close contest is on the cards in the Handwara Assembly segment with separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajjad Lone plunging in the election fray from the constituency.

The People’s Conference chairman is all set to lock horns with sitting National Conference legislator and Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan.

With the People’s Conference contesting the Assembly polls after a hiatus of 27 years passions in this part of the Valley are running high. However, people remain divided on their choice of leaders. “We have Sajjad Lone in the fray. He is a dynamic leader,” said 30-year-old Tariq Ahmed.

Irshad Ahmed, however, thinks differently. “Sajjad is an outsider. He has been changing colours like a chameleon,” said the 45-year-old Handwara resident.

Handwara was once the political bastion of Sajjad’s father and slain People’s Conference founder Abdul Gani Lone. Gani Lone was elected thrice from the seat before 1990, when militancy erupted in the Valley and People’s Conference decided to boycott the polls.

The segment though became a reason for the division of the separatist conglomerate, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, after the People’s Conference fielded a proxy candidate in Ghulam Mohideen Sofi from the seat in 2002 Assembly polls. Gani Lone-led party was a part of the separatist block. Sofi won the seat and later joined the Peoples Democratic Party. He is now contesting the Handwara seat as a PDP representative.

The increased voter turnout in the area since 2002 is also being attributed to the Lone’s. Sajjad’s recent meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the talk of the town. His supporters see him as someone who has a better understanding of the peoples’ issues and a Chief Minister in making.

“Kashmir needs to get rid of the family rule and Sajjad is the best choice to lead this change,” said Tariq.

The party has all the more reasons to smile as a lesser known People’s Conference candidate Salamuddin Bajad managed to pocket 23,786 votes from the segment in the last parliamentary polls. He was followed by the Congress-NC nominee with 21,528 votes.

However, the contest this time around in no means is going to be a stroll in the park for Sajjad’s party.

The National Conference is projecting Sajjad Lone as a “political mercenary” and a “puppet” of the saffron brigade.

In an apparent attack on the People’s Conference chairman, Choudhary Ramzan said: “These individuals have changed their political stand more than anyone else and are now betting for the BJP.”

The sitting legislator is banking on the traditional National Conference vote base in the area and the development done by the Omar Abdullah-led government in the segment in the past six years.

Legislatorspeak I have done a lot of work in my constituency and I am sure of getting re-elected. People know who is who. These individuals (referring to Sajjad Lone) have changed their political stand more than anyone else and are now betting for the BJP in Kupwara district. —Choudhary Mohammad Ramzan, NC Oppositionspeak The focus has to be on the overall development of the area, particularly the poor population living in distant parts of the segment. There is need to check unemployment and rampant corruption. We are getting immense response from the people in north Kashmir. Our aim in the last two parliamentary elections was to get the cadres consolidated for the Assembly polls. —Sajjad Lone, people’s conference  Voterspeak This time there is no proxy. We have Sajjad Lone in the fray. He is a dynamic leader. Kashmir needs to get rid of the family rule and Sajjad is the best choice to lead this change. People are annoyed with Choudhary (Mohammad Ramzan). Despite being a minister in the NC-led government he could not do much for his constituency. —Tariq Ahmed, A Local

Jammu, November 25
Although many of the first-time voters among displaced Kashmiri Pandits have never seen their villages in north Kashmir after exodus of the community following eruption of separatist insurgency in 1990, but enthusiasm was quite visible among voters who cast their votes in special polling stations established for them in Jammu.

Ravi Bhat, a first-time voter, whose family originally belongs to border township of Bandipora, was quite eager to push the button of voting machine and reached the polling booth at Government High School, Muthi camp, early in the morning.

“I have lived my life in a refugee camp from the day I was born, but I have strong faith in democracy that justice will be done to my community. I may never see my native village, but casting vote gives me sense of belonging to my roots,” said Bhat, who is pursuing his graduate course in the University of Jammu (JU).

There are 3,441 Pandit voters in five Assembly segments in north Kashmir who cast their votes in 26 special polling booths established in Jammu. Community members feel that the new government should implement the rehabilitation package announced by the successive Central Governments.

“Rehabilitation and employment for the youth are the main issues before us and government should take steps to provide our youth jobs,” said Makhan Lal, an elderly voter from the Ganderbal constituency.

However, at the Jagti migrant camp several voters were dejected as they did not find their name in the voter list, despite having filled their M-Forms. “We are quite dejected as the polling staff did not find my name in the list. I don’t know if it was done deliberately or there was any error,” said Suresh Kumar Bhat, a voter.

Giving information, Assistant Returning Officer (ARO) Sachin Dev said the turnout was 50 per cent among the Pandits.

Srinagar, November 25
While the mainstream political parties are satisfied with the voting pattern, the high voter turnout in five Assembly segments of Kashmir’s Bandipora and Ganderbal districts in the first phase of elections today has given a boost to the poll officials in J&K. The five Assembly segments of Gurez, Bandipora, Sonawari, Kangan and Ganderbal witnessed a voter turnout of 77.15 per cent, 70 per cent, 81 per cent, 76.83 per cent and 52.97 percent, respectively.

In the 2008 Assembly elections, the poll percentage in Gurez was 74 per cent, Bandipora 57 per cent, Sonawari 59.95 per cent, Kangan 59.55 per cent and Ganderbal 51.77 per cent The high turnout assumes significance in the backdrop of the separatist poll boycott call and winter chill. “After the first phase of polls, the message of the voters is loud and clear that they want a solution to their day-to-day issues through a democratic process,” said a J&K election official. “The voting pattern in the elections will set the trend for other phases,” he said.

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti expressed satisfaction about the encouraging turnout. “The trends emerging from today’s polling show an overwhelming desire for change with the PDP clearly emerging as the foremost choice for the voters across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh,” Mehbooba was quoted by a party spokesperson. She also hailed the state administration and the Election Commission for the smooth conduct of the first phase of the elections.

State BJP spokesman of Khalid Jehangir said the separatists should learn a lesson from the high voter turnout.

Srinagar: With J&K witnessing a record turnout in the first phase of the five-phased Assembly elections despite boycott calls, separatists in Kashmir have dismissed the elections as a “meaningless exercise” which cannot “alter the disputed status” of Kashmir. The hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Geelani and the moderate Hurriyat faction headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while issuing boycott calls, had urged the Kashmiris to stay away from the polls. P5

Lolab/ Poonch, November 25
Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi today alleged that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah-led J&K government had failed to live up to the expectations of the last UPA government.

“I will tell why there were shortcomings (in the coalition government)… during Ghulam Nabi Azad’s tenure as Chief Minister, we were able to work freely and works were completed in time. But the coalition government did not work the way as was desired. We sanctioned programmes from Delhi but they were not implemented quickly. We wanted the implementation of the food security Bill. We fought for it, put pressure but are saddened that it could not be implemented,” Rahul said while addressing his maiden election rally at Lolab in Kupwara, 110 km from Srinagar.

However, later in Poonch, he did not say a word against the National Conference or the Peoples Democratic Party and his speech mainly focused on the BJP.

During both Lolab and Poonch rallies, Rahul said that if voted to power, the Congress would provide cheap ration, free generic medicines, regularise daily wagers, set up five medical colleges and a cancer institute as promised by the previous UPA government and also establish higher institutes of learning.

Rahul alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was playing divisive politics and had nothing to show on the ground.

“The BJP always plays politics of division which the Congress has never indulged in since Independence… the New Delhi government made big promises but after six months not a single youth has been employed. He (Modi) said he would change India… but after six months not a single programme has been implemented. On the contrary, they have weakened our schemes,” he said.

Rahul accused Modi of building a “government of industrialists to benefit a select few” while adding that the Congress would benefit all.

Criticising the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, he said: “They are just opening account in banks that would not serve the purpose; there is a need to connect women to the banks so that they can start their own businesses, as we did in UP.”

On the refugee issue, he said: “Modi in his speech has several times talked of refugees but when the state government recommended a special package for the PoK refugees, he rejected the recommendations and did nothing for the refugees living in Jammu and Kashmir.”

Rahul credited the UPA government with bringing peace and bringing down levels of terror and violence, which he said led to tourism boom thus benefiting the locals.

He said the previous regime had spent Rs 22,000 crore on various road and railway projects that connected the state with the rest of the country.

Kulgam, November 25
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of sheltering and providing ticket to “corrupt” retired official.

“Every official who joined the PDP post-retirement had faced a Vigilance inquiry while in the office. Not even a single official among them has a clean record,” Omar said while addressing a public rally here.

He termed the officials, who were provided tickets by the PDP, as “thugs” and said: “A ration thief is a PDP candidate, a land thief is their candidate and a notorious Task Force officer carries around their party flag.”

The NC working president also accused the PDP of “double speak”. “They talk of ‘healing touch’ and a black list for passport issuance was compiled making lives of ordinary citizens difficult.”

Lashing out at former party member and ex-parliamentarian Dr Mehboob Beg, Omar said: “Beg is only worried about his own job and not the issues concerning the people of south Kashmir region.”

“He never talked about the so called backdoor entries till now. If he was really serious and concerned about the unemployed youth of south Kashmir he should have talked about it during the last five years,” the NC leader said.

Beg had recently accused some of the senior NC leaders of misusing their office and rejected the party ticket for the Assembly polls. He had also said he would campaign for the PDP patron Mufti Muhammad Sayeed.

“He (Beg) asked for a Cabinet berth after his defeat in the Lok Sabha polls on the pretext of gaining some lost ground,” Omar said, adding that Beg had a knack of “switching sides” and “lying” about things.

Meanwhile, senior PDP leader and Lok Sabha Member Tariq Hamid Karra was also in the district today to campaign for party candidates for the Noorabad and the Kulgam Assembly segments.

Karra expressed dismay over the “dangerous” and “dissentious discourse” being reintroduced in the state politics for electoral gains.

“Some parties are not only patronising political renegades but are also trying to revive the Ikhwan culture to divide Kashmiris and have foothold in Kashmir,” the PDP leader said.

Doda, November 25
Women and first-time voters made a beeline for polling stations in the Doda constituency that went to the polls today.

They wanted to be a part of “change”. There was a lot of enthusiasm among women. Such was the atmosphere that female supporters of the NC and the Congress candidates even had heated arguments.

“Our area has been deprived of development, quality education, better infrastructure, women security and much more. We are here to vote to improve the standard of living. By our vote we can bring the change,” said Sadiya Maheen, who was coming out of the polling station after casting her vote.

“Our area is lagging behind in every sphere. Education standards are low, roads are not up to the mark, development is nowhere in sight and most importantly communal tension has increased. I am here to vote for betterment ,” said Atiya Wani, a first-time voter.

Doda, November 25
The National Conference (NC) and the Congress candidates remained at loggerheads in the Doda constituency throughout the day today.

The district administration had to impose Section 144 after there were rumours last night that supporters of the NC and the Congress had clashed and the police booked some persons.

After the emergence of the BJP in the constituency, the domino effect of polarisation seemed to have affected the mindset of people here.

While Hindus voted for the BJP, Muslims were confused about whom to vote.

The voters dilemma lead to the shifting of loyalties from the National Conference to the Congress camp and vice versa, creating a rift in both camps.

Even panchayat representatives shifted their loyalties and clashed with the rival camp. The NC and Congress groups exchanged barbs after which an FIR was registered by the police.

Though the day remained peaceful, some disgruntled elements were seen roaming near various polling booths at the end of the day, putting the police on a high alert.

The district administration had sounded an alarm and police vehicles kept patrolling the polling areas till the logging off time at 6 pm. A senior police officer said the atmosphere was charged since morning, but forces kept a check on any untoward incident and the polling remained peaceful throughout the day.

Doda/Ramban, November 25
Great enthusiasm was witnessed among young voters and women, who turned up in large number at polling stations in the mountainous Doda, Ramban and Banihal Assembly segments.

People in all three Assembly segments came out to vote defying the cold and hazy weather conditions.

About 70 per cent voting was recorded in the Ramban and Banihal Assembly seats. There were 121 polling stations in Ramban and 97 in Banihal. Except for a minor brawl between the BJP and the National Conference workers, the polling in both the constituencies remained peaceful.

Unprecedented enthusiasm was also witnessed among the first-time voters and women in the Doda Assembly segment. Braving the winter chill, people thronged the polling stations since early morning.

Even as the voting began on time, voters were seen walking into the polling stations well before the scheduled 8 am start.

“This is the first time I am casting my vote and I am really excited about it. Voting is one’s basic democratic duty. I feel we need a change and everyone needs to do their bit to change things,” said Pooja, a first-time voter.

Atoofa Zarger, daughter of Nuzhat Iqbal Zargar, voted for development and change. “We want change and development in our constituency. I am excited to cast my first vote for my mother, who is the only woman candidate contesting elections from Doda after 42 years.”

It was not only the young who were enthusiastic to exercise their right to franchise, 110-year-old Shahmala Begum also casted her vote in Shah Mohallah of the Doda Assembly segment.

Srinagar, November 25
With J&K witnessing a record turnout in the first phase of the five-phased Assembly elections despite boycott calls, separatists in Kashmir have dismissed the elections as a “meaningless exercise” which cannot “alter the disputed status” of Kashmir.

The hardline faction of the Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Geelani and the moderate Hurriyat faction headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, while issuing boycott calls, had urged the Kashmiris to stay away from the elections.

“Despite turning Ganderbal and Bandipora into an Army garrison, people and youth protested and expressed their resentment. It is an eye-opener for pro-India (mainstream) political parties,” Geelani said in his statement, issued after polling in the first phase ended today.

“We pay our gratitude to people of Bandipora and Ganderbal and reiterate the appeal for election boycott in other districts of Kashmir,” Geelani said, while urging the people to protest in their respective areas on election days.

Geelani castigated the state police chief for his assertion that elements trying to disrupt the ongoing elections would be dealt with sternly.

“It as an act of state terrorism which has proved beyond doubt that the elections (in J&K) are being held under the shadow of gun and the elections in no way can be called peaceful and democratic,” claimed Geelani, who has been kept under house arrest by the administration to thwart his anti-election campaign.

Jammu, November 25
Arunima Sinha, State Teachers’ Coordinator of the Art of Living Foundation (AOLF), founded by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today.

Sinha briefed the Governor, who is also the Chairman of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), about the “Happiness Programme” being conducted by the AOLF for SMVDSB employees.

She also briefed the Governor about the ongoing activities of the foundation, particularly the youth leadership training programme for better health and personality development of the youth.

The Governor complimented Sinha on the beneficial work being done under her leadership.

Jammu, November 25
The president of the J&K Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Indo-Pak), YV Sharma, called on Governor NN Vohra at Raj Bhawan here today.

Sharma apprised the Governor about the to-date status of the LoC trade and discussed with him several important issues related to urgent need for upgrade of the existing infrastructure, introduction of banking facilities, installation of full body scanners at the Trade Facilitation Centre on both the routes and expansion in the list of tradable items to strengthen the cross-LoC trade and confidence building.

Sharma urged the Governor to help in a very early decision being taken to depute the now long overdue trade delegation to PoK and secure agreement, interalia, for frequent meetings of traders from both the sides for ensuring smooth functioning of the trade. — TNS

Srinagar, November 25
The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCC&I) today demanded an increase in daily passports issuance.

During a meeting organised by the KCC&I with Kashmir Passport Officer Firdous Iqbal here, president of the chamber Sheikh Ashiq laid emphasis on increase in the number of passports to be issued daily.

He demanded issuance of passport on priority to senior citizens, students, businessmen and in cases of medical emergencies. “The Passport Officer assured that while the passports for senior citizen will be issued on priority, all other cases mentioned will be dealt with due priority subject to condition that all required genuine documents are attached with the application for passport,” a KCC&I statement said.

The need for relocation of the passport office at an easily assessable place was also discussed, the statement said.

In a statement last month, the traders body had said the passport office in Srinagar has shifted its base to the camp office in Jammu and posted two junior officials in the summer capital to cater to hundreds of applicants who have lost their passport or whose passports were damaged or washed away by the floods in September. 

Srinagar, November 25
Observing that “insatiable human greed” is bent upon to destroy the Jhelum, one of the “oldest rivers” in the region, the J&K High Court has directed the Chief Engineer of the Irrigation and Flood Control Department and other statutory authorities to remove all encroachments from the banks of the river along its entire course.

The court has also sought details about the original recorded width of the Jhelum, which flooded large swathes of Srinagar city and other parts downstream in September this year.

Post floods, as an interim measure, the J&K High Court has stayed all constructions along the banks of the Jhelum downstream Verinag, a fresh water spring in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, which is considered the fountain hood of Jhelum.

These orders were passed by a Division Bench of the High Court comprising Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar and Justice Ali Mohammad Margay in a petition seeking removal of encroachments from the river and other water bodies of Kashmir.

The insatiable human greed is bent upon to destroy this great river, the Bench observed in its orders today.

The Bench observed that a duty was cast upon the Chief Engineer and other statutory authorities to ensure removal of all encroachments from the banks of the Jhelum along its entire course, from it source in Verinag, Anantnag, till Uri in north Kashmir, where it leaves the Kashmir valley and enters Pakistan occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Stating that a few individual’s greed cannot be permitted to play havoc with the rights of the millions of people of the valley, the court in its orders observed that the laws have to be enforced with all their vigour and force, while removing the encroachments along the Jhelum in Kashmir.

The court in its orders has also directed Chief Engineer, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, to inform the court about the original recorded width of the Jhelum by or before December 15 so as to ascertain the magnitude of the encroachments.

The court has also directed the authorities to file compliance reports by or before the next hearing.

“In case of default in removing the encroachments, the Chief Engineer and other statutory authorities will be dealt with by the court which may include proceedings against them for violating the court orders,” the Bench further observed.

Srinagar, November 25
Army Chief General Dalbir Singh Suhag reviewed the security situation during his daylong visit to the Valley today.

Sources said the Army Chief was briefed about the existing security situation in the Valley by General Officer Commanding of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen Subrata Saha.

“The Army Chief was also briefed about the recent incidents of violence and the recovery of a cache of arms and ammunition in Kashmir. He was also briefed on the new phenomenon where militants were trying to push in more IEDs,” a defence source said.

The sources said the Army Chief appreciated the initiatives taken by Army officers towards greater integration and coordination with all security forces functioning in J&K. — TNS

Jammu, November 25
Having already registered his name in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records in September this year by speaking continuously on one subject for 48 hours and 31 minutes, Jammu boy Vickrant Mahajan has now achieved yet another feat by becoming the first filmmaker in the history of cinema to write, shoot, edit, mix and release a feature film in just one day.

This is the second time the Jammu youth has recorded his name in the Guinness Book of World Record in two months. The event took place on November 6 at Gemini Studio in Andheri, Mumbai. Vickrant’s feature film titled “Yes Thank You Universe” is the first feature film ever to be made and released in less than 24 hours (21 hours to be precise).

Vickrant had done his schooling from Presentation Convent School, Jammu, followed by graduation from the SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu. Vickrant has written six books on motivation and positive thinking so far. His fifth book titled “Stretch Yourself” proved to be his best seller with 20,000 copies being sold and has been translated into four languages.

“The Super Positivity Movement is an NGO launched by me in November 2013. The motive of launching the organisation was to hold motivational talks by visiting various institutions like schools, colleges, universities, prisons, hospitals and homes for mentally challenged,” Vickrant Mahajan said, while briefing the media on Tuesday.

Runners-up at the Grasim Mr India pageant in November 2013, Vickrant after completing graduation, studied book publishing at the University of Denver and filmmaking at the New York Film Academy. He worked for two years as a book editor at Harper Collins Publishers in New Delhi where he edited books by the likes of late Khushwant Singh and legendary Javed Akhtar.

He is currently writing his seventh motivational book and preparing for his third world record (the longest play ever) to be held in January 2015.

Jammu, November 25
To control the nexus between agents and clerical staff, the Regional Transport Office (RTO) has installed 16 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras on the premises.

The Regional Transport Office, Jammu, which used to be always overcrowded and noisy, was wearing a silent and disciplined look, as all the sections of the office are under the CCTV surveillance.

The Jammu office is the first RTO office which has installed CCTV cameras in all the sections of the premises.

People usually used to complain to the higher authorities about the mismanagement and corruption in the department, so the Regional Transport Officer (RTO) after installing cameras in all the sections officially started them today.

Arvind Kotwal, RTO, Jammu said, “To make the working of the department more transparent and disciplined, 16 cameras have been installed.”

He informed that more than Rs 7 lakh had been spent on it. The proposal was approved about an year ago, but after the official formalities it started today.

The RTO is also constructing a shed in front of the premises in which a help desk will be installed, where all the forms and information regarding formalities will be available for the general public.

“We have received many complaints about the mismanagement by the clerical staff and agents on the premises. This help desk will answer all the queries of people and help them as per their need,” said Kotwal.

Jammu, November 25
Maharashtra defeated Gujarat, while Telangana trounced Karnataka to claim girls and boys’ titles, respectively, in the 60th National School Games U-14 Badminton Championship, which concluded at the University of Jammu (JU) here today.

In the girls’ final, Simran of Maharashtra beat Nupur of Gujarat by 21-17 and 21-11 in singles, while in doubles, the duo of Malvika and Simran toppled Nupur and Jhanvi by 21-8 and 21-14 to emerge victorious. The third place went to the Rajasthan by defeating Delhi by 2-0.

In the boys’ final, Telangana defeated Karnataka by 2-0 with utmost ease. In the first singles, T Pavan Krishna of Telangana trounced Rohith of Karnataka by 21-17 and 21-17.

In doubles, T Pavan Krishna and K Veera Prasad of Telangana defeated Tejasbh and Kallopkar of Karnataka by 21-19 and 21-17. West Bengal had to be contended with the third position.

Mohammad Iqbal Khandey, Chief Secretary, was the chief guest on the occasion. He congratulated all the participating players in general and winning teams in particular for their good performance in the national championship.

Later, the chief guest along with Director General, Youth Services and Sports, Navin Agarwal distributed medals, trophies and mementos among the winners and other dignitaries. — TNS

Jammu, November 25
Under-16 football team of Maharaja Harisingh Agri Collegiate (MHAC) School, Nagbani, lifted the Coca-Cola Cup by defeating KC Public School by 1-0 goals.

The tournament was organized by the Jammu & Kashmir Football Association, affiliated to the All India Football Association, from November 12 to November 21 at GGM Science College. The tournament was organised to select probable sportspersons of J&K to represent the state in under 16 Sub-Junior Nationals, Mir Iqbal Coca-Cola Cup. The Nagbani school team earlier defeated Jodhamal by 2-0, KV-II by 1-0 and GD Goenka School by 2-0.

The team members were Raghav Sudan, Randeep Singh, Ayush Sharma, Shivam Singh, Danish Singh, Abhishek Pratap, Rajat Singh, Ajay Singh, Sikandar Khan, Rahul Ticku, Keshav Singh, Nadeem Wazir, Rahul Sharma, Ritik Uppal, Shivam, Manav Chaudhary, Danishwar Singh and Nitin.

Jammu, November 25
Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, today celebrated its 70th foundation day and investiture ceremony.

The Principal of the college, Hemla Aggarwal, presided over the function. During the investiture ceremony, former student president of the college Rudra presented the ceremonial “mashal” (torch) to current president Supriya.

The presidium members took oath of commitment and devotion towards the fulfillment of vision and mission of the college and took the round of the college with all representatives and volunteers with the torch.