Dehradun, July 25
The bandh in Doon passed off peacefully today, barring a few incidents in which the police had to use mild force to deter the protesters from taking to the streets.

The National Students' Union of India (NSUI) had given the call for the bandh to put pressure on the government to recommend a CBI probe into Anshu Nautiyal murder. There was hardly any vehicular movement in the morning. The markets were closed voluntarily in anticipation of forcible closure by the protesters, even as the Beopar Mandal had already isolated itself from the bandh. The city schools remained closed to avoid any unsavoury incident.

Many educational institutions also remain closed, as they do not open on the last Saturday of the month. The industrial units reportedly functioned normally.

The major impact of the bandh was only seen in the inner parts of the city. Normalcy returned by the afternoon, as shops opened and brisk vehicular movement started.

Buses remained off the roads although some auto-rickshaws and Vikrams were seen plying since the morning. The commuters, however, faced a tough time as there were hardly any modes of public transport. People were seen waiting for transport on Raipur Road, Rajpur Road and Saharanpur Chowk.

Meanwhile, elaborate police arrangements prevented any untoward incident and SSP Abhinav Kumar led from the front. He patrolled the roads with a stick in his hand. Police vans and motorcycle squads did rounds of the city.

There was significant deployment of police at the state Congress Bhavan. Although party workers had assembled there, but the police did not allow them to come out as a preventive measure. Force was used on those who tried to step out. Some workers, however, burnt tyres on Neshville Road.

Mussoorie: Members of the Youth Congress here today burnt an effigy of the state government as a mark of protest against the arrest of Rajpal Kharola and Shiv Prasad Bhatt in Dehradun.

A large number of Youth Congress members assembled at Jhoolaghar and shouted slogans against the state government. They also demanded a CBI enquiry into Anshu murder and also release of their leaders.

Meanwhile, Gaurav Garg, vice-president of the district youth Congress wing, has warned that they would intensify the agitation if their leaders were not released immediately. “If our leaders are not released by this evening we will organise a ‘chakka jam’ and bandh in the town tomorrow,” he said.

Among others who took part in the protest were Jot Singh Gunsola, local MLA, Rajat Aggarwal, President of Mussoorie Traders’ Association, Shailendra Bisht, Sunil Panwar and Jagjit Kukreja. 

Dehradun, July 25
Uttarakhand Governor BL Joshi was given farewell by the staff and officers of the Uttarakhand Raj Bhawan, here today.

Governor Joshi in his farewell speech said that he is taking away good memories of his stay in the state.

M Ramaswami, secretary to the Governor presented mementos to the Governor and his wife. Senior officers and staff of the Raj Bhawan wished Governer for his next assignment.

Joshi who has been transferred as Governor of Uttar Pradesh would be joining his new assignment soon. Senior officials of the Uttarkhand government led by Chief Secretary Indu Kumar Pandey also called upon the Governor in the Raj Bhawan today.

Kumar Pandey also called upon the Governor in the Raj Bhawan today. 

Dehradun, July 25
To have a clear idea of employment provided to locals by the industrial units availing incentives under the special package, the government has ordered verification of the same.

The government has for long been drawing flak for its alleged failure on this issue, especially from trade unions.

All the units set up in the state by the industry from outside, since implementation of the package in 2003, are liable to provide 70 per cent jobs to the local people in accordance with the government policy.

But no serious efforts have been made to ascertain compliance to this policy.

The issue was basically aimed at tackling the problem of unemployment and the resultant largescale migration of people, especially the youth, to other states in search of employment.

But for the first time, the Industrial Development Department has taken a concrete step to check the status of the industry’s compliance to this condition.

Principal secretary PC Sharma has shot off a letter to the District Magistrates (DMs) of six districts to constitute task force units to verify the factual position in the industrial units set up in and outside the industrial estates, which are developed by the State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand Limited (SIDCUL).

Sharma has addressed the letter to the DMs of Dehradun, Haridwar, Pauri, Tehri, Udham Singh Nagar and Nainital districts, which have a predominant industrial presence.

The issue is also on the priority list of Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.

Apparently, the verification drive will make the units accountable for any lapses on their part in ensuring employment on regular and contractual basis.

The government had issued an order on November 19, 2005, in this regard. The district industries centres concerned as well as regional managers of SIDCUL will also be part of the drive.

Dehradun, July 25
District Football Association is in search for second venue to host District Football League. The association is worried over continuing with one venue as this will result in extending the league for a longer period, which could disturb the schedule of other football tournaments to be held this year.

Lack of ground for holding the football tournament has put District Football Association in a precarious position. The league is expected to have more than 180 matches in the first phase in addition to 70 matches in the super league stage.

The increased number of matches in the league as compared to last years has resulted in extending the league for the duration of three months.

This year District League is already delayed by a month due the Lok Sabha election. Vice president of District Football Association, JS Rawat said, “This year association has decided to hold the matches at two places considering the number of matches to be played in the league.

“This would enable us to finish the league on time and help us to organise other football tournament which the association has planned.”

He said that association is looking forward to take up police lines ground as the second venue for holding the matches. He said that most probably the ground would be made available after 15 August for a month, which would help in finishing the tournament in time.

Association has planned to hold an Inter-School District Level Football Tournament and Girls Football Tournament once the league is over. But if the league lasts for three months then in that case these tournament will be delayed and could only be organised in the month of September. Rawat said, “We wish to organise the school tournament early because if the tournament is delayed then in that case most schools will not participate in the tournament and our purpose will be defeated.” 

Dehradun, July 25
The Uttarakhand Kranti Dal (UKD) today celebrated its 30th Foundation Day. Along with the foundation day celebrations, tributes were paid to Sridev Suman whose martyrdom day falls today.

Suman had stood against the Tehri royalty to safeguard the genuine concerns of the people.

It was way back in July 25, 1979 that UKD came into being due to the efforts of the then Vice Chancellor of Kumaon University Dr DD Pant.

At a function in Dehradun, UKD speakers recalled the role of the party in the formation of the state.

They accused both national parties - the BJP and Congress - of being against the formation of Uttarkhand. Still favouring permanent capital status for Gairsen, UKD leaders held that permanent capital status for Gairsen would bestow justice for people living in far-flung areas of the hill state.

UKD leader Narendra Singh Rawat held that the UKD will continue to struggle for concerns of the hill people without bothering about the outcome of elections.

Dehradun, July 25
Chitranshi Rawat the ‘Chak De’ fame girl from Uttarakhand, who was pretty excited before the release of new action flick ‘Luck’ has all reasons to celebrate as the movie opened this Friday is getting a good response, in her hometown Dehradun.

Apart from her previous movies ‘Chak De’ and ‘Fashion’ this time Chitranshi has played a character called ‘Short Cut’, which is funny, and has also performed stunts in this big budget movie.

“On the first day of opening of ‘Luck’ the response has been excellent and people are coming in huge numbers to the cinema halls,” said JS Rana, manager, Prabhat Cinema Hall. “I loved Chitranshi’s role in ‘Chak De’ and in ‘Luck’ too. I enjoyed her character as Short Cut. She has also made people of the state proud,” said a fan.

This petite actress with no contacts and support has made a mark in Bollywood and in future also has many new assignments in her kitty.

“As this movie has some nail biting action scenes performed by superstars, which attracts youngsters in large numbers to our hall. But Chitranshi’s presence in the movie is one of the biggest reasons why people are interested in watching it.

On first day we did 75 per cent business and on Saturday around 80 per cent we are positive about future,” said Rana.

Dehradun, July 25
Bajrang and Pachva Doon Club played a draw 2-2 at the ongoing District Football League at Pavilion Ground, Dehradun here today.

It was a closely contested match between Bajrang and Pachva Doon Club. Pachva Doon Club was scored its first goal in the 6th minute of the match.

Pachva Doon was almost successful in maintained its lead throughout the first half but in the in the closing minute Bajrang Club managed to score an equaliser.

V Rawat fetched an equaliser for his team in the 33rd minute of the match to make it 1-1.

In the second half Bajrang Club took a lead in the 41st minute of the match through S Bisht to make it 2-1. Pachva Doon had to struggle hard to score their second goal.

It was in the 48th minute of the match that the team scored its second goal through S Bisht, who took a excellent shot to make it 2-2.

In the second match between Cantt Blues and Shivalik, Cantt Blues won the match by 4-1. It was close fight between both the sides in the first half as both the teams were locked at 1-1.

Sushil Rawat scored the first goal for his team in the 23rd minute of the match to help his team take a lead. But Shilvalik Club could not maintain its lead as Cantt Blues struck its first goal in the 31st minute of the match through Manish to make it 1-1.

Barely three minutes later Ishant scored the second goal for his team to make it 2-1. At the end of the first half Cantt Blues team lead the match.

In the second half Cantt Blues scored two goals to make it 4-1. Manish struck the second goal for Cantt Blues in the 55th minute of the match to make it 3-1.

In the last final minutes Ishant struck again making it 4-1.