Jammu, May 22
Girls continued to maintain their supremacy in the merit lists of all five streams of science, commerce, arts, BCA and BBA in graduation final-year examination results, which were declared by the University of Jammu this afternoon.

The overall pass percentage stood at 63. Out of 16,448 candidates who took the examination, 10,390 successfully qualified it.

The overall pass percentage for regular students was 72, while it stood at 23 per cent for private students. In all five streams, a total of 37 girls out of 50 made it to the merit lists.

Of the top 10 positions, girls bagged eight in the faculty of sciences, while in commerce, girls took six positions.

In BCA, the girls again bagged nine out of 10 slots in the merit list, while in BBA, they bagged eight out of top 10 positions. In arts, the girls and the boys shared five positions each.

In science stream, Monika Sharma and Anjuman Ayoub, both candidates from Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhi Nagar, bagged first and second positions, respectively. The topper scored 87.63 per cent marks, while the second position-holder got 87 per cent marks. Rashmi Sharma from GCW, Parade, who got third position, managed 86.78 per cent marks.

A total of five positions went to GCW, Gandhi Nagar, while GCW, Parade, bagged five positions in the faculty of science.

Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, Jammu, clinched two positions.

The GCW, Udhampur, performed better this year and managed three positions.

In commerce stream, the girls from GCW Parade, Jammu, maintained their supremacy and bagged top four positions.

Urvashi Aggarwal (74.73 percent), Mamta Prusty (74.30 percent), Deepali Gupta (73.30 percent) and Akanksha Dhall (72.91 per cent), all from GCW, Parade, bagged first, second, third and fourth positions, respectively.

A total of six candidates from GCW, Parade, made it to the merit list this year.

The fifth and the 10th positions were bagged by boys from SPM Rajput College of Commerce, Jammu, while Suhel Gupta of DDE (ICE), Jammu, got eighth position.

In arts stream, Altaf Javaid Naik from Rajouri topped the merit list with 74.72 marks, while Apoorva Jamwal from GCW, Parade, bagged the second position.

The third and the fourth positions went to Amneet Kaur and Nisha Thakyal from GCW, Gandhi College, respectively. As many as three candidates, including topper from Rajouri district, made it to merit list in arts stream.

In BCA, Manjula Verma bagged the first position by securing 81.21 per cent marks, while Pooja Thapar stood second after managing 80.48 per cent marks. The third position went to Sarbjeet Kaur who scored 79.39 per cent marks.

In the faculty of BBA, Nikita Goel topped the list after scoring 72.90 per cent marks, while Surbhi and Sheetal Soni bagged second and third positions, respectively.

Surbhi scored 72.23 per cent while Sheetal got 71.95 per cent marks.

Jammu, May 22
Girls in Jammu have flouted the common notion of computer sciences being a forte for boys by topping not just BCA merit lists but also arts, commerce and science.

Manjula Verma, the BCA topper from Government College for Women, Parade, worked hard under dire circumstances. Her father passed away just before her examinations.

Instead of succumbing to grief, Manjula showed great will and perseverance to not just make a mark in BCA results but also rank as the topper with 81.21 per cent amongst all students from other colleges.

“It was difficult taking these examinations in the face of personal loss but I did it for my father who I am sure would have been very proud of me today. My family is happy with my result. I plan to pursue MCA from Jammu University,” said Manjula on her result.

Pooja Thapar, another BCA position-holder from the Parade college, attributed her success to the support of her family, teachers and regular studies, which helped her deal with preparation for examinations without taking undue stress.

“My concepts were clear and I was very particular about my timely revision. The experience of previous examination helped crack the final examinations successfully,” said Pooja, who plans to pursue MCA at Jammu University.

Sarabjeet Kaur, another student from the college, came third with 79 per cent marks in BCA.

“I was regular with classes and self-study was the mantra for my preparation. We were lucky to have the support of our faculty, who were always there to help us. I am happy to have made it to the merit list,” commented Sarabjeet.

Apoorva Jamwal also put Government College for Women, Parade, on the map of toppers by securing second position in overall arts merit list with 74.3 per cent.

Apoorva who is planning to pursue master’s in economics from Jammu or Delhi University is confident of cracking the prestigious civil services examination in the coming years.

“There was no pressure while preparing for the examination, as I was thorough with my self-study and revision. I hope to crack the civil services after my master’s degree,” said Apoorva.

Girls were not the only ones to enjoy the success, as Rakshit Sharma, a student from GGM Science College, made it to the merit list by scoring 86.6 per cent marks in the science section.

“I will apply for master’s degree in geology and geography at Jammu University since my aim is to make it to the UPSC merit list,” said Rakshit.

Jammu, May 22
Additional general secretary of the ruling National Conference (NC) Mustafa Kamaal has called upon the party workers to highlight the achievements of the Omar Abdullah-led government at the grass-roots level.

Addressing party workers, panches and sarpanches at Ramban and Banihal, Mustafa said the common man had been getting the benefits of the schemes launched by the government.

Taking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to task, he alleged that the party had been hoodwinking the people by launching a vicious campaign against the NC. NC provincial president Rattan Lal Gupta highlighted the achievements of Omar-led regime and said it had taken many revolutionary steps to solve the problems of people during the past three years. — TNS 

Jammu, May 22
The Nirvana Cultural Academy today organised a guitar competition and prize distribution function for the “Golden Guitar” festival at Government Polytechnic College, Bikram Chowk, Jammu.

Around 80 participants from different parts of the country participated in the competition. Jagmeet Singh, a renowned guitarist, was the chief guest while legendary guitarist Naresh Kumar Sharma was the guest of honour.

The programme started with a guest performance by Kuldeep Kumar.

The participants showcased their talent in the competition by performing regional, Indian as well as western music, which drew appreciation from the audience.

Nirvana Academy honoured PS Wazir with the Golden Guitar Award for his lifetime commitment in serving the field of music with dedication.

Participants from Strings, Aarohi Kala Sangeet Vidyalaya, Banyan International, Saraswati Sangeet Kala Mandir, Heritage Strings and Jodhamal Public School were also awarded.

Jammu, May 22
While the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association struggles to come out of the multi-crore scam, the alleged locking of its office premises at Bhatindi today has made things even worse for the beleaguered body.

On the request of office-bearers of affiliate clubs of the JKCA, a meeting was held on the office premises at Bhatindi on May 19 in the presence of JKCA (Jammu Wing) vice-chairman Shambhu Nath to express their displeasure over the participation of non-affiliate clubs in the ongoing Prof Pran Nath Memorial Cricket Tournament at GGM Science College Hostel Ground.

The sources said when Shambhu Nath Sharma reached the JKCA office today, he found it locked.

“I was shocked to find the office locked in the working hours without any prior information,” the JKCA vice-chairman told The Tribune.

“I waited there till around 3 pm and when no one showed up at the office, I enquired about the reason behind it. The employees told me that the JKCA chairman and joint secretary had instructed them to close the office and inform us to reach the ground.”

“I again asked them (employees) to inform both officials to give instructions in writing for closing the office premises,” he claimed.

“I have informed the officials concerned about this unfortunate incident and I will also inform the JKCA president, Dr Farooq Abdullah, to get things sorted out at the earliest,” the JKCA vice-chairman maintained.

Jammu, May 22
The Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC-Third Front) has supported the strike call given by the Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) from May 24 to 26, demanding the regularisation of daily wagers.

Addressing a press conference, EJAC state president Mohammad Gafoor Dar along with senior leaders extended support to the three-day strike call.

The protesters are demanding the implementation of an agreement signed on September 15, 2011, without further delay.

“Over 4.5 lakh government employees, workers and daily-rated workers have been forced to adopt the path of agitation after the Omar-led government failed to implement the agreement,” Dar alleged.

Dar said enough time had been given to the state government to think over the issues.

He warned the state government against testing the patience of the working class, which was already suffering due to rise in prices. — TNS

Jammu, May 22
Socialist Democratic Party president Dr Darakshan Andrabi today alleged that the morning timing of government offices during the summer was causing inconvenience to people, especially those belonging to the far-flung areas.

Addressing mediapersons here, she said the decision to change the morning timing for schools and other educational institutions was welcome, but the change of office timing had created problems for people.

“Those who come from the rural areas cannot reach the city before 12 pm. If the government fixes the timing from 10 am to 5 pm, those coming from far-flung areas can access the offices and get their works done on time,” said Dr Andrabi.

“In other regions of the country, the standard office timings remain the same, but in Jammu, things are different,” she added.

“Even for a small piece of work at government offices, people from far-flung areas have to stay back overnight at city headquarters so that they can meet the officials concerned on time. This decision to change the timing is unaccepted in a democratic setup,” she maintained.

She appealed to the Chief Minister to revise the office timing and adhere to a standard office time schedule, as maintained in other parts of the country.

“The common people cannot be subjected to inconvenience for the comfort of government employees,” said Dr Andrabi.

Jammu, May 22
Caring little about the religious sentiments of the people, the Sewa Samiti of the Jogi Gate cremation ground, which runs the place, has felled a full-grown Banyan tree.

The 150-year-old tree was the landmark of the cremation ground and used to provide shade to the people visiting the place to cremate their dead ones.

A number of religious and social organisations have condemned the act of the samiti members and have blamed them for hurting the sentiments of the Hindu community.

Members of the Rashtrawadi Shiv Sena today held a protest at the cremation ground and demanded action against those responsible for the felling of the tree.

“It is a shameful act, which has hurt the sentiments of the people. The tree was more than 100 years old. Instead of protecting the tree, they chose to destroy it,” said Kuldeep Kumar, a senior member of the party.

The party members claimed that when they raised the issue with the Sewa Samiti, the latter claimed that it was necessary to do so in order to build a shed at that place.

“A shelter or shed could have been built at any other place. It seems the wood has been sold for personal gains,” alleged Ajit Choudhary, a local resident. In spite of repeated attempts, the Sewa Samiti members refused to come forward to comment on the issue.

"We will take up the issue with the authorities concerned, as it affects the religious sentiments of people,” said Amrit Sharma, another local resident.

The Jogi Gate ground is one of the biggest cremation grounds in the city and dozens of cremations take place at the site every day.

In the past, there have been allegations against the samiti members of not utilising the funds and donations to upgrade the place.

Even the electric crematorium installed at the site about two decades ago had not been functioning for the past many years.

JAMMU, May 22
The police today claimed to have busted an inter-state gang of snatchers with the arrest of two persons.

The police said the accused — Ashutosh, a resident of Kushinagar (Gaya), and Naresh, a resident of Chattipura — were involved in several cases of snatching.

On October 24, 2011, the accused had snatched Rs 40,000 from Hamid Ullah, a resident of Railway Colony, as the victim left an SBI ATM near Kranti Hotel.

A case under Sections 382 and 34, RPC, had been registered at the Trikuta Nagar police station. The accused then moved to Punjab, where they were involved in 12 such cases.

The police today arrested the two on suspicion near Bahu Plaza. After interrogation, the two confessed to their crime.

Jammu, May 22
The Zonal Inter-School Tournament in volleyball, kabaddi and kho-kho for under-14 and under-17 categories concluded at Government Higher Secondary School, Gool, here yesterday.

A total of 275 boys and girls from various institutions of Gool participated in the tournament.

Almost 230 players from different schools participated in the competitions of Ukhral zone held at Higher Secondary School, Ukhral.

In the events of Gool zone, High School, Bhimdassa, claimed the under-14 and under-17 volleyball titles, while under-14 and under-17 kabaddi titles were won by Higher Secondary School, Gool, and MS Thatharaka, respectively.

In the events of Ukhral zone, High School, Maligam, bagged the top honours in under-14 and under-17 volleyball. The under-14 and under-17 kabaddi titles were bagged by High School, Pogal, and High School, Sanabathi, respectively. The under-17 kho-kho title was won by High School, Tulhal.

Gulzara Begum, principal, Higher Secondary School, Gool, was the chief guest on the valedictory function and distributed prizes among the winners and runners-up. Also, Sat Pal Sharma, principal, Higher Secondary School, Ukhral, distributed prizes at Ukhral.

The matches were officiated by Bodh Raj, Shams Din, Tariq Hussain, Zarifa Begum, Mohd Haroon Bhat, Mohd Masrat, Mohd Hanief, Mohd Ramzan and Haroon Katoch.

Jammu, May 22
Diamond Cricket Club (DCC) scripted a thrilling win over Masters Cricket Club (MCC), Kathua, to secure a berth in the final of the ongoing Baiskahi Premier League at High School, Simbal Camp, here today.

Earlier, batting first, the MCC piled up 106 runs in the allotted 20 overs with Rony being the only batsman to cross the double figures with 15 runs. For DCC, Chamkor Singh and Parmeet Singh scalped three wickets apiece, while Gurdev grabbed two wickets. Monty and Lucky shared a wicket each.

In reply, DCC disastrously started by losing wickets at regular intervals. Sabi and Inderjeet contributed 22 runs each while Chamkor also played a cameo of 19 runs. Madan Lal, Kaka, Sanju and Lara, scalped two wickets each for MCC whereas Murli claimed one wicket. Chamkor was adjudged the man of the match. The final mach will be played on May 27 at the same venue.

Jammu, May 22
Bajaj Allianz Cricket Club (BJCC) trounced Youth Cricket Club (YCC), Gundna, by eight wickets, while Combine Bhaderwah Cricket Club (CBCC) had the last laugh against Malnai Cricket Club (MCC) by six wickets to move into the next round of the All-India 8th Gufran Memorial T20 Cricket Tournament at Sports Stadium, Doda, today.

In the first match, batting first, YCC were bundled out for 89 runs in 18.3 overs. Gul Mohammad and Saleem were the only two batsmen to cross the double-figure mark with scores of 14 and 13 runs, respectively. Muzamil took four wickets, while Puneet chipped in with three wickets for BJCC.

In reply, BJCC overhauled the target in just 9.3 overs by losing two wickets in the process. Puneet cracked a splendid half-century (54), while Muzamil contributed 23 runs to the total.

In another match, CBCC drubbed MCC by six wickets in a low-scoring affair. Batting first, MCC suffered a batting collapse and were bundled out for 60 runs in 15.2 overs, with Manzoor and Shafqat contributing 19 and 12 runs, respectively.

For BJCC, Adil was the chief destroyer with three wickets, while Fayaz and Sameer shared two wickets apiece. BJCC overhauled the target in 12 overs by losing four wickets. Tahir and Zair were the main contributors with 19 and 18 runs, respectively. For MCC, Javed took three wickets.

In other matches played, Delhi Riders and Pounda Cricket Club (PCC) registered wins over Doda Indians and KBT Club Jammu (KBTCJ).

In the first match, Doda Indians set a target of 99 runs in their stipulated 15 overs by losing nine wickets. Sajad Hussain was the top-scorer with a 31-run knock, whereas Sadam contributed 19 runs. For Delhi Riders, Mohit and Devinder snared three and two wickets, respectively.

In reply, Delhi Riders romped home in 12 overs for the loss of three wickets. Devinder Kohli and Raj Deep scored 56 and 17 runs, respectively. From Doda Indians, Parveez and Sajad took two and one wicket, respectively.

In the second match, Pounda Cricket Club (PCC) downed KBTCJ by 18 runs.