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Telcos take a dig at the law
Bedsheets, blankets burnt in the open at GMCH
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Rajouri reels under power cuts
IG reviews I-Day, yatra preparedness
ASCC thrash Sangam Blues
GK Warriors win Altaf Cricket Tourney
J&K Bank claim soccer title
Parallel bodies’ spar hurts state hockey
DDC Rajouri reviews preparations ahead Ramzan
Irfan helps Sopore Police thrash Chankhan Riders
Tae kwon do camp
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Telcos take a dig at the law
Jammu, July 19 “It seems there is an inherent problem in our system as roads are first constructed after spending a huge amount of taxpayers’ money and then dug to lay cables, sewerage, etc,” said Amrita Sharma, a university student, while pointing towards the state of roads at Janipur. “It is frustrating to see recently blacktopped roads being destroyed by using JCB machines and labourers,” said another resident, while expressing helplessness at the blatant misuse of public money. “There is hardly any place where digging work is not going on. This results in traffic jams, besides causing a lot of problems for pedestrians. The problem is compounded during the evening hours,” said Anish Chaudhary, a local resident. People allege that construction agencies often leave the digging work midway, putting the local residents to great inconvenience. The dug up roads also become a cause of accidents. “An entire portion along the Janipur-Bantalab road has been dug up, which results in frequent snarl-ups. A similar situation prevails in other parts of the city,” said Vimlesh Raina, a resident of Rehari. And to top it all, agencies like the Jammu municipal corporation and the Roads and Buildings Department (R&B) Department remain silent over the issue. Both government agencies associated with giving approval to such projects often engage in blame game. On numerous occasions, the digging work has left the property of the municipal corporation damaged, leaving many drains and cables exposed. Civic bodies in other parts of the country have earmarked areas for the laying of underground cables without digging up roads. “Why can’t the administration earmark space
for the laying and repair of telecom cables? Officials dealing with the process should be made accountable,” said another resident. |
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Bedsheets, blankets burnt in the open at GMCH
Jammu, July 19 Hospital staff, including doctors and other medicos, patients, attendants and passers-by were put to inconvenience by the method adopted by the GMCH authorities to dispose of the waste, caring little about the health of the patients and residents of the adjoining areas. A doctor told The Tribune that the practice adopted by the authorities could cause various ailments. “There is a prescribed method to dispose of such harmful waste. Burning of any kind of medical waste can not only lead to environmental pollution but also spread infection. A similar practice by one of the hospitals in the country had left some children unconsciousness.” The GMCH authorities claimed that they had not flouted any norms. “We have not burnt any biomedical waste. The burnt material included used bedsheets and blankets,” said a GMCH official. Arun Tickoo, secretary, State Pollution Control Board, said the open burning of hospital waste amounted to violation of the rules. “Special incinerators are used to burn such waste. Burning of any kind of waste in the open is strictly prohibited. The clothing used in hospitals is highly infectious, as it comes in direct contact with patients’ body fluid. I will send a team to look into the matter.” Minister for Medical Education RS Chib could not be contacted. |
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Seeing no end to power pangs, people take to streets
Jammu, July 19 Apart from scheduled power cuts, long and frequent unscheduled power cuts during the night hours across the Jammu region have brought agony to the people. “We never get proper electricity during the day time but during the night hours one needs regular supply of electricity. Ironically, the entire area is metered and we are still not getting proper supply of electricity,” said Savita Bakshi, a government employee residing in Rehari colony. Official sources said Jammu and Kashmir required 2,300 MW, but the state had a shortfall of 850 MW-900 MW due to the availability of around 1,500 MW. The Jammu region was being supplied with only 600 MW-650 MW and the shortfall was being met by enforcing power cuts of eight to 12 hours in non-metered areas. The remaining power shortage was being overcome by enforcing power cuts in the metered areas. The poor power scenario over the past few days has enraged people. Residents from different localities blocked the national highway at Satwari Chowk around 10 am today. They protested against long and frequent power cuts despite paying the bills. Besides, a number of protests were held in different localities across the city. People protested against the callous attitude of the administration towards the problem of the people. Also, hundreds of residents assembled in the Satwari Chowk and New Plot area to protest against the government over the deteriorating power situation in the region. The agitating people even clashed with policemen trying to manage the crowd. Hundreds of people blocked the main road in the New Plot area and held a demonstration against the unscheduled power cuts. Led by the Jammu West Assembly Association, the protesters raised anti-government and anti-power department slogans and demanded smooth electricity supply. "We will launch a major agitation in the city against the government, which has failed to provide electricity to the people who are already facing hot and humid weather,” said Sunil Dimple, president, Jammu West Assembly Association. |
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Government chews over ban on tobacco in gutka
Jammu, July 19 Sources told The Tribune that the state government had ordered the testing of all “plain” gutka and pan masala sachets to check if they were actually plain. “The announcement has remained on paper and no initiative has been taken thereafter to check whether gutka contains traces of nicotine or tobacco,” said a source, adding that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had yesterday reiterated his commitment but didn’t spell out the measures initiated by his government. They said the process of collecting samples had been facing technical hurdles, as the government was awaiting a clarification from the Union Health Ministry on whether to treat these as food products or not. On World No Tobacco Day (May 31), the state government had promised to follow Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and Kerala vis-à-vis ban on the use of tobacco and nicotine in pan masalas by ordering the testing of all “plain” gutka and pan masala sachets. Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan had also taken stringent measures against the use of tobacco in gutka. Sources questioned the “illogical” measures of the government to put a control on tobacco consumption of both smoking and smokeless forms of tobacco. “The government had announced an increase in value added tax (VAT) from 25 per cent to 30 per cent on all tobacco products during 2012-13 as part of health protection measures. It had little impact on the consumption of gutkas and pan masalas. The measure was unfounded, illogical and absurd,” said a source. “If the government imposes a ban on tobacco, it will cause a huge loss to the state exchequer in terms of tax revenue collected from gutkas and pan masalas,” he added. While citing the Global Adult Tobacco Survey-2009-10, a senior government officer said the state had reported the highest use of smokeless chewing tobacco products, including gutkas and pan masalas, among the northern states. “The report says 7.6 per cent adults use smokeless chewing tobacco in the state. Of all, 4.1 percent were females, which is the highest in northern parts of the country,” the official said, adding that maximum number of cancer patients died in the country due to high consumption of tobacco. Satish Gupta, Food and Drug Controller, J&K, said they had been awaiting a Government of India notification on whether gutka and pan masala sachets were to be treated under the Food Safety and Standards Act or not. “We are yet to collect the samples and we will follow suit if the Health Ministry treats these as food products,” Gupta said. |
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Kidnapped girl yet to be traced
Jammu, July 19 Ali alleged that some persons had kidnapped his eldest daughter in broad daylight from the Bari Brahmana area on Thursday. He then lodged a complaint with the Bari Brahmana police station. A case under Section 363 of the RPC has been registered at the Bari Brahmana police station. He alleged that his relatives, residing in the same location, were involved in the offence. “My eldest daughter along with her two siblings, Hanifa (12) and Sadiq (10), had gone out to herd the cattle. Two motorcycle-borne youths kidnapped her. I am not aware about the whereabouts of my daughter,” he said. Saudagar Mal, SDPO, Bari Brahmana, said: “The investigation is under way and we hope to nab the offenders soon.” “Both parties are neighbours and have some issues with each other. We are investigating the
matter and will soon reach some conclusion,” he said. |
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Rajouri reels under power cuts
Rajouri, July 19 Assistant executive engineer AK Razdan said: “Power supply has been restored to the old city after over 12 hours of suspension. Several pylons were damaged owing to heavy storm.” “Power supply to Muradpur, Jawahar Nagar, Thodi and other adjoining areas was affected but teams were deployed in the morning and they restored the supply to most areas,” he added. Traders of the area are up in arms against the PDD, as electricity continues to elude areas across the border district. Frequent and unscheduled power cuts have had a negative impact on the economy of the region. This at a time when traders are gearing up for good business, keeping in view the annual pilgrimage of Budha Amarnath. Even hotel and restaurant owners claim that the number of footfalls in their establishments have seen a sharp decline owing to frequent and long unscheduled power cuts in the district. Excessive use of diesel generators has burnt a hole in their pockets because of high costs. “Our traders have been suffering huge losses due to unscheduled power cuts. We can bear the scheduled cuts but frequent and long unscheduled power curtailments have badly affected the business,” said Vijay Gupta, president, Vyapar Mandal, Rajouri. He said frequent power cuts had become a permanent feature in the area. Traders were the worst sufferers, as they had to brave the sultry weather as well. “If the government fails to take corrective
measures, people will be forced to adopt the path of agitation,” he added. |
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IG reviews I-Day, yatra preparedness
Jammu, July 19 The preparedness for Independence Day and other yatras, including Buddha Amarnath and Sarthal yatras, was also reviewed. The IG said maintenance of law and order, prevention of crime, speedy investigation and disposal of cases, adequate attention to public grievances on a day-to-day basis, special attention to cases of public importance and strengthening of police-public relations were of utmost importance. The counter-insurgency measures taken for better security and law and
order scenario were also discussed. The officers were complimented for the successful investigation of some importance cases. The IGP expressed concern over the rise in the number of vehicle theft and burglary cases. “More efforts are needed to check such crimes. Suicide cases, wherein 57 persons died during 2011, and road accidents, which left 706 dead, are areas of special concern.” Singh emphasised the need for adopting a people-friendly approach. “Public confidence can be generated through people-friendly attitude, which should be exhibited at all levels,” he added. He advocated use of professional approach in investigating crime. Close supervision of senior officers and use of scientific methods are required for quality investigation, he added. He also asked police officers to visit respective areas on a regular basis and meet people on social and professional matters. |
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Urdu book ‘Manto Ki Adbi Jehat’ released
Jammu, July 19 Prof Singh congratulated the writer for bringing out the book. “Sadat Hassan Manto was a progressive writer who had written marvellous short stories. Unfortunately, he died at the age of 42. This book would provide more information regarding Manto’s life and Art to the new generation,” the V-C said. He described the department of Urdu as one of the best departments of the varsity where, the academic as well as literary activities were being organised frequently. The function was organised by the department of Urdu, University of Jammu in the Prof Gian Chand Jain seminar hall of Urdu department. Noted journalist Ved Bhasin presided over the function and he too congratulated Prof Shohab for his book. He also described the book, a valuable one. Describing a pillar of progressive short story writer, Bhasin said that his marvellous short story on partition ‘Toba Teg Singh’ cannot be ignored. Prof Qudose Javed, former HoD Urdu, Kashmir University presented a detailed paper on the book and said that Prof Shohab had compiled and edited the book successfully. There were some articles in the book which threw light on the some important new aspect of Manto’s Art. He further said that this was because of these extension lectures that 26 students of the department of Urdu got qualified for NET and JRF. The proceedings of the function were conducted over by Mohd Reyaz Ahmed, while vote of thanks was presented by Farat Shamim. |
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ASCC thrash Sangam Blues
Jammu, July 19 In reply, ASCC reached the target in 10.1 overs for the loss of only one wicket. Abid Nabi scored
66 runs and Suhain contributed 35 runs. In another match, Kashmir Gymkhana Reds thrashed UCC by seven wickets. Batting first, UCC was bowled out for 101 runs. Wazir was the top scorers with 34 runs. Samiullah and Zahoor shared three wickets apiece for Gymkhana. In reply, Gymkhana overhauled the target in 10.3 overs for the loss of three wickets. Majid and Ubaid were the notable contributors with 29 and 34 runs, respectively. |
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GK Warriors win Altaf Cricket Tourney
Jammu, July 19 Batting first, Warriors scored 169 runs in the allotted overs for the loss of three wickets. Shafat Rasool and Reshi Javaid started the innings for GK Warriors. Javaid was sent back to the pavilion after being bowled
out by Uzair. After that, Shafat and Nisar Hafiz did the rescue work. Both accumulated 102 runs together. Nisar scored 84 runs. For Lions, Aijaz
Punjabi, Uzair Handoo and Bilal took one wicket each. In reply, Lions put up a brave fight but lost the match by eight runs. |
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J&K Bank claim soccer title
Jammu, July 19 Kumar slammed both goals in the 26th and 85th minutes, respectively. RCF Kapurthala played out of their skins to score an equaliser but the hosts proved too good for them in the end. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was the chief guest. He said martyrs had given away their lives to safeguard the future of the state and make its present peaceful. He further said the families of the martyrs needed focussed attention for their welfare and rehabilitation. Minister for Youth Welfare and Sports RS Chib gave away trophies to the winners and runners-up besides individual prizes to the players. DGP K Rajendra highlighted the sacrifices made by the J&K Police personnel for peace and security of the state and its people. Minister for Finance Abdul Rahim Rather, various legislators, GoC 15 Corps Lt Gen Om Prakash were also present.
— TNS |
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Parallel bodies’ spar hurts state hockey
Jammu, July 19 “The officials at the helm of affairs are not serious about our future,” said a player. “We don’t even remember when we last participated in a domestic championship or represented the state in a national championship,” he said. “The associations have failed to run activities at regular junctures, which is not an encouraging sign for the game,” said another player. Sources said resentment was brewing among some office-bearers within both associations over lack of functioning. “The parallel federations - Indian Hockey Federation and Hockey India - are solely responsible for the prevailing chaos in the state hockey,” said a hockey official. “Both state associations are dictating terms by sending their national teams for various national tournaments,” he said. “The president of Indian Hockey Federation, J&K, Narinder Batra, who is also the general secretary of Hockey India, has done nothing for the promotion of hockey in the state despite belonging to the state,” he said. A senior official of the Sports Council said: “We are ready to assist every state association that is keen on conducting activities for promotion of the game.” |
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Stress on holding more theatre workshops
Jammu, July 19 The function was presided over by Padmashree Moti Lal Kemmu while was Ramesh Mehta, former secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, was the guest of honour. Mujahid said: “Theatre is the basic institution to train actors and such workshops were the need of the hour”. “Theatre provides a great platform to actors to prove their talent in a better way by undergoing such trainings.” Mushtaq Kak, director, ATG, said the workshop would provide a unique opportunity to all participants for learning the finer nuances of acting, design, stage craft and diction. |
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DDC Rajouri reviews preparations ahead Ramzan
Rajouri, July 19 The DDC directed the concerned authorities to ensure adequate power and water supply to the people during these holy days. He asked CAPD to install sign boards on prominent locations of the town, displaying approved rates of various essential commodities for the public information. The DDC directed the flying squads constituted for market checking to conduct surprise checks on mutton, vegetables and fruit shops at least twice a week during the holy month. “The defaulters found overcharging will be subjected to heavy penalty,” he said. “The Additional Deputy Commissioner, who is also the administrator of the municipalities of the district will mobilise the sanitation manpower and ensure cleanliness in the towns. The municipalities have been asked to put street lights those are out of order, facilitating easy movement in early hours of the day,” he said. Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner,
Rajouri, Matloob Khan, Superintending Engineer, PDD, Superintending Engineer, Hydraulic, Assistant Commissioner, Revenue, Sub-divisional Magistrate,
Nowshera, Assistant Director, CAPD andExecutive Engineers. |
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Irfan helps Sopore Police thrash Chankhan Riders
Jammu, July 19 Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Sopore Police piled up a mammoth total of 212 runs in the stipulated 20 overs for the loss of just two
wickets. Irfan struck a whirlwind 126 runs. He smashed 12 hits to the fence and eight hits for the
maximum. In reply, Chankhan Riders were bundled out for a paltry 93 runs in 16.4 overs. Irfan was adjudged the man of the match. In another match, United Cricket Club, Sopore, subdued Wonder Boys, Kralteng, by 86 runs. Batting first, United Club accumulated 159 runs in the allotted overs. Chasing the target, Wonder Boys collapsed at 73 runs. Shahid of United Club was adjudged the man of the match. |
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Tae kwon do camp
Jammu, July 19 Atul Pangotra, an NIS-qualified coach, along with Charan Singh imparted training to the players in the disciplines of tae kwon do, wushu, kickboxing and sqay martial art. At the valedictory function, a large number of parents and guests were present. |
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