Jammu, August 13
Alleging betrayal by the Omar Abdullah government, nearly 300 State Road Transport Corporation (SRTC) employees who took voluntary retirement under the Voluntary Retirement Scheme have said that the government failed to keep the promises made by it.

The former employees, who took the VRS from the nearly bankrupt corporation, held a protest outside the head office of the SRTC and alleged that the government had failed to release the cost of living allowance (COLA) pending since 2006, despite the fact that the finance department had reportedly released Rs 22 crore.

“The government has cheated us. We are yet to get our due. We want to know where the money released by the finance department has gone and demand a probe into it,” said Dev Raj Bali, president of the All J&K SRTC Volunteer Retirement Employees Association.

He said most of the employees who opted for the VRS were still awaiting their clearance of money as the corporation had not fulfilled its promise. “They say the corporation has no money. Why did they promise us that if we take voluntary retirement, our dues will be cleared?” asked Balwinder Singh.

The association has demanded a Vigilance probe into the alleged misuse of crores of rupees released for clearing the COLA slabs of the employees. “They trapped us first and assured that the money will be cleared on time. However, only a few people have got their dues,” said another employee DN Sharma.

The corporation had nearly 4,400 employees who were not getting salaries for months as the mounting losses of the corporation made it almost bankrupt. The government had introduced the VRS to shed the “extra load” on the meagre financial resources of the state-run corporation.

The state carrier, which has a fleet of 900 vehicles, had issued a notice for the implementation of the first phase of the scheme for nearly 600 employees.

Jammu, August 13
Accusing the UPA government of not learning any lessons from “blunders” committed by it in the past, former union minister and MLA Chaman Lal Gupta has accused it of “adopting confusing postures”, resulting in secessionist forces in Kashmir getting strengthened.

Reacting to reports that the Congress in the state was a divided house over the issue of granting autonomy to the state by implementing the reports of Justice Sagir Ahmed and the interlocutors, Gupta said this messy situation had been created because the Congress leadership at the Centre did not have any clear-cut Kashmir policy.

“This is bound to result in more problems in the state,” he warned.

He said the question of autonomy was a dead issue after the then NDA government at the Centre had rejected the autonomy resolution in 2001 itself by pointing out that the state was already having greater autonomy.

Jammu, August 13
Charging the National Conference-Congress coalition regime with meting out a stepmotherly treatment to the Jammu region, the Panthers Party today alleged that the government was discriminating with Jammu in all matters.

Addressing a press conference here today, president of the party and MLA, Udhampur, Balwant Singh Mankotia announced to hold dharnas at in Jammu on August 27 in protest against the alleged discrimination by the government in sanctioning posts of Assistant Professor for degree colleges.

Mankotia said the government was neglecting Jammu in the matter of employment opportunities for the youth of this region and development activities. He said the anti-Jammu mindset of the government could be gauged from the fact that it had created 700 vacancies for the Kashmir region and only around 400 for the Jammu region.

Mankotia cautioned the government against such discriminatory decisions and warned to adopt the agitation path for equitable share in employment and developmental activities.

The selection list of teachers had been published in May this year. However, the candidates from all districts except Ganderbal, the home constituency of the Chief Minister, had not been able to join duty in the absence of government orders.

Those present at the press conference included Fakir Nath, former MLA, Manoj Gupta and Mohinder Pal Singh Pandu.

Reasi August 13
Even as the renovation work is on at Reasi Fort (also known as Bhimgarh Fort), it is attracting a reasonably good number of tourists from across the region, especially those who come to pay obeisance at the Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines.

The fort, built atop 150 metre hillock, is an important landmark of the Reasi town.

Folklore says it used to be a mud fort at some point of time but was reconstructed with stone and lime material later. The fort is associated with the legendary Dogra warrior, General Zorawar Singh.

The fort has a sprawling wooden gate with images of Lord Ganesha and Maha Kali carved inside the wall at the entrance. The entrance is similar to the one at Ramnagar Fort in Udhampur district.

The fort was handed over to the Jammu and Kashmir State Archaeology Department in 1989. It was renovated by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board the following year. The surrounding areas of the monument were given a facelift with gardens and pathways. However, many parts of the fort were damaged due to an earthquake in 1994.

In 2009, Governor NN Vohra during his visit to the fort had ordered to reconstruct the damaged parts and also undertake renovation work.

It may take another six months to complete the work but it will surely boost tourism in the area.

The fort can be approached by climbing an iron ladder at the entrance of the garden through a vacant plot on the main outer road of Reasi. It has three gateways built in stone masonry, except the middle one which is built with brick masonry. The fort has an open courtyard surrounded by a residential complex.

Then there is a small temple which is being used by security forces for worship. Some portions of the fort have collapsed due to neglect and lack of renovation.

The local residents are enthusiastic about the ongoing renovation work. They believe once the renovation work is done, it will attract tourists in larger numbers thus helping generate employment for them.

Social activist Rajesh Kesar is of the same opinion. He says the fort will definitely attract more visitors as Reasi is emerging as a tourist hotspot. Amit Sharma, who has a shop near the fort, also feels this will help improve his business. 

Jammu, August 13
The Vichar Kranti Manch International (VKMI) held a protest against corruption in the country and demanded that the government should take firm action against those involved in looting the exchequer.

The protest was led by Sudesh Kumar Gandotra, working president of the organisation. He said the manch was mobilising public opinion against the “rampant corruption in politics, bureaucracy and society”.

He urged the people to come forward and support the crusade against corruption in the country. RK Khajuria, founder of the organisation, was present on the occasion.

The foundation stone of the hall was laid by Governor NN Vohra on March 1. Once completed, the multi-purpose hall would cater to wrestling, boxing, table tennis, judo, wushu and tae kwon do. Three classrooms, one faculty room, one store and a dormitory for sportspersons would also be constructed inside the multi-purpose hall.

“The UGC has also earmarked Rs 50 lakh for an adventure course and to upgrade the sports infrastructure in the university. Of the Rs 50 lakh, Rs 25 lakh will be spent by the department on imparting training to students in skiing, kayaking and rafting while the remaining amount will be spent on infrastructure,” he said.

“With the construction of this multi-purpose hall, we shall be able to host more competitions of national repute which in turn will help students of our university to interact with their counterparts from other universities across the country,” Professor Bhau said.

Jammu, August 13
Universal Shotokan Karate-Do Association (USKA), J&K, organised an a function today to distribute certificates among various belt holders at Ved Mandir in Ambphalla.

Ashok Gupta, former Inspector General of Police (IGP), was the chief guest on the occasion. He along with other dignitaries distributed certificates to the belt holders.

Gupta stressed upon karatekas to play the game with sportsman spirit. He advised the budding players not to fall prey to doping or similar practice.

Surinder Sharma advised karatekas to take part in games for all-round development besides excelling in academics.

Earlier, the programme began with the demonstration by gold medallist in AIKF National (Junior/Cadet), 2012, Pallavi Sharma, who also represented India in Asia Karate Championship held at Tashkant in Uzbekistan recently. She was accompanied by Ishita Raina, gold medallist in J&K State Shito Ryu Sheiko Kai Karate Championship and silver medallist in 7th All India Independence Cup Karate-Do Championship-2011. Earlier, Sanjay Kumar, president-cum-chief instructor, USKA, threw light on the history of the martial art.

List of karatekas who received certificates:

Yellow Belt: Himanshu Dhiman (KV Nagrota), Vasu Khajuria (DPS, Jammu), Swastik Gupta (KV, Gandhi Nagar), Yaahan Dutta (DPS, Jammu) and Eru Vantika Bali (Tiny Tots, Jammu).

Orange Belt: Monika Mehra (Neelam Public School, Janipur), Kushal Sharma (Cresent Public School, Janipur), Aadi Maqbool (KC Public School), Arya Dev S Kotwal (DPS, Jammu), Vishuram Thakur (DPS, Jammu), Varun Dev Singh Kotwal (DPS, Jammu) and Sankalp Soni (DPS, Jammu).

Green Belt: Palak Dhiman (Crescent Public School, Jammu).

Brown Belt: Vanshu Mehra (Neelam Public School, Janipur) and Mohit Kapoor (Jagriti Niketan, Kachi Chawani).

Black Belt: Rohit Mahajan (Nowshera, Rajouri), Anil Kumar (Pouni, Reasi), Shruti (Jammu), Sachin Kumar (Army Public School, Akhnoor), Ishita Raina (KC Public School) and Arun Dev Singh Jamwal (Law student, University of Jammu).

Jammu, August 13
Visitors to the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) customer care office at Bahu Plaza near Trikuta Nagar are forced to park their vehicles on the busy road thus adding to traffic chaos much to the chagrin of commuters.

An utter chaos prevails when two wheelers are parked on the busy road outside the BSNL office as they are not allowed to park inside the office premise. Many feel that two wheelers can easily be accommodated as there is sufficient space inside the office primises.

Unevenly parked vehicles lead to traffic chaos at the road which is also a connecting link to the Jammu Railway Station.

Kapil Gupta, a hardware dealer at the Old City, said the BSNL authorities must take some remedial measures to resolve the problem soon.

“There is an ample space in the complex and the authorities concerned could implement a better parking plan. The only trouble here is lack of better management. We can not park at any other place as the office of the Reserve Bank of India is located on the right side of the BSNL complex,” Gupta said.

Kanishka, a Jammu University student, said the road was not an ideal place for parking as it was the busiest chowk in the city.

“It is a common sight during office hours when countless vehicles are parked unevenly on one of the busiest roads. This is an open invitation to accidents,” Kanishka said. Kapil, a resident of Colonel Colony, said, “The authorities say people should park their vehicles at Bahu Plaza parking lot but that is not feasible. That parking lot is at a considerable distance from the BSNL complex.”

However, the BSNL authorities could not be reached for comments. 

With Independence Day round the corner, people are all set to celebrate the occasion in their own ways. Jammu Tribune talked to people from different walks of life and asked them what Independence Day means to them.

Jammu, August 13
Full dress rehearsals were held across the districts of Jammu province ahead of the Independence Day celebrations.

Inspector General of Police (IGP) Jammu , Dilbagh Singh, hoisted the tri-colour and took salute at Parade Ground, Jammu, the venue for the provincial-level Independence Day function.

Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand will be the chief guest at the celebrations in Jammu.

In Kathua, District Development Commissioner Zahida Parveen Khan hoisted the national flag and took salute from the contingents of CRPF, district police, Police Training School, NCC boys and girls.

Minister of State for Cooperative, Finance and Planning Dr Manohar Lal Sharma will be the chief guest in Kathua.

Full dress rehearsal was also held in Samba while District Development Commissioner, Mubarak Singh, took Salute from the contingents of district police, ex-serviceman and students.

Minister for Industries and Commerce, Surjit Singh Slathia, shall be the chief guest in Samba on Independence Day. The function will be held at Boys Higher Secondary School, Ground Kehli Mandi, Samba.

District Development Commissioner, Poonch, Syed Anwar Hussain Shah, took salute from 28 march-past squads on full dress rehearsal at Sports Stadium Poonch. Contingent of district police, armed police, CRPF, NCC, senior and junior school children and army participated in it.

Arrangements were finalised to celebrate Independence Day with fervour.

In Udhampur, District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, PK Pole took salute at an impressive march past of 39 contingents drawn from police, Forest Protection Force, NCC, educational institutions at the Government PG Degree College (Boys), Udhampur ground, here today.

In Reasi, full dress rehearsal was held at the Sports Stadium, Reasi under the supervision of District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Nirmal Sharma. Contingents drawn from police NCC and educational Institutions took part in the rehearsal.

Full dress rehearsals were also held at Katra, Ramnagar, Majalta and Chenani.

Jammu, August 13
Ashok Kumar, deputy director, Youth Services and Sports, Jammu today declared the divisional level inter-district competitions open at the indoor sports complex, MA Stadium, here.

Speaking on the occasion, Ashok Kumar expressed hope that more students will participate in martial arts which could be utilised as an important tool for self-defense and fitness.

The selected players will participate in the forthcoming inter-division competitions.

Prominent among those present on the occasion were Pushpa Sharma, Manorama Sharma and Sarita Padha. The competitions will be held in the disciplines of thang-ta, kick-boxing, sqay martial art and jeet-kune-do.

Jammu, August 13
Cervical cancer is becoming a matter of concern across the country. Unaware about the disease, women in the state are trying to grab more information through medical sources.

The disease caused due to viral sexual transmission is mostly common in women in their 30s, 40s and 50s. According to medical experts, cancer is usually transmitted from male partners to their female partners in the form of a virus, the growth of which is caused due to unhealthy lifestyles.

“Since the infection is viral in nature, people need to be educated about hygiene. We recommend girls below the age of 10 to get vaccination, because in the later stages of life, women are more sexually active,” said Dr Ashutosh Gupta, senior consultant, Government Medical College. “Cases of cervical cancer are common among those belonging to the lower economic strata and they are the ones who cannot afford costly vaccinations. Therefore, the number keeps on increasing every year. It is important for the Health Ministry to keep a few points in mind while framing preventive measures policy,” said Dr Ashutosh while reaffirming the need for awareness among rural women in this regard.

Jammu, August 13
The Ramban police has foiled a bid of bovine smuggling by arresting two persons at Naagbal Banihal. It has impounded two vehicles in which 13 head of cattle were being smuggled into the Kashmir valley.

Reports said on a tip-off, the police intercepted two vehicles bearing registration numbers JK 02 A 2472 and JK 02 AG 9713, which were on their way from Ramban to the Valley. During checking, it was found that the vehicles were carrying 13 head of cattle which were being illegally taken to the Kashmir valley allegedly for sale. The drivers of the vehicles Mohammad Sadiq and Shabir Ahmed have been arrested. — TNS

Jammu, August 13
TheJammu and Kashmir chapter of Sanskar Bharti and Swaranjan Institute of Music today celebrated Akhand Bharat Smriti Diwas at Ved Mandir here.

Its spokesperson Ravinder Raina said the programme was organised to inculcate true spirit of nationalism among the youths.

He said, “India is a divine land since many civilisations have flourished here.”

A musical drama on patriotism theme was also enacted on the occasion. — TNS

Jammu, August 13
The Directorate of Sports and Physical Education, Jammu University, has allotted 12 events of the annual inter-college competitions to its affiliated colleges.

The competitions will commence on September 4 with cross country events. Four colleges in Kathua, Udhampur and Rajouri districts will hold six events in both men and women sections.

“A number of colleges had shown interest to hold the annual inter-college competitions this time,” said Prof Dhian S Bhau, Director, Directorate of Sports and Physical Education.

Four colleges of Jammu city namely GGM Science College, Government MAM College, Government College for Women (GCW) Parade and GCW Gandhi Nagar have also been allotted events of their choice by the Directorate.

GGM Science College has been given the responsibility of holding cricket, table tennis and lawn tennis events; MAM College will hold kho-kho events. The GCW Gandhi Nagar will conduct women's kho-kho event and the GCW Parade will hold women's handball competitions.

Government Degree College Kathua will hold women's kabaddi and volleyball events. Government Degree College, Udhampur, will hold both men and women's chess events.

A private college-New Age College Phinter in Kathua has been allotted the men's kabaddi competition while Government Degree College Thanamandi in district Rajouri will host men's volleyball event. — TNS