Jammu, August 24
Failure to achieve its target has forced the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) to extend the deadline of sewerage-laying project in the city to May 2013.

This means the city will have to face chaos-like situation till next year as various agencies have failed to complete the work as per the plan.

Sources said the project was expected to be completed by December this year, but the targets have not been achieved because of slow pace of work and lack of coordination between different executing agencies.

Data shows that despite placing it on priority, only 32.88 km (36 per cent) work of laying lateral sewers (connecting different localities with main sewer line) out of 90.74 km has been completed so far. About 10 per cent of the main sewer line is also not completed.

Though National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) has completed 92 per cent of work on 27 MLD Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP) out of 26.53 km Trunk Sewer, 22.13 km has been completed in the city.

According to officials, the pace of work is slow mainly because of lack of coordination between the Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and National Building Construction Corporation (NBCC) - the agencies responsible for implementing various state and centrally sponsored schemes for urban development.

Even the Opposition parties in the legislative Assembly had cornered the government for its failure to complete the works, which has created a lot of chaos in the city.

Jai Gopal Mengi, Director, Projects, ERA, said, “We have set a new deadline of May 2013 for the completion of the project as there are some works which are taking time.”

He said there were some stretches near the Ranbir canal which were posing challenges. He said they would have to dig close to the canal, which could prove dangerous to the water body, considered lifeline of farmers.

During a recent meeting chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Tara Chand, the issue of sub-standard quality of material and the lack of coordination among various executing agencies was discussed. "Deputy Chief Minister has directed the officers to prepare work schedules by coordinating with various agencies involved. Sticking to the schedule avoids undue delays and saves time and money", an official said.

Local people are irked over digging of roads for several times in the past few years. This has damaged most of the roads in the city and creates problems for drivers.

Jammu, August 24
Panic gripped the Nai Basti area this morning when a person was found dead under mysterious circumstances.

As per reports, a man hailing from Punjab, was found dead in a park. The police said the deceased had been working at some shop and his actual name and whereabouts were not yet known.

Earlier, it was speculated that the deceased had been murdered but later the police ruled out the murder theory.

SP City South Rajeshwar Singh told The Tribune, “I have visited the spot and there were no injury marks on the body. Blood was oozing out from his nose, but it does not seem to be a case of murder. The deceased was said to be a habitual drinker and it would be premature to say anything before the autopsy report is received.”

A case under Section 174 of the RPC has been registered at the Gandhi Nagar police station and investigation is going on.

The body has been sent for a post-mortem examination.

Jammu, August 24
Stage is set for prestigious elections of the Raghunath Bazaar Businessmen Association (RBBA). Polling for six posts of the RBBA would be held on August 26 and campaign for the elections is going on in full swing. As many as 305 voters would cast their vote in the poll.

As Raghunath Bazaar is a 158-year-old market of the Jammu region, the whole business class and other citizens of Jammu city, including politicians, are keenly watching the elections of this body. Raghunath Bazaar is considered nerve of Jammu city and this historical market has witnessed many historic events.

Although polling would be held for six posts, the real contest would be for the post of president. The contest is between Baldev Khullar and Hira Lal Abrol for the post of president. Baldev Kullar has been the president of this association for five terms. He has been seeking mandate for the sixth term while Abrol is seeking support of the voters to work towards giving this historic bazaar a unique facelift and transforming this old business hub into a model one.

“If elected, I will work hard to put in place all the requisite facilities to give a boost to the business activities,”, Abrol said. He also promised to install solar lights and upgradation of power supply system in the bazaar and connecting lanes.

Khullar, on the other hand, highlights his achievements during his previous tenures. During the campaign, Khullar claimed that it was all due to his efforts that a comprehensive beautification plan was approved and implemented for this bazaar. He also promised to develop a website of this historic bazaar so as to connect this market with the rest of the world.

The Raghunath Bazaar is known for its dry fruit shops. It is a busy market wherein one can see designer boutiques and shops showcasing modern fashion accessories.

This market is also well-known for traditional Dogra jewelleries and Kashmiri handicrafts. Dry fruits of this market, mainly walnuts and almonds, attract great attention.

Jammu, August 24
Flaying the coalition regime for its failure to provide basic amenities to residents of Kishtwar district, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded that besides providing employment to locals, free electricity should also be given to the people of the erstwhile Doda district because they have first right on the water flowing from their area. The party regretted that residents of the Chenab Valley - which provides electricity to many parts of the country, are not getting electricity supply.

Addressing public meetings at Patimahal and Palimohal areas of Kishtwar assembly segment, former minister Peer Mohammad Hussain said mega hydro electricity projects were being constructed in this belt but locals are not getting benefits of such projects. He specially pointed out the problem of acute shortage of water and electricity being faced by the inhabitants of this belt. “It is unfortunate that other parts of the country are benefited from the power generated by the projects located in this belt but the natives of this place are struggling to get power even for a couple of hours throughout the day”, he said. He added that the local residents were neither getting power nor other basic amenities. The former minister said it was result of the discriminatory water agreement signed by the successive National Conference regimes that the locals were not getting benefit of the mega hydro electric projects located in this belt.

Senior party leader and MLC Sayeed Asgar Ali pointed out shortage of ration in the belt. He said the system had totally collapsed in this belt. He regretted that people have been confronting with the shortage of ration while the authorities had not taken any step to solve their problems.

He further said health and education sectors were also defunct in this belt. He said there was a huge shortage of teaching staff in schools.

Jammu, August 24
The Progressive Students Association (PSA) yesterday held a demonstration at Jammu University demanding better facilities along with adequate accommodation in the hostel where students are still waiting for room allotment. As many as 40 students gathered on the university premises. They had presented a memorandum to the Vice-Chancellor on August 8 regarding the allotment of hostels, to which the Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar had replied that he would ensure that the hostel accommodation made to the students at the earliest.

Despite an assurance given by the VC, the students’ union said the hostel allotment was slow and haphazard.

“All the reassurances are hollow. The form distribution has not yet started due to which students are still suffering,” said a member of the PSA.

While addressing the media, Manik, president of the PSA unit, JU, said: “All the needy students who are from far-flung areas are desperately waiting for the accommodation. They should be provided hostel facility so that they could pursue their studies without the added stress of finding suitable accommodation in the city, especially the female students of the varsity.”

They also demanded that the university administration should construct new hostels since the number of students coming to the university had increased manifold and the infrastructure should match the growing needs of the students.

According to MS Bhatti, spokesperson of the PSA, the university is not paying any heed towards the issues of the students. 

Rajouri, August 24
The Minister of State for Power, forest, CAPD and Transport, Shabir Ahmed Khan, yesterday visited flood affected areas of Rajouri town and took stock of damages caused to the crops and property due to recent floods in the area.

He was accompanied by officers and engineers of Revenue and Irrigation and flood Control department, while visiting several flood affected areas to assess the loss of property and crops for providing immediate compensation under Calamity Relief Fund (CRF) to the affected families.

The minister directed the engineers of Irrigation and flood Control Department for the formulation of detailed project reports to be taken up with the government for the construction of protection bundh on Sukhto Nullah so that such incidents in future could be prevented.

He also instructed engineers to ensure timely completion of the ongoing flood protection works in the area.

Several deputations of Poonch and Rajouri districts, including sarpanches and panches met the minister during his visit to the area. They apprised the minister about their problems and developmental needs.

The minister gave a patient hearing to the deputations. He assured them that all the genuine demands, especially regarding development of their areas under various sectors would be taken up to the departments concerned for immediate redress.

Rajouri, August 24
The Army under the aegis of Headquarters Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo) organised an interaction programme with veterans (ex-servicemen) of Rajouri district at Saaj today.

Rajouri Zila Sainik Board secretary Maj RS Thakur (retd), officials from the Department of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Agriculture, and District Industrial Centre and Khadi Gramudhyog were present to address the veterans and their dependents.

Nearly 117 veterans, 43 war widows and their children attended the function in which veterans were made aware of new welfare activities which the government has introduced for their benefit.

Eminent veterans of the area also addressed the gathering and highlighted the issues that required attention of the Army as well as the civil administration.

A medical camp was also organised, wherein the unit medical staff provided general healthcare and free medicines to the veterans and their dependents.

A grievance cell and an information cell were also established at the venue to register the grievances and problems of the veterans and to provide them information on the latest welfare activities.

They were assured that appropriate actions to resolve their problems would be initiated.

Poonch, August 24
An educational-cum-motivational tour ‘Carvan-e-Hind’ was flagged off by Rashtriya Rifles’ Commander from Mendhar today.

The tour is a part of the ongoing Op Sadbhavana, under the aegis of Counter Insurgency Force (Romeo) and is being organized for the village elders and maulvis of the remote and far-flung areas of Poonch district.

Prominent Army and civil dignitaries were present during the flagging off ceremony. 25 village elders from various villages of the Poonch district participated in the tour. The elders and maulvis were shortlisted from the names sponsored by the panchayat administration. The aim of the tour is to provide an opportunity to meet and interact with the countrymen from other regions and establish a bond of friendship with them.

As part of the tour, the participants are scheduled to visit the Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake and the Zoo in Chandigarh.

They will also visit the Jama Masjid, Sugar Distillery, Golden Market and Remount Veterinary Corps, Centre and College at Meerut.

Mohd Shafiz (55), a resident of Salani and Adil Akhter Shah (50), a resident of Gursai, who are a part of the tour, said the event would give them an opportunity to have a firsthand experience of the rich cultural heritage and the progress and development of the country.

Mohd Fazal, a resident of Chhapartala, and a farmer by occupation said “It was like a dream-come-true for me to visit places outside the state and to see other parts of this great country”.

The local people and family members of these village elders and maulvis, expressed their gratitude to the Army, for providing them an opportunity to venture outside their region and to visit the other parts of the country. 

Jammu, August 24
Government High School, Paloura, dispatched Government High School, Muthi, in the summit clash to lift the title trophy in the U-19 boys volleyball tournament of Jammu Zone yesterday.

In other matches, GHS Muthi trounced KC Public School by 2-1, GHS Paloura overwhelmed SRML by 2-0 and GHS Muthi eased past KC International by 2-1. In the U-19 boys kabaddi, GHS Muthi clinched the title beating SRML by 18 points in an exciting final. In the semi-finals, GHS Muthi, prevailed over the HSS Dansal by 15 points while SRML had a last laugh against the HS Paloura by 10 points.

HS Nowabad claimed the U-19 boys kho-kho title by defeating the HS Paloura in the summit clash. Earlier, in the semi-finals, HS Nowabad trounced HS Muthi by 4 points and HS Paloura drubbed HS Jajjar Kotli by 7 points.

In the U-19 boys wrestling event, Radhay Sharma of SRML claimed a gold in the below 40 kg while Mohammad Javed of the HSS Dansal fetched the yellow metal in the below 45 kg.

In other bouts, Vishal Raj of HS Muthi won a gold medal in the below 55 kg, Raman Saini of SRML clinched a gold medal in the below 60 kg, Shamsher Khan of SRML won a gold in the 66 kg, Bahadur Khan of Tiny Tots claimed a gold medal in the below 74 kg, Mohd Akram of Tiny Tots bagged a gold medal in the below 84 kg category, Ishak Ahmed of Tiny Tots clinched a gold medal in the below 96 kg and Sadiq Hussain of HS Sujwan got a gold medal in 96+ kg weight category.

Jammu, August 24
The Rangaloke theatre group presented the 177th show of ‘Maa Mujhe Tagore Bana Do’, a play inspired from Punjabi story by Mohan Bhandari at Government Women College, Parade. It was directed by Lucky Gupta.

Principal of the College Professor Dr Hemla Aggarwal was the cheif guest on the program.

The story of the play revolved around a boy who strives hard to get education and wants to be like Tagore despite his poverty. It is a saga of dedication, determination and the strong will power of a poor boy who despite set backs hopes to be like Tagore in life and write poetry like him. Speaking on the occasion, Hemla Aggarwal appreciated the performance and said that the college would extend similar cooperation to such sincere efforts in theater. 

Batote, August 24
A rally of the Indian National Congress youth workers led by its president Pankaj Basotra was taken out in Ramban town in support of their demand for the implementation of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendment in the state.

The rally concluded at the district administration complex, Maitra, Ramban, where a memorandum was submitted to the Deputy Commissioner, Shabir Ahmed Bhat, in which it was urged to the state government to implement the 73rd and 74th amendment of the Constitution in the state to strengthen the Panchayati Raj Institutions. 

Jammu, August 24
The Nav Durga Kala Manch (NKDM) today staged Rajneesh Gupta’s comedy play ‘Hello Teacher’ in the ongoing Friday Theatre Series at Performing Art Studio, Jammu.

The play directed by Tarun Sudershan Vasson staged a soft angle of a studious teacher who wants his students to learn faster and effectively. The teacher in the play is also influenced by a female teacher who is enticing him to get married to her.

The artists who performed in the play were Kamal Jeet Singh, Reetu Manhas, Sakshi Dogra, Tarun Sudershan Vasson, Kibu Bharat and Ashwani Sharma.

Lights were handled by Anil Atri and Music was executed by Aaditya Bhanu while Reetu Manhas was the incharge of make-up and presentation was done by Kunal Mahajan.

Jammu, August 24
The Jammu police yesterday claimed to have recovered a country-made pistol along with five cartridges after a disclosure made by one of the three gangsters who were arrested by the city police a few days ago from the Kanji House area.

According to reports, after the arrest of the three gangsters from the city on August 20, the SSP Jammu had constituted a specialised investigation team headed by SDPO north under the immediate supervision of SP north for the sustained interrogation of the gangsters to check further inter-gang activities in the city.

During interrogation, one of the arrested gangsters, identified as Balwinder Singh alias Bindu of Gurdaspur, spilled the beans and a country-made weapon and five cartridges were recovered from his hideout at Vijay Nagar, Talab Tillo.

With the arrest of three gangsters, a major inter-gang rivalry has been averted in the city, the police spokesperson claimed.

In this connection, further interrogation of the gangsters is going on and a case under Sections 4/25,3/25 of the Arms Act has been registered.