Jammu, October 27
Eid-ul-Azha was marked across Jammu by prayers and sacrifice of thousands of animals on Saturday.

In localities like Ustad Mohalla, Khatikan Talab, Bhatindi, Sidhra and some other peripheral areas, vendors, sweetmeat sellers, toy merchants and fruit sellers did brisk business.

“Eid is also about spending time with family and friends, sacrifice, and thanksgiving for being able to afford food and housing. Let’s hope this festival will strengthen brotherhood,” said Sultan Khan, a local resident. Heavy rush of shoppers could be seen at Raghunath Bazar, Residency Road and Gole Market.

Irim Malik, a Jammu University student, was elated while shopping at the Muslim locality of Janipur. “This is the occasion when most of us spend their savings of the year in buying little joys for our children. We love to spend money especially on this occasion.”

In the morning, thousands of community members visited Idgah and mosques to offer prayers.

Hundreds of animals have been brought by the sellers to the markets at prices ranging from Rs 3,000 to Rs 10,000, which were sacrificed.

Meanwhile, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and civil administration had made elaborate arrangements for smooth conduct of the prayers and the corporation had installed water tankers, deploying additional manpower at different mosques in the city.

Jammu, October 27
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) Jammu has accused the government of biased approach towards the region and forcing the people to live “sub-standard life”.

Taking serious note of the very slow pace of work in connection with laying of sewerage pipes and repair of roads and sudden launch of work on a war footing before opening up of the Civil Secretariat, the chamber has alleged that the government is ignoring people of this region.

At a meeting of the chamber’s office-bearers convened under chairmanship of YV Sharma, its president, the members expressed deep concern over the tardy pace of work in connection with laying of pipes for sewerage and drainage work on some of the important roads, lanes and bylanes of the winter capital.

They said work had started well before the rainy season, but the common man was made to suffer not only during the rainy season but even after that. “We received many delegations complaining against the callous and dilatory attitude of the authorities. It was duly conveyed to the authorities concerned,” Sharma said.

The chamber has said Jammu is a tourist destination which receives lakhs of pilgrims. Besides, the population of Jammu has swelled to such an extent that closing of roads or keeping them shabby even for a single day makes it difficult for everyone.

The CCI members took strong note of the speedy completion of the roads and beautification activities initiated now in Jammu just before the ‘Durbar move’. They said, “Are all facilities meant for the ministers and the bureaucrats? Can we ignore the common man at all times? The common man’s interest should be on priority of any administrative dispensation,” Sharma said.

The meeting was attended by Sham Lal Langer, senior vice president, Anil Gupta, junior vice president, Arun Gupta, secretary general, Deepak Aggarwal, secretary and Bharat Bhushan Gupta, treasurer, of the chamber.

Jammu, October 27
Scholars of the Jammu University, while demanding the dissolution of newly appointed panel of Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association (JURSEA), today burnt the effigy of the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and threatened to go on hunger strike if their demand was not accepted within 48 hours.

The protesting scholars blamed the Election Commissioner, Professor Jasbir Singh, and varsity authorities for allegedly working under the direct influence of ruling National Conference and demanded that the varsity should dissolve the new panel, which was declared elected unopposed, and re-conduct of the JURSEA polls.

Chanting slogans against the state government and the university authorities, scores of scholars assembled outside the main gate of the campus and alleged that the new panel of JURSEA was appointed under the influence of the National Conference government.

They further alleged that the nomination papers of the Jammu University scholars, namely Anil Sharma of Botany Department, Kapil Shastri of Sanskrit Department and Shreeya Bakshi of Sociology Department were not accepted by the Election Commissioner under the influence of National Conference leadership.

"The election of the new JURSEA panel was illegal and unconstitutional. The panel should be immediately dissolved and open elections should be conducted at the earliest wherein all the scholars should be allowed to cast their vote," said Kapil Shastri.

They demanded that the Vice-Chancellor should resign from his post and join National Conferenc, as he was allegedly acting as an ambassador of the ruling party on the university campus.

Yesterday, various student organisations' had staged demonstrations against the unconstitutional and unilateral decision taken by the authorities to declare the new panel as elected unopposed.

On Thursday, the JURSEA elections marred with a major controversy after the authorities declared one of the contesting panels of candidates elected unopposed following the failure of other group to comply with the guidelines and submit nomination papers in time. The polls were scheduled to be held on October 31.

Jammu, October 27
The picturesque Kishtwar district, some 240 km from here, has emerged on the crime map of the country in recent times.

The district now witnesses frequent visits of investigating agencies National Investigation Agency (NIA) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). While prime accused in Laila Khan murder case Parvez Iqbal Tak and one of the Delhi High Court blast accused Shakir Hussain, aka Chota Hafiz, belong to Bonjwa and Palmar villages, respectively, in Kishtwar district, Kandahar plane hijack plotter and ISI operative Mehraj-ud-Din Dand, a native of Sopore village in Baramulla district of north Kashmir, was arrested in Kishtwar district. “The Laila Khan murder case and Delhi High Court blast case that hogged media attention had their roots in Kishtwar, while Kandahar plane hijack plotter and ISI operative Mehraj-ud-Din Dand was arrested by the Kishtwar police,” said DIG, Doda-Ramban-Kishtwar range, Garib Dass.

While Dand had been shifted to the Joint Interrogation Centre, Jammu, Parvez Iqbal Tak — stepfather of slain Bollywood starlet Laila Khan — had been arrested from Jammu city, said the DIG.

Hizbul terrorist Chota Hafiz, wanted by the NIA for Delhi HC blast, is absconding. He is suspected to be hiding in upper reaches of the Marwah-Dachhan region, he added. Laila Khan’s murder on February 8 last year followed by the Delhi HC blast on September 7 last year and arrest of ISI operative Dand on June 21 this year, in one way or the other, had their roots in Kishtwar, said the DIG. In all three cases, the Kishtwar police played a pro-active role in spilling the beans, he added. The officer said Tak’s close aide Shakir Hussain Wani, who had been kept as a watchman at the starlet’s Igatpuri farmhouse, remains at large.

Rajouri, October 27
The Indian Army observed its 65th Infantry Day in border district Rajouri on Saturday, commemorating the landing of the first infantry in Srinagar in 1947, after Maharaja Hari Singh of Jammu and Kashmir signed the Instrument of Accession, acceding the kingdom to independent India.

To mark the historic day, the Ace of Spades Division Army at Rajouri paid tributes to those heroic deeds of the gallant infantry soldiers with wreath laying ceremony. Deputy General Officer of Command (Dy GOC) 25 Infantry Division Brig JK Tiwari paid tributes.

He said the day has its own importance for soldiers of first battalion of the Sikh regiment, which landed in Srinagar and resolutely defended Kashmir from falling into others' hands in 1947.

Jammu, October 27
Emerging artists from different parts of Jammu and Kashmir, Himanchal Pradesh, Punjab and Haryana in colorful dresses marked the annual Intra-Regional Cultural festival organised by Power Grid Corporation of India, Northern region-II.

The cultural festival and traditional handicrafts exhibition was held at General Zorawar Singh auditorium.

SC Singh, Executive Director, Northern Region, Transmission System-II, was the chief guest on the occasion. Kiran Singh, patron Srishti Mahila Samiti, NRTS-II, was the guest of honour.

Singh inaugurated the cultural meet by lighting the traditional lamp whereas Kiran Singh had inaugurated the handicraft exhibition in presence of guest.

Those who were present on the occasion include SK Sharma, general manager (Projects), KR Suri, general Manager (O&M), Sunil Agarwal, General Manager (PSTCL), and other senior officers. Stanley Mathews, Chief Manager (HR), NRTS-II, gave the welcome address.

Jammu, October 27
Nowabad police today arrested a man impersonating as Army Captain from Jewel area of old city here.

The accused, Umesh Kumar Rosawana, son of Mani Ram, resident of Rajgarh in Rajasthan, who was in Army uniform, was arrested on suspicion from a hotel where he was putting up.

Official sources said the police had contacted Army officers in 16 Corps to know as to how he managed liquor cards which he generally used to get the entry into Army units and purchase the liquor from CSD canteens located inside these units.

“Two mobile phones, one laptop, a fake identity card and a stamp of a senior Army officer posted in Srinagar were also recovered from his possession,” sources said, adding that the police was also verifying whether the man arrested had any association with the Pakistan-based intelligence agency ISI.

Sources said the arrested man had earlier disclosed that he was posted in Signal Regiment and was a resident of Gulati Colony in Patiala.

“The police got suspicious after verifying his identity card wherein he had mentioned he was a resident of Rajgarh in Rajasthan. According to his identity card, he was appointed as Army Captain on December 21, 2010. He has been kept under sustained interrogation and senior Army officers in 16 Corps had been contacted by the police for solving the mystery as to how he managed to get his treatment from Military Hospital (MH) Satwari on same identification,” sources said.

They said the impersonating Army Captain was assisted by a lady doctor posted in MH Satwari where he used to make frequent visits.

“We are working on all angles as he used to visit Army units and CSD canteens on the same identification. His association with anti-national elements cannot be ruled out,” a police officer said.

Rajouri, October 26
In an endeavour to provide an impetus to education facilities in far flung areas, army distributed furniture items to Government Boys Middle School, Budhal.

The furniture items were distributed by the Rashtriya Rifles Battalion at Samote under the aegis of Uniform Force as part of the ‘Sadbhavana’ activities.

The Armed forces have been at the forefront of carrying out development works in underprivileged areas of the state. The Government Boys Middle School, Budhal, is imparting education to more than 185 students living in Budhal and its adjoining areas. The school had no adequate furniture to cater the seating facility to all the students or nor had adequate funds to purchase the furniture for the school.

On the occasion, Commanding Officer handed over the furniture items to the Headmaster of Government Boys Middle School, Budhal. The villagers and the school authorities appreciated the efforts of the army. The distribution function was attended by a large gathering of villagers and other prominent persons of the area. A small cultural programme was presented by the students of the school. Commanding Officer Rashtriya Rifles interacted with the students and motivated them to work hard in studies for a bright future in this competitive world. He also assured them that army is determined in its efforts to give an impetus in improving the educational standards of the students in remote villages of the area.

Jammu, October 27
A function was organised at Bagoona village (Rajinder Pura) to pay homage to Brigadier Rajinder Singh on his martyrs’ day.

On the occasion, District Development Commissioner Samba Mubarak Singh, Lt Gen (Retd) Anup Singh and Maj Gen (Retd) Goverdhan Singh Jamwal offered wreaths to martyrs’ statue.

Urvashi Pathania, daughter of late Brigadier Rajinder Singh, was also present on the occasion. A colourful cultural programme on patriotism was also presented by the school children.

While paying tributes to Singh, the DDC lauded Brigadier Rajinder Singh for his supreme sacrifice for the motherland when he was fighting against Pakistani invaders at Buniyar. He said that by saving Kashmir he earned the title of ‘Saviour of Kashmir’.

Brig Rajinder Singh was conferred Mahavir Chakar, the first gallantry award of Independent India for his supreme sacrifice and conspicuous bravery,. The DDC said Samba district has the honour of giving great soldiers to the nation who by their bravery got numerous gallantry awards, including Mahavir Chakar, Choura Chakar and Kriti Chakar. 

Jammu, October 27
The All Jammu Hotels and Lodges Association (AJHLA) has demanded allotment of quota of helicopter tickets for pilgrims visiting Vaishno Devi by helicopter to their association.

They have appealed to the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) to allot them a quota of tickets, as they are doing for some hotels and travel agencies of Katra.

The president of the Jammu hoteliers association, Inderjeet Khajuria, has said that this will facilitate the pilgrims to Mata Vaishno Devi and further boost the pilgrimage.

The Jammu hoteliers association has thanked the Chairman SASB for allotting them the quota of air tickets for pilgrims to Amarnath. Quota of air tickets for Amarnath Yatra has been allotted to the hospitality industry both in Kashmir and Jammu, which was highly welcomed. Similarly, quota of air tickets for Vaishno Devi Yatra should be allotted to hoteliers in Jammu besides those at Katra, demanded AJHLA. 

Rajouri, October 27
In a good will gesture Rajouri branch of Rotary International identified two minors, suffering from congenital heart defect and sent them for free heart surgery at Escort Fortis and CMC at Ludhiana.

Rtn KK Langer, zonal chairman, said some people approached them about the condition of the children whose parents were very poor. — OC

Jammu, October 27
Simula XI beat Christian Sports XI by 15 runs in the opening match of the Eid-Diwali Milan Cup Cricket Cup Tournament which commenced at MA Stadium. The tournament is being organised by Jammu and Kashmir Police XI in collaboration with Simula Sports.

Batting first after winning the toss, Simula XI scored 174 runs in the allotted 20 overs. Atul was the top scorer with 41 runs while Irshad contributed 34 runs. Vicky and Vivek scored 24 and 16 runs, respectively.

Nitu Khokher took three wickets while Ravi Manchanda and Ajay shared one wicket each.

In reply, Christian Sports XI could manage only 159 runs for the loss of six wickets. Anthony was the top scorer with 54 runs while Ravi Manchanda and A Bhatti contributed 36 and 22 runs, respectively.

For Simula XI, Vickram took three wickets while Hilal and Vivek snared a wicket apiece.

Vikram was the adjudged man of the match for his brilliant all round performance. Earlier, Inspector General of Police Dilbag Singh inaugurated the tournament wherein 12 teams are participating.

DIG IRP T Phonsuk and DIG Traffic Shakeel Beig were the guests of honour. F

ormer Ranji trophy player Rajesh Gill is the organising secretary of the tournament which is being organised under the overall supervision of IGP Dilbag Singh.

DIG Jammu J P Singh, SO to IGP Jammu, Ramesh Angral Hilal Rather, MD of Simula Software, SSP Traffic Manmohan Singh, SSP Sham Sunder, SP TD Saini, SP Ramesh Angral, SP JS Johar, SP South Rajeshwar Singh, SP Hqrs Shalinder SP Rural Rajesh Kumar, Dy SP Vinay Kumar, Sanjay Mahajan, Asif Gill and David Mattoo were also present.

Jammu, October 27
The J&K Amateur Boxing Association has selected a 10-member boxing team for participation in the 59th Senior Men National Boxing Championship slated to be held at Hyderabad from October 30 to November 4.

The selected pugilists included Pradeep Sharma, Nitin Plasar, Manpreet Singh, Vikas Khatri, Deepak Sharma, Harpal Kumar, Gulshan Singh Chib, Avinash Kumar, Roshan Lal and Rohit Kumar.

Earlier, during the selection at MA Stadium, the office bearers of the association along with coach were also present on the occasion.

Jammu, October 27
Hamre Star Football Club beat Magam XI via penalty shoot out in the final match to clinch the intra-district football tournament played at Srinagar.

Both the teams failed to score in the stipulated time and the winner was decided through penalty shoot out.

Brigadier AK Tyagi, Commander 10-Sector RR, was the chief guest on the occasion. He gave away the prizes to the winners and runners-up team.

Altaf Hussain of Magam XI was adjudged the best player of the tournament while Mudassir Ahmad Bhat of Hamre Star bagged prize for scoring maximum goals. Mudasir Ahmad Teli of of Magam XI was adjudged the best custodian of the tournament while the younger player of the tournament award went to Master Hakim Abdul Majid of Hamre Star. The tournament was organised by the 52 RR of 10 sector RR under the aegis of Kilo Force.