Jammu, October 30
Even as the harvesting season is midway, government has failed to set up functional procurement centres in the rice-producing areas of Jammu, leaving farmers at the mercy of rice mill mafia.

At the moment, only two centres are functional - one at Gajansoo and another in Samba, while Minister for Agriculture Ghulam Hassan Mir had announced that 13 centres be made operational.

An announcement was made to open centres at Bishnah, Arnia, RS Pura, Sohanjana, Gajansoo, Channu Chak, Pargwal, Khour and Jourian (Jammu district), Ramgarh, Vijaypur (Samba district) Nagri Parole-Chanigran and Sanji Morh (Kathua district).

This year, government has fixed Rs 1,250 for common grade paddy and Rs 1,280 for A-grade paddy, but mismanagement at various levels pushes the cultivators towards private mill owners, who lift the produce at Rs 600 to Rs 1,000.

“Farmers here are at the mercy of middlemen, millers and businessmen, who give minimum price per quintal in absence of coordination between government agencies. Food Corporation of India (FCI) does not run a 24-hour service, but they operate only during the day,” said Tejinder Singh, president, J&K Rice Growers Association.

In Jammu region, total area under rice cultivation is around 109.60 thousand hectares and the production is around 2000 thousand quintals. Three types of rice, namely super fine, medium and coarse varieties, are generally grown in the region and thousands of families depend on farming for their survival.

Satish Bhagat, a procurement officer from Agriculture Department, said paddy lifting is done by FCI and Agriculture department set up procurement centre as per need. “At the moment, two centres are working. Others will be opened soon,” said Bhagat.

However, Bhagat refused to comment on why all the centres have not been made operational for the benefit of the farmers.

The southern area of the state starting from RS Pura to Hiranagar is considered rice bowl of the state and thousands of hectares of land is under paddy cultivation.

Udhampur, October 30
The Additional Sessions Judge, Udhampur, today awarded two years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 1,000 on Pawan Kumar, resident of village Jakhed, tehsil Ram Nagar.

Additional Sessions Judge, Udhampur, MK Sharma, observed that the chargesheet was presented in the court on October 26, 007. The convict faced trial for more than five years. In view of the facts and circumstances of the case, the convict Pawan Kumar has been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for two years and fine of Rs 1,000 for commission of offence under Section 376/511 of RPC and rigorous imprisonment for six months and fine of Rs 500 for the commission of offence under Section 451 RPC. All the sentences will run concurrently.

Jammu, October 30
With trucks carrying documents and other material reaching Jammu, as the annual Darbar Move is under process, the process of unloading started today at the civil secretariat. The first cavalcade of 200 vehicles carrying official records reached the winter capital in the last 24 hours.

For the next four days, there will be no movement of Darbar move vehicles and the next cavalcade of these vehicles would proceed for Jammu on November 3-4. Traffic restrictions would then once again be put in place at the highway.

Meanwhile, the estate and other departments have completed renovation of the quarters where the employees are given accommodation during winters.

The government quarters at Janipur, Sarwal, Subash Nagar and BC Road are prepared for arrival of the employees. Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) is also gearing up for the Darbar move and has pressed into service men and material to make Jammu city ready for the additional population.

Offices in Jammu will open on November 5 and the seat of government will function till April next year.

Jammu, October 30
With the onset of winters, the warm clothing line has taken over the markets here, with long sweaters and woollen kurtis continuing this winter too. No new fashion is in the market; it’s a makeover on offer for Jammu residents.

Some think only short clothes can mark a fashion statement, but the collection during the winter season proves them wrong. The weather condition allows the people to experiment with clothes and different looks.

With the change in season, youngsters are switching over from dull summer looks to warm winter looks in which, despite long and full clothes, youngsters get a trendy look by trying their hand at different types of warm clothes including caps, boots, mufflers, long jackets and trendy sweaters.

Subah Gupta, a Commerce graduate who had come to a showroom for getting woollen clothes, said, “The winter collection has already arrived but what I can see is that no new trend is in. It’s the same long kurtis and long sweaters. Though designs are new, the trend is same.”

“The only thing different is - Short sweaters are not displayed anywhere in the market. It seems as if people have stopped wearing short sweaters. And a new variety of designs- new woollen tops, is available in the market that was earlier difficult to find in Jammu,” she added.

Winter is a lovely season as it allows light make-up even in the daily routine. Warm colours- purple, green and black are in.

“Most of the winter garments that are being bought in Jammu are manufactured in Ludhiana, whereas the summer garments are from Delhi or Mumbai. So when it comes to the winter fashion, people follow trends. And the trend will change in Jammu only when there is a change in fashion in Ludhiana or Delhi,” said Karuna Jain, a boutique owner.

Jammu, October 30
Members of the civil society including prominent persons of various socio-religious organisations today held a protest demonstration in support of the Buddhist community, whose members have allegedly been experiencing harassment in the form of beating, torture, forced conversions and execution.

The protesters said they had assembled against the alleged forcible conversion of 26 persons of the Buddhist community while a bandh was observed in Leh in protest against alleged forced conversions of Buddhists at Padam, Zanskar in Kargil district of Ladakh region on October 28.

The civil society of Jammu has also come out in support of the Buddhists of Ladakh region and against their alleged forced conversions. They have taken strong exception to the statements of Hurriyat Conference and other separatist leaders and asked them not to meddle into affairs of people of Ladakh region, especially the Buddhist community.

Youngsters from Zanskar and other towns of Kargil district also participated in the protest demonstrations against alleged forced conversions of members of six families of Buddhists of Zanskar and of alleged use of force during a curfew. — TNS

Jammu, October 30
Panun Kashmir today organised a meeting of the activists, executive council and the advisory board to take stock of the preparations for the Homeland Day, which will be observed on December 28.

The one-day convention will be held at the Green Land Palace, Muthi and the deliberations and technical sessions on all the themes concerning the Kashmiri Pandit community ranging from political to social, economic to cultural will be debated so that a comprehensive line of action is adopted to achieve the goal of Homeland as envisaged in the Margdarshan resolution adopted unanimously in 1991 by the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Kuldeep Raina, general secretary, Panun Kashmir said, "December 28 is a day of reaffirmation for the entire religiously cleansed Kashmiri Pandit community to carry on the struggle for the reclamation of our ancestral land on our own terms with the free-flow of the Indian constitution in Kashmir.”

“Adhoc measures that do not address the genocide and holocaust of the Kashmiri pandits are not going to empower the community," he added.

He said, "Organisational cadres have geared up to celebrate the Homeland Day on December 28 will all vigor and vitality. All community members are appealed to contribute within their capacity keeping the momentum of homeland struggle going so that reversal of genocide takes place once for all." 

Katra, October 30
A ‘Jago Grahak Jago’ campaign was launched here on Tuesday to make consumers aware of their rights and the forum they should approach for redressal of their complaints.

The campaign was launched by Department of Education at a function on the premises of Government Higher School, Katra, where MLA Reasi BR Sharma was the chief guest.

Addressing the gathering, Sharma said, “Whenever consumers go to shops for buying products, they are charged more than the maximum retail price, which they never realise. Thus, a consumer need to be well-informed.”

He further said, “Our motive behind the campaign is to make the customer a smart one.”

On the occasion, Joint Director Education Jammu said, “The problem is that people don’t have information on where to go. They should first go to the nodal officer of the company, then the appellate authority and lastly, there is the consumer court.”

On the occasion, students of various schools held a rally as part of a campaign under the banner of ‘Jago Grahak Jago.

Reasi, October 30
With a view to create awareness about the modern techniques of Agriculture, especially in cultivation of saffron and vegetables, the Agriculture Department today organised a farmers’ awareness camp at Salal village in Reasi district.

The camp was attended by large number of farmers, sarpanches and panches.

Chief agriculture officer, Reasi, RK Safaya, along with field staff acquainted the farmers with the methods of seed treatment, preparation of composite pits, vermin compost, analysis of soil test and Kisan credit cards.

The camp was inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Nirmal Sharma.

Vegetable seeds were distributed free of cost among the farmers for kitchen gardening and chloropyriphos (Pesticide) on subsidy.

The CAO educated the farmers about the importance and benefit of the KCC scheme.

Jammu, October 30
Bollywood director Madhur Bhandarkar today released a devotional music album titled ‘Tu Hi Tu’ at Katra.

The album is of J&K singer Rajinder Ricky. Owner of Venus Records Ganesh Jain, owner of Tips Industries Romesh Turani and film analyst Vikas Mohan, besides other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

The devotional songs in the album were recorded at RR studios in Mumbai and the music was created by Rajwinder Singh, the elder brother of Bollywood playback singer, Sukhwinder Singh.

The lyrics were done by Nimma Gurwali, Sheetal Kavi and Rajinder Ricky while videography was directed by Suraj Bhardwaj. The music album contains 11 tracks. 

Jammu, October 30
After a pathetic performance in the recently concluded senior national badminton championship held in Srinagar, the shuttlers are mulling the option to quit the upcoming state badminton championship slated to begin from November 3 to November 7.

The shuttlers claimed they were not getting enough time to attend the practice sessions at the Indoor Sports Complex, MA Stadium owing to the issuance of a new order by the J&K State Sports Council recently for closing the stadium at 8 pm.

“The decision taken by the sports council to issue a new order is a welcome step in order to curb the misuse of the sports complex by some individuals, who often utilise it for their entertainment, but at the same time it is creating hurdles for us because we do not have much time for practice,” said one of the senior shuttlers on the condition of anonymity.

“All the badminton courts are occupied by the junior shuttlers till 7.30 pm and when it’s the turn for the seniors, we find the stadium close,” he claimed.

“Most of the senior shuttlers are employed in various departments and due to hectic schedule, they get time late in the evening to attend practice session but unfortunately we are deprived of that,” said another shuttler.

“Non-conduct of the coaching camp and lack of practice is responsible for the shameful performance in the recently held senior national championship and if the present scenario continues, you cannot expect miracles from us in the upcoming state championship. That is why it is better to quit,” the shuttler said.

The state sports council had issued an order regarding the closure of complex at 8 pm after the complaints being poured in by some individuals regarding the disturbance created during practice session of the players at the sports complex.

Indoor Sports Complex manager Satish Gupta told The Tribune, “The J&K Sports Council, secretary, has issued instructions regarding the closure of the Indoor Sports Complex after 8 pm.”

“We really feel sorry for the shuttlers but we have no option but to follow the instructions,” he said. 

Jammu, October 30
An inordinate delay in the selection of the team, followed by an internal argument, has taken toll both on the working of the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) and the players as well, who are now finding it tough to prove their fitness level, in the ongoing Ranji Trophy coaching camp at GGM Science College Hostel Ground.

According to JKCA sources, Bishen Singh Bedi, JKCA’s chief coach and former international cricketer, who arrived in Jammu a few days back to impart coaching to the cricketers ahead of Ranji Trophy, has expressed dissatisfaction over the fitness of the state cricketers.

Sources said the cricketers had blamed the state cricket body for an inordinate delay in conducting the camp. “JKCA chief coach, Bishen Singh Bedi knows his job well and is trying his level best to prepare the cricketers but unfortunately there is not enough time at our disposal,” one of the sources in the JKCA said.

Sources said the players were not happy with the ongoing coaching camp. “The association should have conducted the camp six months before the start of the cricket season. Moreover, the tasks to prove the fitness are very tough,” the players said.

“The state cricket body, instead of chalking the future strategy for the players, is completely plagued by the selection politics,” the source maintained.

JKCA treasurer Manzoor Wazir told The Tribune “It is important to test the fitness level of cricketers ahead of important tournament.”

The JKCA treasurer, however, rejected the unconfirmed reports of a verbal dual between a senior cricketer and chief coach Bishen Singh Bedi during the ongoing Ranji Trophy coaching camp at GGM Science College Hostel Ground. 

Jammu, October 30
Prithpal bagged top spot in 50 m freestyle today in the divisional-level inter-district swimming competitions in boys’ section in all age groups which commenced at the Heritage School, Sainik Colony here.

The event is being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) under the overall supervision of Ashok Kumar, Deputy Director, DYSS.

Nikhil Sambyal had to settle for the second position in the same category.

Other Results: 100m freestyle: Nikhil Sambyal (1st) and Pranav (2nd). 50m backstroke: Pranav (1st) and Prithpal Singh (2nd). 200m breaststroke: Aditya Gupta (1st) and Dhruv Kohli (2nd).

100m breaststroke: Jatinjit Singh (1st). 50m butterfly stroke: Aditya Gupta (1st).

U-17 boys (50m freestyle): Ahmed Ikram (1st) and Razat Sharma (2nd). 100m freestyle: Ahmed Ikram (1st) and Sahil Sharma (2nd). 200m freestyle: Razat Sharma (1st) and Ahmed Ikram (2nd). 50m backstroke: Razat Sharma (1st) and Prarthit (2nd). 100m backstroke: Neesar Gupta (1st) and Amit Sharma (2nd). 50m breaststroke: Hardik Khajuria (1st) and Sahil Sharma (2nd). 100m breaststroke: Rahul Kohli (1st) and Anirudh Sawhney (2nd). 200mts breaststroke: Rahul (1st). 200mts backstroke: Rohan Mahajan (1st). 50mts butterflystroke: Adhar Koul (1st) and Rohit (2nd). 100mts butterflystroke: Kunwar Sethi (1st).

U-19 boys (50mts freestyle): Harkirat Singh (1st) and Shubam Sharma (2nd). 100mts freestyle: Gourav (1st) and Suresh (2nd). 200mts freestyle: Kinshuk Safaya (1st). 50m backstroke: Arnav Kamal (1st) and Shubam Sharma (2nd).

Jammu, October 30
Punjab got the better of Jalandhar in volleyball today in the ongoing 10th Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) sports meet in multi-disciplines being held at MA Stadium here.

In another match, Ludhiana defeated Delhi. Himachal Pradesh thrashed Ludhiana and Faridabad toppled Delhi in cricket.

In table tennis championship, D(M)D subdued Punjab, Headquarters Office beat J&K, Delhi defeated Faridabad, D(M)D beat Faridabad, Uttrakhand eased past Headquarter Office, D(M)D got the better of Himachal Pradesh, Delhi beat Punjab and Ludhiana thrashed J&K.

In the badminton championship in women section, Himachal Pradesh had the last laugh against Haryana and D(MD) Delhi prevailed upon Delhi. In men’s section, Delhi trounced Headquarters Office, Punjab beat Himachal Pradesh, Jalandhar defeated Uttrakhand, D(M)D beat Ludhiana and Delhi prevailed upon Faridabad. In football, Headquarters Office cruised past Ludhiana while D(M)D outplayed Haryana.

In chess, Headquarters Office scripted a win over J&K, Himachal Pradesh got the better of Ludhiana, Faridabad prevailed upon Uttrakhand and D(M)D trounced Jalandhar.

Earlier, Inspector General of Police (IGP), Jammu, Dilbag Singh inaugurated the tournament. He was accompanied by Rattan TS Reen, regional board member Vinod Gupta, administrative medical officer, ESI scheme, Balbir Gupta, association of industries, Gangyal and Virender Jain, general secretary, association of industries.

The teams drawn from the states of Chandigarh, Haryana, Delhi, Ludhiana, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand are competing in the disciplines of cricket, volleyball, football, chess, carrom, badminton and table tennis. 

Jammu, October 30
Nowabad police today arrested three persons, including an Executive Engineer and a Junior Engineer of Public Health Engineering (PHE) department from Jewel area, seizing from them fake currency of the face value of Rs 65,000.

The accused were identified as Manu Karwal, son of Raghunath Bhat, resident of Roop Nagar, Sharif-ud-Din, son of Ghulam Mohammad, resident of Aaiyan in Kupwara and Lal Din, son of Nizam Din of Kupwara. Manu is an executive engineer in PHE and Flood Control department in Kupwara, while Sharif-ud-Din is a junior engineer. Lal Din is a government contractor. — TNS