Jammu, November 7
The Legal Metrology Department has detected 1,500 traders for selling low quality consumer goods at inflated prices thereby cheating gullible consumers.

In most cases, traders and shopkeepers have been found selling goods, including gifts, clothes, eatables, etc below the net weight as printed on the product. Not only this, the traders were also found charging extra from the consumers especially for the products manufactured by the local industry.

With frequent price rise, there has been an increase in the complaints received against manufacturers and traders for inflating the Maximum Retail Price of packaged commodities in the absence of any central and state law to regulate the same.

"The manufacturers determine and mark the MRP which includes the cost of production, distribution and margin of profit at different levels in the retail price in the state. Nobody knows how the price is fixed," an official said.

The state government has constituted a working group to formulate rules to curb hoarding and profiteering in the state, but it will take years before a mechanism is found and there is no way to implement any rule, as manufactures are very powerful.

Under the Essential Commodities Act, Drug Control order, Central Excise Act and Hoarding and Profiteering Ordinance, only the quality of the products sold in the market is dealt with, and not the prices of goods.

“Profiteering has plagued our business environment. The way business is practiced in our state speaks of dishonesty and can be described as robbery in broad daylight," said Vir Saraf, a social activist.

A senior officer from Legal Meteorology said in the rest of the India the focus in the market places may have gradually shifted from customer satisfaction to customers but in our state, the focus of most of our business community is how to swoop on the customers and snatch their hard earned money through profiteering.

Joint Controller (Jammu Province) Legal Metrology, Amar Singh said, “Till September we imposed a fine of Rs 12 lakh on traders found violating the rules. Some reputed companies and showrooms were also found inflating the prices.”

Katra, November 7
More than 500 residents of Mari village in Reasi got a rude shock in the morning when three persons were injured and the electrical appliances of residents of the village got damaged due to high-voltage fluctuation.

The three persons who got injured due to voltage fluctuation at their homes were rushed to District Hospital by the locals, where their condition is stated to be stable.

Irate villagers also blocked the Reasi-Mari road and held a protest. They also demanded an inquiry into the matter.

“We did not get time to react. My washing machine and television set got damaged,” said Mohmaad Ayub Bhat, a resident of Mari.

In most houses, fans and tube lights got damaged due to voltage fluctuation. Hans Raj, another resident said, “My inverter and water-lifting pump have got damaged.” He held the Power Development Department (PDD) responsible for the damage. He also demanded that the residents be compensated for the loss.

Executive Engineer, PDD, Chemail Singh said, “Short-circuit seems to be the reason leading to the voltage fluctuation, we are trying to find the cause behind the same. The task has been entrusted to the technical team of the PDD.”

Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, Nirmal Sharma, visited the spot. He has ordered a probe into the matter. He asked the PDD officials to file a report within 48 hours.

Sharma said an inquiry has been ordered to find the cause of the incident whereas a team has also been constituted to assess the loss of the residents. Residents of nearby villages and Reasi town too faced a four-hour long power cut after an 11 KV line tripped.

Jammu, November 7
In protest against yesterday’s lathicharge by the police on volunteers of the J&K National Youth Corps (JKNYC), employees held protests outside their respective offices. Coming together under the banner of Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) today, the employees held a demonstration alleging that the government had backtracked from its promises.

They accused the Omar Abdullah government of adopting delaying tactics in addressing the issues of the employees, despite signing an agreement with their representatives in 2010 and 2011.

They demanded implementation of the agreement on enhancing the retirement age from 58 to 60 years and regularisation of the ad-hoc employees.

“The government has backtracked twice from the agreement but it is not serious about the welfare of employees,” said Gafoor Dar, senior JCC leader.

Dar said no announcement was made about enhancement of the retirement age from 58 to 60 years, removal of pay anomalies of clerical cadre, and 6,500-10,500 grade, regularisation of leftover daily wagers of pre-1994 cadre and formation of a regularisation policy for PDL/TDL, casual labour and need-based workers engaged after 1994.

“Demonstrations were held to show the government that its workers are not happy the way the administration is dealing with their problems. Immediate steps should be taken to implement the points of agreements,” said Ganesh Khajuria, a union leader.

Poonch, November 7
DIG, Rajouri-Poonch Range, Danish Rana, conducted a public meeting in Kulali village in Surankote Tehsil and interacted with the members of the village defence committee today.

Fazal Tahir, the head of the 171-member village defence committee eulogised the role of the police for fighting militancy and crime in the area. He said the first village defence committee was constituted by the then DIG, Rajouri-Poonch Range, SM Sahai, who had visited the village after Operation Sarvanash in May 2003. He also said four village defence committee members of the area had also sacrificed their lives while fighting militancy.

He said the village defence committee members were on the forefront in all anti-militancy operations. He also demanded special police recruitment drive for unemployed youth in the area.

Jammu, November 7
The district police today launched a cleanliness drive to make Devika River contamination free.

A proposal in this regard was submitted to the police headquarters to take up the cause under the Civic Action Programme of the state police.

As many as 80 families belonging to Udhampur, which live along the river were called to the district police headquarters and notices were served on them mentioning that stern legal action would be taken against those who do not have septic tanks in their houses and directly dump their waste towards the river Devika.

Residents assured that they would get their septic tanks constructed within four months and also take alternate measures to dispose off their waste. They were also asked to furnish affidavits to this effect to the Municipal Committee Office so that the defaulters thereafter could be dealt with strictly under the law.

Batote, November 7
A member of the legislative Assembly from Inderwal and former state minister GM Saroori has announced a grant of Rs 50,000 from his development fund for the development of the library of the Government Degree College, Kishtwar.

He made the announcement during his visit to Kishtwar today.

Principal Shafqat Hussain Rafiqi apprised him of the various difficulties being faced by the college students and the staff due to lack of infrastructure.

Rafiqi also demanded an early completion of the college boundary wall.

He demanded that the college besides more classrooms and science laboratories.

Saroori also interacted with the staff and students of the college.

Jammu, November 7
Speaker Muhammad Akbar Lone has asked the executing agency to fix targets and submit a progress report to him on a quarterly basis about the construction of Legislative Assembly building in Jammu.

He has asked the J&K Projects Construction Corporation (JKPCC) to complete the construction of the complex being executed at the cost of Rs 113 crore on time.

He was accompanied by Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Ali Mohammad Sagar, MLA Chaman Lal Gupta, Principal Secretary to Chief Minister, BB Vyas, Secretary Law GH Tantray, Secretary Assembly M Ramzan and Managing Director JKPCC MM Gupta.

They inspected the construction site and reviewed the progress on the project. They also inquired about the status of work and the expenditure incurred so far.

Lone said there will be no compromise on the quality of work and directed the use of standard material. He asked the executing agency to keep a check on the quality of iron and other material before using the material.

Lone and Sagar directed the executing agency to make requisite machinery and manpower available at the site to avoid any hindrance in the construction work.

Earlier, he chaired a meeting of the departments concerned and reviewed the progress of the project.

He was informed that work on the project was in full swing and sufficient funds were available for the purpose.

Jammu, November 7
The police arrested a woman hailing from Pakistan last night from a forward area in Kanachak along the Border near here.

The 22-year old woman identified herself as Rubina of Musa Colony in Hyderabad, Pakistan. She had asked a local man about the routes to reach Pakistan, said Kanachak SHO, Rajinder Sharma.

"The man became suspicious about her and informed us and we went to the forward area at 11 pm," he added. She has a four-month-old daughter in her lap, he said.

"We brought her to the police station where she told us that she had entered India via the Wagah Border 10 days back," he added. He said though the woman claimed to have entered India via Wagah, she had no passport or other document to prove that her entry and stay in India was legal.

Nothing incriminating was recovered from her possession, he added. The police has booked the woman under Section 14 of the Foreigners' Act, he said.

Kathua, November 7
The police recovered bet Rs 13,155 from a gambling den during a raid. The police also arrested five persons.

The police conducted a raid at Ward No 2, near Power House and arrested the five accused after stake money was recovered from their possession.

The accused have been identified as Parvinder Singh, Yash Paul Singh, Jeet Kumar, Jasbir Singh and Angrej Singh, all residents of Ward No 4, Kathua.

A complaint under relevant sections of the J&K Gambling Act has been lodged in this regard.

Jammu, November 7
With around 4 lakh vehicles plying on the roads in the Jammu city, the residents and the traffic cops are facing a major problem of air pollution. The condition is not showing any signs of improvement as the number of vehicles in the city increasing day by day.

With very narrow roads and huge traffic, the busy roads give tough time to the traffic cops, who remain on toes, to regulate the traffic here.

On an average, about 3,000 vehicles are added to 3 square-kilometer area on the monthly basis.

The department concerned is active in organising monthly medical camps for the traffic policemen but no proper results could be seen as it was found that more than five per cent of the traffic policemen are suffering from respiratory problems.

“The situation was entirely different earlier. Now, the number of vehicles is increasing with each passing day and it is mandatory for the cops to take precautionary measures to stay from respiratory diseases. But these things are not practically possible, said Gasha Lal, sub-inspector.

“During the duty hours, it is not possible to sit and relax as they have to manage the traffic. There is no way to get rid of the chronic diseases,” he added.

Despite getting some relief because of the recently installed traffic lights, the increasing pollution is taking a toll on the health of the cops. Thick smoke, exhaust fumes and scorching heat to which these cops remain exposed during most of the day makes them vulnerable to many diseases.

Jammu, November 7
The Shiromani Akal Dal (SAD), Delhi, today pledged its full support to the elected panches and sarpanches of the state.

The panchayat leaders had refused to obey the diktat of the Hizbul chief, Salahudin.

The J & K state president, Harasis Singh, said the organisation has appreciated the stand taken by the panchayat leaders of both regions of the state. He criticised the state government for not paying nay heed to the issue of providing adequate security to the panches and sarpanches.

He asked the authorities concerned to provide adequate security to the elected panchayat members especially to their leaders, who are openly challenging the diktat of militants saying that if any untowards incidents happen with any panch or sarpanch, the state government will be responsible for that.

Harasis added that the panchayats are the basic pillars of democratic establishment and the government is insincere towards the cause of empowerment of the Panchayati Raj Institutions. He said Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Panchayti Raj Minister Ali Mohammad Sagar had never fulfilled promises pledged to the Panchayat members.

He assured that the matter would be taken up with the central leadership.

Katra, November 7
The employees of Salal Power Station, Jyotipuram project, today celebrated NHPC Day with great fervour and enthusiasm at the Ram Lila Ground, Jyotipuram, on Wednesday.

A large number of employees and their families participated in the celebrations. Senior officers from the NHPC, CISF and CRPF were also present on this occasion.

Salal Power Station general manager Chandar Mohan inaugurated the programme in traditional way by lighting the lamp.

Speaking on the occasion, he highlighted the achievements of the corporation since its inception.

The Kendriya Vidyalya students, children of Nursery School Jyotipuram, employees of NHPC and their children presented a cultural programme.

On this occasion, a lucky draw comprising attractive gifts was also arranged. Around 15 food stalls were put up at the venue by the organisers of the event, including NHPC Ladies Club.

Jammu, November 7
Vishal Cricket Club (VCC) and Simula XI notched up thumping wins in the ongoing Eid-Diwali Milan T20 Cricket Cup being organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Police Department, in collaboration with Simula Softwares, at MA Stadium here today.

In the first match, VCC got the better of Rainawari Cricket Club (RCC) by 12 runs. Winning the toss and batting first, VCC piled up 171 runs at the loss of one wicket in the stipulated 20 overs. Sahil Bhalwal was the top scorer with an unbeaten 73 run-knock that came off just 50 balls, including 1 four and a six. Bansi Lal also contributed useful 66 runs off 43 balls with the help of 8 fours and a six. For RCC, Rohit took the lone wicket. In the reply, RCC could not chased the target and manage to score 159 for 9 wickets in the stipulated 20 overs. Shabaz Ahmad played a gutsy knock of 50 runs but in vain. Satish scored 41 runs off 26 balls with 4 fours and 2 sixes while Sidharth chipped in with 18 runs. For VCC, Shezad took three wickets while Varun snared two.

Sahil Bhalwal of VCC bagged the man of the match award. In another match, Simula XI toppled Christian Sports Organisation by a whopping margin of 85 runs. Batting first, Simula XI post 181-6 in the stipulated 20 overs. Atul was the top scorer with 29-ball 43 studded with 6 fours and a six. Shashi and Varun were the notable contributors with scores of 34 and 24 runs respectively.

For Christian Sports Organisation XI, Nitu was the most successful bowler with a haul of two wickets while Amit and Sonu shared wicket a piece.

In reply, Christian Sports Organisation XI post 96 runs in 19.2 overs. Rishu, Sunny, Bharat and Nitu scored 24, 19, 13 and 9 runs respectively for his team.

For Simula XI, Mohit Puri and Varun scalped two wickets each while Vivek claimed one wicket. Atul of Simula XI was declared the man of the match.

Jammu, November 7
The Postal Department on Tuesday started “Post Office Gold Festival” during which India Post provides a special discount of 7 per cent on the purchases of Gold coins to the customers and 8 per cent discount to the defence personnel.

India Post Gold sale is available at Jammu Tawi HPO, Gandhinagar HPO, Srinagar GPO, Leh HPO, Udhampur HO, Kathua HO, Baramulla HO, Anantnag HO, Rajouri HO, Miran Sahib Post Office, Janipur Post Office, Jawahar Nagar (Srinagar) Post Office, RS Pura Post Office, Jammu Market Post Office, Jammu Cantt, Post Office and Vinayak Bazar Post Office.

“These coins are made in Valacambi, Switzerland and they are packed in tamper proof packages. The coins are available in various denominations 0.5 gm, 1 gm, 2 gm, 5 gm, 8 gm, 10 gm, 20 gm and 50 gm,” said John Samuel Chief Postmaster General, J&K Circle.

He added that the specified post offices shall remain open on November 11 i.e. Sunday on the occasion of ‘Dhanteras’.

Jammu, November 7
Vipul Saini and Diksha Verma clinched men and women singles titles today in the 39th J&K State Badminton Championship which concluded at MA Stadium here.

The tournament was organised by the J&K Badminton Association.

In the men singles’ final, Vipul Saini got the better of Vasu Bhagat in a keen tussle while Diksha Verma had last laugh against spirited Akanksha Raina in the summit showdown.

The U-19 girls’ doubles title went to the duo of Prabhjyot and Keerat, who overcame the challenge of Suvidha and Subhagini to bag top honours.

In the singles’ event, Prabhjyot defeated Keeratpreet to clinch the title. In the U-19 boys doubles’ final, the pair of Ankit and Denesh had last laugh against Shantul and Bashir.

In the U-17 girls’ doubles final, the duo of Subhagani and Mitakshara beat Akanksha and Himshi while the singles’ title was bagged by Shahar Massarat of Srinagar defeating Rupal.

The U-17 boys’ singles title was won by Divam Gupta by defeating Zaafal in a tight contest.

In the U-15 girls’ doubles event, Subhagini and Matakshara pipped Himshi and Naman to claim the title.

Other Results:

U-10 boys (singles): 1.Puranjay Sharma, 2. Aesh Goswami

U-10 girls (singles): 1.Bhavini 2.Suhani

U-13 boys (singles): 1.Amil 2. Savinay Mangi

U-13 girls (singles): 1. Naman 2. Peehushi

U-15 boys (singles): 1. Divam Gupta 2. Adam

U-15 girls (singles): 1. Sahar Massarat 2. Naman Mansotra

U-15 boys (doubles): 1. Divam/Raghav Dogra 2. D S Shivam/Akhil

U-13 boys (doubles): 1. Savinay/Aryan 2. Puranjay/Utsav

Jammu, November 7
PG Cricket Club (PGCC) and Pir Panjal Cricket Club (PPCC) won their respective matches to move into the next round of the ongoing T20 Cricket Tournament being organised by the District Police Poonch at Degree College Ground, Poonch.

In the first match, PGCC defeated Lakshey Cricket Club (LCC) by eight wickets. After winning the toss and choose to bat first, PGCC garnered 183 runs at the loss of two wickets in the allotted 20 overs.

Mannu Sharma was the top scorer with 74 runs off 66 balls while Dheeraj also contributed useful 37 runs in just 14 balls.

In reply, LCC could not able to chase the target and was settled for 127 runs. Rocky was the top scorer with 57 runs. Mannu Sharma of PGCC was adjudged the man of the match.

In another match, PPCC dispatched Salotri Cricket Club (SCC) by 10 wickets. After winning the toss and batting first, SCC was bowled out on 115 runs in 20 overs. Imran was the top scorer with 25 runs while Younis chipped in with a handy 23 runs-knock.