University of Jammu in the winter capital. Tribune file photo

Jammu, December 28
Sending a strong message that no more “preferential treatment” will given to any, University of Jammu has withdrawn all official vehicles from officers and senior professors of the varsity saying the facility will be provided only on “need basis”.

Official sources told The Tribune that the Vice-Chancellor had issued a notification wherein he directed the administration to withdraw official vehicles from the heads of various departments (HoDs) besides officers and teachers.

However, top officers of the varsity comprising the Registrar, Dean Academic Affairs, Controller Examination, Director Distance Education, Administrator General Zorawar Singh Auditorium and Rector Bhaderwah Campus were entitled to official vehicles.

“The university vehicles attached with the HoDs, directors, executive engineer etc, henceforth, shall be kept in common pool. The vehicles shall be attached to the officers/ teachers, as and when, required,” the notification states.

The decision came in effect following allegations levelled by student organisation regarding misuse of official vehicles by varsity officers and professors. It was alleged that the university vehicles were being used by professors and officers for personal use in gross violation of the varsity statutes causing huge loss to the exchequer.

National Secular Forum, which had been demanding withdrawal of official vehicles from professors and teachers, welcomed the decision and termed it as a “good step to restore the credibility” of the institution.

“It is a big achievement for us because we have been vociferously raising the issue for long. We welcome the decision and congratulate Vice-Chancellor Prof Mohan Paul Singh Ishar who took cognisance of the misuse of official vehicles by some professors and teachers for personal use and ordered an immediate withdrawal,” said Surjit Choudhary, state senior vice-president of the forum.

He said the University of Kashmir had already directed all officials, except a few top officers including Vice-Chancellor, Controller and Registrar, to handover official vehicles to the administration.

“We have finally been able to wake up the varsity administration from slumber. We will continue to raise pro-student issues and will not allow any official of the varsity to breach his or her mandate. We also assure the Vice-Chancellor full cooperation for all positive measures being,” he said.

Jammu, December 28
With a sudden decline in temperature and moisture in air coupled with smog emitted by vehicles, there has been a surge in the number of patients at city hospitals suffering from cardiac-related problems, respiratory tract infection, pneumonia and asthma.

The Government Chest Disease (CD) hospital, an associate medical facility of the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, has recorded nearly 15 per cent increase in patients suffering from asthma, breathing complications, cough and respiratory tract infection.

These patients are more susceptible to asthmatic attacks with a history of breathing problem.

Similarly, the patient number has increased nearly two times at the cardiology department in GMC, Jammu.

There has also been a significant rise in the number of children suffering from pneumonia and other diseases at SMGS hospital.

According to the weather department, the maximum temperature in Jammu was recorded several notches below the normal since December 14, barring just a couple of days.

Yesterday, the day temperature in the city was recorded at 12.4 degree Celsius- nearly six degree Celsius below normal.

“With a rise in the number of vehicles on the city roads, air pollution level has also increased over the years. Smoke, dust particles and noxious fumes emitted by factories and vehicles have virtually choked the air with suspended particulate matter (SPM). It causes more wheezing and coughing problems among people suffering from asthma,” a doctor said.

Dr Rabinder Rattan Paul, Medical Superintendent, CD Hospital, said the rush of asthma patients, especially children and elderly people, had increased by 15 per cent at the hospital.

“Nearly 120 to 150 patients are visiting the hospital on daily basis- an increase of nearly 15 per cent to average inflow of patients. Children and ageing people, especially those with history of breathing problems are more susceptible to infection of respiratory tract and asthmatic attacks because of intense cold, dust and dryness in air,” Dr Paul said.

He advised people to avoid direct exposure to chilling weather conditions and sudden shifting from one environment to other.

“People should avoid icy water and fruits stored in refrigerators. They should take utmost care for at least one month till the temperature shows some improvement,” he said.

Dr Sushil Sharma, head, Department of Cardiology, GMC Jammu, said, “As the temperature falls, risk of heart attack rises, especially among the elderly and those with history of cardiac problems. The number of such patients doubles during winters because of hypertension, thickness in blood and less physical movement.”

The cardiologist said people should not directly expose themselves to cold winds and should keep themselves warm.

“Patients do not take their medicines regularly. Besides taking medicines regularly, they should avoid direct exposure to chilling winds,” Dr Sharma said.

Dr Rekha Harish, head of paediatric department, said the number of chest disease cases, including pneumonia among children, have also recorded a rise.

“We have many cases of diarrhea and pneumonia with a significant increase at the hospital,” Dr Harish said.

Jammu, December 28
The Jammu region continued to reel under intense cold conditions with the day temperature plummeting by seven degree Celsius below normal.

Poor visibility due to haze and fog also affected the air and rail traffic for fourth consecutive day as almost all trains and flights moved behind their schedule.

Light rains intensified the cold wave across the region with people preferring to remain indoors.

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) officials, the day temperature, which was 12.4 degree Celsius yesterday, further plummeted and it was recorded 11.6 degree Celsius which was seven notches below normal.

In Katra town, the base camp of the Vaishno Devi cave shrine in Trikuta hills, the maximum temperature was 10.8 degree Celsius, seven notches below normal. Thousands of pilgrims visiting the shrine had a tough time due to prevailing chilling conditions.

Officials of the Met department said there would be no immediate respite to people from intense cold conditions and the region may witness light rains with thunderstorm for the next couple of days.

“There was no relief to people in Leh district where there was sub-zero temperature. The maximum temperature was 0.1 degree Celsius while the minimum temperature was minus 9.6 degree Celsius,” an official said.

The movement of Jammu-Chandigarh flight of Air Mantra remained affected for the fourth consecutive day due to fog and poor visibility while the movement of almost all flights was disrupted.

At Jammu Railway Station, trains ran late by one to five hours. Though the density of fog reduced to a considerable level, it still affected the normal movement of all trains.

Disrupted
Air Mantra’s Jammu-Chandigarh flight affected for the fourth consecutive day due to fog
Poor visibility also affected the movement of other flights
Trains ran late by one to five hours at at Jammu Railway Station

Katra, December 28
Two pilgrims died of heart attack in Reasi while on their way to the Vaishno Devi cave shrine, officials said. The incident took place at Trikuta hills in the district last night when two persons identified as Koushal and Gaurav of Delhi and Punjab respectively, suffered cardiac arrest.

They were immediately rushed to a hospital where the doctors declared them as brought dead. — OC

Jammu, December 28
Various Kashmiri Pandit organisations today observed the Homeland Day demanding separate territory for Kashmiri Pandits in the Valley.

Panun Kashmir headed by Ashwani Kumar Chrungoo held a protest demonstration when the activists carrying placards and flags raised slogans in favour of the Margdarshan resolution.

It was on the basis of this resolution that basic tenets of political struggle of the community were laid out.

The day is celebrated every year as per the Margdarshan resolution adopted by the entire Kashmiri Pandit community unanimously on this day in 1991. Chrangoo said, “Time has come to revisit the homeland resolution as this is the only way to address the geopolitical aspirations of the members of the displaced community.”

They organised a national convention to reaffirm the pledge for the carving out a Union Territory in Kashmir.

The proceedings started with the lightning of a traditional lamp, Ganesh stuti recitation by the students of Abhay Public Higher Secondary School, Muthi.

They also paid homage Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray. Prominent educationist and scholar Prof BL Fotedar and Prof ML Kaul were felicitated by the Panun Kashmir for their contribution to the Kashmiri Pandit society in exile.

Chrungoo delved at length on challenges faced by the Pandit community in exile and castigated the policy makers for creating an atmosphere of second destablisation of the community without addressing their forced exile and genocide.

“All the frameworks on the return and rehabilitation of the internally displaced Kashmiri Hindus presented by the government so far have been non starters,” he said.

Eminent writer Prof Hari Om said, “The only solution to end the discrimination with nationalist forces is political reorganisation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Rajouri, December 28
The police has arrested three persons, including a ration depot dealer, and seized about 28 quintals of wheat belonging to the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CA&PD).

The ration was being sold in the black market in the border district.

Kotranka SHO said 43 wheat bags were hidden below the maize crop in a truck which was on way to Jammu.

The police intercepted the truck near the police station at about 11 pm yesterday. The truck was on way to Jammu from Datote in Budhal.

During search, the police recovered wheat bags. After interrogation, the driver identified as Khalid Ahmad disclosed that the wheat bags belonged to Mohd Tariq who was running a government ration depot at Datote in Budhal.

The police today arrested Mohd Tariq and booked him under Section 3/7 of the Essential Commodity Act (ECA).

Sources said Tariq used to sell wheat and sugar in the black market in the past as well and had sent the wheat bags to a flour mill at Baribrahmna in Jammu.

Senior official of the Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department (CA&PD) AQ Mir claimed that Tariq was not their dealer but he was a shopkeeper at Danfote in Budhal. — OC

Katra, December 28
Chopper service to the Vaishno Devi cave shrine remained suspended for the second consecutive day in Trikuta Hills of Reasi district.

“The chopper service, which was suspended on yesterday, could not be resumed due to an inclement weather,” the police said. The fog is still there in the region and the pilgrims have been advised to be alert while performing the yatra. — OC

Jammu, December 28
The MA Stadium at Jammu, which is often abuzz with sports activities, is now wearing a deserted look as the entry for sportspersons has been barred by the security forces, who have taken control of it ahead of the Republic Day function.

Every year, the main entrance of the stadium remains closed for a month for the smooth conduct of the function. The authorities pass such orders due to security reasons. Due to this, sportspersons are at the ir receiving end as they are now finding it tough to prepare for the national competitions in different disciplines which are round the corner.

“It has become a routine now for the authorities to close the stadium a month before the Republic Day celebration. We are not against it but the authorities should have at least make an alternative arrangement so that we can continue our practice session,” one of the athletes said.

“What is the logic behind the state government to make announcements regarding the sports facilities being provided to us when it is not even able to do a makeshift arrangement so that we should not waste precious time to prepare for the competitions, he said.

“The MA Stadium has turned into a virtual fortress due to heavy security blanket around its periphery and there is hue and cry among the sportspersons who have no option but to wait and watch for its re-opening after the Republic Day celebrations,” said another sportsperson.

“The sportspersons practicing in the Indoor Sports Complex are lucky though as the venue will be closed a week before the Republic Day,” he claimed. “It is a sorry state of affairs as far as sports promotion in the state is concerned because no body in the administration is keen to spare his time for the welfare of sports and sportspersons. We have lost all our faith in the administration,” a player said.

Meanwhile, when contacted, a senior Sports Council official said “We really feel sorry for our sportspersons but there is no other way out. We have been issued instructions by the security agencies to inform the players regarding closure of the stadium which we did it.”

Katra, December 28
Arrangements to celebrate the Republic Day function-2013 in a befitting manner at Reasi were discussed at a meeting of district officers of various departments held under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner, Reasi, Nirmal Sharma, here today.

Superintendent of Police, Reasi, MS Chowan, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Reasi, SRS Tara, district heads of various departments and schools were present at the meeting.

The day would start with playing of Shehnai Vadan at stipulated places by the Information Department, followed by flag hoisting by VIPs at Sports Stadium, Reasi and march past by the contingents of District Police, NCC and schoolchildren of various educational institutions.

The meeting also held threadbare discussions on various arrangements related to the smooth conduct of the functions like seating, barricading, drinking water and power supply, sanitation, first- aid, security, transport, traffic regulations, refreshment to students and illumination of the important government buildings.

The DDC directed the officers concerned to ensure better coordination for making effective arrangements. At Home would also be hosted by the District Administration in the evening, the meeting decided.

FUNCTIONS on JAN 26
The day would start with Shehnai Vadan by the Information Department. and At Home would be hosted by the District Administration.

Rajouri, December 28
Power load of the 50MVA grid station, Kalakote, will be shifted to the Burn- Akhnoor-Siot-Kalakot double circuit transmission line to relieve consumers of Rajouri and Poonch districts from unscheduled power curtailment. The statement was made by Minister of State of Power Shabir Ahmed Khan at an engineers’ meeting held here today.

He said the government has released funds worth Rs 13 lakh for the purpose. The minister was reviewing the power supply position in these twin districts.

The minister directed the chief engineer, system and operation, of Jammu to complete the necessary work at the earliest so that the electricity load would be distributed to other grid stations of the area to avoid unscheduled power cuts in the area.

Superintendent engineer, (M&RE, Rajouri-Poonch district) Manmohan Singh, executive engineer, STD, Poonch- Rajouri, executive engineers, M&RE, Rajouri and Poonch districts and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

It was informed at the meeting that the decision of shifting the said load had been taken in the backdrop of an additional requirement of 200 ampere. The overloading on the existing power system had been caused due to lack of required electric infrastructure, which is being now upgraded in these areas under several Centre and state plans.

The minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure time-bound completion of all power works in the area besides exhorting the field functionaries for being punctual towards their duties in their respective jurisdictions for convenience of consumers. He also instructed for proper maintenance of grid stations and monitoring of electric loads to avoid load shadings in the area.

Later, the minister inaugurated ‘Kisan Mela’ at Rajouri. The agriculture department has organised the mela to acquaint the farmers of the area with latest agriculture farming trends for increasing the production.

He stressed upon the concerned to organise awareness camps in remote areas to sensitise people of these areas about the schemes launched by the government for promotion of agriculture, horticulture, and sheep and animal husbandry.

On the occasion, he distributed cheques worth Rs 1.5 lakh among 15 farmers of the area as subsidy on purchase of irrigation pump sets.

DECISION OF MEETING
The decision of shifting the said load had been taken in the backdrop of an additional requirement of 200 ampere. The overloading on the existing power system had been caused due to lack of required electric infrastructure.

Jammu, December 28
DRD Kids, a playway school, at New Plot today celebrated New Year function with enthusiasm on the school campus here.

All students were attired in beautiful dresses and had a fun. They also exhibited their skills in the dance performance. Teachers also joined the party. Later, the school management distributed snacks and refreshments among students.

From IK-III, kids namely Twisha, Vishesh, Vikhyat, Vineet and Sabhya participated in the programme. Yuvin, Vinayak, Navya, Pratyaksh and Aakarshan took part in fancy dress contest. Students from IK-I participated in a group song competition.

Principal of the school Roopam Kour was also present on the occasion.

Jammu, December 28
Ninad prevailed over Aman Gupta in straight sets by 11-09, 11-07 to sail into the next round of the cadet boys’ event while Diyam toppled Sharukh by 3-0 (11-06, 11-01, 11-07 in the ongoing 34th State Open Table Tennis Championship, being organised by the J&K Table Tennis Association at Indoor Complex, M A Stadium here.

In another match of the cadet boys’ section, Abhey Koul toppled Anant by 11-07, 08-11, 11-05 in a keen contest while in matches of the sub-junior boys’ category, Manavdeep got the better of Anuj by 3-2, Asad prevailed upon Eshan by 3-0 and Ritvik Gupta beat Arnav by 3-0. The set score read 11-05, 11-04 and 11-02.

In the junior boys’ category, Sunpreet outclassed Aman Chowdhary by 11-08, 13-11, Abhiraj trounced Jalees by 11-09, 09-11 and 11-08, Minham Rishi outclassed Kanav Mahajan by 11-02, 11-03, Ritvik Gupta beat Rishab Gupta by 11-07, 11-04, Sanmeet Jamwal defeated Ankit Arora by 11-06, 11-09, Asad beat Taufeeq by 11-03, 11-08, Manandeep defeated Shahrukh by 11-08, 11-09 and Divyam trounced Arnav by 11-07, 11-05. All the matches were officiated by Satish Gupta, Narinder Singh, Meenu and Manmeet Kour. 

Jammu, December 28
Singh Challenger Club (SCC) beat Adarsh Cricket Club (ACC) by 7 wickets today in the ongoing Christmas Cup T20 Cricket Tournament being organised by the Singh Cricket Club at Government Higher Secondary School Ground, Akhnoor.

Batting first, ACC piled 124 runs in 19.4 overs. Deepak Sharma was the top scorer with 34 runs with the help of three mighty heaves for the maximum. Ashok Sharma contributed a quick-fire 29 runs off just 13 balls with the help of two fours and three sixes. For SCC, Neeraj, Avitash and Pankaj shared two wickets each while Bishan and Vinod chipped in with one wicket each.

In reply, SCC did the needful in 16.4 overs by losing 3 wickets. Sagar Verma played a match winning knock of 60 runs studded with five boundaries and four sixes. Bishan and Rahul Langer contributed 32 and 21 runs respectively. Sourav, Ashok and Vikas Virdhi claimed one wicket each. Sagar Verma was adjudged the man of the match. The match was officiated by Vikas Bali, Sunny Kumar and Manik Sharma.

Jammu, December 28
Poonch XI and Kathua’s Shinning Star Club registered wins over the respective opponents to advance into the ongoing 3rd Police Martyrs Memorial North Zone T20 Cricket Championship being organised by the J&K Police at Sports Stadium here today.

In the first match, Poonch XI notched up a thrilling win over Stadium XI, Kathua, by 9 runs. Batting first, Poonch piled up 129 runs in the stipulated 20 overs losing 9 wickets in the process.

Parvez was the top scorer with 34 runs. In reply, Stadium XI managed to score 120 runs in their allotted quota of overs for the loss of nine wickets. Parvez took two wickets for Poonch XI and was adjudged the man of the match.

In another match, Shining Star, Kathua, got the better of Diamond Cricket Club, Jammu, bynine wickets with utmost ease.

Batting first, Diamond accumulated a modest total of 101 runs in the 20 overs at the loss of seven wickets. Shinning Star, in reply, rode on a brilliant knock of 71 runs by Parmod to overhaul the target in just 7.5 overs by losing just a single wicket.

Later, he was declared the man of the match.