Jammu, February 17
Army officer Kamal Singh and Mandeep Kaur won in the men and women section of the 4th Jammu Marathon. The much hyped event not only witnessed a low turn-out but was also marred by controversy over the top slot in the women category.

A participant, Anjali Choudhary, claimed that she was the first to cross the finish line and should have been awarded the first prize. The organisers refuted her claim saying that the results were based on the decision of qualified judges. Later, Anjali along with other participants raised slogans against the organisers-Board of Development for Sports in India (BDSI) to protest against the decision.

Confirming the development, BDSI director Amit Sethi said, “There was no truth behind Anjali Choudhary’s claims. There were separate lanes for men and women. In fact, before the start of the marathon, the judges found that Anjali was standing in the lane meant for male participants. She was then told to join the lane for women participants.”

“Despite this, Anjali did not follow the directions as a result of which the judges disqualified her. There were 30 coaches and judges on duty to ensure that no participant indulged in unfair means. Spray guns of different colours were used at various points to ensure that each participant passes all the check points,” Amit said.

BDSI president said bad weather had marred the event in terms of participation. “Bad weather played spoilsport this time and it is very unfortunate. We were hoping for a large participation because so many people have registered themselves for this marathon,” he said.

However, the second prize in the men section went to Ram Raj, an SPO in the J&K police while his counterpart from Armed Wing of JKP, Riyaz Ahmed had bagged the third spot.

In the women section, Jaspreet Kaur finished at the second spot to complete the 8.5-km stretch followed by Nazish Fatima. The winner of the marathon pocketed Rs 21,000 while the runner-up and the second runner-up were awarded Rs 11,000 and 5,100, respectively.

The marathon was flagged off by Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Youth Services and Sports, and Raman Bhalla, Minister for Housing, Horticulture and Culture from M A Stadium. The marathon was dedicated to the ‘Dignity and Pride of Indian Women’.

Rajouri, February 17
Mohammed Rashid father of a Class IX student Mohammed Murtaza of Bhati in Mendhar Tehsil, who was electrocuted under mysterious circumstance on February 11, has alleged that his son was allegedly killed due to his enmity with his neighbours Abid Hussain ands Riyaz. He alleged the accused took Murtaza from his residence on February 11 at 6 pm and asked him to repair a transformer.

He also alleged that when his son was repairing transformer, they switched on the main line resulting in his son getting electrocuted. His critically injured son is undergoing treatment at the District Hospital, Rajouri, he said. He alleged that the police had failed to take action despite an FIR lodged by him at Harnia in Mendhar.

SHO Nousin Mirza said, “We have registrar an FIR under Section 337 of the RPC against the PDD for negligence. If any complaint is filed against these persons, we will take action against them. We have received no complaint in this regard so far.”

Jammu, February 17
Four persons were crushed to death not on some busy highway but near the University of Jammu campus and the MAM PostGraduateCollege over past ten months. The government is yet to wake up and build rumble strips on the one-km stretch where premiere institutes the University of Jammu and the MAM PostGraduate College are situated.

Yesterday, Nikhil Singh, 17, was crushed to death under a rashly-driven minibus near the road which has turned into a death trap.

Ironically, the proposal of the Department of Roads and Building (R&B), which had assured that rumble strips will be installed outside the University of Jammu and MAM College has remained on papers. No corrective measures were put in place to monitor the speed limit of vehicles on this killer stretch.

The R&B Department’s inaction can also be seen in contravention with the Supreme Court guidelines where speed breakers are allowed in front of educational institutions, hospitals, temples and spots where traffic congestion is a regular feature. “Had there been some arrangements to control the speed limit of vehicles, the teenager could have been saved. Yesterday, the victim was hit from the back as the driver of the minibus failed to control the speed of the vehicle crushing the teenager to death. It was a horrific incident for us,” a security guard posted at Jammu University said on the condition of anonymity.

On May 23 last year, Dheeraj Singh (58) and Manmohan Kaur (48) were crushed to death near the MAM College after a truck loaded with cement hit the scooter they were riding.

Similarly, a Jammu University scholar also died after being hit by a speeding vehicle outside the main gate of the University while crossing the road in April last year.

Rakesh Chib, president Jammu University Research Scholars Executive Association, blamed the authorities for recurring fatal accidents on the stretch. He alleged that the authorities had become “insensitive and numb” towards the safety of students and scholars. “We need to take corrective measures to deal with the situation,” Chib said.

According to the Jammu University authorities, they had also written to the R&B department to construct speed breakers on both sides of the road to prevent accidents on the stretch.

Chief Engineer, R&B department, Jammu, Thaseen Mustafa, had discouraged the idea of having speed breakers on the main road outside these premier educational institutions last year. He, however, had assured that he would explore the possibility of rumble strips on the road to reduce the speed limit of vehicles. He was not available for comments.

Jammu, February 17
The government has asked the Drug and Food Control Organisation (DFCO) to ensure that no unlicenced drug outlets were allowed to operate in the state and that drug shops should only be run by licence holders.

The direction in this regard was given by the Minister of State for Health, Shabir Ahmad Khan, during his meeting with the officers of the Drug and Food Control Organisation here today.

The minister said drug shops should be only operated by those holding licences issued by the competent authority of the Drug and Food Control Organisation.

“The matter relates to the health of the people and we have to ensure that drugs are sold by trained pharmacists with the requisite certificates and licence from the organisation,” he said.

He also directed field officers to keep a vigil on spurious drugs in the market especially on the shops in the rural areas where. “Spurious drugs and proxy drug outlets should be sealed and the accused must be booked,” he said.

The minister also stressed on collecting samples of a variety of edibles in the markets for testing to prevent adulteration to protect the health of the people. He also directed that such manufacturers and shopkeepers should be fined and booked under the law and their units be sealed and licenses withdrawn.

The minister said the DFCO was an important organisation related to the health of the people and the government would bring more transparency and accountability in its functioning. “Its working will be reviewed on a monthly basis, besides new initiatives would be taken to strengthen the organisation,” he said. He also directed that refresher courses be organised for the officials where drug and food experts acquaint themselves with the latest trends of their working.

Katra, February 17
Reasi police on Sunday arrested two bootleggers and recovered 90 pouches of liquor from their possession. Reports said a team from Reasi police station made the arrests during checking at Baradhari Bridge, Reasi. The accused were found carrying 90 pouches containing 180 ml of liquor each.

The accused have been identified as Santosh Lal (60) of Chhattisgarh and Shiv Kumar (28) of Bilaspur.

2 held with drugs

Rajouri: Two persons were arrested and 400 narcotic capsules were seized from them at DC Colony here on Sunday. The police arrested Sahil Khan of DC Colony and Mahroof Iqbal of Gambir Mogla. —OC

Jammu, February 17
The State Sports Council has directed its affiliated sports associations to submit their detailed calendar of activities before February 28 to become eligible for the Grant-in-Aid for 2012-13 in April this year. Sources said the sports bodies were busy compiling details regarding activities, including national championships, to be conducted by them this year.

Sources said there were some associations which are yet to receive the grant for the year 2011-12 and that they had appealed to the authorities to release the funds at the earliest. Sources said the State Sports Council had sought a financial grant to the tune of Rs 1.50 crore from the state government under the Non-Plan head. Earlier, a proposal was submitted to the concerned authorities regarding hike in the Grant-in-Aid from Rs 40 lakh to Rs 70 lakh. However, with 50 more associations awaiting approval for affiliation, the State Sports Council decided to revise it.

Sources said as far as disbursement of the Grant-in-Aid was concerned, priority would be given to those associations who had hosted competitions of national repute last year. They are likely to get reimbursements and grant for conducting competitions at district and state level.

“It is not possible for any association to organise district and state championships without the active financial support from the Sports Council. Unfortunately, we were deprived of it last year. Let us hope that we get the grant in April so that we can concentrate on our future projects,” an office-bearer of an affiliated sports body said.

“There is no logic for the Sports Council to grant affiliation to newly constituted sports associations when it is struggling to disburse grants to the already affiliated associations. Only we know how we are running the affairs without adequate funds,” he said.

MS Baba, Chief Sports Officer, State Sports Council, said, “Yes, all associations have been informed to submit their calendar of activities on or before February 28. Right now, there is no information available to the department regarding the conduct of national tournaments this year. However, the necessary information will be given by the sports associations in their schedule of calendar of activities to be submitted shortly,” Baba said.

Jammu, February 17
Minister for Planning and Employment Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today assured people that the ongoing developmental projects across the state would be expedited.

Addressing a large public gathering at Makwal village in Marh constituency this afternoon, the minister said the priority of the state government was to ensure that the benefits of developmental schemes and other welfare programmes reach the targeted segments of the populace as soon as possible.

He said the government had undertaken many projects across the state with an objective of ameliorating the lives of the underprivileged segments of society.

“The coalition government headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah will carry forward this mission single-mindedly,” he said and sought the cooperation of people in this regard. 

Jammu, February 17
Bari Brahmana Industries Association (BBIA) president Annil Suri has said India and Pakistan should consider the Line of Control (LoC) as the ‘line of commerce’ as the situation will be peaceful if trade is improved between the two countries.

He said he had a strong belief that India and Pakistan could do away with the mistrust by encouraging “people-to-people contact”. The BBIA represents about 550 industrial units, which play a pivotal role in the state’s economy and growth.

Suri, an electrical engineer, who is in the chair for the sixth term described trade as “a binding force” which would help both countries in building trust and restoring peace. “We have a lot of products in Jammu and Kashmir which have a strong market in Pakistan. Our products are being sold in the neighbouring country, which import these goods from Dubai and other countries. There should be a suitable arrangement by which our traders can sell their products in Pakistan directly and vice-versa. It will also be a win-win situation for both nations if they open more routes for trade between J&K and PoK,” Suri said.

Favouring suitable financial arrangements and hassle-free movement of businessmen between two sides, the BBIA chief said the traders should be issued “multi-entry trade passes” so that they could identify buyers for their products and assess the demand of the market in Pakistan.

He said banking facilities should also be put in place for the traders of both countries and all products of Jammu and Kashmir should be in the list of trading goods.

“Chief Minister Omar Abdullah should make a fervent appeal to the Governments of India and Pakistan for opening the Suchetgarh-Sialkot route on the line of the Wagah Border and also the old Nowshera-Bhimber route which will connect Rajouri to Mirpur in the PoK,” Suri said.

Deliberating on various issues confronting industrialists of the state, the BBIA president urged the Government of India to extend an industrial package along with Income Tax exemption to attract new investors to the state.

“The Central industrial package, which was extended to J&K by the Government of India in 2002, expired on June 14 last year and it has not been extended till date. Unfortunately, the state has seen no new investment in the past one year. As the cost of production in Jammu and Kashmir is six to eight per cent higher than that in other states, the Government of India should consider our demand and extend the package without further delay,” Suri said.

The BBIA chief said Jammu and Kashmir had attracted an investment of just Rs 2,500 crore in the past one decade as compared to Rs 30,000-crore investment in Himachal Pradesh and Rs 50,000-crore investment in Uttrakhand.

“Both Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand were given a series of industrial packages unlike J&K. We have reports that the Government of India may announce a five-year industrial package in the mid of March this year for the organised industrial sector, where there is no land for expansion. The package should be announced for the entire industry and for at least 10 years,” Suri said.

He also highlighted the problems being faced by industrialists and traders at the Lakhanpur toll plaza and said it was the “biggest bottleneck” in free movement of goods. “The state government should devise a concrete formula, where all those traders who had never been penalised for tax evasion or other illegal activities, should be issued a green card so that they are not harassed in future,” Suri said. 

Rajouri, February 17
The District Information Centre, Rajouri, organised a musical programme at Nawaz Public Higher Secondary School, Palma.

Institution patron Haji Sikander Khan was the chief guest on the occasion and Nawaz Public Higher Secondary School principal Nazam-Ul-Din presided over the function.

Addressing the gathering, Haji Sikander thanked the Department of Information for organising the programme aimed at promoting the culture of the state. He said such programmes provided a platform to artistes. Artistes of the Panjal Cultural Club Sahil Mehra, Danish Khan, Tahir Mir, Akash Zutshi, Sanjay kumar, Mehran Shah etc presented Pahari, Urdu, Dogri and Kashmiri songs.

Jammu, February 17
The Corps of Signals celebrated its 102nd anniversary on February 13. To mark the occasion a Barakhana was organised at the Army Headquarters Signal Regiment here today.

The chief guests were Lt Gen SP Kochhar, Signal Officer-in-Chief and Senior Col Commandant, Corps of Signals.

During the event, display of Corps of Signals, Tae-k-wondo, Kalaripayattu, motorcycle riders dispatch team, best physique team, Corps military band, pipes and drums band teams enthralled the audience.—TNS

Katra, February 17
The police organised a talent hunt programme, ‘Choona Hai Aasman Season-3’ at the District Police Lines, Reasi. A police spokesman in a statement said the programme was aimed at providing a platform to youths to showcase their talents.

Reasi Principal District & Sessions Judge Rajesh Sikri, while inaugurating the function, said the police was committed towards promoting the cultural heritage and talents of people of remote areas.

Various competitions such as solo singing and dance performances were held.

A large number of people took part in the two-day programme.

Later, winners were awarded with trophies and certificates. 

Jammu, February 17
State tennis player Prinkle Singh clinched twin tennis titles in the All India Talent Series of AITA being held at the Lawn Tennis Stadium in Chandigarh.

In the U-12 category, Prinkle beat Sarah Dev of Punjab by 2-1 to claim the singles title. After losing the first set narrowly by 4-6, Prinkle put his best foot forward to win the other two sets by 6-3 and 6-2.

Earlier, Prinkle overcame the challenge of Ravneet of Haryana in straight sets by 4-0, 4-0 in the first round and beat Taneesha of Amritsar by the same margin. In the quarterfinals, Prinkle beat Alisha Menon of Amritsar by 4-1, 4-2 in straight sets. He beat Ashpreet of Punjab by 4-0, 4-1 in the semifinals to secure a berth in the finals.

Meanwhile, in the doubles event, Prinkle and Sarah Dev had the last laugh against Aarushi Kakkar and Seerat Sidhu of Chandigarh in straight sets by 4-0, 4-1.

Earlier, in the doubles’ first round, Prinkle and Sarah beat Kamal and Sandeep of Haryana by 4-0, 4-0. In the second round, the star pair beat Ishika and Bunty of Chandigarh by 4-0, 4-0 while in the semifinals, Prinkle and Sarah prevailed over the pair of Neelanchal of Delhi and Itika of Rajasthan by 4-1, 4-0 to make it to the finals.