The Tribune, Chandigarh, India

Water woes: Following an hour-long spell of showers, waterlogging ruled far and wide in Jammu on Wednesday. Tribune photo: Anand Sharma

District hospital in Rajouri short of anti-rabies vaccine
Rajouri, July 24
Stray dogs in Rajouri have stormed the streets, chased cars, pulled down bicycle riders and attacked pedestrians and school children. Residents say despite repeated complaints, the Municipal Corporation doesn't take any action to deal with the problem. The joggers carry rods or stones to beat them away, and cyclists fill their pockets with stones to throw at dogs who tend to chase them.

In the wake of protests, encroachments removed from nullah
Jammu, July 24
After protests by locals, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today removed encroachments from a nullah flowing through Trikuta Nagar locality, which had led to flooding causing damage to several houses, as there was no exit for rainwater.

Encroachments in a nullah at Trikuta Nagar being removed in Jammu on Wednesday; (right) a choked nullah near the Jammu bus stand being cleared on Wednesday. Tribune photos: Anand Sharma

Bagh Diodi cries for attention
Poonch, July 24
When in Poonch, one cannot escape the serene beauty, majestic mountains and of course the historical monuments. One such monument is the Poonch Fort. Although the Centre has sanctioned Rs 8.5 crore to conserve and protect the architectural glory of the Poonch fort in the first phase, the main entrance point, locally called Bagh Diodi, lies in a forsaken condition and can collapse if not restored immediately.

Historical Bagh Diodi a shambles in Poonch. Tribune photo

NC assails Saroori for allegations on relief package for quake victims
Jammu, July 24
Senior National Conference (NC) leaders today questioned the rationale behind the allegations levelled by Congress MLA Ghulam Mohammed Saroori on the issue of relief package for the quake victims of Doda and Kishtwar.

Soumay seals thrilling win for Jumbo Gladiators
Jammu, July 24
All-rounder Soumay Jain struck a six on the penultimate ball to seal a thrilling one-wicket win for Jumbo Gladiators over Simulla Bulls in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Corporate Premier League (JKCPL) at MA Stadium here today.

Locals protest as firm abandons project without clearing dues
Katra July 24
Locals from Katra, Agar, Reasi, Bakal, Gran Morh and Mari staged a protest at the Konkan Railway office Reasi. The protesters were demanding clearance of their liabilities pending with Apex Encon Projects Pvt Ltd (AEPPL). Apex Encon Projects Pvt Ltd is an Andhra-based company engaged for construction of tunnels on the Katra-Dharam railway section, which has abandoned the project without clearing liabilities of over Rs 2.60 crore of local labourers, contractors and suppliers.

NGO holds free eye check-up camp
Jammu, July 24
Pahal, an NGO, today organised a free eye check-up camp at Canal Road. Dr Satish K Gupta, Associate Professor, Government Medical College, and his team treated around 150 patients. A follow-up check will be organised on July 31 at the same venue. Ajit Kumar Sahu, Deputy Commissioner, Jammu and YV Sharma, president, Chamber of Commerce and Industry Jammu, were the chief guest and guest of honour respectively.While inaugurating the check-up clinic, the dignitaries appreciated the role of Pahal and the services rendered to the patients by the team of doctors headed by Dr Satish K Gupta and by Deepak Medical Hall. — TNS

Protest against China’s incursion
Jammu, July 24
The Jammu West Assembly Movement (JWAM) today held demonstration against China and its repeated incursion in the state. Despite heavy rainfall, protesters assembled and demanded tough stance against the Red army for its repeated violation of border. They said the Centre had failed to take military action to deal with the threat. They also held protest against Pak-sponsored terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and attacks on the security forces. Speaking on the occasion, JWAM president Sunil Dimple urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to tell and send clear message to China Prime Minister that no intrusion in the state would be tolerated by India. — TNS

Brochure released
Jammu, July 24
The Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu, Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, released the brochure of the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex on the campus here today. Ishar said the auditorium was in the proud possession of the university and it acted as a bridge between the university and civil society on the one hand and corporate sector on the other. He expressed hope that the complex would emerge as a hub for intellectual and cultural activities by meeting the requirements of a large number of people, including intelligentsia and artists. — TNS

Trade promotion spot turns junkyard
Jammu exhibition ground is a testimony to the callous attitude of authorities
Sumit Hakhoo

Jammu, July 24
Exposing tall claims of the Industries department on improvement of infrastructure for trade promotion in Jammu and Kashmir, the exhibition ground in Jammu is a visible reminder of the callous attitude of the authorities, who have failed to provide a platform for manufacturers to showcase their products and look for new markets.

Once a nerve centre of hectic activity of arts, crafts and small scale industries, the spot has not hosted any major event since 2005, when a state-wide exhibition was inaugurated by the then Chief Minister Mufti Muhammad Sayeed. The last major trade fair was organised way back in 1988, before the state plunged into the darkness of insurgency.

Entering the place from the main gate, one is greeted by garbage and filth in the fountain. No effort has been made to improve the sanitation and a spell of rainfall largely leaves the entire place flooded. The place has turned into a junkyard.

Though several buildings have been constructed and allotted to different government departments, no effort has been made by the Industries department to improve basic infrastructure or create a business centre to attract traditional artists and those associated with the manufacturing industry to showcase their products.

A few years back, on the pattern of Delhi Haat, which promotes traditional art and crafts of India, Kashmir Haat was thrown open in 2004, but it had also failed to become an attraction for the people, mainly due to poor facilities at the site.

"At that time, the government had announced that exhibitions would be a round-the-year feature to attract tourists and give the small scale industry a platform, but the plan turned out to be a failure in just two years. Since then, no effort has been made to organise any exhibition," said Sunil Sharma, a businessman.

Director Industries Gulzar Qureshi said regular maintenance is being carried out at the place. "We are making every effort to improve facilities at the site and a few industrial exhibitions have been planned," he stated.

When asked about why the place had been forgotten and no events had been organised, Qureshi refused to give a reply, saying plans were underway.

Music in mini buses ear-splitting
Vulgar lyrics worsen matters
Akansha Rawal

Jammu, July 24
Despite ban on use of sound systems in public transport, the directive is being violated right under the nose of traffic authorities. The bus drivers use sound systems at high base, which causes noise pollution and is a threat to lives of passengers as accidents can occur due to diversion of driver concentration towards the music instead of driving. Adding to that, they play vulgar songs in their vehicles, which are an open violation of all norms of decency as the women travelling in the same vehicle feel unsafe and often get red-faced with embarrassment.

Long ago, traffic police had tightened its noose over this menace and used to crush the tape recorder recovered from the vehicle which had really decreased this menace to a great extent, but now, this practice of playing stereo in public transport is on the upswing. Akshita Kapoor, who commutes every day in a mini bus from Janipur to Bikram Chowk, said, "The use of stereo in the buses has become common nowadays despite the fact that it can cause accidents. I feel frustrated with the loud music as sometimes, the drivers play very vulgar music."

As per traffic rules in the state, the use of any sound systems is prohibited in passenger vehicles and is punishable under Section 305 Motor Vehicles Act (MVS). SSP (traffic) Manmohan Singh said, "Wherever we see this practice of loud music in mini buses, we crush the tape recorder and we levy penalties. I think this practice is more prevalent in rural areas, where there is a shortage of traffic policemen. Otherwise, our phone numbers are accessible to the passengers such that they can contact us anytime in this regard."

District hospital in Rajouri short of anti-rabies vaccine
Dog bite cases set off fear psychosis
Ranjit Thakur

Rajouri, July 24
Stray dogs in Rajouri have stormed the streets, chased cars, pulled down bicycle riders and attacked pedestrians and school children. Residents say despite repeated complaints, the Municipal Corporation doesn't take any action to deal with the problem. The joggers carry rods or stones to beat them away, and cyclists fill their pockets with stones to throw at dogs who tend to chase them.

School children, women and elderly people have reportedly fallen victims to dog bites in streets. A child Palak Sharma was bitten by a stray dog today. Residents have thus expressed resentment against the Municipal Corporation.

Patients are suffering aplenty owing to unavailability of anti-rabies injection in the District Hospital Rajouri. They are forced to purchase the injection from the market on their own.

Superintendent of Rajouri District Hospital, Arun Sharma, said, "We have received no supply of anti-rabies injection over the past two years. Even the entire Jammu division has no supply of anti-rabies vaccine."

"I have personally written two letters to the Municipal Corporation Rajouri in this matter, but it has pleaded its helplessness owing to lack of training and it has done nothing so far to deal with this problem," he added.

"I am scared to go home late evenings owing to attacks of dogs outside my hospital," he stated.

Municipal Corporation Rajouri Executive Officer Parveez Mirza said, "As far as sterilisation is concerned, the Animal Husbandry Department is appropriate to do the job."

In the wake of protests, encroachments removed from nullah
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 24
After protests by locals, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) today removed encroachments from a nullah flowing through Trikuta Nagar locality, which had led to flooding causing damage to several houses, as there was no exit for rainwater.

Residents allege that a builder had filled the nullah with soil with the intention to encroach upon land close to it. They claimed that despite repeated requests to someone not to fill the water channel, he continued to dump material into it. "During the recent rainfall, water gushed through the area, but the drain was blocked, due to which, water entered several residential houses, damaging their base,” said Ankur Sharma, a resident.

After protests by residents, the administration today used a JCB machine to remove the encroachment from the area.

Officials said though strict instructions have been issued that the nullahs will be cleaned regularly and action would be taken against the people caught dumping their garbage, the directives are not being followed. In many parts of the city, rainwater had blocked the drains and nullahs. Dirty water gushed into shops and houses, causing extensive damage. People had to pump out rainwater from their houses and shops.

Meanwhile, after protests by people over delay in cleaning nullahs in the city, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and other civic bodies again started the cleaning process. Solid waste and garbage had accumulated in the water channels after the recent heavy rainfall.

A few days back, JMC had served a one-week notice on residents of Trikuta Nagar ward number 53-54 to lift the construction material dumped on the road or action would be taken against them. A municipal team led by health officer Dr Vinod Sharma also directed people to seek help of the municipality to keep the area clean.

Bagh Diodi cries for attention
Entrance point of historical Poonch Fort has been in a state of neglect for years
Darshan Bharti

Poonch, July 24
When in Poonch, one cannot escape the serene beauty, majestic mountains and of course the historical monuments. One such monument is the Poonch Fort. Although the Centre has sanctioned Rs 8.5 crore to conserve and protect the architectural glory of the Poonch fort in the first phase, the main entrance point, locally called Bagh Diodi, lies in a forsaken condition and can collapse if not restored immediately.

Vijay Puri, a resident, said, “The Poonch Fort has been sanctioned crores of rupees ofr maintainance. However, the entry point is being neglected. The authorities should repair Bagh Diodi to avoid mishaps. There are a number of statues of gods and goddesses engraved on the outer walls of the diodi. These statues hold historic significance and should be preserved.”

Anwar Khan, another resident, strongly feels that the government has given a step-motherly treatment to Poonch. He said, Bagh Doidi should be immediately repaired.

The Poonch Fort marked the era of the Muslim, Sikh and Dogra rulers. Hence, the main aim of restoration should be to unlock the potential of tourism in Poonch, he said.

“Along with the Poonch Fort, we have also planned to renovate Bagh Diodi and have already sent a proposal of Rs 1.69 crore to the government for its preservation,” said Ashok Bhagat, Chief Executive Officer of the Poonch Development Authority. He said a few architects had also been consulted.

The devastating earthquake of 2005 rocked many historical monuments in Poonch, including the fort, which is located in the heart of the town.

Because Poonch is an earthquake-prone area, residents feared that if no steps were taken immediately, Bagh Diodi might collapse. Residents said these monuments should be on the priority list of the administration.

NC assails Saroori for allegations on relief package for quake victims
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 24
Senior National Conference (NC) leaders today questioned the rationale behind the allegations levelled by Congress MLA Ghulam Mohammed Saroori on the issue of relief package for the quake victims of Doda and Kishtwar.

Leaders said, “How can Saroori accuse the NC of misguiding the Centre over the package when the state Cabinet, under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, recommended a comprehensive package to the Centre?”

“Omar Abdullah took up the matter personally with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in New Delhi and during his visit to Srinagar. The issue was also discussed by the top ranking state officials with a central team that visited the area to assess the damages caused by the tremors. The question of misleading the Centre does not arise when the central team headed by a joint secretary has toured the entire area,” they said.

The signatories to the statement include MLC and Doda district president Doda Khalid Najeeb Suhrawardy, ex-legislators Brij Mohan Sharma, Qazi Jalal-ud-Din, Chaman Lal Bhagat and Muhammad Iqbal Bhat, and Kishtwar district president Tanveer Ahmad Kitchloo.The NC leaders also acknowledged the support of Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Union Minister for Renewable Energy Farooq Abdullah, who pushed the issue at the appropriate level in the Centre and said, “We are hopeful that the Centre will realise the gravity of the situation and come to the aid of the affected people of the Chenab valley.”

The NC leaders said Saroori made faux pas from time to time and referred to his unwarranted and misleading statements to the public on assumed belief of relief money having been released to the state government by the Centre. “Eventually, he had to taste a humble pie when the truth dawned on him,” the leaders said, adding that by his irresponsible utterances, Saroori was causing ample avoidable embarrassment to his party’s senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad as well.

Soumay seals thrilling win for Jumbo Gladiators
Tribune News Service

Jammu, July 24
All-rounder Soumay Jain struck a six on the penultimate ball to seal a thrilling one-wicket win for Jumbo Gladiators over Simulla Bulls in the ongoing Jammu and Kashmir Corporate Premier League (JKCPL) at MA Stadium here today.

Needing 12 runs from the last over with one just wicket in hand, Soumay, after playing two consecutive balls, hit a boundary, then took a couple followed by a six to script an exciting victory.

Earlier, winning the toss and batting first, Simula Bulls posted a decent total of 146 runs in the stipulated 20 overs, losing six wickets in the process. Shashi Kumar played a brilliant knock of 67 runs off 51 balls with four boundaries and three hits for the maximum. Yasir made valuable 48 off 37 balls studded with four hits to the fence and three sixes. For Jumbo Gladiators, Hiten Dalal shared two wickets apiece while Kuldeep Kumar and Soumay Jain claimed one wicket each.

In reply, Jumbo Gladiators rode on impressive knocks from Aditya Partap Singh, Puneet Kumar, Imtiyaz Malik and Soumay Jain to overhaul the target in 19.5 overs for the loss of nine wickets.

Aditya made 31 runs for 23 balls with two sixes and as many fours, while Puneet Kumar scored power-packed 28 runs off just 18 balls. He pierced two fours and as many sixes. Imtiyaz also chipped in with contributed 38-ball 24 runs, while Hiten Dalal made 15 runs.

However, Soumay remained unbeaten on 18 off 9 balls, including two fours and a six. For Simula Bulls, Hilal Rather and Hardeep Singh bagged two wickets each while Vikram Singh scalped three wickets. Shashi Kumar also claimed one wicket.

Soumay of Jumbo Gladiators was declared HDFC man of the match for his crucial knock of 18 runs and one wicket. The TCI maximum sixes award went jointly to Shashi Kumar and Yasir Ali. The awards were presented to them by Jumbo Gladiators owners Moti Lal Gupta, Sunandan Aggarwal, Kshitiz Aggarwal, Rakesh Wazir and former International umpire SK Bansal.

The match was officiated by BCCI panel umpires Amit Bansal and Sudhir Singh. Dheeraj and Mohsin were the scorers for the match.

Locals protest as firm abandons project without clearing dues
Devinder Thakur

Katra July 24
Locals from Katra, Agar, Reasi, Bakal, Gran Morh and Mari staged a protest at the Konkan Railway office Reasi. The protesters were demanding clearance of their liabilities pending with Apex Encon Projects Pvt Ltd (AEPPL). Apex Encon Projects Pvt Ltd is an Andhra-based company engaged for construction of tunnels on the Katra-Dharam railway section, which has abandoned the project without clearing liabilities of over Rs 2.60 crore of local labourers, contractors and suppliers.

Official sources said as per one list available with the district administration Reasi, the liability of Apex Encon is to the tune of Rs 2.60 crore. However, there may be many other such cases as all the aggrieved persons may not have been able to reach the administration.

Apex Encon, which has moved out of the project without making payments to different stakeholders, misled the workers, labourers, contractors and suppliers by sending a letter dated July 14, 2013 to Deputy Chief Engineer (Tunnels) KRCL Reasi mentioning that the payments as per the list will have to be made by KRCL. However, the KRCL informed the District Development Commissioner that neither funds or security nor the bills and claims of Apex Encon were available with KRCL, sources said.

Raj Kumar, sarpanch of Gran Morh, who was among the protesters, said, "We were happy with the start of rail project in our area. Many of us have taken loan from different financial institutions to get employed, but as Apex has left the project without clearing liabilities of local labourers, contractors and suppliers, this is a big blow to the local enterprises and people working with the company. We demand immediate clearance of our liabilities pending with Apex Encon Projects Pvt Ltd."