Jammu, August 10
A complete bandh was today observed in Jammu against the communal clash in Kishtwar on Friday.

More than 12 people, including six police personals, received injuries in the violent clashes between the police and the protesters at several places around the city, even as, the administration imposed section 144 since early morning

The situation reminded of the 2008 Amarnath Land Row agitation, as protesters raised slogans against the National Conference led coalition government and the Minister of State for Home, Sajad Ahmad Kichloo.

Members of various political parties and social and business organisations supporting the call given by the BJP came out on streets and blocked the roads at various places.

They also burnt tyres and disrupted the vehicular movement on the national highway.

Violent protests were witnessed at Purani Mandi and City Chowk area of the city, in which more than 12 people, including the Superintendent of Police J S Johar, were injured.

The police and CRPF personnel resorted to lathicharge and even hurled tear shells to disperse the agitated protesters as they pelted stones on them.

The bandh call also got supports from the Bar Association Jammu, which boycott the working at the High court and organised a rally to protest against the riots in Kishtwar, which left two persons dead and dozens other injured.

“It was total failure of the administration, we appeal all the communities to maintain peace and brotherhood in the state,” N K Bhardwaj, president Bar Association Jammu, said.

All the commercial vehicles were off the road and business establishments across the city were closed till late this evening.

The Inspector General of Police, Jammu region, Rajesh Kumar in a statement said that all the shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was totally off the roads in Jammu city to protest against the incident.

There was no report of any untoward incident in Jammu region and the bandh in most of the districts was peaceful, he added.

Protesters, meanwhile, demanded that a case be registered against the people involved in the incident.

They also sought the resignation of the MoS Home

There was also strong resentment among the people against the Divisional commissioner, Santamanu, who late last night had said that the curfew was imposed at 12 noon (in Kishtwar) while in reality it was imposed only after 5:00 pm in the evening.

All the organisations supporting the bandh have, meanwhile, decided to extended the strike for another 48 hours. 

Reasi, August 10
Normal life in Reasi district was disrupted after the people from the minority community today took to streets to register their anguish against the communal clashes in Kishtwar.

The vehicular movement on Jammu-Reasi highway was also affected as the agitated protesters burnt tyres and sat on dharnas on the highway.

They also placed barricades at Sula Park, Bharadhari and Talwara.

The tension further flared up as the protesters alleged that a person had posted an offensive and profane comment on the social networking site, Facebook.

People staged protest outside the Reasi police station and submitted a memorandum demanding action against an offensive and profane Facebook post by a person named, Raj Malik, an official source said.

Reasi town witnessed a tense afternoon on Saturday when protesters belonging to a particular section of people, stage protest outside Reasi police Station.

The message was posted on the social networking site on Saturday morning and it allegedly upset the religious feelings of the protesting community, he added.

Malik was arrested later in the day, but the members of the aggrieved community wanted strict action against him.

An FIR has also been registered in this matter at the behest of District Magistrate Reasi.

Meanwhile, all the shops and business establishments remained closed and traffic was totally off the roads in Reasi town following the bandh call given by BJP and other organisation against the clashes in Kishtwar yesterday, which left two persons dead and many others injured.

The state government had already called for closure of all the educational institutes in Reasi in view of the bandh. Attendance was also thin in government departments.

Activists from BJP, VHP-Bajrang Dal, Shiv Sena and Trade Association took out anti-government rallies and demand that Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmed Kitchloo, be sacked.

“There is no report of any untoward incident in Reasi and the bandh in most parts of the district was peaceful,” Deputy Commissioner Reasi, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, said.

Rajouri, August 10
Hundreds of Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal activists staged a protest against the state government over the arrest of senior VHP and Bajrang Dal leader at Kud by the police here today when they were going to meet communal riots victims at Kishtwar.

The protesters blocked the Jammu-Poonch Highway at Rajouri.

They said the state president of Jammu and Kashmir VHP, Ramakant Dubey, national president of the Bajrang Dal Rajesh Pandey, convener of J&K and Delhi Neeraj Danoria along with a team of 12 members were arrested by the police at Kud on the Jammu and Kashmir Highway when they were going to meet communal riots victims at Kishtwar.

Activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal raised slogans against the Omar Abdullah regime and demanded the arrest of Home Minister Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo.

They demanded an early release of the leaders. They alleged that the real culprits remained scot-free, but those who were innocent were arrested. 

Rajouri, August 10
Rajouri observed a complete bandh today following communal clashes in Kishtwar district in which two persons were killed and several others injured.

Business establishments and educational institutions remained shut and hardly any vehicle was seen plying on the roads. The attendance in government offices also remained thin.

The people from the minority community lodged massive protest demonstrations throughout the district with people coming out on streets in Sundarbani, Nowshera, Kalakote and Rajouri. The protests, however, remained peaceful.

In Rajouri, the agitated members of the minority community blocked the Jammu-Poonch National Highway at Salani Bridge for over two hours.

They demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and also pressed for an FIR against Minister of State for Home, Sajjad Ahmad Kichloo, for yesterday’s violence in Kishtwar.

Karan Thakur, district president, Bajrang Dal, said the state government would be responsible for the situation if any such incident involving the minority community repeated itself in future.

“The Omar government has completely failed to save the minority community in Jammu and Kashmir,” Thakur said.

Bhartiya Janta Party activist Ranjit Tara raised questions on the rehabilitation policy and alleged that the government was responsible for the situation in Kishtwar.

“Omar Abdullah is working against national interest by rehabilitating well trained Pakistani militants and imposing restrictions on security forces,” Tara said.

“The coalition government of the National Conference and the Congress is responsible for yesterday’s incident in which dozens of shops were gutted and two persons were killed,” he added.

Jammu, August 10
The newly reconstituted J&K State Sports Council is likely to accept the recommendations of the proposed sports policy draft to bring all the corporations/boards and apex cooperative institutions in the state under the overall umbrella of an autonomous sports body. Further, these organisations would be encouraged to adopt at least one game of their choice.

Sources said the proposed draft had laid stress on the Public Private Partnership (PPP) claiming that it was the most significant criteria for continued growth rate of sports activities in the state. The sources added that the main motive behind accepting the recommendations was to stop the migration of state sportspersons who rued lack of financial rewards and meagre employment opportunities. The draft further claimed that various PPPs would be promoted for the implementation of infrastructure projects and the deficit could be overcome by ensuring much more private capital investment.

“If implemented properly, it will give a tremendous boost to the promotion of sports by opening up facilities for training of budding sportspersons generating competition among them due to suitable incentives. Most importantly, it will prevent drain of sportspersons from the state because the scheme would open up more avenues of employment within the home state. These corporations/boards will compliment government effort by contributing in money and resources to augment sporting facilities in the state,” a sports official claimed.

The sources added that the sports policy draft had suggested the authorities to consider exemption of sports competitions/events from payment of entertainment duty when the money was raised by organisers, by ticketing the event. Pertinently, in the recently concluded 129th standing committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Taj Mohi-ud-Din, Minister for Medical Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, the department had implemented the Union Sports Ministry guidelines in letter and spirit regarding age and tenure.

The sports policy draft also suggested that the possibility to levy some cess on liquor of licence fee would also be explored to raise adequate financial resources for the promotion of sports. All steps would be taken to check malpractices such as under reporting of age, doping, nepotism, favouritism, dilution of standards, etc. Those found indulging in malpractices would be debarred to get any facility from the state government, including awards, scholarships, honours and any other incentive,” the sources claimed. 

Jammu, August 10
The Power Development Department (PDD) has failed to conduct auditing of grid stations under the energy accounting system to check the transmission and distribution (T&D) losses in the state.

The energy accounting was a major initiative introduced by the state government in 2012 to check electricity losses at distribution stations, so that steps could be taken to plug the gaps, as hundreds of power units are lost during the distribution process.

Under the plan, officials responsible for the distribution were to be made accountable for the electricity supplied from a particular feeder to keep a check on the units consumed in a locality and later tally it with the revenue collected by the field staff.

The Union Power Ministry has been regularly asking the state to increase the revenue from electricity, bring down the power purchase bill and transmission and distribution losses, which are currently around 60 to 65 per cent, and initiate other reforms.

“It was prerequisite to implement the new set of reforms announced by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to curb the T&D losses and make a proper inventory of how the electricity is being used after it leaves the grid and power stations," said an official.

Sources claimed that most of high-tech meters installed in the stations were unreliable and no regular tests were being conducted to check their accuracy, at times for years together.

Meters needed regular testing and at the moment most of them were unreliable, he said.

Despite investing crores of rupees in revamping the power sector in the state, especially in capital cities, the PDD has failed to prepare for any major breakdown.

Funds to the tune of Rs 2,297 crore were available from 2007-08 to 2011-12, out of which only Rs 1,243 crore could be utilised, a source said.

Even the audit by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had revealed that no disaster management set-up existed in the state for an immediate restoration of transmission system in the event of any major electricity failure or fault. Further, out of 54 grid sub-stations, generator back-up was available in only 37 sub-stations, it added.

Jammu, August 10
The BJP has expressed concern over the “vicious” campaign launched against the Village Defence Committees (VDCs) of the erstwhile Doda district.

The party regretted that leaders of the National Conference and the Congress had joined hands with separatist leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani to disturb the secular fabric and communal harmony in the Jammu region.

Addressing a press conference with leaders of Doda, general secretary of the state BJP Bali Bhagat on Thursday said the National Conference (NC) and Congress leaders had joined Geelani’s campaign only to hide their misdeeds and to create communal divide in the erstwhile Doda district.

The BJP leader said the VDCs had played an important role in curbing militancy and instilling confidence among people of these affected areas for two decades.

He said the Congress and the NC, under a planned conspiracy, were spreading all sorts of rumours to malign the VDCs and create a wedge between different communities for their political gains.

“With a view to polarising peace-loving and secular people of the erstwhile Doda district, a conspiracy has been hatched and some anti-people elements have been planted to create a fear psychosis, particularly in the villages inhabited by the majority community, during the night,” he said.

He asserted that the people of all communities of the erstwhile Doda district and the Jammu region at large would see through the nefarious designs orchestrated with an eye on the electoral gains and foil these gimmicks. Doda district BJP president Dalip Singh Parihar, Shakti Singh Parihar, Mela Ram and Basant Raj were present.

Meanwhile, in a statement issued here yesterday, BJP youth wing leader Sunil Sharma from Kishtwar said it was unfortunate that government-sponsored elements were harassing people, particularly the minority community. Sharma demanded action against the culprits and government officials supporting such unscrupulous elements.

Jammu, August 10
The Bhartiya Kala Sangam, Jammu, organised a musical event yesterday on the premises of the Mubarak Mandi Complex. It was sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Jammu.

On the occasion, I/C station director, Radio Jammu, Anjali Sharma, was the chief guest whereas the Director Tourism, Soujanya Sharma, was the guest of honour.

Anjali said such musical events were necessary and should be a regular feature at the Mubarak Mandi Complex for the promotion of Dogri culture so that the new generation gets acquainted with the Dogra culture.

Soujanya appreciated the enchanting musical programme presented by the Bhartiya Kala Sangam and assured the audience that such type of programme would be made a regular feature there. Earlier, welcoming the audience, TR Sharma, chairman of the Bhartiya Kala Sangam, highlighted various cultural activities taken up by the sangam and said the forum was open for artists to showcase their talent.

The programme was conducted by Rajini Sharma, a renowned radio and TV anchor. The vote of thanks was presented by Ramesh Singh Chib, Director, Bhartiya Kala Sangam. Those who performed on the occasion included Tilak Raj Tagotra, Bishan Dass, Sonali Dogra, Surinder Manhas, Satinder Shanu, Chaman Mattoo, Suman Lata, Joginder Paul, Sahil Jasotra, Chandan and Rakesh Anand.

Batote, August 10
The demand for scrapping of the traditional 10-day annual summer holidays in the winter zones of the state have become louder.

Many parents have condemned the 10-day annual summer holidays that were observed from July 15 to July 24.

“I feel the vacations are unnecessary and sheer wastage of time for the students, particularly of Classes X and XII,” said Adarsh Sethi, father of a Class XII student of Government Higher Secondary School, Batote.

The 75-day-long winter vacation here from December 15 to March 1 was extended till March 10 due to an extended spell of cold in the zone.

“Besides these 100 scheduled holidays, schools were closed for about a week at the whims and fancies of the principals or headmasters for either allowing religious or social functions on the school premises or for observing condolences on the demise of either a student or their kin,” said a teacher.

“Not to speak of me but even my son studying in Class XII has been against these vacations since he felt that these vacations have disrupted his normal routine and made him lethargic,” said a local headmaster.

“We have been following it merely as a tradition of giving a break of 10 days in summers. However, there should be a debate over it,” said SK Gandotra, Joint Director, Education, Jammu.

Jammu, August 10
Global Convent school, Channi Rama, Jammu, celebrated Grandparents Day here today.

The school organised special activities in which both students and grandparents participated. The function started with an activity session. Many grandparents expressed gratitude to the principal of the school, J Gandotra, for giving them such a wonderful opportunity to bond with their grand children.

Jammu, August 10
Renowned painter OP Sharma of Jammu and Kashmir has been invited to participate in a national-level painters’ camp organised by Snehhill, Dehradun, from August 10-12.

More than 30 artists from different part of the country are participating in the camp. The camp will be held in the guest house of the Raj Bhawan, Dehradun, Uttarakhand. Eminent artists participating in the camp include VS Rahi (New Delhi), Dr Nathu Lal Verma (Jaipur), Dr Ram Shabad Singh (Saharanpur), Ram Viranjan ( Kurukshetra), KS Gill and Dharminder Sharma (Amritsar) and Alok Bhowsar (Bhopal).

Sharma is a well known artist who had participated in various international, national, and state-level exhibitions. He has also participated in many international, national and state-level painters’ camp and seminars organised by various states and organisations.

Many of his works have been collected by prestigious art institutions, organisations, art galleries and private collectors. He has served in the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and languages as an exhibition officer and deputy secretary, Art and Culture. Presently, he is the Director of the Jammu and Kashmir Centre for Creative Arts, Jammu. 

Srinagar, August 10
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) today expressed concern over loss of precious human lives and property in communal violence in Kishtwar and appealed to the people to maintain brotherhood and communal harmony.

“People should maintain brotherhood and communal harmony at any cost to frustrate designs of the forces inimical to peace,” PDP President Mehbooba Mufti said in a statement here.

Jammu and Kashmir is an example of brotherhood and communal harmony and there is a need of maintaining this centuries old tradition of the state, she said.

“Kishtwar- the land of Sufis and Saints, is a symbol of peace, amity and communal harmony and there is need to further strengthen the tradition of tolerance and brotherhood among various communities living in this region,” she said. Expressing her anger over the “failure” of the state government to prevent such incidents, Mehbooba said that after “creating sectarian divide in Kashmir now the ruling party has brazenly been indulged into dividing people in Jammu region on communities lines for petty political gains.” She said those involved in instigating the people should be brought to the book.

All Parties Sikh Co-ordination Committee Chairman Jagmohan Singh Raina also demanded a high-level probe into the Kishtwar violence, while appealing people to maintain harmony and brotherhood. — PTI 

Jammu, August 10
Senior National Conference leaders today made a fervent appeal to people to maintain peace and brotherhood in Jammu and Kashmir, following communal clashes at Kishtwar.

Jammu and Kashmir has been an abode of peace where people of different faiths have been living in complete harmony and brotherhood from times immemorial, senior NC leaders Devender Singh Rana, Surjeet Singh Slathia and Rattan Lal Gupta said in a statement here.

“The spirit of amity and tranquillity, despite grave provocations from time to time, has been high point of the pluralistic ethos that distinguishes the state in the entire country,” they maintained.

The NC leaders said any sort of discord among different sections of the society does not go well with the time tested unity and glorious traditional of the state that has been a shinning and proud symbol of Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian brotherhood.

“We should not allow ourselves to get swayed by emotions and provocations of elements inimical to peace and maintain the brotherhood and amity at all costly,” they said. —PTI 

Jammu, August 10
Young Jammu and Kashmir cricketer, Shubam Khajuria, was today accorded a grand welcome on his return from Sri Lanka where he managed to felt his presence with some impressive knocks both in Test match and ODI.

Khajuria reached technical airport at 3.30 pm on Jet Spice flight where he was received by the members of his family and supporters.

Talking to the media about his performance in the recently concluded series, Khajuria expressed satisfaction and said that he would continue to work hard to improve his game.

He also hoped that in the upcoming four-nation ODI series to be hosted by India, if selected in the team he would try his level best to live up to the expectations.

It may be mention here that Khajuria on his international debut played an impressive knock of 52 in the second test and he managed to score 32 and 15 runs in first and second innings, respectively.

Shubam did not figured in the first two youth ODIs, but in the final ODI, he struck highest 34 runs in a low scoring affair to secure a thumping win for Team India.

Jammu, August 10
Assistant Commissioner, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, A S Gill, today inaugurated a physics workshop for PGTs of various Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs) of Jammu region at its Bantalab based school.

The workshop is aimed at improving the results of KV students of Jammu region in the subject.

On the occasion a detailed draft of the action plan was also discussed with the participants.

The workshop is being conducted under the
guidance of K N Prasad, Principal Kendriya Vidyalaya, Samba, and V Santhosh Kumar, Principal, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Bantalab.

The duo is being assisted by Vikramaditya, PGT Physics, KV No 1, Udhampur. In all, 32 participants from different Kendriya Vidyalayas of J&K, Himachal Pradesh and Punjab are participating in the three-day long workshop.

Jammu, August 10
The J&K Speedball team was flagged off by Vijay Gupta, chief patron of the J&K Speedball Association, for participation in the second International Speedball Championship to be held at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.

The team comprised Manthan Pandoh, Veermanu Singh, Pranay Gupta, Gurmanjeet Singh, Samaksh Kumar, Sonam Sharma, Rhea Tikku, Ritik Ratra, Siddharth Bamotra, Ankit Sharma, Varun Singh, Sahil Janjua, Manika Sharma, Sugandh Mehta, Rahul Mennia and Aryan Kangotra. Sunny Nanda is accompanying the team as the coach.

The office-bearers of the association had hoped that the team would perform well in the championship to bring laurels to the state. — TNS