Jammu, October 15
Relatives of a deceased protested against doctors and hospital administration for their negligence at the Government Medical College Jammu on Tuesday.

Relatives of Vinod Kumar, 18, of Gho-Manasa protested outside the GMC against doctors and the administration of GMC for the negligence during the treatment of Vinod Kumar. Superintendent GMC Dr Ravinder Ratan Pal said, “The patient was admitted on Sunday. He was suffering from pyrexia with multi-organ disfunction. Doctors had already informed his relatives that he was critical."

“After a little chaos, we have pacified his relatives and sent for an ambulance for his body,” he added.

Jammu, October 15
Ministry of Agriculture would soon introduce an SMS service to issue necessary advisories to the farmers. This was revealed in the National Conference on Agriculture for Kharif Campaign held at National Agriculture Science Centre (NASC), New Delhi, that concluded recently.

Sources said under the SMS service, a message will be sent to all the farmers, who are registered in the Kisan Call Centres (KCCs) wherein they will be asked to confirm whether they would like to receive advisories and if yes, which sector of Agriculture/Horticulture/Animal Husbandry/Fisheries and for which crops etc.

Sources add that the SMS advisory will carry the designation of the scientist/officer issuing the same. Farmers will receive advisories in respect of the crops or animals or birds or fish etc which they opt for. An officer of the Agriculture/Horticulture/Animal Husbandry/Fisheries Department will be able to issue advisories only to such registered farmers who fall within the territorial jurisdiction of such an officer.

Sources added that an interface for registration of farmers for receiving SMS advisories has been developed and related module for sending advisories in regional languages is expected to be finalised very shortly.

The meeting further observed that the farmers of the J&K are facing difficulties in crop production due to various factors. These included high soil erosion, problem of salinity and alkalinity, difficulty in timely availability of inputs, low productivity compared to national average and storage and value addition, particularly for fruits.

“There are various options for enrolling farmers for advisories including Database of KCCs, registration on a web portal through common service centres and Internet kiosks, manually filled form followed by data entry on the portal etc. These SMSes will be sent in the language of the state with an option of English language for those farmers who opt for the same,” said the meeting.

“For illiterate farmers, text-to-speech conversion engine or pre-recorded messages are proposed to be used for voice-based advisories,” it added.

Rajouri, October 15
Nearly a dozen villagers, including six policemen, were injured in clashes at Thriat area of Kalakote at border Rajouri district over the death of a woman.

Sarpanch Thriat Ch Muzaffar Hussain said Sushma Devi, wife of Mahinder Singh (driver), resident of Thriat, married him three years back. As a result of unhealthy matrimony, she was staying with her mother in Bakhar near Sundarbani.

Late yesterday night, when the report of Sushma's death reached Mahinder, he, along with some relatives, reached his in-laws' residence at Bakhar and took her body for the last rites in Thriat with the consent of her family members. He said over 100 relatives and family members of Mahinder's wife today reached Thriat to take part in the last rites of Sushma.

"After conducting the last rites, the family members and relatives allegedly attacked Mahinder Singh and tried to burn him alive in the pyre," it was claimed.

Within no time, the scene at the village turned violent and the police arrived; it dispersed violent protesters.

Six policemen, including police post incharge Tilak Raj, received injuries in the incident. Later, villagers of Thriat blocked the main road for hours and demanded that strict action be taken against those who attacked Mahinder Singh and the police team. Senior police officials rushed to the spot and assured strict action against those found involved. ADSP Nowshera Parshotam Sharma said, "We have lodged an FIR against 10 persons who attacked and were trying to burn alive Mahinder Singh apart from attacking the police party."

y Mahinder Singh, along with some relatives, reached his in-laws' residence at Bakhar and took his wife’s body for the last rites in Thriat with the consent of her family members. Over 100 relatives and family members of Mahinder's wife on Tuesday reached Thriat to take part in the last rites of Sushma.

y After conducting the last rites, the family members and relatives allegedly attacked Mahinder Singh and tried to burn him alive in the pyre.

Jammu, October 15
With Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA) planning to go ahead with its plans to conduct a survey of Gole Market park for construction of a multi-level parking place, residents are planning to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) against the project in the High Court.

Though in the first victory for the people, the Urban Development Ministry has dropped its idea of constructing a commercial complex along with the proposed project, the government is making all efforts to convince locals to support the construction of the multi-level parking.

Sources said that in the next few days, a team of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is expected to conduct a survey along with the officials of ERA and residents are planning to apprise the ADB officials about their objection.

Association for Self Help and Awareness president Anil Gour, who is leading an agitation against the project, alleged that the proposed construction is against the Supreme Court (SC) directions.

“The government cannot destroy green patch for building a concrete building as it is being used by the people for recreational activities. There are several trees within the park standing there for the last three decades,” said Gour.

Gour said they are quite relieved that due to protest by people, the government has shelved plans to construct a shopping complex at the site but their agitation will continue till the parking project is shifted to some other place.

Minister for Urban Development Nawang Rigzin Jora said, “Unnecessary controversy is being created over the project. We cannot use the Auqaf land due to legal reasons. We are doing everything to make the place traffic-free to boost trade activity.”

The minister said the Department of Urban Development is fully aware of the concerns of inhabitants of Gandhi Nagar and adjoining localities, but people need to understand that it will help in easing traffic congestion.

Locals also admit that illegal parking is creating problems for people and giving rise to traffic jam, but alternate land is available for the purpose.

“Two big chunks of land opposite the famous Pahalwan sweet shop and a temple near Gole Market is available and unutilised. They are being used for dumping of garbage. Why don't they use that land for the project?” said a resident, Sumant Singh.

The ever-increasing number of vehicles coupled with limited road infrastructure and paucity of parking space has been playing havoc with traffic management in the city. Traffic congestion is emerging as one big problem in the city and in absence of proper management, it is becoming a nightmare for the people.

jammu, october 15
The government's decision to use the last remaining green patch in Gandhi Nagar for proposed construction of a parking lot has not gone down well with the local residents. They say it's a major landmark in the temple city and the government should leave the park out of its development plan. — TNS

It’s shocking. I have been coming to this place for the last two decades and have seen these trees grow. The prospect of seeing these trees cut for the construction of a parking place is quite disturbing. There is alternate land available, the government should use that
— kc sharma, retired government employee

During my spare moments, I usually go to the park during summer and winter months. Minus the park, there is no place to sit. It is also a major landmark in Jammu. We oppose its conversion into traffic parking lot
— vipul gupta, sales representative

Several of my friends visit the park for morning and evening walk and we share our good and bad experiences with each other. It is the only green place in the concrete jungle. ERA should leave this place for the people. We oppose its destruction
— kulwant Singh, Trader

Concern for the environment should be the first priority. There is problem of parking but Auqaf land is available. I hope a decision is taken in people's interest
— Balwinder Kumar, pursuing PG Hindi from JU

Jammu, October 15
To sensitise panchayat members and civil society members about the RTI Act, a workshop was organised at the DC Office Complex by Sangarsh RTI Movement in association with the Common Wealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), New Delhi.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Vikas Sharma formally inaugurated the programme with the lightening of the traditional lamp and Nagendra Jamwal, ACR read out the welcome address. Members of the Sangarsh Movement thanked and congratulated them for facilitating the workshop.

He said such training-cum-awareness workshop would help to build a bonhomie between the government functionaries and the citizens. Balvinder urged the participating panchayat members to exercise their right to information in a larger public interest.

He also stressed for the proper implementation of Section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act, 2009. He said as per the law, it was conferred on every citizen to seek information from the government, but the citizens should use this transparency law as a duty to ask information related to developmental works.

Jammu, October 15
Evacuee property owners today protested against the state government, demanding rights on the properties they were allotted by them. They also alleged harassment by officials of the Custodian Department.

Under the banner of Evacuee Property Tenants Welfare Society, president Inder Mohinder Tar Singh alleged that helpless tenants and farmers were being harassed by the department. He alleged that tenants in Bishnah, RS Pura and Rajouri were being victimised as they don’t have ownership rights on the land.

He alleged that nine families comprising over 60 souls were being harassed since 2012 by the Custodian Department.

Those who spoke on the occasion included Capt Yudhvir Singh, president PoK DP’s Front, Ved Gandotra, president Freedom Fighters Association, Raj Kumar and Sukhvinder Singh, Rashtriya Shaheed Yaadgaar Committee and Sat Pal Saini.

Jammu, October 15
Yasmeen Akhtar of Samba, Roshan Bibi of Kathua and Aditi Uppal of Jammu emerged fastest sprinters by winning the gold medal in 100m events in the U-14, U-17 and U-19 categories, respectively, in the inter-district divisional-level girls athletics meet being organised by the Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) at the University of Jammu grounds.

Earlier, the competition was declared open by the Commissioner Secretary, Education, Parvez Malik, who was the chief guest. Director Sports and Physical Education, JU, Prof Dhian Singh Bhau was the guest of honour.

Deputy Director, DYSS, Ved Parkash and District Sports Officer, Jammu, Tirath Ram were also present on the occasion. A total of 184 female athletes from all districts of Jammu province are competing in various field and track events.

Results

U-14 (100 m): Yasmeen Akhtar of Samba, Ist; Kulvinder Kour of Jammu, 2nd; and Reena Sharma of Kathua, 3rd.

600 m: Priya Sharma of Jammu, Ist; Huma Bibi of Samba, 2nd; and Arti Devi of Udhampur, 3rd.

Long jump: Rajani Devi of Jammu, Ist; Keafeeba Kaji of Reasi, 2nd; and Begum of Samba, 3rd.

Shotput: Koafeeka of Reasi, Ist; Shamim Kousar of Poonch, 2nd and Nisha Devi of Samba, 3rd.

U-17(100 m): Roshan Bibi of Kathua, Ist; Sakshi Koul of Jammu, 2nd; and Sapna Devi of Samba, 3rd.

800 m: Anju Sharma of Reasi, Ist; Jamila Akhtar of Jammu, 2nd; and Pooja Devi of Ramban, 3rd.

Long jump: Roshan Bibi of Kathua, Ist; Sapna Devi of Samba, 2nd; and Parveen Bano of Udhampur, 3rd.

Shotput: Suksana Kousar of Poonch, Ist; Rijat Choudhary of Jammu, 2nd and Kajal Rani of Samba, 3rd.

U-19 (100 m): Aditi Uppal of Jammu, Ist; Sony Saini of Kathua, 2nd; and Manisha Kumari of Rajouri, 3rd.

800 m: Kiran Devi of Jammu, Ist; Nirmal Devi of Kathua, 2nd; and Chitti Devi of Reasi, 3rd.

3,000 m: Anita Rani of Kathua, Ist; Kajal Malgotra of Udhampur, 2nd; and Kamlesh Kumari of Jammu, 3rd.

4x100 m relay: Udhampur, Ist; Jammu, 2nd; and Poonch, 3rd.

Long jump: Reepu Devi of Samba, Ist; Naseem Akhtar of Reasi, 2nd; and Nisha Kumari of Kathua, 3rd.

Triple jump: Reepu Devi of Samba, Ist; Sunita Devi of Udhampur, 2nd; and Sunita Devi of Ramban, 3rd.

Shotput: Mamta Mishra of Jammu, Ist; Rimpy Sharma of Samba, 2nd; and Anju Devi of Reasi, 3rd.

Jammu October 15
A folk dance competition was conducted by the Department of Students Welfare, University of Jammu, under the inter-collegiate/departmental “Display Your Talent” 2013-14 at Brig Rajinder Singh auditorium.

Gujarati folk dance “Dandiya” presented by Govt Women College, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, bagged the first prize whereas Dogri Folk Dance “Jagrana” presented by Bharatiya College of Education, Udhampur and Rajasthani folk dance presented by Govt Women College, Parade, Jammu, were adjudged second and third, respectively.

“Thaali Dance” a local dance of Ramban Dist, presented by the team from Govt Degree College, Ramban, bagged the special prize for their performance.

Brig Rajinder Singh auditorium echoed with the thunderous applause by the audience on every performance, performed by the participants.

Inderjeet Singh, registrar, GNDU, Amritsar and Anuradha Seth Kohli, were adjudicators of the said event. The judges had a tough time in preparing the results.

Lida Singh, First Lady on the campus, was the chief guest on the occasion and distributed the prizes amongst the winner teams.

Ritu Mahajan, The School of Bio-Technology, was the teacher in charge of the event and apprised the participants of the rules and regulations of the contest.

The programme was compered by Apoorva Jamwal, secretary, Students Cultural Council, whereas Joginder Singh was the timekeeper.

Among others Prof Neeru Sharma, chairperson, Campus Cultural Committee, Prof NK Tripathi, Dean Students Welfare, Prof Jasbir Singh, Provost Hostels (Boys), J.K. Sharma, Spl Secretary to the VC, Prof Shailendra Singh, Associate Dean (SW), Dr Madhulika Singh, Vinay Thusoo, Public Relations Officers, and teacher in charges from the various Colleges, scholars and students, were also present.

Jammu, October 15
Jammu traffic police would highlight the importance of road safety and observing traffic rules. Road Safety Day was today observed in Jammu to create awareness about road safety rules amongst citizens. It was an endeavour to promote responsible mobility and connect with customers highlighting a strong social message.

A road safety march started from Channi and culminated in Gole Market, one of the busiest locations in the city. The road show started with a car rally, with vehicles bearing road safety messages driving up to Gole Market. A road safety march was also undertaken from the Channi till Apsara Road. A message on road safety was spread through placards and fliers were distributed with messages on Absolute Safety Rules to the local shops, showrooms and passers-by during the road march. At Gole market, there was interaction with motorists and four-wheeler drivers, who were educated on the importance of road safety.

Around 70 people from a telecom operator company and the traffic police department participated in the event.

Udhampur, October 15
The Sarang acrobatic team of the Indian Air Force (IAF), led by Wing Commander Ravi C Pathak, conducted a breathtaking display at the Air Force station as a part of the 81st IAF celebrations.

Station Commander Group Capt Devendra P Hirani, while complementing the acrobatic team, said with such performances and displays, the team would definitely inspire the youth to be a part of the Indian Air Force.

"At the same time, laying these beautiful machines to their limits, the team showcases the capabilities of the Advance Light Helicopter, skill of the pilots and the indigenous aviation industry," Capt Hirani said. He said apart from being our national bird, Sarang is the epitome of beauty and grace. A dancing peacock is legendary and that is just the reason why the founders of the Helicopter Display Team of the IAF named it Sarang.

Even the colour scheme of the helicopters is the one in which a peacock is etched all over the advance light helicopter that the team files. Lt Gen Sanjiv Chachra, GOC-in-C, Northern Command was the chief guest.

Jammu, October 15
The bowling trio of Hilal Rather, Manik Gupta and Ramdayal Punia bowled lethal spells to help Simula Cricket Club register an emphatic eight-wicket win over the Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP)XI in the summit clash to clinch the Jammu Tawi Premier (JTP) T20 Cricket Cup title at the MA stadium.

Earlier, winning the toss and batting first, Jammu and Kashmir Police XI was bundled out for paltry 76 runs in 17.3 overs.

Rajesh Gill was the top scorer with 17 runs studded with three boundaries.

For Simula Club, Hilal Rather and Manik Gupat were the chief destroyers with a haul of three wickets while Ramdayal took two and Vikram snared one wicket, respectively.

In reply, Simula Club did the needful as Dhruv Mahajan struck a half-century to help his team chase the modest target in just nine overs losing two wickets in the process.

Dhruv scored 53 runs off 37 balls with the help of eight delectable hits to the fence and one six.

For Jammu and Kashmir Police XI, Anshuman took two wickets. Hilal Rather was adjudged the man of the match while Rompy Sharma was declared the man of the series.

Dhruv Mahajan and Hilal Rather bagged best batsman and best bowler awards, respectively.

The match was officiated by Sandeep Manchanda and Rajinder Singh as umpires while Rahul Mattoon and Yogesh Sharma were the scorers.

Jammu Municipal Corporation Commissioner Kiran Wattal was the chief guest at the valedictory function, who distributed prizes among the winners and runner-up teams on the occasion.

Romesh Mahajan, working committee member, Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) and member provincial committee was the guest of honour.

Meanwhile, the winners and runner-up teams of the Simula Budding Cricketers T20 Tournament were also felicitated on the occasion.

The Simula Budding Cricketers T20 Tournament was organised under the overall supervision of organising committee, including RK Bhat, Ankush Abrol, Rajesh Dhar, Vikram Singh and Shashi Paul, organising secretary.