Police get vital leads in Firoz Ali murder
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
The police have got important leads during the investigation of Firoz Ali murder case that took place on Wednesday night at Doon Vihar in Jakhan and are expected to unfold the mystery behind the murder soon.

According to police sources, the role of two different gangs is suspected, which have possible involvement in the murder of the 40-year-old contractor, who used to live with his family in a rented accommodation in Dehradun. The investigating team is saying that they it has found clues about one local group whereas some evidence is pointing finger towards a gang active in western Uttar Pradesh.

The police are still not revealing the names of the alleged assailants who shot dead Firoz Ali in front of his house.

One officer dealing with the investigation of the murder told The Tribune, “We have questioned lots of people in the case, including the neighbours and have gathered some substantial clues in the case, which will help us in nabbing the culprits.”

The Tribune has learned through sources that the wife of deceased Firoz Ali is changing her statements frequently, which is creating suspicion in the minds of investigators and may even change the course of investigations. Reportedly, she has made conflicting statements about a person, namely Rahul, who is in the fray because those assailants entered Firoz’s house shouting his name only.

It is to be noted that Firoz Ali was shot dead by a group of unidentified assailants on Wednesday night after breaking into his house. The attackers allegedly entered his house looking for a person named Rahul who is supposedly the neighbour of Firoz. Meanwhile, the police have even questioned Rahul in connection with the murder and whether he knew those persons who killed Firoz.

“We are working round the clock to solve this case and our investigation is going in right direction at present,” CO, Muss-oorie, Jaya Baluni, told The Tribune.

Cause of delay...

The wife of deceased Firoz Ali is changing her statements frequently, which is creating suspicion in the minds of investigators that may even change the course of investigations. Reportedly, she has made conflicting statements about a person, namely Rahul, who is in the fray because those assailants entered Firoz's house shouting his name only.

Dharna by Aam Admi Party workers
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
Seeking prompt distribution of relief to the rain disaster victims of Uttarakhand, Aam Admi Party workers in Dehradun today staged a dharna. The protesters alleged that the state government was not sincere in providing relief to the rain disaster victims of the state.

They said it was unfortunate that large-scale relief was coming to Uttarakhand but it was getting wasted.

They said many of disaster relief materials were being used for preparations of new blankets for sale purposes.

Aam Admi Party workers threatened to stage a massive agitation if the state government did not take prompt action towards providing relief to the disaster-affected.

Akash Singh, Deepak Prakash, Mayank Naithani, Ashwani Pandey, Somesh Budakoti and Sunita Singh were prominent among the protesters.

Mayor takes tough stand against waste mgmt firm
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
Taking a tough stand against the private waste management company, Doon Valley Waste Management (DVWM), that announced to withdraw from the garbage clearance work from January 18, Mayor Vinod Chamoli asked the company to reconsider its decision or the corporation would be forced to take strict action against it.

The Mayor gave the firm 15-days to reconsider its decision during the joint meeting with the company officials and Municipal Corporation officials, held here today.

Meanwhile, the company officials were also asked to repair the vehicles used for garbage collection across city limits The company was assured that the repair cost would be paid to the company along with the tipping cost.

On other hand, MH Khan, principal secretary, urban development department, also convened a meeting to solve the ongoing tussle between the Municipal Corporation and the DVWM. He directed the Municipal Corporation to clear the outstanding amount of Rs 12 lakh and also assured the company that the tipping cost would be increased by Rs 112 soon.

It is to be noted that DVWM gave a notice to the Municipal Corporation a month ago declaring its withdrawal from the solid waster management project from January 18. Reportedly, the company was unhappy over non-transfer of the land where a waste processing plant was to be set up.

The company was also not happy over the present tipping cost, which is paid to the company in commensurate to the amount of garbage disposed.

Notably, the company was getting Rs 350 per ton of garbage disposed. 

Protest against gas agency
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
Customers of Shiva Gas Agency held a protest in front of its office here today accusing it of selling LPG cylinders on the black market. It is to be noted that due to an ongoing tussle between the Indian Oil Corporation and the gas agencies, there has been irregular supply of LPG cylinders, resulting in a backlog of bookings.

The protesters alleged that the agency people were giving gas cylinders to their close ones while they were standing in queues. They also raised slogans against the owner of the agency.

They alleged that though they had made bookings a month ago, they were yet to get the delivery of cylinders.

Panel formed to treat inmates of Nari Niketan
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
Doon Hospital has formed a panel of doctors to monitor the condition of six inmates of Nari Niketan who are undergoing treatment at Doon Hospital.

The inmates are under the care of five doctors, including a physician, dietician, clinical psychologist and psychiatrist.

''We are giving best care to the inmates. Yesterday an inmate, Marina, was shifted to the ICU after she developed complications,'' said Dr D S Rawat, officiating CMS, Doon Hospital.

At the insistence of the hospital authorities a medical camp for the inmates was also held at Nari Niketan, where the mentally ill inmates reside and most of them were found to be suffering from skin disease and malnutrition. 

Students’ protest against RUSA continues

Dehradun, January 17
Various students' unions continued their protest at DAV PG College for the second consecutive day yesterday against the Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA).

Students owing allegiance to the SFI, the ABVP, the NSUI, the Aryan group and the Pattu group raised slogans against the college management.

The protesters said they would not allow the authorities concerned to convert DAV PG College into a private university. “We will not allow the management to take this anti-student decision,” said Abhishek Bhandari, district president of the SFI. — TNS

Response of industries to package lukewarm 
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, January 17
With the special industrial package for twin hill states of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh being extended from January 1, 2013, till March 2017, while the Congress-led state government has termed it at as a major boost for industrial sector in the state, most of the industries based in integrated industrial estate of Sidcul in Haridwar have given a lukewarm response to this package extension.

Several industrial firms have called this step as major boost for setting up new industrial units but not so much for already existing ones.

Talking to TNS, Sidcul Manufacturers' Association, Haridwar president Harendra Garg, said that this new package should have been on the lines of the one given to the state in 2003 by the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari 
Vajpayee-led National Democratic Alliance union government.

Garg said that the package was one thing but execution process is quite cumbersome and lengthy in Uttarakhand, which demotivates industries in setting or extending their plants.

''Major problem lies in commercial and income tax procedure in which the industries are not given any significant concession. Besides, several packaging units are not being given input tax, as a result of which these firms are contemplating moving High Court, '' added Harendra.

Founder of Sidcul Manufacturers' Association Manmohan Jain said that it was not easy to set up industrial estate and more so in providing basic facilities. Industrial package seems to be running in papers only, but in fact ground conditions of implementing this package are quite different from lucrative announcements.

Haridwar general secretary Sudhir Mehta pointed that in Sidcul, Haridwar, there is lack of proper infrastructure, be it roads, water, power supply or security.

Mehta added that lack of trained ITI youths is also hampering the procedure of providing 70 per cent of employment in Sidcul to local Uttarakhand denizens.

''We are willing to resource manpower from Uttarakhand but lack of technological and employment training institutes, be it ITI or polytechnic in hill districts hampers the HR procedure, which is affecting the firms' output in Uttarakhand,'' added Mehta.

Meanwhile, Roorkee legislator Pradeep Batra has welcomed the industrial package extension ,giving credit to Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna for taking this demand firmly with the union government.

But BJP legislators Madan Kaushik and Aadesh Chauhan have alleged Lok Sabha election fear was the main reason behind Congress-led UPA government taking this decision.

Both the legislators pointed that why just prior to Lok Sabha election was such an announcement made, while previous BJP-led state government had been raising this industrial package extension issue with the UPA firmly.

The trader fraternity of New Haridwar today opposed the levying of new tax surcharge on them by state government and Municipal Corporation in various capacities.

A delegation of traders met Chief Town Officer Vipra Trivedi in this regard at her office, demanding several taxes being levied against the trader community.

Led by trader leaders Mridul Kaushik and Uday Ram Semwal, traders apprised Vipra Trivedi about their woes. Vipra assured of taking the matter with the corporation board meeting and respective authorities.

Govt announces revision of grade pay in Food and Civil Supplies Dept 
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
For streamlining the ration distributed under the Food Security Act, the state government today announced restructuring and revision of grade pay of the employees of the Department of Food and Civil Supplies.

“The posts of senior inspectors have been done away with the new posts of area ration officers. Due to the restructuring of the department, promotional opportunities for the employees will considerably increase,” said Manjul Joshi, Commissioner, Department of Food and Civil Supplies.

According to the new set-up at the entry-level, the supply inspectors will be eligible for a grade pay of Rs 4,200 in place of Rs 2,800.

Around 61 new posts of area ration officers would be created and 50 per cent of the posts would be filled through promotions of the existing senior inspectors for the post of area ration officers. Around 13 posts of district supplies officer would be created with a grade pay of Rs 5,400. Earlier, there were only ten posts of district supplies officer.

Two new posts of Joint Commissioners and Additional Commissioner owuld also be created respectively.

CPM holds dharna against “poor relief”
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
The CPM has sought prompt action from the government to provide relief to the disaster-hit people in the state. Staging a dharna at Gandhi Park today, the CPM members alleged that the state government was doing just lip service in aid of disaster victims and was not serious on the issue.

CPM leader Vijay Rawat said the state government had only come up with number of committees but have failed to do anything substantial so far for the affected families.

Another protester, Gangadhar Nautiyal, said the bureaucrats in the state government were complacent in their attitude to provide monetary relief to the victims. Virendra Bhandari, PD Baluni, Rajendra Purohit and Surendra Singh Rawat were among the prominent protesters. 

Maneka Gandhi’s effigy burnt
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
Rashtriya Rajeev Gandhi Sena members burnt the effigy of BJP MP Maneka Gandhi today in the city for her recent statement against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The protesters alleged that it was wrong to portray Rahul Gandhi in poor light as sacrifices made by the Gandhi family for the nation was supreme. He said the BJP had always divided the society on caste and religion lines.

Maneka Gandhi in her recent statement had described Rahul Gandhi as a meek bird and Narendra Modi as a lion, which infuriated the Congress workers countrywide.

Vikas Chauhan, Virendra, Sumita Sharma Dhyani, Madhu Thapa and Amit Rathi were the prominent protesters.

Tribal population stagnant, Raji tribe on verge of extinction: Book
Jotirmay Thapliyal
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
The population of Uttarakhand has increased significantly in the last decade while the tribal population has been stagnant with one of the most primitive tribes of the state, Raji, on the verge of extinction. The Raji tribe has been included in the list of 18 most threatened human groups of the country.

Senior journalist Jay Singh Rawat disclosed this in his recently published book, “Uttarakhand Ke Janjatiyon Ka Itihaas”. The book reveals that, Jaad, a sub-tribe of the Bhotia tribe in the state, is also facing demographic challenges.

It says that the overall population of Uttarakhand has increased from 8,479,562 to 10,086,929 in the last 10 years, showing 19 per cent decadal growth. But on the contrary, the tribal population in the state in the same period has just increased from 256,129 to 291,903, registering only 14 per cent decadal growth, which is a cause for concern. The tribal population thus increased by 35,774 only in the state in 10 years. This increase, too, was confined to urban areas where tribesmen have migrated while there has been little increase in their population in the rural areas. The situation is alarming in Bageshwar district of the Kumaon division where the tribal population decreased from 1,945 in 2001 to 1,922 in 2011.

Similarly, the tribal population increased by 1,776 in Chamoli, 200 in Rudraprayag, 184 in Tehri, 12,334 in Dehradun, 359 in Pauri, 403 in Almora, 599 in Champawat, 2,534 in Nainital, 12,817 in Udham Singh Nagar and by 3,184 in Haridwar district in the last decade.

Rawat’s book quoting the Anthropological Survey of India statistics discloses that the population of the Raji sub-tribe in Uttarakhand today stands at scanty 622, which is near extinction.

Besides Raji, four other tribal communities are experiencing a slow growth rate in the state. These communities are a vital link between the past and present times. A religious minority in Uttarakhand like the Jaad Bhotia tribe today has a population of little less than 3,000. Jaad Bhotias are Buddhists. Their population increased in Uttarkashi district by just 827 between 2001 and 2011.

Further, Pithoragarh district, where two sub castes of the Bhotia tribe (Shauka and Rang) reside, the population of the tribesmen increased by meager 256 persons in the last decade. The tribal population in Pithoragarh stood at 19,279 in 2001 while it was recorded at 19,535 in 2011.

The book quotes the 29th report of the Union Tribal Ministry’s Parliamentary Committee and identifies 18 most primitive human groups, including the Raji tribe, Jarawa, Sentinali and Great Andamani, which face the threat of extinction. These 18 primitive tribes are registering a drastic decline in their population. The population of the most threatened human group, Jarawa, was recently recorded at 381 while that of Great Andamanis stood at 97.

While there have been nationwide efforts to empower tribals and forest dwelling communities through the Tribal Rights Act, the Uttarakhand government has been reluctant to implement it. “The war between India and China in 1962 left the Bhotias with no livelihood options as the Indo-Tibetan border trade was abruptly stopped. No plan was subsequently formulated for their rehabilitation,” the book says.

Similarly, outsiders forcibly grabbed lands of Tharus and Buxas in the Terai region but the government and its law enforcing machinery remained a mute spectator. The book says that, according to the Constitution of India, the tribal land cannot be transferred to others but these provisions were abused with the knowledge of the successive governments.

This book by Winsar Publishing Company says the Rajis are forest dwellers and have no land to cultivate for sustainable livelihood. The Forest Rights Act 2006 has no meaning for the Rajis as they have not been given ownership rights in forests where they have been living since time immemorial. The Buxas of Terai are also struggling for their existence. This tribe was also declared primitive by the Union government in seventies. The natives of Terai known as Tharuat (land of Tharus and Buxas) are also facing the problem of land alienation in their very own place as most of them have been ousted.

‘No man-eater tigress in Corbett reserve’
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
The Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve authorities have refuted reports that the tiger that mauled a woman at Kalagarh in Uttarakhand on Tuesday was the man-eater tigress from Uttar Pradesh. They have even denied the presence of a man-eater tigress in the reserve.

Harnandi, 45, a resident of Kalagarh colony, was mauled by a tiger in Kalagarh on Tuesday when she had gone to forest to collect firewood. Her death coincided with reports that a man-eater tigress that had killed six persons at Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh had entered the Corbett region. However, the Corbett authorities ruled out any such possibility.

“You cannot link a woman’s death in a tiger attack on Tuesday with Uttar Pradesh man-eater tigress as there is no proof of any such link,” said Corbett reserve Warden SC Upadhyaya. He, however, acknowledged that a large number of forest guards were patrolling the area and were taking no chances.

Meanwhile, panic has gripped the Terai region. Residents of Jaspur are keeping indoors, particularly after dusk, fearing attack by the tigress.

Residents of Dharchula block highway
Our Correspondent

Pithoragarh, January 17
Residents of Dharchula and Jauljibi demonstrated today and blocked the Tanakpur-Tawalghat highway for over three hours. They demanded the construction of embankments along Kali and Goli rivers.

“We blocked the road at Army triangle bend in Dharchula and the passage of road in Jauljibi so that our demands are met at the earliest,” said Lila Bangyal, leader of demonstration.

Bangyal said the Army vehicles going to Dharchula and motorcade, which were going to Dharchula to hold Lok Adalat, were also held back for three hours.

The agitators lifted the blockade only after the Dharchula SDM reached the spot and assured the agitators of beginning the construction of embankments within 15 days.

“We have threatened to launch an agitation if the construction work doesn’t begin in 15 days and finished before the glacier melting session begins,” he added.

On the other hand, the district unit of CPI (ML) has announced support to the agitation and began a 72-hour relay fast on Republic Day in support of the agitators.

“We have cautioned the district administration and the state government that if the embankments will not be constructed before march this year, the party will launch a long term agitation in support of the affected residents of Dharchula and Jauljibi,” said Jagat Singh Martolia, District Secretary of the party.

Regularise contractual MC staff: Mahasangh
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, January 17
The demand for regularising the services of contractual employees working in the Municipal Council (MC) is gaining momentum here. Members of the Uttarakhand Swayatsashi Karamchari Mahasangh, Mussoorie, met MC president Manmohan Singh Mall at his office today and demanded regularisation of the services of contractual employees working in the MC.

President of the mahasangh Ravi Raj Bangari urged the MC president to speed up the process for the regularisation of the contractual employees in the council, who are around 150 in number.

Bangari said Chief Minster Vijay Bahuguna himself had announced to regularise the contractual employees recently but no action was being initiated.

The MC president said he was aware of the problems being faced by the contractual employees and was waiting the government order in this regard. 

Students protest against DAV College management
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
DAV PG College students continued their protest today against the possible privatisation of the college by merging with two other colleges.

The students belonging to SFI, ABVP, NSUI, Aryan group and Pattu group raised slogans against the college management and alleged that the students will not accept the decision of the management.

The students have blamed the college management of implementing Rashtriya Ucchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA). They have also threatened to oppose the proposed RUSA if the management tried to implement it in the college.

The students claimed that under the RUSA, the student teacher ratio would be 20:1, which meant that the college will be able to admit only 4,000 students keeping the present strength of the teachers in mind.

Siddharth Rana, president of the college student union, led the protest in the presence of other college student union leaders belonging to various student union organisations.

Multiplex opens

Dehradun, January 17
Cinema exhibition company PVR Cinemas, made inaugurated its first four-screen multiplex at Pacific Mall, here today. Star cast of the movie ‘Yaariyan’ Himansh Kohli and Devanshu Sharma were present at the inauguration. Gautam Dutta, COO, of PVR Ltd, declared the cinema open.—TNS

More benefits for freedom fighters’ kin
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
The Uttarakhand government on Friday extended some more benefits to the first generation dependants of the freedom fighters belonging to Uttarakhand.

Now the first generation dependents of freedom fighters will also be eligible for free travel in the buses run by Uttarakhand Transport Corporation, avail free medical facilities at all government hospitals and will also eligible for availing government accommodation at minimal rates at all the state-run guest houses, circuit houses and inspection bungalows.

“On the basis of identity cards issued by the District Magistrates, the first generation dependants of freedom fighters would be able to avail these benefits.

The medical facilities too have been extended to them on the lines of state government employees,” said Subash Kumar, Chief Secretary, Uttarakahnd government.

In Uttarakhand there are approximately 95 freedom fighters still alive who are availing facilities extended to freedom fighters by the state government.

The freedom fighters are eligible for receiving monthly pensions from the state government and the Central government.

The Uttarakhand government continues to receive applications from the family members and political representatives of freedom fighters who could not make the cut due to several reasons.

Just a day ago, the application of 95-year-old Godan Singh, resident of Nainital, was submitted to the Uttarakhand government for verification. “Godan Singh was presented a tamrapattra in 1972 by the then Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Kamlapati Tripathi in recognition of the role played by him in the freedom movement.

But due to lack of awareness he was unable to get the status of freedom fighter after the state was created,” said Pradeep Bhatt, a youth leader of the Congress Party.

On the other hand, there are around 2,222 first generation dependants of the freedom fighters who are also availing benefits such as reservation in government jobs.

“We welcome the government’s decision to extend benefits for the dependents of the freedom fighters,” said Umrao Singh Sajwan, a first generation dependent of a freedom fighter.

AAP gets good response in city
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, January 17
After taking reins of power in Delhi, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is getting overwhelming response in Haridwar too. Particularly, younger generation is quite impressed with AAP ideology and is enrolling as members with the anti-graft outfit, which now is setting its eyes on the Lok Sabha polls.

Today, the party got a major boost when Shravan Nath Math, Jawaharlal Nehru college student union president Gawaksh Joshi along with a number of youths joined the Aam Aadmi Party.

Though, Gawaksh along with his friends had joined AAP at New Delhi based office in presence of party central leaders Anand Kumar and Gopal Rai, today they were given warm welcome by Haridwar AAP unit. He said the time had come for change as public has shown in the Delhi Assembly elections. 

130 given free medical aid
Tribune News Service

Mussoorie, January 17
Around 130 persons were checked up at a free medical health camp held under the aegis of the Gurdwara Sahib Trust in association with Max Hospital, Dehradun, at Library Bazaar in Mussoorie yesterday.

General physician Dr RK Tandon and urologist Dr Dodamani checked patients and distributed medicines free of cost. The ECG, blood pressure, and sugar tests were also conducted. A team form Max hospital along with members of the Gurdwara Sahib Trust provided the logistic support. The general secretary of the trust, Kanwaljeet, told mediapersons that Max Hospital was also providing free OPD services to the patients at the gurdwara. 

Centre urged to ascertain facts about Netaji’s death
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, January 17
Followers of Subash Chandra Bose are annoyed at the slow approach of the Central government in ascertaining the facts about Netaji’s mysterious death. The All India Legal Aid Forum with support from Netaji’s admirers has initiated a campaign to pressure the Union government to take sincere steps to unveil the mystery surrounding the legendary leader’s death.

Social activist and Supreme Court lawyer Joydeep Mukherjee along with the Netaji’s followers told mediapersons at the Press Club here today about various issues related with the Azad Hind Fauj founder.

He cited the Shahnawaz Hussain Commission report of 1956, the GD Khosla Commission report of 1977 and the Justice Manoj K Mukherjee report, which had been trashed by successive Congress governments at the Centre.

He said the belief that Netaji died in an air crash in Taiwan on August 18, 1945, was false as several reports indicated that he was kept as a war prisoner in Siberia in Russia post-World War II.

Mukherjee cited erstwhile USSR intelligence agency KGB files that indicated that Bose took shelter in Soviet Russia after August 1945. He urged the Indian government to talk to the present Russian government led by President Vladimir Putin to access the KGB secret files relating to Bose.

“These files are classified as top secret and number 36. According to unofficial KGB sources, the Indian government has got these files of late. Indian citizens have the right to ask the Union government to disclose the facts related to Subash Chandra Bose. Otherwise, the history will not forgive it,” said Mukherjee, who has filed a public interest litigation in the Supreme Court in this regard.

The forum also demanded an inquiry into the circumstances of death of another freedom fighter Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, who died in a Kashmir prison on June 23, 1953.

Sousmitha Mukherjee, a Netaji follower, demanded that January 23, birthday of Subash Chandra Bose, be declared a national holiday. 

U’khand faces shortage of power

Dehradun, January 17
Uttarakhand total power availability stood at 34.60 million units of power against the total demand of 35.12 million units of power on Thursday.

Out of the total power available in the state, only 8.36 million units of power was generated through hydro power stations in the state and the rest came from the central pool and other sources.

In order to make up for power shortage, power cuts are being done for over 2 hours 30 minutes in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar districts. According to Uttarakhand Power Corporation Limited’s Public Relation Officer Madhusudan, the department has issued toll free numbers 1800-180-4185 for the consumers to air their grievances and complaints. — TNS

Devi Ahilya beat Tripura varsity by 65 runs
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, January 17
Devi Ahilya University, Indore, won the inaugural match after defeating Tripura University in the All India Universities Inter-Zonal Rohinton Baria Cricket Tournament, which kicked off at Maharana Pratap Sports College, here today.

Devi Ahilya won the toss and elected to bat first. The team scored 193 runs with Venktesh Iyer and Karan Wadhiwan scoring 63 and 52 runs respectively. Yunraj Singh also chipped in with a quick 30 runs that helped in strengthening the team's position. Meanwhile, from Tripura University, Nirupam Sen took 2 wickets while Enush, Nibajyot and Saurabh took 1 wicket each.

Tripura's batsmen failed to live up to the expectations and the entire team bundled-up at 128 runs and lost the match by 65 runs.

Nibajyot scored the highest 26 runs for Tripura followed by N Chaudhary who scored 17 runs. Devi Ahilya bowlers Ankit and Dhruv were the star performers after fetching three wickets each.

Earlier in the morning, VK Jain, Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Technical University, inaugurated the tournament. Ten teams from five zones are participating in the tournament with two teams from each zone.

Volleyball association announces team

The Dehradun District Volleyball Association announced teams (girls and boys) for the forthcoming Uttarakhand Volleyball Youth Championship to be held at Gurukal Narsan Degree College in Haridwar on January 18 and 19.

In the boys’ category, 13 players have been selected whereas in the girls’ section, 12 players are in the team.

According to Bharatveer Singh, secretary, district volleyball association, after the conclusion of the youth championship in Haridwar, final state team would be selected in both girls and boys category, which will represent Uttarakhand in the upcoming 16th National Youth Volleyball Championship, to be played in Rajasthan from January 30 to February 4.

Roorkee clinch u-14 cricket tourney
Tribune News Service

Haridwar, January 17
The City Cricket Association team from Roorkee clinched the under-14 cricket championship by defeating Gymkhana Cricket Club at the Roshanabad stadium here today.

The cricket championship was organised by the Sports Directorate, Uttarakhand Government. It saw participation from Haridwar, Roorkee, Lakshar, Bhagwanpur and Narsain tehsil.

The City Cricket Association team faced a tough time in its initial overs butpicked up scoring as the weather conditions eased. They made 114 runs in 20 overs with a loss of 5 wickets.

Captain Priyanshu scored 52 runs. He was assisted by Lalit Tyagi, who scored 24 runs. In reply, Gymkhana Cricket Club tried to attack the Roorkee City bowlers but failed to carry the momentum, with only Ashish making 40 runs and Ravi making 17 runs.

Gagandeep Singh Chaudhari claimed 4 wickets. He was also adjudged the bowler of the championship. The man of the series award was given to Priyanshu Malhotra for his overall performance.

Neerak Kumar, president of the Cricket Association of Haridwar, and Secretary Inder Mohan Barthwal, gave prizes to the players.

A cash prize of Rs 2,200 was also announced by the association for the winning team.