Jammu, June 26
The Amarnath yatra is all set to commence tomorrow from the Yatri Niwas base camp at Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu.

The first batch of pilgrims will leave the base camp for the Amarnath cave shrine at 5 am.

The yatra will be flagged off by Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmed Mir.

Hundreds of pilgrims today reached the base camp at Bhagwati Nagar where all arrangements have been made for their comfortable stay.

‘Langars’ (community kitchens) are also being organised by various social organisations.

Soujanya Sharma, Director, Tourism, Jammu, said, “Pilgrims are arriving. All arrangements have been made for them at Yatri Niwas.”

“The first batch (of pilgrims) will leave the Yatri Niwas base camp at 5 in the morning on Friday and Minister for Tourism Ghulam Ahmed Mir will flag off the pilgrimage,” the Director of Tourism added.

Tight security arrangements have been made for a safe and secure yatra. The police along with its Armed Wing, Security Wing, CRPF and other agencies have been deployed in Jammu and en route to the Amarnath shrine.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, Uttam Chand said: “All security arrangements have been made in view of the Amarnath yatra. All centres where pilgrims will be accommodated are under the vigil of the police. The route to the shrine is also under vigil.”

“We have also installed police help booth for the pilgrims which will help in a safe and smooth yatra,” the Jammu SSP said.

The pilgrimage will start from the Baltal base camp on Saturday and will continue for 44 days. It will conclude on August 10.

Meanwhile, a rousing reception was today given to the first batch of Amarnath yatris at Lakhanpur, the gateway to the state.

A cultural programme was organised by the police along with the district administration and the Department of Information.

Pilgrims were received at Lakhanpur by Deputy Inspector General, Jammu-Kathua Range, Shakeel Ahmad Beig, Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, Jitendra Kumar Singh and Superintendent of Police, Kathua, Mohan Lal.

Pilgrims were garlanded by a team of police and civil officers.

Srinagar, June 26
Governor NN Vohra visited the base camp at Baltal, Domel access control gate, the camp at the holy cave and Panjtarni, Sheshnag and Nunwan base camps during a day-long tour to the entire yatra area yesterday and took stock of the preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage.

The Governor, who is also the chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, was accompanied by Chief Executive Officer of the Board RK Gupta.

The Governor held meetings with the all the camp directors, additional camp directors, officers of the Army, the BSF, the CRPF and representatives of all the concerned state government departments, particularly the PWD (R&B), Power and Public Health Engineering.

He also had interaction with representatives of the Health Department, Animal Husbandry, Labour, Public Distribution, Fire Services, Sonamarg Development Authority and Pahalgam Development Authority to review all aspects of the various required arrangements in the entire yatra area.

In view of excessive snow fall in the preceding months, the Governor reiterated his earlier direction to Deputy Commissioners, security forces, camp directors and officers of all the concerned state departments to work closely to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims and timely establishment of all required facilities.

As decided at the high-level meeting chaired by the Governor yesterday, the yatra would not be allowed from the Pahalgam route from June 28 to June 30 due to existing track conditions and heavy accumulation of snow at the Sheshnag camp.

The ground position would be reviewed every day and the Governor would take a further meeting on June 30 to decide the opening of the Pahalgam route.

Srinagar, June 26
The Union Home Ministry has told the J&K government to submit a list of additional items to expand the list of trading items for the cross-LoC trade.

This was stated at a joint meeting of the officials of the state and Central governments in Srinagar to review and discuss issues related to cross-LoC trade and travel.

Presently the cross-LoC trade is being done on 21 items from both the sides of Kashmir on a barter system. The trade is done without any banking and communication facilities to traders, which has hit the trade after its resumption on October 21, 2008.

“It was agreed that the additional items to be included for trade shall be forwarded by the Industries & Commerce Department to the Ministry of Home Affairs for its inclusion in the agreed list of items in the SOP,” an official spokesman said after the meeting.

Joint Secretary, J&K Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, RK Srivastava; Financial Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Khurshid Ahmad Ganai; and senior officials of the state government attended the meeting.

“While discussing various demands and problems being faced by traders associated with the cross-LOC trade at Salamabad, Uri and Chakan da Bagh, Poonch, it was felt that there is an urgent need for further augmentation and streamlining of the cross-LOC trade,” the spokesman said.

Regarding banking facilities, the Joint Secretary said the matter had already been taken up with Pakistan and the ministry would pursue the matter with them vigorously. “Provision of ISD facilities to senior officials dealing with the cross-LoC trade and the designated heads of traders association was also agreed to,” he said.

The cross-LoC bus service and the trade are considered the biggest confidence- building measures between India and Pakistan. The two countries had earlier this year agreed to improve the trading ties between the two parts of Kashmir.

The meeting was informed that the tendering process for purchase of full-body truck scanners had been completed and a team of experts would be sent soon to identify the location and advice on the preparatory work before installation. It also agreed to enhance cash amount to be carried by passengers travelling across to the PoK.

“A proposal to this effect will be submitted by the Home Department to the MHA for approval. Opening of additional trade routes, issuance of Visa permits and maintenance of balance sheet for goods traded across the LoC from both sides was also discussed in the meeting,” he said.

Jammu, June 26
The wait is finally over for students seeking admission to undergraduate courses as all government degree colleges would release the first merit list tomorrow.

There are nearly 10,000 seats in various government-run colleges within the municipal limits of Jammu.

The Principal, Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College Jammu, Prof Nutan Reusotra, who is the nodal officer for the admission process, said all preparations had been made for the smooth conduct of the admission to first-year undergraduate courses.

“All colleges will release their first merit list tomorrow and the selected candidates will be allowed to take admission till July 1. The second merit list will be declared on July 2, while the third merit list will be released on July 5. The selected candidates can take admission without late fee till July 6 and thereafter they will have to pay late fee,” Prof Reusotra said.

There are around 3,000 seats in GGM Science College, around 2,000 each in Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, and GCW, Gandhi Nagar, and 1,200 each in MAM Postgraduate College and SPMR College of Commerce, Jammu.

According to the authorities in government degree colleges, the cut-off percentage is expected to be high in the first merit list.

A senior professor in MAM Postgraduate College said the cut-off percentage in BBA and BCA courses would be high. “The highest marks in BBA and BCA courses will be 97 per cent and 88.6 per cent, while the cut-off percentage in the first list will be 77 and 69.4, respectively,” he said.

In the arts stream, he said the cut-off percentage would be 67.8 in the first merit list, while for the subjects with combination of physics the highest marks and cut-off percentage would be 91 per cent and 51 per cent, respectively.

“The subjects with combination of electronics will also witness high merit and the admission will start from 95 per cent and conclude at 51 per cent in the first merit list. Similarly, the subjects with statistics combination will have 91.2 per cent highest marks and 51 cut-off percentage,” he said, adding that the subjects with geography combination would have 80.5 percent highest merit and the cut-off percentage would be 64.6.

Jammu, June 26
The Government Railway Police (GRP), Jammu, has organised an awareness camp in view of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking today.

The representatives of the Railway Department, taxi operators and officials of the GRP/RPF, Jammu, participated in the camp at the GRP Lines at the railway station in Jammu.

Mannu Arrora, MD, DPM, of Government Medical College, Jammu, briefed the participants on how to prevent drug abuse. They were advised not to use alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, caffeine, cannabis, nicotine, opiates, sedative, tobacco, etc. “This is only wastage of money and creates problems for the family members,” he said.

During the camp Shiv Kumar Sharma, SP, GRP, Jammu, Chander Jeet Singh, SDPO, Railways, Jammu, and Pritam Singh Jamwal, DSP, GRP Lines, Jammu, shared their views with the participants.

Srinagar, June 26
Alarming revelations of manifold increase in number of drug addicts in the Valley have come to the fore on International Day against Drug Abuse, which was observed today.

The Police Control Room, Srinagar, the lone drug de-addiction centre in the Valley, registered 1,441 drug addicts in 2013, almost double the number of drug abuse patients (633) that it received in 2012.

In 2011, the drug de-addiction centre treated 301 patients.

As per a study conducted by psychiatrist and former head, Postgraduate Department of Psychiatry, Government Medical College, Srinagar, Dr Mushtaq Margoob there are 24.32 lakh substance abusers in Kashmir. The study titled ‘Community drug abuse study survey in Kashmir’ says that 35 per cent of boys and girls from Class VIII to XII are involved in drug abuse.

The study says that youth aged between 12-25 years are increasingly falling prey to drug addiction.

Substance abusers as per the study include 2.11 lakh opiate, 1.37 lakh cannabis and 38,000 alcohol abusers.

Experts said abuse of sleeping pills, including Alprazolam, Codine phosphate, Diazepam, Alprax and cannabis derivatives like hashish and marijuana, was common.

Clinical psychologist Dr Arif Maghribi Khan, who led an awareness rally of students and activists on drug abuse from Hyderpora to Lal Chowk in Srinagar, told The Tribune that there were not enough treatment facilities and awareness programmes initiated by the state government for this compounding drug abuse problem in Kashmir.

He said he had treated 1,000 patients of drug abuse last year and the addiction of easily found substances like correction fluids, boot polish, organic solvents and even deodorant sprays was increasing among Kashmiris.

In the Kashmir region, where the use of alcohol was frowned upon, Dr Khan said the youth were indulging in the abuse of wine and beer widely.

Jammu, June 26
The Regional Business Office of the State Bank of India (SBI) distributed utility items among the inmates of Ved Mandir, Bal Niketan, Ambphalla, here today.

A function was organised with the voluntary contribution of the staff. The donation was made under the supervision of SK Kapoor, Deputy General Manager, J&K Module.

A cultural show was presented by inmates of Bal Niketan. Kapoor, while addressing the gathering, said each regional office of the bank in the state was donating two surgical beds each to hospitals under the corporate social responsibility.

Jammu, June 26
The Jammu police crime report has thrown up a shocking fact — the number of persons murdered has gone up by nearly five times during the first five months of this year as compared to the last year, leaving the “men in khaki” baffled.

The police have also failed to rein in the crime against women with the number of rape cases remaining the same for the period.

Till May this year, the number of murders is comparatively much high than the figures reported in the year 2013.

“At least 14 murder cases were registered till May this year, while only three murders took place in Jammu district during the corresponding period last year. In 2012, only four murders had taken place,” reveals the comparative crime chart.

The chart also reveals that the number of attempt-to-murder cases, more or so remain same this year as compared to the corresponding period in the last two years.

“A total of 33 attempt-to-murder cases were registered till May this year, while the number of such cases in 2013 and 2012 was 39 and 33, respectively,” the crime chart said.

The crime statistics also show almost equal number of rape cases till May end this year as in the last year. In 2013, there had been an increase in rape cases till May end from 11 in 2012 to 26. This year, the district police have registered 24 cases of rape till May end, the statistics says.

The crime chart reveals that a total of 1,903 cases under various heads, including culpable homicide, kidnapping, molestation, hurt, eve-teasing, dacoity, burglary, theft, cheating and road accidents, were registered from January to May this year, while the total number of cases registered for the period in 2013 and 2012 was 1,891 and 1,817, respectively.

The report suggests that the disposal of cases registered with various police stations remains dismal over the years. “Out of the total 1,903 cases registered till May this year, only 677 cases were disposed of, while 1,226 cases are still pending. Only 732 cases were disposed of till May in 2013 and the pendency of such cases was 1159. In 2012, only 780 cases were disposed of and 1037 were pending during the first five months of the year,” the crime chart states.

Senior police officials said family disputes or personal rivalries were the main reasons behind murders.

“The overall policing have improved and we have managed to solve murder cases in the shortest possible time,” a senior police official said.

Srinagar, June 26
Joint Secretary (Kashmir Affairs), Ministry of Home Affairs, RK Srivastava called on Governor NN Vohra here at Raj Bhawan in Srinagar today.

An official spokesman said issues pertaining to internal security management, cross-LoC trade and preparations for the Amarnath yatra were discussed at the meeting between the Joint Secretary and the Governor.

“Earlier in the day, the Joint Secretary, Kashmir Affairs, held a meeting with Rakesh K Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and other senior security forces officers to discuss security arrangements being made for the Amarnath yatra,” the spokesman said.

Jammu, June 26
The National Panthers Party (NPP) today flayed the Public Works Department (PWD) authorities for “total collapse” of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Jammu and Kashmir.

The party claimed that not even 10 per cent of the road projects sanctioned under the scheme from the date of its conceptualisation were completed so far.

“Thousands of road projects had been cleared under the scheme for construction and macadamisation in the state, but the desired objective could not be achieved due to official red tape and culpable negligence displayed at various levels by the government functionaries,” NPP chairman Harsh Dev Singh said in a strong-worded statement here.

He said though the government made “haughty and supercilious” claims of getting huge funds from the Government of India and indulged in alleged self-adulation and obsequious self praise, the physical delivery on the ground remained negligible.

“Large-scale omission and commissions on the part of the government functionaries deprived the prospective beneficiaries of the benefits of the projects envisaged under the scheme,” Singh said.

The NPP leader said the PMGSY was the “most significant” flagship programme to provide road connectivity to uncovered villages and hamlets in a time-bound manner.

“Lack of accountability, fractured work culture, undue favouritism and nepotism, patronised corruption, culpable negligence and a well-knit mafia in the department had a devastating effect on the scheme, which had totally crumbled in the state to the detriment of millions of people inhabiting the remote areas of the state,” he alleged.

The senior leader also castigated the PWD for “inordinate delays” in tendering and allotment of approved works and said dozens of road and bridges schemes approved in April 2010 under phase VII had not even been allotted till date.

It may be placed here that the Centre had last year withheld around Rs 700 crore to Jammu and Kashmir under the PMGSY for its dismal execution. 

Srinagar, June 26
The authorities today relaxed the curfew in Sopore town to provide relief to the people. The authorities had imposed curfew in the restive town on Tuesday to thwart protests over the killing of a youth.

Arshid Ahmad Shah of Seer village was killed and four others were injured after the security forces allegedly opened fire at civilians protesting the operation against militants in the Krankshivan locality of Sopore on Monday afternoon. One militant was killed in the operation.

“Restrictions continued for today also, but around 10.30 am it was decided to relax the curfew for few hours to provide relief to the people. Later on the relaxation period was extended and continued for rest of the day,” a senior police officer said.

He added that the situation throughout the relaxation hours passed off peacefully.

Meanwhile, no witness today came forward to depose before the enquiry officer appointed by the government to probe the killing of Sopore youth and injury of four others by the security forces.

District Magistrate, Baramulla, Farooq Ahmed Lone, who has been appointed as an inquiry officer to probe the incident, had yesterday notified to record statements of the witnesses between June 26 and June 30.

Sources, however, said it was expected that in the coming days witnesses may come forward to depose as there were restriction in Sopore town in the morning hours today.

The deadline for recording the statement before the inquiry officer is June 30.

Anantnag, June 26
Traffic on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained suspended for about 10 hours after a gas tanker overturned near the Titanic View Point, a few km ahead of the Jawahar tunnel towards Srinagar.

Police reports said the mishap took place last night. The traffic resumed at 9.30 am today.

“The driver of the gas tanker apparently lost control making the vehicle skid off the road,” said Javed Koul, SP, Traffic (Rural).

“Gas was leaking from the tanker and a decision to stop the traffic was taken to avert any tragedy.” — OC

Chamliyal, June 26
A 30-member delegation led by Pakistan Rangers Wing Commander Jowad and the Deputy Commissioner of Sialkot participated in the annual Chamliyal mela here. The media, for the third year in a row, was confined to a makeshift enclave behind concertina wires till the Pakistani delegation returned to its territory.

Later, addressing mediapersons, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the BSF JC Singla said a 30-member Pakistani delegation comprising Wing Commander Jowad, Wing Commander Ali, Deputy Commissioner, Sialkot, Iftikhar Ali Sahu and prominent civilians of Sialkot had come to participate in the mela.

“On behalf of the people of Pakistan, they offered a ‘chaddar’ at the shrine of Baba Chamliyal and we gave them ‘shakkar’ and ‘sharbat’ to be distributed among devotees in Pakistan,” said Singla.

The DIG further said, “During the meeting of officials and dignitaries from both sides, we conveyed to them a message of peace and brotherhood.”

When asked if recent truce violations by the Pakistan Rangers were also discussed, he said it was not the occasion and forum to discuss such issues.

“We assembled here to celebrate the festival and give each other a message of peace and tranquillity, which people in both countries need for peaceful co-existence,” said the BSF DIG.

“The fair brings people of both countries together and, therefore, we should talk about peace and happiness,” he added.

When asked why the media was not allowed to interact with the Pakistani delegation, he attributed it to the “border constraints.”

When reminded that the media interaction used to be a regular feature till 2011, he said if the practice was restored, the media would be allowed again.

The shrine is situated some 55 km southwest of Jammu in the Ramgarh sector of Samba district.

Noticeably, this year the Pakistan Rangers, some of whom had worn black T-shirts with words “no fear” written in bold letters last year, had toned down their body language.

Srinagar, June 26
Lt Gen Subrata Saha on Thursday took over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps, also known as Chinar Corps.

Lt General Saha took over from Lt Gen Gurmit Singh, who will join his new assignment at the Army Headquarters in Delhi.

“Lt Gen Gurmit Singh handed over the reins of the Chinar Corps to Lt General Saha, who has earlier commanded a Brigade in the Valley and is a very experienced General Officer,” a defence spokesman said in Srinagar.

Lt General Saha has earlier served in Kashmir as Brigade Commander at Furkian in the frontier Kupwara district.

The outgoing GOC of the Chinar Corps, Lt General Singh, had succeeded Lt Gen Om Prakash in June 2013.

Srinagar, June 26
Former Inspector General of Police, Crime, Raja Ajaz Ali today joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) along with scores of his supporters.

Aijaz is likely to be a party candidate from the border constituency of Uri in north Kashmir.

A PDP spokesperson said Aijaz was welcomed by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti into the party fold.

Member of Parliament Tariq Hamid Karra and many other party legislators were also present on the occasion.

Besides holding important position in the Police Department, Aijaz had the privilege to be a member of the national team of five IPS officers tasked to plan vision project on security gadgetry, technical equipment, forensic lab equipment and communication for next 20 years under Prime Minister’s vision programme, the spokesperson said.

Aijaz, on the occasion, said it was the progressive agenda of the PDP that impressed and motivated him to join the party. 

Srinagar, June 26
An 18-year-old girl slipped into coma at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, after she consumed unwashed cherries.

The doctors who examined her said the patient had developed organic phosphorus poisoning after eating unwashed cherries which were sprayed with pesticides.

After thorough investigations, the SKIMS doctors in the emergency medicine department concurred that the pesticides were sprayed on the cherries only a few days ago and that the fruit was unfit for consumption.

The doctors have warned people about consumption of unwashed vegetables and fruits which could be sprayed with pesticides and prove to be deadly.

Dr Showkat Ali Mufti, Head of the Department, Emergency Medicine, said, “Though the patient is saved, people in general need to be aware of the harmful effects associated with intake of these unhygienic food.”

The Director, SKIMS, and prominent gastroenterologist of the state, Dr Showkat Zargar, cautioned that maintaining hygiene and cleanliness is essential for health.

He said a number of infectious diseases could be prevented by simple measures such as washing of hands and proper washing of fruits and vegetables particularly to prevent the spread of various forms of gastroenteritis as a number of infectious diseases could be spread through contaminated hands and food, particularly gastrointestinal infections.

He appealed to people to wash fruits/vegetables thoroughly before consuming and store them properly to avoid serious health problems. 

Srinagar, June 26
As the holy month of Ramadan will start soon, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation will start a sanitation drive at the mosques and shrines in view of expected heavy rush of devotees.

SMC Commissioner GN Qasba today passed directions to all ward officers to upgrade and improve sanitation especially during the month of Ramadan.

"The focus during this holy month shall be near mosques, shrines and other religious places with a special attention on fumigation, grass cutting and other cleansing services," he said.

He also directed the SMC health wing to conduct frequent checks and inspections of market during Ramadan so that consumers get healthy food items.

While taking stock of the streetlights, the SMC Commissioner directed the officials concerned to ensure proper working of streetlights and get all defunct streetlights in the city repaired particularly near mosques and shrines.

He further directed him to conduct inspections of areas where the lights had been installed or required installation on priority so that people did not face any inconvenience.

During the course of the meeting, Qasba also reviewed the overall progress of various activities, including sanitation, building activities, birth and death, works progress and revenue generation, an SMC official said.  

Srinagar, June 26
Expressing concern over growing drug abuse in Jammu and Kashmir, ruling National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today asked the state government to intensify efforts to check the menace.

"The reports of the growing drug abuse in the state are of concern and worry...the government should intensify its efforts to ensure that the youth are protected from nefarious elements who make money by ruining the lives of our future generation," Abdullah said in a statement on the occasion of International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking.

The former union minister stressed on a robust partnership between the society, civil-society groups and the government to fight the drug menace through a multi-pronged strategy.

"The elders, parents and social support groups have to play the most important role in curbing the drug menace and ensuring the social and economic rehabilitation of those affected by it," he said.

Abdullah said rehabilitation of drug addicts was as important as ensuring checks and balances through legal and systemic regulations. — PTI 

Srinagar, June 26
The J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages announced the 49th annual State Arts Awards. The works of Satpal Deol, acrylic on canvas, has been adjudged the best in the artist category.

He is entitled for the award comprising a cash prize of Rs 51,000. Zameer Ahmad's acrylic work on canvas has been adjudged for the award comprising a cash reward of Rs 51,000. In students' category, an award of Rs 10,000 each was adjudged in favour of Kaneesh Panotra (stone sculpture) and Khurshid Ahmad (colography). — TNS 

Srinagar, June 26
Eleven labourers suffered burn injuries after a gas cylinder exploded inside a bakery in Zakoora area here, the police said today.

An LPG gas cylinder exploded at a bakery workshop at Bismillah Colony in Zakoora area in the outskirts of the city last night, causing injuries to 11 labourers working there, a spokesman for the police said today.

The injured labourers were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, he added. — PTI 

Jammu, June 26
A CRPF jawan today allegedly tried to commit suicide by shooting himself with his service weapon at Katra in Reasi district.

He was identified as Surinder Singh, a jawan of the 6th battalion of the CRPF. “The jawan was putting up with his family in Katra and yesterday he had visited the cave shrine with his family to pay obeisance. His family members and relatives had also come from his native village for paying obeisance,” said a senior CRPF officer.

However, this morning he went to the Quarter Guard office of the CRPF at the Katra base camp, took out his weapon and went to his accommodation where he shot himself, the officer added. — TNS

Srinagar, June 26
CPM state secretary MY Tarigami today cautioned people to remain “vigilant against any mischief” attempted by the BJP ahead of the upcoming Assembly election in the state.

“Any move aimed at communal polarisation of the state is fraught with dangerous consequences for the entire region,” Tarigami said while addressing a rally in Kulgam district. — TNS

Srinagar, June 26
Back home after making his debut for India, all rounder Parvez Rasool today said he wanted to secure his place in the team and be a part of next year’s World Cup squad in Australia.

During an interaction with the media and fans on the sidelines of a function here, Rasool who became the first cricketer from Jammu and Kashmir to represent India, said his focus was performing well during the forthcoming India A tour to Australia.

The 25-year-old said he considered the tour an important opportunity to secure his place in the team ahead of the forthcoming World Cup.

Kashmir had erupted in joy after Rasool recently debuted in a One Day International tie against Bangladesh. Earlier, he had also become the first from the Valley to bag an Indian Premiere League (IPL) contract.

The Bijbehara boy described his debut as the “greatest moment”.

“Playing for the state of Jammu and Kashmir was one of the proud moments for me. Then again it was a proud moment to perform so well in the Ranji Trophy. And the greatest moment for me came when I got the India cap,” he said.

Though Rasool considers former England off spinner Graeme Swann an inspiration and a cricketer he keenly followed, he said cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar had taught him to respect the game.

“Sachin told me he never ever in his life threw away his bat or gloves after getting out. He said he always respects his bat. Sachin told me that when a player learns to respect cricketing equipment then only he can score runs or get wickets,” he said.

The youngster, meanwhile, regretted lack of infrastructure for local cricketers especially in the Valley.

“The young and budding cricketers have to face lot of problems, especially during the winter months when they cannot practice due to lack of proper indoor facilities,” Rasool said.

Jammu, June 26
The Jammu airport runway was shut for an hour today when an aircraft while taking off left some stones and other parts on the airstrip.

This caused delay in landing and taking off of planes of various airlines.

Sources told The Tribune that it was only after scanning and clearance that the runway was opened for landing and take off. “This incident happened around 2 pm today when an aircraft left some parts on this airstrip and the Air Traffic Control (ATC) stopped the traffic. It was only after scanning the entire stretch of the runway that clearance for air traffic was given,” sources added.

This activity caused inconvenience to passengers who had either boarded flights or were waiting for planes to land at the Jammu airport. Passengers of the Jammu-New Delhi Indigo flight had to wait inside the plane for an hour till the runway was cleared. Hundreds of other passengers were left clueless why flights have got delayed.

“The ATC stopped air traffic to avoid any kind of mishap. After scanning the entire runway, the ATC allowed air traffic,” an airport official said.

Everyday hundreds of tourists, Vaishno Devi pilgrims and other passengers board and de-board flights at the Jammu airport. As only day flights are allowed to land and take off at Jammu airport and no night landing facility is available, the airport runway remains busy throughout the day. 

Pulwama, June 26
Young Star Cricket Club, Chatapora, today defeated Muntaqi Cricket Club by six runs to lift the T20 Challenger Trophy organised by the CRPF.

The 27-day long tournament was inaugurated by DIG (Operations), CRPF, OS Charak on May 31.

Speaking on the concluding function, DIG, south Kashmir, Vijay Kumar said: “Youth in Kashmir have seen turmoil from the last two decades and need to be given a platform, which can help them fill the losses they have suffered,” said Vijay Kumar.

Charak was also present on the occasion. — OC

Ramban, June 26
On the last leg of his whirlwind tour of Kishtwar, Doda and Ramban districts, Director General of Police (DGP) K Rajendra today heard grievances of all ranks of the police at the Police Lines ground in Ramban today.

He assured special police officers (SPOs) that their grievances would be redressed at the earliest and eulogised their services. The DGP said about 8,000 posts of constable would be filled up soon and 15 per cent of them would be reserved for SPOs.

He said priority shall be given to SPOs with outstanding performance. — TNS