Jammu, October 1
A team of the Election Commission of India (ECI) led by Deputy Election Commissioner Vinod Zutshi will visit Jammu on October 7 to review the ground situation in the flood-ravaged state.

This team will take feedback from Deputy Commissioners (DCs), who are officiating as district electoral officers in their respective districts, on initiating the process for conducting Assembly elections in the state.

The team is likely to meet representatives of some political parties to get their opinion on conducting elections. Jammu Divisional Commissioner Shantmanu said the ECI team would visit Jammu on October 7.

The team would hold detailed discussions with the Jammu Divisional Commissioner to get feedback regarding the prevailing situation in the province.

“On October 7, the team will hold discussions with us,” the Divisional Commissioner said. He added that the team would hold video conferences with all DCs on October 8.

State Chief Electoral Officer Umang Narula confirmed that the Deputy Election Commissioner would visit Jammu on October 7.

Regarding the purpose of the visit at this point of time, he said, “It is standard procedure. He will interact with district electoral officers and is likely to meet representatives of some political parties.”

Sources said the date of visit of the Chief Election Commissioner and two Election Commissioners would be finalised after this team assessed the situation and submitted its report.

The full Election Commission team would hold a review meeting in the state to take the final call on conducting Assembly elections.

The review meeting, which was scheduled for September 10 and 11, had been postponed following incessant rain and devastating floods in the state.

Political parties in J&K were divided over conducting the elections at a time when relief operations were going on in full swing.

Srinagar, October 1
Flood victims rendered homeless in Srinagar received relief material sent from businessmen and others in Amritsar today. Since the morning, two long queues of the flood-hit, including a large number of women, waited patiently outside a city gurdwara, which continues to be home to many families after the deluge in Srinagar city.

Flood victims line up to receive relief material at Sanat Nagar Gurdwara in Srinagar on Wednesday. Tribune Photo: Amin War

“Those who have sent the relief material felt the pain of the people of J&K. They have sent a consignment of 13 trucks, which reached Srinagar today. The relief material was distributed among people without any distinction of caste or religion,” said Punjab Revenue and Public Relations Minister Bikram Singh Majithia after inaugurating the relief camp at Sanat Nagar Gurdwara in the city. The relief material included blankets, ration and other essentials.

“This is an initiative of a group of like-minded people who have chipped in in their own way to help the people in the state who are in dire need of help,” he said, adding that his government too was ready to help the people of J&K in this time of crisis.

“The Punjab Government has so far been the biggest contributor among the states in the relief and rehabilitation of the flood-hit in J&K. Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal took the lead in rushing emergency supplies to the state immediately after it was struck by floods by requesting the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) and the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) to help in this noble cause. And we are willing to help more in any possible way despite the fact that we have our limitations,” he said.

Majithia said that more truckloads of relief and medicines would be dispatched to the Valley as the flood situation was grim in Kashmir.

“I was told there is a shortage of medicines. I will get back and ensure they are supplied as quickly as possible,” he said.

Majithia also urged the people of Punjab to strengthen the citizen initiative launched by him. “Every person irrespective of his position can contribute in cash or kind to help our Kashmiri brethren in their hour of need,” he said.

Uditiya Sharma, son of J&K’s Inspector General of Police (Security) Sunil Sharma, has been instrumental in mobilising businessman and other residents of Amritsar to dispatch relief material to the Valley.

Kulsum, a resident of Jawahar Nagar, was all praise for the efforts of people of Punjab. “At least they have done something for the flood victims. Our government is seen nowhere after the floods,” said the 45-year-old, who has been putting up with her relatives near Chanapora. “I heard this morning that relief was to be distributed at the gurdawara so I came here,” she added.

The gurdwara has been providing shelter to over 1,000 people since September 7, and a community kitchen has been set up to serve food to the flood-hit. A free medical camp has also been organised on the gurdwara premises.

Srinagar, October 1
Governor NN Vohra paid tribute to the Father of the Nation on Gandhi Jayanti today. In a message, the Governor recalled Mahatma Gandhi’s signal contributions to the struggle for freedom from the colonial yoke, his sustained campaign against social injustice, racism and suppression of the underprivileged sections and his unending pursuit for the establishment of a truly secular and harmonious society.

He described Gandhiji as an apostle of peace and a staunch believer of non-violence whose sacrifices and teachings are indelibly imprinted on the global conscience.

The Governor said, at this juncture, the most befitting tribute which can be paid to the Father of the Nation would be to recall and revive his values and teachings by reinvigorating and strengthening the bonds of communal harmony, brotherhood, amity and establishing a truly secular environment.

The Governor said in the aftermath of the colossal floods which ravaged the state, the government and the people were faced with a gigantic task of ensuring cleanliness and sanitation and effectively ensuring against the spread of any health problem.

On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, he has exhorted all citizens of the state to undertake ‘Swachh Bharat Abhiyan’ to ensure cleanliness in and around every habitation.

Srinagar, October 1
Congress leader Abdul Gani Vakil today urged the Centre to provide liberal financial assistance to the state so that relief and rehabilitation work could be undertaken on a war footing.

During a party convention at Sopore in Baramulla district, he urged the state government to mobilise its resources for rehabilitation work in the same manner as was done by former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad after the 2005 earthquake.

The party passed a resolution that demanded the interim cash relief and compensation for the affected families be enhanced from Rs 70,000 to Rs 5 lakh. The party also pressed for suitable rehabilitation packages for the affected businessmen, hoteliers, press owners and transporters.

Another resolution passed by the party demanded free of cost ration and electricity to the affected families for not less than a year and tax exemption for two years for the bread earners of the affected families.

The resolution impressed upon the state and the Central governments to constitute separate special teams comprising experts and scientists for examining and assessing the short and long-term damages suffered by the fruit growers and those dependent on the tourism sector.

Vakil hailed the recent visit of All India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi and vice-president Rahul Gandhi to express solidarity with flood-affected people of the state.

Ramban, October 1
Ramban Deputy Commissioner Farooq Shah Bukhari Wednesday chaired a meeting of district officials to finalise Eid and Dasehra arrangements. He exhorted them to ensure availability of essential items and intensify market checks to curb black marketing, hoarding and profiteering.

He asked officials of the Power Development Department to ensure uninterrupted power supply.

Officials were told to get faulty streetlights repaired and ensure cleanliness and sanitation around mosques and temples. — OC

Jammu, October 1
The Army will conduct a four-day employment rally in Ladakh from October 7. “An open recruitment rally for soldier general duty, soldier clerk staff duty and soldier tradesmen categories will be conducted by the Ladakh Scout Regimental Centre at Phyang from October 7 to 10,” a defence spokesperson said.

Aspirants were asked to approach the Ladakh Scout Regimental Centre (mobile number 9822172797) for further details of the selection procedure for recruitment, he said.

Srinagar, October 1
The BJP team currently on a visit to the Valley is dissatisfied with the distribution of flood relief in the state. After meeting a cross-section of people, the team members said they found out that relief was not reaching the affected people and would bring the same to the notice of New Delhi.

“We met a cross-section of people in Srinagar yesterday and Budgam today only to find out that relief was not reaching the people. Out of 1000 persons, only two said they had received some relief,” said BJP state spokesman Farooq Ahmad Khan, a retired IGP.

Khan is part of the BJP team, led by the party state president and MP Jugal Kishore, which has been touring parts of Srinagar and Budgam districts during the past two days. The team will conclude its visit tomorrow and also submit a report to the Centre.

Khan said they had met traders and people from other walks of life and all had issues with the distribution of relief. “We only heard complaints that the relief was not reaching them. We were also surprised to see that more than three weeks after floods, several areas of Srinagar were still waterlogged. The government seems to be incapable of distributing relief,” he said.

When asked if the team would press New Delhi to distribute relief not through the state government, Khan said their first preference would be to ensure that the state put its “house in order”. He said that after concluding the visit tomorrow, the team would present a detailed report along with suggestions for better relief distribution to the Centre.

Other senior BJP leaders, including Ashok Khajuria, Nirmal Singh, Baldev Sharma and Chowdhary Lal Singh, are also part of the visiting team.

Jammu, October 1
As the floodwaters receded in Jammu district, the BJP resumed its “parivartan yatra” to mobilise public support in favour of the party for the coming Assembly elections in the state.

General secretary of the state unit of the BJP Bali Bhagat today led the yatra in the Kalri, Karwanda, Bhalwal and Kanger areas of the Raipur-Domana Assembly segment.

He addressed a series of public meetings in the areas and sought support for the BJP to empower the Jammu and Ladakh regions.

“Since 1947, the Jammu and Ladakh regions have been forced to play the second fiddle in the state politics but with the emergence of the BJP, the scenario will change,” Bali said, adding that after the Assembly elections, the Jammu and Ladakh regions will play a dominant role in the state politics and the Kashmir region would be in a supporting role.

“For the last 65 years, the Jammu and Ladakh regions have been marginalised politically because the successive state governments have deliberately ignored the two regions,” he said.

Observing that change is the order of the day, Bali sought the support of every section of society to bring a positive change in the state of Jammu and Kashmir where corruption and nepotism have sneaked in from top to bottom.

The BJP leader said the results of the Lok Sabha elections were a clear indication that people of the state were looking towards the BJP as an alternative to provide them stable and corruption-free government which could ensure justice to all regions of the state.

Jammu, October 1
Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) chief Saifuddin Soz has told party workers to donate liberally to the relief fund raised by the party for the flood-affected people of Jammu and Kashmir.

While accepting the relief cheques from party leaders, Soz said keeping in view the devastation caused by the rain and the floods in Kashmir and Jammu, corporate houses and people should contribute to the Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) relief fund. On the occasion, Congress leaders, Hari Singh, RS Chib, Manmohan Singh, Hari Singh Chib, and Prakash Sharma, donated Rs 1 lakh each to the PCC relief fund.

The JKPCC chief handed over the cheques to PCC relief fund treasurer YB Sharma for depositing it in bank.

The leaders also expressed their gratitude to Congress president Sonia Gandhi, vice-president Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Ambika Soni for touring flood-affected areas of J&K and distributing relief material among the affected.

Srinagar, October 1
The police today said they organised a medical camp in the flood-affected areas of Purshyar, Drabiyar, Dal Hassanyar, Karfali Mohalla and Shalla Kadal in the city.

“A team of specialist doctors, including a neurosurgeon from Fortis Hospital, Noida, and cardiologists from Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, treated patients in these area,” a police spokesman said in a statement.

The spokesman said the Rouble Nagi Foundation and Care Kashmir International provided medicines for the camp which were distributed free of cost among the patients.

During the camp, people were vaccinated. Children of the areas were vaccinated against hepatitis-A.

The drive will continue for some time, the spokesman said.

Meanwhile, the police continued its sanitation drive in the flood-hit areas of Srinagar and assisted the civic administration in removing debris and garbage. The sanitation drive was held at Government Medical College and Dental College in the city, the spokesman said. The drive entered its third week today.

Srinagar, October 1
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) condoled the death of Shia cleric and party leader Moulvi Iftikhar Hussain Ansari and paid tributes to him at a meeting held here today. Ansari passed away in Srinagar yesterday.

The meeting was presided over by party patron Mufti Mohammad Sayeed.

Those who participated in the meeting included PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Member of Parliament Tariq Hameed Karra, all legislators, senior leaders, contesting candidates and a large number of party workers, a PDP statement said.

Speaking on the occasion, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed said his (Ansari’s) death was a great loss to the party.

“Moulvi Sahib was a friend in adversity. His departure has not only served a blow to the party but also deprived the political scene of the state of the services of a tall and outstanding leader,” Mufti said.

He, however, exuded confidence that Moulvi Imran Raza Ansari and other members of the family would carry forward Ansari’s legacy.

Expressing her condolences, the PDP president said “more than a political leader and respected colleague, Ansari was an elder member of her family”.

“We feel equally bereaved by Moulvi Sahib’s death as Moulvi Imran Raza Ansari and other members in his family feel at the loss,” she said.

Srinagar, October 1
Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today visited Qamarwari to condole the death of Shia leader and PDP lawmaker Iftikhar Hussain Ansari, who died Tuesday after a prolonged illness.

Mirwaiz was accompanied by Bilal Gani Lone, Shahid-ul-Islam, Mohammad Shafi Khan, Ghulam Qadir Beigh, Mushtaq A Sofi, MS Rehman Shams and Farooq Ahmad, the Hurriyat said in a press note.

They expressed sympathy with the bereaved family and offered special prayers for the deceased. — TNS

Srinagar, October 1
Commuters in Srinagar had a tough time today as flood-affected people held protests in several localities, blocking traffic for hours. Their main demands included dewatering of their localities, distribution of relief material, ration and plugging in breaches, particularly in the Qamarwari area.

“It is almost four weeks since the Jhelum breached its embankment in the Shalteng Ghat area. However the authorities have not plugged it till date,” said Mudasir Ahmad, a young protester, who had blocked a main highway along with other people from his loca ity near Shalteng bypass.

The protesters demanded that the authorities should take steps to plug in the breach in the Jhelum embankment as it was putting their lives in danger.

Traffic movement on this main highway was stopped for hours and the authorties concerned were nowhere in sight to pacify the protesters. This forced hundreds of commuters to abandon their vehicles and walk long distances.

At Boatman colony in the Bemina area, a group of woman blocked the bypass road and stopped traffic by putting up barricades. They were demanding that the authorities should supply them free ration and take steps for dewatering their locality.

At another place in the city, people had blocked a road near the Police Control Room. The protesters demanded ration and dewatering of the inundated localities.

Since the floods devastated Srinagar city and other parts of Kashmir, dharnas are now a common sight everywhere. The main demands of protesters are restoration of inundated localities by dewatering and supply of free ration as promised by the state government.

On its part, the government has been claiming that efforts to dewater the inundated localities were being done on a war footing.

Officials said dozens of dewatering pumps had been installed in localities like Rajbagh, Bemina and Tengpora.

Bedsides, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation has been putting up daily updates about garbage being cleaned from different localities of the city.

Srinagar, October 1
To provide succor to flood-affected people in Kashmir, more and more groups and organisations are coming forward. Human Watch, an NGO, has decided to adopt 200 flood-affected families in Kashmir.

Earlier, the Kashmir High Court Bar Association had decided to adopt 100 families and rehabilitate them.

“The NGO had passed a resolution wherein it has been decided that it will adopt nearly 200 families who have been affected by the devastated floods under the philosophy of humanism,” a statement from the organisatin said.

Following the international disaster laws and to address various aspects of post-disaster humanitarian relief, the Human Watch has decided to apply for Foreign Contribution Regulation Act -1976 (FCRA) registrations to receive foreign funding in order to fulfil the promise of adopting 200 flood-affected families, it said.

“The Human Watch has constituted another team that will conduct a sample survey in order to estimate economic losses due to catastrophe caused by the floods,” the NGO said, while urging people all over the world, business houses and other countries to come forward and help the flood victims by sending monetary aid and assistance for their rehabilitation. 

Jammu, October 1
Executive Director SK Sharma has taken over charge of the Northern Region Transmission System-II of PowerGrid.

Sharma will be responsible for operation, maintenance and project execution of extra-high voltage and ultra-high voltage transmission lines and substations under the Central transmission projects in Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh.

He has done postgraduation in mechanical engineering from Bylorussian Engineering Institute, Russia, and has over 30 years of experience in project management, execution, construction, operations and maintenance in power sector.

He is considered as an authority in managing, executing and supervising construction, operation and maintenance activities in the power sector.

Prior to joining PowerGrid in 1992, Sharma had served in the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation. Among his major achievements are construction of India’s first 800KV transmission line between Kishenpur and Moga, 765 KV Bhiwani-Moga transmission system and Uri-II transmission systems. 

Srinagar, October 1
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court today declined to modify its September 26 order, in which the insurance companies had been asked to pay 50 per cent of the insured amount for policies above Rs 25 lakh and 95 per cent for policies below Rs 25 lakh as interim relief to the people affected by the floods in Jammu and Kashmir.

While asking the insurance companies to comply with its directions, issued earlier, a Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice Ali Mohammad Magray, in a four-page judgment delivered today, observed that: “The aforesaid (compliance) reports reinforce our view that dependence on preliminary survey reports is likely to take a long time… it may take years.”

The HC also dismissed an application by some insurance companies, seeking modification of September 26 court order. “In the wake of misery created by unprecedented floods, the time is the crucial factor and practically it is not possible to depute adequate number of surveyors for such a large number of claims which may take years as has been already observed,” the High Court observed.

“Therefore, in respect of insurance policies involving Rs 25 lakh or less, we reiterate our order dated September 26, 2014, in which companies had been asked to pay 95 per cent of the insured amount,” the bench said.

“In case where the policy of insurance involves an amount exceeding Rs 25 lakh, 50 per cent of the assured amount shall be paid as has been directed in our order dated September 26, 2014,” the court said while observing that “there are further reasons” for the court to reiterate the aforesaid order.

“It is not only the total destruction of the stock which may give cause to the insured to make the claim. The compensation may stem from many other heads like loss of earnings during the period of floods in case of shopkeepers policy,” the bench said.

“The displacement of house owner by staying in a rented accomodation and hiring of vehicle in case of motor vehicle destruction….Therefore, the cap of 50 per cent by no stretch of imagination could be recorded as excessive,” it said.

“All respondents are directed to file compliance of the directions issued in the order dated September 26, 2014, as well as the directions passed in the order today,” the High Court said while listing the matter for further consideration on October 10.

Srinagar, October 1
As the banking sector had taken a hit during the recent floods, the J&K Bank will keep its branches open on Friday and Sunday.

“With a view to facilitating unhindered banking transactions to people who are already under stress because of the devastating floods, all the business units and extension counters of J&K Bank across the Kashmir valley shall remain open on October 3 (Friday) and 5 (Sunday), which are otherwise public holidays under the Negotiable Instrument Act, 1881,” a bank spokesman said.

He said all these business units and extension counters would observe working hours from 10 am to 5 pm and business hours 10 am to 4 pm during these days. Meanwhile, in association with the Help Poor Voluntary Trust, the Jammu & Kashmir bank is organising a mega ‘free medical camp’ for the flood-affected at Iqbal Park, Srinagar, from tomorrow till October 5.

The spokesman said free medicines would also be provided at the camp besides medical consultations from senior doctors of the Valley.

Pulwama, October 1
The agriculture and horticulture sectors have suffered losses to the tune of Rs 1,000 crore in Pulwama leaving farmers and orchardists high and dry in this flood-ravaged district of the Valley.

A report released by the district administration shows that the agriculture sector has suffered Rs 800 crore loss in the floods as most of the crop remained inundated in water for more than five days.

The report said that crops on 32,100 hectares had been damaged by flood water which costs about Rs 750 crore. Floods have also washed away 81 hectares of land valued at Rs 35 crore. The losses to the horticulture sector have been assessed to Rs 210 crore in the district. The assessment report has shown that a total area on which crop was affected amounts to about Rs 180 crore and about 27 hectares of land costing Rs 16 crore was washed by the flood water. “More than 6,000 trees were washed away along with crop in the district worth Rs 12 crore,” reads the report.

Despite high magnitude of damage to farmers and orchardists, the government is yet to revise the compensation costs that were set decades ago. The compensation to be paid to the farmers and orchardists is Rs 4,500 in rain-fed areas, while for irrigated areas it is , i.e. Rs 12,000 per hectare, a value not on par with current market prices.

Various social and political organisations have demanded enhancement in the compensation so that the losses can be fulfilled.“It is ironic that our government has not revised the age old compensation rates which are just an insult to the victims,” said Farooq Ahmad Mir, a social worker.

Ghulam Mohammad Hajam, Joint Director, Planning, Pulwama, said it was the state government that could take any decision in this regard and they had the laid directives. “I do not have any stake, but we shall recommend it to the higher-ups,” he added. 

Srinagar, October 1
The government today said there was a possibility of surfacing of snakes in the waterlogged areas in the backdrop of the recent floods. Accordingly, the government has issued an advisory asking the general public to be careful to prevent any bite/harm by these creatures.

Meanwhile, to ensure dewatering of submerged areas in the Valley, particularly in Srinagar city, the department of Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) as per an official statement has made deep cuts at 31 places on river embankments from Pampore to Parimpora apart from 20 cuts made on flood spill channel and its allied network up to north Kashmir.

Chief Engineer, I&FC, said the department had started plugging breaches on the Jhelum and its various tributaries, especially Lidder, Bringi, Sandran, Arpat, Vethvathroo, Veshow, Rambiara, Doodhganga, Shaliganga, Ferozpora, Ningli, Erin, Mudumati and Phuroo nullahs that were carrying ‘unprecedented discharge and have changed their course at enumerable places’.

He said the department had initiated the action by way of channelising these nullahs, including execution of some protection works to safeguard villages along the sides.

Jammu October 1
To promote gatka, an ancient form of martial art, in the state, the Gatka Federation of India today constituted a state-level body under the banner of Jammu and Kashmir Gatka Association.

Making the announcement in this regard here, federation general secretary Harjeet Singh Grewal and joint secretary Deep Singh said the World Gatka Federation has resolved to make this traditional sport a part of the Olympics as it has already constituted bodies in 32 countries.

The Asian Gatka Federation is going to organise its first tournament in March next year at Malaysia and the World Cup would be held by the end of 2015, the Gatka Federation of India members said.

Grewal also said the School Games Federation of India (SGFI) has also incorporated the game in the 60th National School Games. “Punjabi University Patiala has already been hosting the All India Inter-varsity Gatka tournament since 2012 and the 3rd All India Inter-varsity Gatka championship will be organised in February 2015 at the university campus,” Grewal said.

The general secretary, on the occasion, also announced the office bearers of the newly formed state association, nominating Manmeet Singh Amn and Hardip Singh Gill as its chairman and vice-chairman respectively.

Other office bearers include Ravinder Singh, president; Ravinder Singh, general secretary; Rajinder Singh, senior vice-president Kashmir zone; Manjeet Singh, vice-president Kashmir zone; Tajinder Singh, joint secretary. 

Jammu October 1
Cardiothoracic Surgeon and Director, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Fortis Escort Heart Institute, Dr Ajay Kaul today delivered an awareness lecture on "How to stay healthy beyond 50" at the Brigadier Rajinder Singh Auditorium of Jammu University here.

The lecture was organised by the Human Genetic Research cum Counseling Centre in association with the Department of Students Welfare, Jammu University.

Speaking on the management of cardiovascular diseases, Dr Kaul stressed on bringing down the incidence of heart diseases.

He dwelt upon the risk factors associated with the cardio vascular diseases and role of life style, exercises and regular check up as preventive measures for the heart attacks.

Dr Kaul also enlightened the audience on the types of heart attacks, their symptoms and management. He further said there were many advances in the treatment of heart problems, but our main focus should be on preventive aspects so that the problem can be brought down.

He made the audience aware about the different technical initiatives undertaken in Fortis Hospital, such as robotic heart surgery and artificial heart transplantation.

Vice Chancellor of Jammu University Mohan Paul Singh Ishar, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said lifestyle modifications were the need of the hour and people should be made aware of the specific risk factors like smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, triggering heart diseases. He also stressed upon the regular checkups.

Jammu, October 1
A team of Sanjeevani Sharda Kendra, a cultural organisation of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits, today returned from the Valley after assessing the damage caused by the floods, particularly to the temples which remained inundated for several days.

The team comprising general secretary of the Kendra DN Raina, AK Trakroo , TK Jigyasoo, PN Raina and Sunil Kumar besides taking stock of the flooded-affected areas, interacted with the victims and distributed relief items among them.

The team visited Martand temple; Swami Rama Krishna Ashram, Nag Dandi; Goutam Nag; Zeishta Devi Temple; Durga Nag; Ganpatiyar; Gopi Nath Ashram; Udaseen Ashram; Gurdwara Sahab (Barzula); Kheer Bhwani Temple (Tikkar) in addition to the migrant transit camps at Sheikhpora (Badgam), Khanpora (Baramulla), Natnussa (Kupwara), Vessu and Mattan (Anantnag).

The Kendra appreciated the role of these centres in providing shelter and other facilities to the flood victims.

Members also appreciated the role of the Army, Air Force, NDRF and local volunteers. 

Jammu, October 1
Presentation Convent Senior Secondary School, Gandhi Nagar, today organised a cleanliness drive on the school premises under the Swachh Bharat Swachh Vidyalaya campaign started by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Students were allotted different areas within the school periphery. The teachers also participated in the drive and ably supported the students in their endeavour to ensure cleanliness.

Pertinently, the initiative is taken by the CBSE to keep the surroundings neat and clean.

Jammu, October 1
The Dogri version of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s first radio address on ‘Mann ki baat’ would be broadcast by the Radio Kashmir, Jammu, on October 3 at 8 pm.

Listeners can tune in to the primary (MW 303 Mtrs) or FM 100.3 MHz to listen to the address. The Dogri version of the address would also be relayed by the Kathua, Bhaderwah and Poonch Akashvani Kendras.

Jammu, October 1
The activists of the National Panthers Student Union (NPSU) today forced the closure of Jammu University and held demonstration against the state government for deteriorating law and order situation in the state and increasing crime rate against women.

The protestors led by NPSU state president Thakur Virender Singh raised slogans against the Omar Abdullah led government and said it has failed to protect the rights of women.

Singh called for a judicial probe into the mysterious death of Asha Devi, who was found dead in her house in an Akhnoor village.

The inhabitants of the adjoining villages had also blocked the road at Akhnoor for several hours yesterday seeking enquiry into the death.

Singh alleged that several police officers were hand in glove with criminals and had become a party to increased crime rate in the state.

He referred to a recent incident of a death in the police custody where an “innocent youth” was allegedly tortured to death in Khour police station.

The student leader said the government was making tall claims on empowerment of women and their protection against domestic violence, but in reality it had failed to translate its words into action.

Senior student leader Mohinder Pal Singh Pandu was also present on the occasion. 

Jammu, October 1
The J&K Sport Climbing team bagged six medals, including a gold, in the 20th North Zone Sport Climbing Championship held at the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur.

On the basis of their performance, five state climbers have been drafted in to the North Zone Sport Climbing team which would be participating in the forthcoming National Sport Climbing Championship to be held at Kolkata from December 4 to 7.

Jammu and Kashmir’s best performance came from Shivani Charak, who became the new North Zone champion in the sub-junior girls’ category.

She topped the climbing wall in all the three rounds of the competition and clinched the gold medal.

Nitya Sharma narrowly missed the bronze medal and had to settle for the fourth place. Ten-year-old Asma Gul finished seventh.

In the girls’ category, much was expected from Shilpa Charak as she raised the hope by clocking the fastest timing in the preliminary rounds of the speed climbing competition. However, she could not get pass Delhi’s Luxmi and had to finally settle for the silver.

Bindia, Muskan and Avantika finished 5th, 6th and 7th respectively in the category.

In the final round of the lead climbing, Shilpa topped the wall along with Luxmi and Shiv Preet of Punjab. The result was then determined on the basis of the time taken to top the wall. Shilpa, eventually, finished third.

Mrityunjay Sharma won the bronze medal in the sub-junior boys’ category.

A total of 32 climbers of Mountaineering Association of J&K, including 14 girls, participated in the competition.

Shawetica Khajuria, a national-level judge in the sport climbing and treasurer of the Mountaineering Association of J&K, and Sonam Sidharth, a senior climber, were the manager and the coach of the team respectively.

The team was sponsored by the J&K State Sports Council.

The team was accorded a warm welcome by the members of the Mountaineering Association of J&K on its arrival. The Association has also decided to felicitate the medalists.

Jammu, October 1
A blood donation camp was inaugurated by Director, Health Services, Dr BS Pathania at Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, here today to mark the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day.

October 1, is celebrated as the National Voluntary Blood Donation Day every year across the country to promote voluntary blood donation and to recognise the services of blood donors, donor motivators, camp organisers and all those who help in providing blood to the needy patients, Dr Pathania said.

Blood and its components are required for the management of trauma patients, critically ill and those suffering from various diseases, the Director said.

He said it was observed that women participation in blood donation was very less and stressed for their massive participation in the noble cause. — TNS

Jammu, October 1
The Shanti Path Trust, Trikuta Nagar, in association with the Director Health Services and various other health institutions of the city today organised a free medical and dental camp in Mandli village of Billawar.

Department of Ophthalmology, Government Medical College and Hospital, Jammu, Indira Gandhi Government Dental College, Director Indian System of Medicines and Shri Narsing Goshala were also a part of the initiative.

A team of specialists and staff from these institutions attended the patients who came in large numbers.

The team included Dr Priyanka Sodani, Dr Bharti Sarangal, Dr Sazia, Dr Satinder and Dr Abhishek from GMC.

Dr Rakesh Raina, Dr Mohammad Tabassum, Dr Priya Thapa, Dr Anna Thakur and hygienist Khalil Mirza from Indira Gandhi Government Dental College were also a part of the team.

Dr Mohinder Lal, Dr Poonam Padotra and Dr Som Nath were also present on the occasion. Dr Neetu Handoo and Dr Shiv Kumar represented the Indian System of Medicine. — TNS

Jammu, October 1
The PG Department and Government Degree College, Billawar, won their respective matches in the women’s section here today to advance to the semifinals of the ongoing Inter-Collegiate Badminton Championship being played at Gymnasium Hall, University of Jammu.

The PG Department got the better of Government College for Women, Udhampur, 2-0, while Government Degree College, Billawar, defeated Government Degree College, Kathua.

In another quarterfinal match, GGM Science College had the last laugh against Government Degree College, Samba, to enter the semis.

Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar, meanwhile, outplayed Mahant Bachitar Singh College to book a place in the semis.

In the men’s section, Law School beat Government Degree College, Doda, 3-0, to enter the last four. Government Degree College, Samba, sailed past Government Degree College, Rajouri, 3-0, while Government Degree College, Kathua, edged out Government Gandhi Memorial Science College in the third quarterfinal match of the day.

In the last match of the day, Government Maulana Azad Memorial College defeated Government Degree College, Hiranagar, to advance to next stage.

The matches were officiated by Vikram Jamwal, Ravish Vaid, Rakesh Verma and Amit Sharma.