Jammu, November 26
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched several special campaign vehicles fitted with LCDs and other gadgets, which broadcast speeches of Modi to garner votes in the assembly elections, here today.

While all political parties, like the BJP, Congress, National Conference, PDP and JKNPP and Independents are generally using banners and posters to attract voters, BJP candidates are relying more on the technology.

About a dozen vehicles covered with the pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah are visiting several areas of Jammu attracting people to hear the message of Modi.

“It is something unique the BJP is doing while others are using same old tactics to reach the masses. Finally, it is the voters who will decide the fate of candidates contesting the elections to enter the legislative Assembly,” said Gaurav Sharma, a law student in Jammu University.

The Congress is relying more on rallies by their star campaigners, while regional parties, National Conference (NC) and PDP, are doing road shows to woo voters.

A cursory round of the city is just enough to conclude that cutouts and other advertising material of political parties have taken over Jammu and other districts of the region and posters and buntings could be seen everywhere.

Campaign material like vinyl box posters, flex, paper posters, cutouts, banners and flags printed with party symbols are top draws among the candidates and traders are finding it difficult to cope with the bulk orders, which they say, are still pouring in. Traders have received orders from all the Assembly constituencies in the Jammu region and special arrangements have been made to dispatch the campaign material to candidates.

Jammu, November 26
The J&K Freedom Fighters Association today organised a programme at Dogra Shaurya Stamb, Ambphalla, to remember the martyrs of 26/11 Mumbai attack.

The programme was organised by president of the association Ved Gandotra, wherein Justice (retd) Pavitar Singh was the chief guest. A two-minute silence was observed, besides lighting of candles, to pay tributes to the martyrs.

Members of the association expressed anguish against Pakistan, which was “responsible for the killing of 165 innocent persons”. They urged the Central Government to take every possible step to avoid such attacks in future and give befitting reply to perpetuators of any such attack in future.

Others were present on the occasion included Rajiv Mahajan, MS Katoch, Vinod Tak, ML Sharma, Prabha Kapahi, Pritam Sharma, Rajinder Bhagat and MR Bargotra.

The state also had control over all matters barring defence, communications and external affairs. It had its own head of the state called "Sadr-e-Riyasat". The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly had passed a resolution recommending greater autonomy for the state in 2000 when the National Conference had a majority of 57 seats in the house of 87 members.

The autonomy has consistently featured during the party’s electioneering and the National Conference had termed it as the ‘bedrock of its policy and agenda’ in the 2008 manifesto.

In the manifesto released today, the party claimed that the restoration of autonomy was the “only viable solution to the Kashmir issue”.

“The National Conference shall strive with renewed vigor to build a consensus in the country on this matter and remind the Government of India about the resolution of the state Assembly on this behalf which requires their urgent consideration,” the party manifesto said.

The party also vowed to protect Article 370, which guarantees state's special status and has been at the centre of a growing debate as the BJP had hinted at its abrogation, terming it as the “foundation in which the relationship of the state with the rest of the country is based”.

“This article cannot be tampered with. The National Conference will oppose any such attempt and will press for the reversal of the erosion of the letter and spirit of this article over the years,” it said.

The party said it would continue to make “sustained efforts” for the revocation of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) a law which gives armed forces sweeping powers to act and immunity from prosecution in a disturbed area. “The National Conference believes (AFSPA) is no longer necessary as with the efforts of the Chief Minister (Omar Abdullah) and the government, near-normalcy has returned and the state machinery is geared to deal with any disturbance,” the party manifesto said.

The National Conference said it would also undertake the task of rehabilitation in the flood-ravaged region with a “vision for future and with determination to take steps to prevent recurrence of such calamity”. "It shall strive to get Srinagar city to be included in the list of Smart Cities as well as Jammu," the party said.

The manifesto further advocated resumption of talks between India and Pakistan and vowed that the party would work to contain unemployment and corruption in the state. It said the party would take measures to boost tourism, prevent conversion of agriculture land for residential use, modernise handicrafts and the handlooms sector and work for transfer of hydel-power projects to the state.

Jammu, November 26
Hitting out at the “double standard” of the BJP and its “brazen attempt” to mislead the people with “false tales”, National Conference (NC) working president and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Wednesday expressed surprise over ignorance of the BJP and its leaders about the ground realities in the state.

Omar said the “misleading” statements of BJP leaders about tourist traffic in the state and promises to ask Bollywood to resume shooting in the Valley showed lack of knowledge about ground realities in the state.

He was addressing an election rally in Vijaypur in favour of party candidate Surjit Singh Slathia, who filed his nomination papers from the Assembly seat which would go to the polls in the fourth phase on December 14.

Omar said the BJP and its leaders should know that the number of pilgrims to Vaishno Devi had crossed the 1 crore figure every year during his tenure and more than 50 lakh tourists had visited the Valley in the last five years, which was a record for 25 years.

He said the BJP should know that Bollywood companies were already busy shooting films in the Valley and this process had been going on for the last five years.

“It is absurd on the part of the BJP to deceive the people by asking them to vote in favour of Narendra Modi, who is not contesting the Assembly elections and has nothing to do with local issues,” he said.

Omar said the NC was not indulging in politics on the basis of religion, region or development like the BJP. “We do not create a wedge between Hindus and Muslims or between Kashmir, Jammu and Ladakh, and do not do politicise issues of development and public good,” he said.

He ridiculed the BJP for issuing false statements on development. “My government provided many mega projects to Jammu, including flyovers, bridges, ropeway, artificial lake, sewerage, drainage disposal systems and power generation schemes,” he said.

Castigating the Congress and its leaders for attempting to take credit for the good work done by the NC-led government in the state and shifting the blame for its shortcoming and failures on his party, Omar described this attitude of the Congress as the “highest example of opportunism and falsehood”.

“The Congress had thrice opposed my proposal in the Cabinet for creation of new administrative units in the state,” he said. He claimed that the Congress wanted to take credit to lure voters.

Omar showered praise on Slathia. The rally was addressed by Jammu NC provincial president Devender Singh Rana and Slathia as well.

Fifth phase battle begins

* 11 constituencies in Jammu, five in Kathua and four in Rajouri will go to the polls on December 20, four of these reserved for SCs

* The seats are Bani, Basholi, Kathua, Billawar and Hiranagar in Kathua district, Nagrota, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu East, Jammu West, Bishnah, RS Pura, Suchetgarh, Marh, Raipur-Domana, Akhnoor and Chhamb in Jammu district and Nowshera, Darhal, Rajouri and Kalakote in Rajouri district

Poonch, November 26
Patron of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Mufti Mohammad Sayeed today said the Centre could not abrogate Article 370 which grants special status to the state. He was addressing election rallies in the Surankote, Poonch and Mendhar constituencies here today.

He said the article is non-negotiable and irrevocable and those talking about its abrogation are ignorant about the constitutional position of the state and are misleading the people of the country.

Mufti slammed Chief Minister and National Conference working president Omar Abdullah for ‘deserting’ the Abdullah family’s traditional seat of Ganderbal for fear of ‘defeat’.

“By choosing not to contest from Ganderbal, Omar has admitted to his faults and failures and people will not forgive him,” Mufti said, adding his decision to contest from the Beerwah and Sonawar constituencies and not from the home constituency of Ganderbal is a proof that he has acknowledged his failure as the CM of the state.

“When he failed to fulfill the aspirations of the people of his home constituency, what will he do for the people of Beerwah and Sonawar?” Mufti asked.

He said the recent parliamentary elections had shown that the people had decided to vote in favour of the PDP and the party had won all three seats in the Kashmir valley and had got high votes on most of the seats.

He also slammed the Congress and said the party had shrunk to a small number and had not even got the post of the Leader of Opposition in Parliament.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the Congress has also lost its ground. The way the party has ignored leaders like Choudhary Aslam in the Cabinet indicates its respect for the seniors.

He said the PDP wanted to make Poonch a centre of development activities and had connected Jammu province with the Kashmir valley via the Mughal Road.

He advocated establishing a free economic zone between Poonch and Rawlakote so that it does not remain confined to the people belonging to the divided families.

Jammu, November 26
Following Intelligence inputs of a spike in infiltration attempts from across the border to disrupt polling in the state, the Army has strengthened its multi-tier anti-infiltration obstacle grid along the Line of Control (LoC), south of the Pir Panjal range.

General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 16 Corps (White Knight Corps) Lt Gen KH Singh said in view of the Assembly elections, the Army had strengthened its security grid all along the LoC.

He was addressing mediapersons at an ex-servicemen’s rally at Pallanwala in Akhnoor near here today.

“We have also checked intrusion attempts and truce violations to a considerable extent,” said Lt Gen KH Singh.

To a query, he said the Army had Intelligence inputs of infiltration attempts by militants from across the LoC and of inimical elements trying to disrupt the ongoing electoral process.

“We have worked out a strategy and I assure you that the Army is fully ready to foil the nefarious designs of such elements,” he said.

On November 18, Intelligence agencies had observed two Pakistan Rangers briefing a civilian on their side of the international border, while pointing towards the Indian territory.

The development was observed opposite the Bobiyan area in Kathua The two Rangers carried binoculars and were seen near a Pakistani post on that day.

Pakistan in recent times has opened new fronts in Pallanwala and tries to push in militants from the Poonch sector. The BSF has sealed the international border from Paharpur in Kathua to the Chicken Neck area in the Akhnoor sub-division.

Pulwama, November 26
A day after five Assembly constituencies of Kashmir witnessed an impressive voter turnout, Hizbul Mujahideen posters surfaced at Nownagri village in Pulwama district, warning people not to vote.

The posters have also asked people to boycott the elections.

The posters read that the outfit would take stringent action against the people who have been campaigning for various political parties.

“All people are requested not to attend the election rallies as they have planned attacks on them,” read a poster.

Meanwhile, the police have established check posts to track the people involved in issuing election boycott calls.

The police said they were investigating the matter and would soon uncover the gang, adding it just seems a mischief of some youth from the area.

The police have also claimed that they have apprehended one person who had been pasting poll boycott posters of a separatist group, Muslim League, in the Kakapora area of the district.

“We observed that posters were pasted in various villages of Pulwama by a separatist group and I soon activated my men to get hold of them,” said a police officer. — OC

Srinagar, November 26
After the successful conduct of the first phase of the elections yesterday, a joint security review meeting for the second phase was held in Kashmir today.

A defence spokesman said the joint security coordination meeting was held at the Khanabal-based headquarters of the 1 Sector Rashtriya Rifles in Anantnag district to take forward the success of the incident-free conduct of the first phase of elections.

The next three phases in Kashmir are scheduled on December 2, 9 and 14.

“The aim of the meeting was to share security-related experiences of the phase one held in the area of the responsibility of the 3 Sector RR and draw a strategy for the next three phases,” he said.

The meeting was chaired by GOC of the Srinagar-based 15 Corps Lt Gen Subrata Saha and attended by senior Army and police officers.

“We are taking the success story of the security arrangements made for the first phase of the elections forward, thereby beating the designs of the inimical elements,” he said. — TNS

Srinagar, November 26
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and RTI activist Raja Muzaffar Bhat Wednesday hinted at supporting the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in its campaign for change of government in the state.

He said he was not against supporting the PDP in elections in order to ensure change of guard in the state. He is convener of the RTI awareness movement in the state.

Raja had contested the parliamentary elections as AAP candidate from the Budgam constituency in central Kashmir earlier this year and secured 3,000 votes.

“People want change and I am all for it. My workers and I will support candidates who bring about that change and push the state towards development,” he said.

He said he wanted to contest the elections, but AAP had unanimously decided to field candidates only in the Delhi Assembly elections.

“I got 3,000 votes in Budgam, which recorded a turnout of 30 per cent. I stood a chance in the Assembly elections, but did not go against the party decision,” Raja said. He said he did not want to project himself as a disloyal politician by joining another party or contesting as an Independent. 

Srinagar, November 26
Omar Abdullah, the 44-year-old working president of Kashmir’s oldest political party National Conference, is all set for his first fight for his home turf, Sonawar constituency, where he will contest against several candidates, including two women. The Chief Minister today arrived in a motorcade at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in the city here and filed the nomination papers for the contest from Sonawar constituency. He was accompanied by senior party leaders and supporters, who hailed Omar as a “real lion”.

“If there is any cadre-based party in the state, it is the National Conference. So if there is an increase in the number of voters, it will help the National Conference because our cadres are everywhere,” Omar told reporters after filing his papers. About the high turnout in the first phase of election yesterday, Omar said it was “a victory of democracy”, but warned against making quick judgments as four phases of polling were yet to be held in the state.

On December 14, when Srinagar’s eight and other 10 constituencies go to the polls in the fourth phase, it will be Omar’s first election from Sonawar, where he had his early schooling and where he lives amid a strict security cover at the heavily-guarded Gupkar area.

Omar, who was sworn as the youngest Chief Minister in 2009, settled this time for Sonawar after a lengthy search for a safe seat. Sonawar is an urban constituency, and its many residents living in the vicinity of Dal Lake are associated with tourism. Omar is contesting the election from two seats — Sonawar and Beerwah — after he left his present constituency, Ganderbal, for a local candidate.

In Sonawar, Omar’s main rival is Peoples Democratic Party candidate Mohammad Ashraf Mir and two women candidates – Khem Lata Wakhlu of the Congress and Darakhshan Andrabi of the BJP. Omar, with total assets of Rs 65.69 lakh, is poorer than PDP’s Mir, whose total assets are valued at Rs 7.40 crore.

All for Indo-Pak talks

While speaking to reporters here, Omar favoured talks between India and Pakistan at the ongoing SAARC summit. “I don't think there is anybody in the right mind who would not want dialogue. At the end of the day, we tried all other alternatives to resolve our problems with Pakistan. We fought wars, we suspended dialogue but the closest we have come to resolving our issues is when India and Pakistan have been talking to each other,” he said.

He hoped that the “element of suspicion and hostility” that had crept into Indo-Pak relation could be gradually be removed. “If the SAARC summit provides that opportunity then nothing like it," Omar said.

‘Modi’s success only on external front’

Omar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “success” so far has been on the external front. “I have not seen as much achievements within the country as he has been able to achieve externally. I think his biggest success so far has been in getting the US President to come as chief guest on our Republic Day ceremony. He has also done a good job in reaching out to our neighbours, who traditionally have felt ignored,” he said.

Omar said six months are not “long enough” to judge Modi’s performance as the Prime Minister. “But some of the key election promises, particularly the one about black money coming back within a month, has not happened,” he said.

First fight from hometown

* It will be NC working president Omar Abdullah’s first election from Sonawar, where he had his early schooling and where he lives amid a strict security cover at the heavily-guarded Gupkar area.

* Omar’s main rival is PDP candidate Mohammad Ashraf Mir and two women candidates — Khem Lata Wakhlu of the Congress and Darakhshan Andrabi of the BJP.

* Sonawar will go to the polls on December 14, when elections will be held at seven other constituencies in Srinagar and 10 from the rest of the state

Pulwama, November 26
Peoples Democratic Party president and MP Mehbooba Mufti today questioned Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s silence over Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s “misgovernance”.

Mehbooba, addressing various election meetings in south Kashmir’s Pulwama constituency, alleged that the National Conference-Congress coalition government had looted the state for six years and now they had entered a verbal duel.

“The NC and Congress together have looted the state… even the relief money and material was consumed by these parties,” said Mehbooba. She alleged that the Congress had once again nominated tainted candidates who have been involved in corruption. “Rahul Gandhi has fielded four ministers involved in various corruption cases,” said Mehbooba.

She said the Congress did nothing although both Farooq Abdullah and Omar were involved in various cases. “The Congress did not take any action with regard to the involvement of Farooq Abdullah in the Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association scam and the Haji Yousuf case against Chief Minister Omar Abdullah that is pending in Supreme Court,” alleged Mehbooba. She said the parties which seem to have parted have damaged the image of the state. 

Jammu, November 26
All the electronic voting machines, which were used in the polling in 15 Assembly constituencies of seven districts yesterday, were shifted to strongrooms from far-off and inaccessible places today.

All the EVMs will remain under the surveillance of CCTVs in strongrooms till the counting of votes on December 23. The EVMs from snow-bound areas were airlifted and brought to the strongrooms.

“We are yet to receive a written report from all district election officers but all the EVMs have been shifted from remote and far-off places to strongrooms," said Rashpal Singh, Deputy Chief Electoral Officer.

Official sources said all strongrooms would be guarded by the Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) forces round the clock and would be monitored by CCTVs.

“The Returning Officers will personally monitor security arrangements of the strongrooms. Besides, magistrates will also be deployed to keep the storing system foolproof. A fully functional fire-engine would also be stationed at each strongroom till December 23 evening (when counting will be conducted),” a source said. 

No material asset in her name
* 38-year-old Independent candidate from Kulgam Rashida Mir has declared in her affidavit that she neither has any material asset nor any cash in hand

* Rashida has also not shown any material or cash possession of her husband, who she claims is an IAS officer. In the affidavit, there is no mention of monthly salary or other properties owned by her husband

Langate, November 26
With the Peoples Democratic Party and the People’s Conference posing a serious challenge to incumbent legislator and Awami Itihad Party chief Abdul Rashid Sheikh, who is seeking re-election, a keen contest is in the offing in the Langate Assembly segment.

The battle is likely to get further spiced up with the presence of the BJP and the ruling National Conference, a party which has traditionally done well in the segment. It lost to incumbent legislator Abdul Rashid Sheikh aka Engineer Rashid by a wafer thin margin of 200 votes in the previous state elections.

A civil engineer from remote Mawar village who won the Langate seat as an Independent in 2008, Engineer Rashid is known in the area for his struggle for civil liberties during the peak of militancy. The maverick legislator who is known to attract controversies, however, is banking on the development works carried out in the segment in the last six years.

Langate is gateway to the Bangus valley, which is fast growing as one of the most exotic tourist destinations of north Kashmir.

“The sitting MLA has brought great relief to people and we will vote for him,” said Tariq Ahmed, a student. Sajjad Lone-led People’s Conference, which is contesting the Assembly polls for the first time in the last 27 years, has fielded lawyer-turned-politician Mohammad Abdullah Mir for the seat.

Mir had contested 2008 Assembly polls as an Independent and secured 4,188 votes. The party got a shot in the arm with the joining of Mohammad Amin Khan, a local leader who fetched 3,497 votes during the 2008 state elections. The recent meeting between Sajjad Lone and Prime Minster Narendra Modi is also grabbing a lot of eyeballs. “The People’s Conference started from low ebb but it is gaining ground,” said Mohammad Maqbool, a government employee from the area. Interestingly, Engineer Rashid was a close confidante of slain separatist leader Abdul Gani Lone, the founder of the People’s Conference. After Lone’s assassination in 2002 and subsequent division of the People’s Conference, Engineer Rashid sided with Sajjad Lone, who is now contesting polls from Handwara.

However, when Sajjad called for a poll boycott in 2008 Assembly polls, Engineer Rashid parted ways with the then separatist leader and jumped in the electoral battle. He formed the Awami Itihad Party in 2013 and contested all the three parliamentary seats in the Valley during the last Lok Sabha elections.

Engineer Rashid himself contested north Kashmir’s Baramulla parliamentary seat. Though he lost to PDP’s Muzaffar Baig, he managed a substantial lead in the Langate Assembly segment.

The PDP has nominated Ghulam Nabi Panditpuri, brother of ailing party leader Mohammad Sultan Panditpuri who had won the by-elections in 1999, from the segment. Panditpuri has a strong base in Qaziabad belt of the constituency.

National Conference’s Wali Mohammad, a former government official, meanwhile, faces an uphill task.

Lolab (Kupwara), Nov 26
BJP national spokesperson Shahnawaz Hussain Wednesday urged the people to vote the party to power and not pay heed to claims of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference (NC) that the BJP was anti-Muslim.

He was addressing a rally in the Putushai area of Lolab valley in Kupwara district. “The NC and the PDP have launched a malicious propaganda against the BJP,” he said.

“They are provoking the people by saying the BJP is anti-Muslim. This claim is unfounded and I urge you to vote the BJP to power in the state so that all issues are addressed,” he said.

“I promise that if the BJP is voted to power, the government will provide jobs to all educated jobless youths and carry out unprecedented development in the state,” he added.

The BJP leader held the ruling coalition responsible for the plight of Jammu and Kashmir. The coalition government led by Omar Abdullah had pushed the state into darkness and people wanted change, he said.

“There has not been any end to sufferings of the people and the coalition government has pushed the state into backwardness. People want change and I am confident that they will vote the BJP to power to bring about change in their lives,” he added.

Hussain said the direct flight from Srinagar to Saudi Arabia had been introduced during his stint as Union Civil Aviation Minister in the NDA government.

“If the BJP is an anti-Muslim party, why was Omar a part of the NDA government at the Centre for years? Regional parties, especially the PDP and the NC, have sensed defeat even before the Assembly elections. That is the reason they have unleashed a malicious campaign against the BJP in order to mislead the people,” he said.

Abdul Rashid Zargar, BJP candidate from the Lolab constituency, addressed the gathering as well.

Jammu, November 26
A veterans’ rally was held Wednesday by the Crossed Swords Division at the military station in Pallanwala of Akhnoor subdivision. Welfare schemes and measures for improvement and uplift of veterans and ‘veer naris’ were addressed, said a Defence spokesman.

The rally was attended by 1,500 veterans, including eight retired personnel and 90 ‘veer naris’.

The opening address was delivered by Brigadier RS Bhadauria. Major General AK Dhar, GOC of the Crossed Swords Division requested veterans to avail themselves of benefits of Central programmes.

Brigadier (retired) RS Langeh, Director of the Rajya Sainik Welfare Board, spoke about schemes introduced for veterans, ‘veer naris’ and their dependants.

Lt General KH Singh, GOC of the 16 Corps, interacted with all veterans and ‘veer naris’ to understand their problems and educate them about welfare schemes. He honoured ‘veer naris’ on the occasion.

Pulwama, November 26
Ghulam Nabi Ratanpuri, MP and NC candidate from Pulwama, was injured Wednesday when youths threw stones at his vehicle at Renzipora village. Sources close to Ratanpuri said during campaigning in a village, some miscreants tried to interrupt his speech which led to a verbal dual between PDP and NC workers.

“The incident occurred when we were returning home. Some youths threw stones at Ratanpuri sahib’s vehicle and a stone hit him in the leg,” a source said.

Eyewitnesses said the personal security officials of the NC leader fired two or three gunshots in the air to disperse stone-throwers.

Ratanpuri was admitted to District Hospital, Pulwama, from where he was referred to Bone and Joints Hospital in Srinagar.

Meanwhile, Ratanpuri’s condition was said to be stable. Doctors at the hospital said he had been given treatment and sent home.

When contacted, Ratanpuri said he would hold a press conference Thursday to expose the miscreants and their affiliation.

Jammu, November 26
The Army Wednesday welcomed members of the educational tour ‘Karwan-e-Aman’ in Rajouri. The tour was organised for girl students of Poonch district from November 18 to 25.

The tour was organised by a battalion of the Rashtriya Rifles under the Romeo Force, said a Defence spokesperson.

The tour party comprised 21 girl students and two woman teachers. They visited places of historical importance in a period of eight days.

Srinagar, November 26
After overcoming the set back she faced during the recent floods, Sadiya, a young Kashmiri girl, is set to start a store, Sarah City Centre, Jehangir Chowk, in Srinagar soon.

The floods had destroyed the stock of designer clothes this business graduate wished to display at her new centre.

However, Sadiya did not let her dreams die down and soon started designing fresh stock of clothes and finished the work on them within a month.

“All the clothes were washed away as the stock was kept in a godown. But soon, after the situation became normal, I started reworking and designing clothes and then gave them for stitching,” Sadiya said.

Sadiya has named her new venture,”Hangers- The Closet” and promises to introduce fresh line of Pakistani designer brands in the Valley.

“There are some very popular designer salawar suits which I have introduced here.I have used warm fabrics, which I am sure will be a hit with customers,” she said.

Sadiya who is also pursuing her masters degree in International Business from Kashmir University said that she had always followed her passion and was not interested in doing a job.

“I think one should work on a venture one is passionate about and believe in the work one does,” she said.

Srinagar, November 26
For the first time in the history of Kashmir a 30-year-old underwent a neuro spinal surgery under the regional anaesthesia. The surgery was carried out at Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital, Srinagar, and the patient is reportedly doing fine post operation.

Hospital officials said such surgeries are routinely performed under the general anaesthesia.

“Although series of such procedures have been done under regional anaesthesia in the outside world and few centres of India, it is for the first time in the history of Kashmir that this procedure was done under the regional anaesthesia wherein patient was awake and the lower part of his body was anaesthetised,” said anaesthetist Dr Saleem Javaid and Dr Shabeer Siddiqui.

The doctors said the surgery was a success and patient was doing well. — OC

Jammu, November 26
The celebrations of Quami Ekta Week by the NSS unit of Government College for Women (GCW), Parade, concluded here today.

The week was observed under the chairmanship of Principal of the College Prof Hemla Aggarwal and guidance of NSS Programme Officer Prof Richpal Singh and Prof Shivali Gupta.

The week began with NSS volunteers going to the orphanage in Amphalla and enacting a nukkar natak on cleanliness. This was followed by a poster-making competition, slogan-writing competition and symposium.

On the final day, prize distribution ceremony was held, where winners of the various competitions were felicitated. Sheetal Sharma won the first prize in the poster-making contest, Mehak Mahajan in slogan-making contest and Mukeshi won in symposium.

Principal Prof Hemla Aggarwal was the chief guest. NSS commanders Shriya, Meenakshi and Suberna organised the event.

Jammu, November 26
The J&K Bank today dedicated renovated premises to public at its business units in Janipur, TP Talab Tillo, Trikuta Nagar and Sohal.

Vice-president and zonal head (Jammu) of the bank Arvind Gupta inaugurated the four premises amid a large number of businessmen, customers, senior citizens and other residents.

Arvind Gupta urged people to avail maximum benefits from the bank’s customer friendly products, especially debit and credit cards, e-banking and mobile banking. The bank, he said, had undertaken a massive financial literacy and account opening drive to ensure universal access to banking facilities with at least one basic account for every household under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojna (PMJDY).

Later during the day, a function was organised by the bank for the members of the Bari Brahmana Industrial Association (BBIA) at its business unit near Industrial Complex, Bari Brahmana, where general public was also present.

The members of the BBIA hailed the initiatives of the bank in infrastructure upgrade and appreciated the speedy delivery of customised credit products to the industrial clients.

Jammu, November 26
In an initiative to spread awareness about cleanliness, Delhi Public School (DPS), Jammu, organised an inter-house skit competition for students of class IV on the school premises here today.

The skits were based on the topic, “Clean India”. A team of eight students from each of the five houses took part in the event. The students performed the skits outstandingly.

The competition was judged by Anil Baru and Shalini Pradhan. The winning trophy was bagged by Jhelum House, while Yamuna House and Ganga House clinched the runners-up trophy.

Meenu Gupta, Headmistress up to Middle School, Delhi Public School, Jammu, lauded the students for their hard work.

Additional Director and Principal, Delhi Public School, Jammu, Dr D Joseph congratulated the winners.

Jammu, November 26
To commemorate the 66th anniversary of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), cadets of Army Public School (APS), Ratnuchak, took out a rally around the school campus to make students aware of the social menace of dowry.

They carried placards with slogans “Say no to dowry” and also raised slogans against the social evil. The cadets of the school took a pledge for eye donation. They also pledged to donate blood. — TNS