W e h a v e g r i e v a n c e s . . . . . .

Bikram chowk crossing
Road accidents have shown an abrupt increase across Jammu city probably due to the inability of the traffic police to deal with sharp rise in the two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four-wheelers. Accidents have become a routine. We, residents of Bikram Chowk would like to bring it to the notice of the authorities that crossing towards warehouse has become a death tarp.
Traffic police acts as a mute spectator and does not bother penalising those using this wrong route for entering warehouse. They infact at times act as facilitators. It needs to be taken seriously since with growing vehicle population across Jammu city, this crossing could some day lead to a fatal accident for which authorities would be responsible.
Businessmen in warehouse need to be taught traffic rules to make them conscious about the fatality of keeping this route open for the vehicle owners. To rub salt on the wounds, not only light vehicles but heavy trucks also prefer taking this route for loading their good. We the residents of Bikram chowk urge govt to take prompt action.
-G.K.Bakshi
Bikram Chowk Jammu.

Woes of locals at Parade
We the residents of Parade and its adjoining localities urge the authorities to redress our genuine problems. Increasing vehicular traffic has made our life miserable. It seems that authorities have completely forgotten that a vast population of Jammu lives adjoining what is now the busiest traffic centre.
Two-wheelers, three-wheelers and four wheelers have made of life hell. Besides this, air pollution is another problem which has increased health ailments in the localities adjoining parade. Ladies, children and old people are seen struggling for space while crossing the road because most of the space remains occupied by matadors.
Light-vehicles alongwith matadors have made walking through parade hell. Those coming from Raj Tilak road or Moti bazaar area of the city have to wait for hours for crossing over. Authorities must wake up and find some remedy. A flyover passing over parade would be the best solution.
-Taniya
Parade, Jammu

Dustbins missing
Through your esteemed newspaper, we the residents of Gorakha Nagar locality want to share of problem with the authorities at the helm of affairs. We invited attention of Jammu Municipal Corporation towards the non-availability of dustbins in our locality but to no avail.
Due to non-availability of dustbins, residents of locality throw garbage on the streets while some others prefer using canal passing-by as dustbin. Non-availability of dustbins has resulted in garbage getting collected on the lanes and streets of the locality.
A wrecked shop has been turned into garbage dumping site. It has become a nuisance for the residents and bystanders. JMC must provide dustbins since their non-availability would compound miseries of the residents of this locality.
-Bunty Chetri
Gorakha Nagar.

Power shortage
The locality adjoining Dreamland School in Muthi is facing power shortage and constant fluctuations and less voltage. The common approach is to abuse PDD authorities but the real reason is that almost 60 percent of the households use heating instruments during peak hours of morning and evening in this locality.
We appeal concerned department to look into the matter seriously. Surprise checking of the households at the time when they do not expect it is the only way out. Then confiscate all heaters and such like equipment which is not legally allowed. It should be concluded with fine and warning so that they do not dare to repeat it in future.
-Residents of Muthi area
Through Amit Koul

Acute shortage of water
We the residents of Priyadarshini Nagar lane of Tallab Tillo are facing acute shortage of water. This is due to the fact that maximum homes have directly fixed water pumping electric motors with pipes laid down by PHE. This creates a situation whereby flow of water gets diverted to one particular family at the cost of other families.
This is causing a lot of inconvenience to the people of this area because they get less quantity of water daily. So we appeal the concerned authorities to take action those violating the basic water availability norms.
-Amit Singh
Priyadarshini Nagar

SKUAST scientists educate farmers
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Well ahead of the Kharief crop plantation, scientists of Sher-i-kashmir, University of Agriculture Sciences and Technology (SKUAST) provided latest scientific education to the farmers in a workshop in which large number of farmers from both kandi and irrigated belts participated.
The workshop was jointly organized by Dryland Research Sub Station, Rakh Dhiansar and Directorate of Extension Education, SKUAST-Jammu under the Chairmanship of Dr. K. S. Risam, Director Extension Education, SKUAST-Jammu.
Dr. R.K. Gupta, (Associate Director Research), Dr. Deepak Kher (ADR), Dr.R.R. Jat (ADR) Prof. A. K. Razdan (PBG), Prof. J.P. Sharma (Vegetables), Prof. V. K. Razdan (Plant Pathology), Dr. B.C.Sharma (Agronomy), Dr. R.S. Bandral (Entomology), S.P.Gupta (Horticulture), Dr.Vinod Gupta (Extension Education), Ajay Gupta (HDO, Ghagwal), Jivtesh Singh (HDO, Vijaypur), Anil Kumar Sharma (AEO, Samba), Deepak Singh (AEO, Rehan), S. Harbhajan Singh (AEO, Jakh) spoke about the latest technology in agriculture sciences and educated the farmers about the technicalities to yield maximum benefits from farming, overcoming the irrigation and other environmental constraints.
Dr. V. S. Verma, Incharge Dryland Research Sub Station, SKUAST-J, Rakh Dhiansar advised farmers to grow kharif season crops like maize, moong, mash, etc. in their respective areas according to latest agro-techniques discussed in the workshop.
Dr. A. K. Razdan (Professor, PBG) stressed upon sowing of early maturing varieties of maize. Vikas Gupta (Scientist, Agronomy) suggested farmers regarding various agro- techniques used in successful cultivation of maize, moongbean, mash, soybean etc.
Dr. S. P. Gupta (SMS, Horticulture) suggested farmers to grow fruit trees most suited to rainfed areas with low water requirement like amla, ber, phalsa in kandi areas to get assured returns even during scanty rainfall. He recommended in-situ plantation for better survival. Dr. Jai Kumar (Agronomist) suggested a new technique of nursery raising and rice cultivation namely SRI technique (System of Rice Intensification) for more yield even by less seed and water utilization.
Dr. K. S. Risam, Director Extension Education, stressed upon the farmers to come up with their problems related to horticulture, agriculture, animal husbandry, etc. with scientists of SKUAST-Jammu and also to farmers call centre helpline: 1551.
The progressive farmers Sukhdev Singh of Chhanni, Om Prakash of Thalori, Natha Ram, Sham Singh and other farmers interacted with the scientists seeking advice for various agro-techniques suited to rainfed farming for the successful cultivation of field and fruit crops

L&T gets RS 651 crore hydrocarbon projects
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Larsen & Turbo (L&T) has bagged major orders aggregating Rs. 651 crore for two hydrocarbon projects.
L&T will build a green field refinery project at Bathinda for HPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL), valued at Rs. 440 crore. In addition, L&T has received an order from Engineers India Limited for the supply and construction of a reactor and regenerator system valued at Rs. 211 crore for the Fluidized Catalytic Cracking (FCC) unit of Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited (MRPL), Mangalore.
The HMEL project will be executed by the Construction Business Unit of L&T's E&C Division. The order involves construction of electro-mechanical sections for seven process units for the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery Project. The process units comprise Motor Spirit Block, Diesel Hydrotreater, Delayed Coker Unit, Vacuum Gas Oil Hydro Treater, FCC Unit, Poly Propylene Unit, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas units. The project is scheduled to be completed in 17 months.
L&T is already executing a hydrogen package at Bathinda on lumpsum turnkey basis valued at Rs. 700 crore. The MRPL job will be executed jointly by L&T's Heavy Engineering Division and the Construction Business Unit of L&T's E&C Division. The order includes supply and erection of reactor, regenerator, and orifice chamber with structural, refractory lined piping works including painting, insulation & refractory works for FCC Unit for Phase III of the refinery project. This project will be completed in 24 months.
L&T will supply critical process equipment valued at Rs. 106 crore for the project. Site erection work is valued at Rs. 105 crore.

Drug abuse day observed
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: In connection with observation of "International Day" against drug abuse and illicit trafficking, one day women awareness camp was organized jointly by Directorate of Field Publicity (DFP), Government of India and Project Officer (ICDS), Social Welfare department at Vijaypur in Samba district the other day. Over 300 rural women/aganwadi workers participated in the camp in the scorching heat.
Nirmal Sharma from Tarore, Mittu from Rari, Sunita from Pakhri and Amita from Badori and others speaking on the occasion suggested various measures as to how the menace of drug-addiction in the country be contained. Bharti from Viraj Kala Kendra and Nirmal Padha from J&K women society ( both NGOs ) strongly advocated for empowering the women to shun the social evils of illiteracy, drinking and drug abuse from the society.
Among others, Rajiv Salaria, District. Social Welfare Officer Samba, V.K.Magotra, Field Publicity Officer, Government of India interacted with audience and pleaded strongly for making the nation healthy, wealthy and free from the menace of social evils .
Kanta Sharma, Project Officer (ICDS) presided over the function. She also distributed prizes among the participants and apprised them about aims & objectives of the day. Nirmal Kumari, Assistant Project Officer (ICDS) conducted the proceedings of the programme. The photo exhibition on the 'Rights of Child', AIDS awareness and presentation of culture programme were the special attractions of the event.

PHSC chairman inspects Ward No. 49
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July3: Chairman Public Health and Sanitation Committee (PHSC) JMC Satish Kumar Sharma today inspected Ward No. 49. Chairman along with councilor of the ward Kamal Singh observed that the nallahs flowing between Chhanni Rama and Transprot Nagar area were full of garbage. Chairman gave directions to the concerned officer for immediate clearance of the Nallahs and drains.

JMC drive against adulteration
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July3: JMC team today undertook a drive against adulterated products and checked milk and milk products. More than 50 samples of milk and other edible items which did not meet prescribed standards were seized. A fine of Rs. 14,550 was realised from the Milk vendors and shopkeepers. Team headed by Health officer along with Food inspectors and the Commissioner JMC also collected eight samples of milk products, ice cream and mustard oil from reputed shops.
Municipal veterinary Officer also undertook a drive against stray animals and lifted nine animals from different areas. They also charged Rs.2100 from the owners of stray animals. Enforcement wing while continuing the anti encroachment drive removed the reharis without licences from Green Belt, Gandhi Nagar and Rail Head Complex Jammu. JMC issued strict warning to the vendors to sell the wholesome food items to avoid harsh measures as per PFA Act.

Implement 6th pay commission report before July 31: JUTA
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jul 3: Jammu university teachers association (JUTA) has sought thorough implementation of the report of sixth pay commission as recommended by university grants commission (UGC) before university reopens after summer vacations on July 31.
"We have apprised authorities about the deadline of July 31 for the implementation of this report. If some of the other universities in the country have implemented this report, Jammu University should not hesitate in its implementation," said President of the association Prof. Daleep Singh Jamwal while addressing a press conference here today.
He said that after the deadline expires, JUTA would call meeting of its Executive body and thereafter, general body meeting to review the scenario. "Future course of action would be decided after the deadline expires," asserted the president. He urged Chancellor, Pro-Chancellor and authorities of the state government to implement 6th pay commission report as recommended by UGC in toto.
The president further demanded enhancement of the age of superannuation to 65 years. "In the 5th pay commission report, age of superannuation of university teachers was enhanced to 62 years with three years extension but the state government while implementing it to state universities excluded this item of the 5th pay commission report," informed the JUTA president.
He further said that universities across the country have enhanced the age of superannuation to 65 years with re-employment beyond 65 years if the position is available and the fitness level of the teacher is good. "More than 45 percent of the posts of teachers in almost all the universities of the country are lying vacant. Hence, it would have no impact on unemployment," opined the JUTA president.
The president also demanded enhancement of limit of leave encashment from 120 to 300 days. "University is a teaching and research institute. Teachers are required to perform their duty two fold which is teaching as well as research. The entire non-teaching period is devoted to research and other extra curricular activities," added Prof. Daleep.
He was accompanied by Vice-President Prof. Vijay Dev Singh and Joint Secretary Dr. Kavita Suri.

Punjabi food festival 'Pind Da Bulava' begins today
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jul 3: To usher in the monsoon and say goodbye to the summer heat, a Punjabi food festival titled "Pind Da Bulava" is all set to begin at Hotel Ashok in Jammu from Saturday.
Festival has been given a traditional look with staff wearing vibrant pink, blue and orange brocade and silk traditional attires, accessorized with kadas, chokers and mojris. The food is tailor-made for the Punjabi lifestyle in which most of the rural folk burn up a lot of calories while working in the fields. This also explains the liberal use of dollops of butter, cream and desi ghee in the food.
The "Amritsari Kulcha", "Missi Roti" and "Dal Amritsari" are the perfect accompaniments to this feast. End the meal with "Kulfi Falooda", "Rabri" and the traditional Gur & Shakkar. The Charpai and Tandoor at the entrance with menu printed on traditional Pakhis, Bright and beautiful coloured cloth everywhere, the lilting Punjabi music in the background all contribute to create the simple yet perfect ambience.
The information about the festival was disseminated by General Manager Sanjay Mehta during a press conference here today. He said "Punjabi Cuisine has an immense and diverse range of dishes and the food is like the Punjabis themselves robust and hearty with no unnecessary frills or exotic accompaniments."
He maintained that emphasis has traditionally been on robust food, grains and vegetables in their basic form, prepared with the simplest of ingredients and basic techniques with a premium on quality and purity.
Chef Sundeep Katyal and his team who were present on the occasion said that they have brought mouth-watering kababs like Amritsari Machhi, Tandoori Chooza, Reshmi kabab for those coming to attend the festival. There are other specialities like Patiala Shahi Murgh, Mogewala kukarh, Methi murgh and Meat Belli Ram.
A large selection for vegetarians which includes "Bharwan Aloo", Lehsuni tikki, Punjabi Kadi, Bhartha and Bhindi Kurkuri has also been included. The festival would be accompanied with a daily lucky draw and the prizes include complementary stay at various I.T.D.C. hotels and gift coupons. "PIND DA BULAVA" beckons you to a truly Punjabi experience'' said Avinesh Yadav Food & Beverage Manager of the Hotel.
Anil Dhiman, a local said that Punjabi food has caught up as a universal cuisine and finds favour with the young and old alike. He added that Punjabi food is rich, creamy and chatak matak.

Murder case
Court awards life imprisonment to murderer
Doda, Jul 3 (JNF): Additional Sessions Judge Doda today awarded life-imprisonment to an accused who allegedly murdered his wife in the year 2003.
Additional Sessions Judge Doda Pawan Dev Kotwal after hearing Ravinder Kumar Rao appearing for the state and referring to various judgments of the Supreme Court and High Court observed that the act of pouring kerosene oil and setting the deceased ablaze committed by the accused Joginder Singh was premeditated.
Court said that he had committed the crime without any provocation from the deceased. It added that this sufficiently holds accused guilty of committing murder of his wife. Court adjudicated that the accused not only knew that by pouring kerosene or setting the deceased ablaze, she will receive such injuries which would be sufficient to cause her death but rather he had the clear intention of causing her death.
Court as such held the accused guilty of murder punishable under section 302 RPC. Court after hearing both sides observed that though offences of like nature i.e. bride burning are on raise in our society and perpetrators of such crime needs to be dealt with sternly, but this case does not fall in the category of rarest of rare case.
Moreover the young age of the accused and his minor daughter, who has already lost her mother, are the mitigating circumstances to sentence the accused to life-imprisonment rather than imposing death penalty. According to the allegations against the accused Joginder Singh that during intervening night of May 26/27, 2003 between 10 to 11 PM, the accused came to his rented residence at Nagri Doda from his STD shop and had a quarrel with his wife Babli Devi.
The accused picked up a cane of kerosene oil and poured it on her, setting her ablaze. Babli Devi, wife of the accused ran out raising hue and cry. On hearing her cries, landlord Ajit Singh and his wife came on spot. Ajit Singh extinguished the fire but till then Babli Devi had received 60 percent burn injuries.
She was taken to District Hospital Doda from where she was referred to GMC Jammu where she succumbed to injuries on June 6, 2003.

Dowry Death Case
Court rejects bail application of in-laws
JAMMU, Jul 3 (JNF): Special Mobile Magistrate Electricity Jammu today rejected bail application of in-laws of a lady who committed suicide after being allegedly harassed by for bringing less dowry.
The accused have been identified as Rano Devi wife of Sat Pal Singh and Ritu Devi wife of Vijay Singh, both residents of Sanjay Nagar Jammu. They were arrested alongwith other family members.
While rejecting the bail application, Special Mobile Magistrate Electricity Jammu MK Sharma after hearing Senior Prosecuting Officer DP Singh and counsel for the accused observed that in the present case the charge against the accused is of serious nature. Offence under section 306 RPC is punishable with imprisonment for 10 years and fine.
Court said that the case is still under investigation and the statements of the witnesses are being recorded and the investigation is in progress. It added that offences against the women are on raise and any concession of bail to the accused at the investigation stage would hamper the investigation and encourages the perpetrators of such offences.
Court opined that accused has failed to make out a case for being released on bail and larger interest of the society warrants dismissal of the bail application. Hence, the court rejected the bail application of the accused.
According to Senior Prosecuting Officer D.P.Singh, Rekha Devi was married to accused Krishan Singh in October, 2008. It has been alleged that few months after the marriage, he alongwith his family members began harassing her for brining less dowry. This torture ultimately forced Rekha Devi to commit suicide on May 30, 2009.
Accused Rano Devi is the mother-in-law and accused Ritu Devi is sister-in-law of deceased Rekha Devi. They along with some other members of the family were arrested by the police under section 498-A/306 RPC. The accused Ladies had filed this bail application for release on bail.

"Mauj Kasheer' children return Jammu
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jul 3: Migrant Children who enthralled audiences in Kashmir and brought tears in the eyes of many with their scintillating performance at Kashmir returned to Jammu today.
Born and brought up outside Kashmir, these children belonging to the Kashmiri Pandit community showed attachment to their motherland by depicting Valley's culture through a programme at Srinagar. About 40 children performed in the programme "Mauj Kasheer" at Tagore Hall, showcasing their continuing link with cultural roots in Kashmir.
The programme was specially designed and organised by Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to showcase musical talent of children belonging to community, who live in Jammu and other parts of country. The artists who performed included Disha Pandita, Rashika Pandita, Aryaa Zutshi, Sunny Raina, Varsha Raina, Vishal Vaishnavi, Smiley, Rinku Raina, Rahul Khera, Shikha Pandita and Antra Razdan. The whole programme was designed and choreographed by Krishan Langoo.
Secretary, J&K academy of art, culture and languages Zafar Iqbal Manhas said that these migrant artists who performed on Kashmiri folk music and dance delivered a message of love and peace to the people across Kashmir valley. "They made it clear that Kashmir is incomplete without Kashmiri Pundits, who migrated from the valley," added Manhas.

PHE employees stage protest against new transfer policy
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jul 3: A protest demonstration was held by the Public Health Engineering Employees Welfare Association (PHEEWA), opposite the Chief Engineer's Office (PHE) Jammu, under the chairmanship of Rajinder Singh.
The demonstration was held against the pathetic attitude of the state government and in support of their long pending demands. The demonstrators criticized the transfer policy adopted by the department in respect of the class-fourth employees and stressed upon them to restrain from the transfers.
They alleged that by this transfer policy, class fourth employees are facing monetary as well as social loses. They urged Chief engineer Jammu to take up the matter with the concerned ministers for immediate redressal. While addressing the meeting, General Secretary of the association Rattan Dhoshi, criticized the government for anti-employee and anti-labor policy.
He requested the PHE minister to review the policy in the interest of the department and employees in particular. On this occasion, Provincial President of the association Balwinder Singh also addressed the employees and criticized the state government for the transfer policy. He appealed the members of the association to be vigilant and active.
The association also stressed that in case PHE minister fails to fulfill the demands of the employees, then they will appeal to the chief minister of the state.

Rs. 3.97 lakh disbursed under Social Welfare schemes
KT NEWS SERVICE
RAJOURI, July 3: In Rajouri Rs. 3.97 lakh were disbursed among the beneficiaries under various Social Welfare schemes during last month of the current financial year.
An amount of Rs. 3,91,814 have been disbursed by cheques among 8 beneficiaries under various Social Welfare Schemes, while Rs. 5,750 were provided on account of one time incentive in shape of scholarship to the school going students of victimized families.
Speaking on the occasion, the ADC highlighted various developmental schemes of the department and exhorted upon the people to bring themselves under the ambit of these programmes for their socio-economic empowerment.

Gas Agency booked
KT NEWS SERVICE
RAJOURI, July 3: In its drive against pilferage of consumables, Weights and Measures Department booked Rajouri Gas Agency for pilferage in the consumable and realized Rs. 5000 as composition money from the agency for selling underweight gas cylinders to the consumers.
To keep check on the business establishments and LPG dealers, a team of Weight and Measures Department headed by Assistant Controller, Legal Metrology Rajouri intensifying its inspection drive asked the traders to strictly adhere to the Weight and Measures Act.
During June this year, the team visited rural and urban areas of Tehsil Sunderbani and Kalakote and inspected various business establishments at Chityari, Gagrote, Sehal, Sunderbani and booked seven shopkeepers found violating the Weight and Measures Act realizing a fine of Rs. 12,500 from them.
Consumers have been asked to contact phone no. 9797397958 in case of any complaint.

Awareness camp held
KT NEWS SERVICE
KISHTWAR, July 3: District administration Kishtwar organized one day departmental exhibition-cum-awareness camp at Mata Sarthal Deviji Mandir during the annual yatra.
During the exhibition, departmental stalls were established by all line departments like Agriculture, Horticulture, Sheep and Animal Husbandry, Health (NRHM), Handloom, Handicrafts, Rural Development, Power Development, Social Welfare, ICDS, Forest, Social Forestry and Tourism Department (Kishtwar Development Authority).
Thousands of people especially farmers visited the exhibition and got themselves acquainted with latest techniques to boost their agriculture production.

ART teams at Panthal, Peera
KT NEWS SERVICE
RAMBAN, July 3: To provide immediate relief to the victims, government is setting up Quick Response Teams (QRT) at Panthal and Peera. This was disclosed in a meeting of different departments today at Ramban, which was chaired by District Development Commissioner.
As disclosed in the meeting, the district administration is setting up QRT (Quick Response Team) comprising traffic police, local police, medical department, civil defence, voluntary organizations, army, BRO, PHE and fire services, headed by the Naib Tehsildar at Panthal and Peera.
To avoid frequent road accidents on the National Highway, District Development Commissioner, Ramban asked the concerned departments to strictly implement the traffic rules.
District Development Commissioner, Ramban, K B Magotra in a meeting of various departments discussed precautionary measures necessary for preventing frequent road accidents particularly on National Highway. During the meeting, various suggestions and measures were put-forth by the concerned.
Traffic police in particular and police officers in general have been asked to strictly implement the traffic rules and punish the drivers who ply their vehicles carelessly without any concern for their passengers. He asked the police officers deployed on NH to check overloading in passengers vehicles. Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chief Planning Officer, Chief Medical Officer and other senior officers of civil and police departments were present on the occasion.

Azad condoles death of Mrs Chopra
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Ghulam Nabi Azad former chief minister, J&K (Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, GOI) expressed his heartfelt condolences on the sad demise of Late Nirmal Chopra mother of a prominent Congress leader Anil Chopra and sister-in-law of Om Chopra Ex-MLA. While expressed his grief over phone from New Delhi he expressed his solidarity with the family at this juncture of time. He prayed for conferring place to the departed soul in heavens and courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss.

JKPCC demands degree college & ITI for Chenani
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: JKPCC vice-president Yashpal Khajuria urged the government to open a Degree College and ITI at Chenani atthe earliest so that poor students can continue their studies.
His further demands to government were extension of road work, water supply project for drinking water to Patnitop area and electricity to left over villages.
The meet was held under the chairmanship of MLA KC Bhagat. In the meet JKPCC vice-president and ex-minister Yashpal Khajuria was the chief guest. In the meeting the workers from all over Chenani constituency participated and highlighted their problem regarding water, electricity, health centres, schools roads etc.

JKPCC & CCI president hail railway budget
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Ram Sahai president Chamber of Commerce & Industry hailed the railway budget. Terming it growth oriented, simple, beneficial to every section of society. The new introduction, world class modernization, the ladies special, Yuva Special etc and above it all there is no hike in the fare and freight.
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee too hailed the budget terming it as people friendly carrying many steps towards improvement safety, security besides progress and simplification in the facilities of common passengers. PCC further congratulated PM leadership of UPA and specially the railway minister for presenting people friendly railway budget.

Widow among 3 missing
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Three persons including a widow went missing from separate places in Jammu since last few days.
Police said that a woman identified as Anuradha wife of Jagdish Arora of Gurudwara Lane Janipur Colony has reportedly been missing since July 01, from her home.
Similarly, one girl identified as Sarla Kumari, 20, daughter of Krishan Lal of RS Pura has reportedly been missing since June 28, 2009 from her home.
Meanwhile, Anish Jain son of Sushil Jain of Last Morh Gandhi Nagar Jammu has reportedly been missing since July 2, 2009.
Police has taken cognizance and efforts are in progress to trace them out.

Unidentified body recovered
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Police claimed to have recovered body of an unidentified man from Ramgarh today.
Police said an unidentified body of a man has been recovered from Ward number 7, Ramgarh today.
The body has been shifted to the GMC hospital mortuary for identification and other legal formalities.
Inquest proceedings under section 174 CrPc has been initiated by the police.

3 bootleggers arrested
KT NEWS SERVICE
KATHUA, July 3: Police claimed to have arrested three bootleggers including a woman and recovered 100 liters of illicit liquor, while destroyed 2000 liters of lahan at Chak Drab Khan in Kathua district.
The arrested bootleggers have been identified as Poli Devi wife of Som Raj, Anil Kumar wife of Dharma Pal and Bodh Raj son of Balkari all residents of Chak Drab Khan.
Based on specific input, a police team led by SHO Police Station Kathua Inspector KD Bhagat raided village Chak Drab Khan and arrested three bootleggers including a woman and recovered 100 liters of illicit liquor and destroyed 2000 liters of lahan.
Police have registered a case under Excise Act and started investigation.

Youth attempts suicide
KT NEWS SERVICE
KATHUA, July 3: A youth made abortive bid on his life by consuming a poisonous substance at his resident at Ward number 14 at Kathua.
He has been identified as Ranjeet Singh resident of Ward number 14.
Spotted unconscious, the youth was admitted to the District Hospital (DH) Kathua. He was further referred to the Government Medical College hospital Jammu for advanced treatment.
Police have registered a case and started investigation.

Man falls from roof; injured
KT NEWS SERVICE
KATHUA, July 3: A man suffered fracture injuries after he fell from the roof top last night while sleeping, at Ward number 14 in Kathua.
He has been identified as Tarseem Lal son of Dess Raj resident of Ward number 14. Police said that Taressm was sleeping when he fell from the roof top and suffered fracture injuries late last night.
He was shifted to the District Hospital Kathua for treatment under critical condition. His condition was stated to be out of danger.
Police have taken cognizance.

Milk shops raided at Kathua
KT NEWS SERVICE
KATHUA, July 3: Municipal Committee Kathua today raided some milk shops and seized adulterated milk from Kathua.
Later, the seized milk was distributed among the poor residents of Ward number 7 instead of destroying it.
Reports said Municipal Committee president Rajinder Singh Babbi along with other officials raided the milk shops at Kathua and seized adulterated milk below 15 degree.
He also warned shopkeepers not to sell adulterated milk.

4 hideouts busted
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Security forces claimed to have busted four militant hideouts in the region since late night.
Defence spokesman said a joint column of Rashtriya Rifles and police busted a hideout in the Taj nallah area, 6 Kilometers away from Nachlana in Banihal today.
The recovery included eight detonators, one UBGL, 99 rounds of AK ammunition, one Radio Set, two packets suspected explosives powder, one Chinese Grenade and one IED in a tiffin box with safety fuse.
In another operation, a column of Army recovered a cache of ammunition and explosives in the forest area Choudharinar, 5 Kilometers away from Rajouri.
The recovery included 25 grenades and 525 rounds of AK ammunitions.
In yet another operation, a column of troops recovered a cache in general area Kushal Forest.
The recovery included one pistol with magazine and one point 44 Bore gun recovered.
Meanwhile, one rifle AK with three magazines, three rounds of RPG ammunition, two Rocket rounds and miscellaneous stores were recovered elsewhere.

833 ReTs regularised
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, Jul 3: Director School Education, Jammu has regularized the services of 833 Rehbar-e-taleem teachers (ReTs) as general line teachers.
According to a handout issued here today, about 309 Rehbar-e-taleem teachers (ReTs) from Poonch, 23 of Reasi, 295 of Kathua, 174 Ramban and 32 of Rajouri have been regularized as general line teachers. Besides, 250 Rehbar-e-taleem teachers (ReTs) have been engaged in different schools of region.

Two Day Hemis Festival concludes At Leh
Navreet Milton
LEH, July 3: The two-day Hemis festival attracting thousands of participants including foreigners concluded today at Hemis, the oldest monastery at Leh.
This festival observed in other parts of the country as well is the birth anniversary of Guru Padhmasanbhava. In addition to the audience, about five hundred monks and nuns from the nearby monasteries attended the festival in their maroon traditional attires. Lamas performed the traditional ritual and chanted religious mantars on the occasion providing solace to the audience.
The mask dance by the monks dressed in their traditional attires in silk and brocade and hats was the special attraction at the festival. Tourists were seen capturing the memories of the festival in their cameras and enjoying the beauty of surrounded mountains.
Hemis gompa is approximate 45 kilometers away from main city and on way it crosses famous Thiksey and Shey monasteries with a break at Sindh ghat. One can also glimpse the palace of His Holiness Dalai Lamna at Choglamsar on the way.

House burgled
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Burglars struck in a house at Sainik Colony and decamped with valuables.
Police said unidentified burglars last night entered a house Tirloki Nath Gupta at Sector 7 at Sainik Colony. They decamped with the valuables.
Gupta along with his family members were in of Dubai.
The Cowkidar informed police about the theft.
Police has registered a case in this connection.

Stabbing accused arrested
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 2: Police claimed to have arrested one of the accused involved in stabbing incidents at Udeywalla yesterday.
He has been identified as Vinod of Udeywalla at present Sarore (Bari Brahamana).
Police said that he was involved in stabbing of Vishal Honda son of Ashok Honda of Udeywalla,
His two associates were still at large when reports last came in.

Self-help groups set-up
KT NEWS SERVICE
REASI, July 3: In order to bring women empowerment, particular in remote parts of the Reasi district, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has set up four self help groups of 34 women each from below poverty line (BPL) families.
Shrine Board has been providing them the training; raw material and financial assistance for manufacture the products like "Parshad Laddo", Raksha Sutar". The board has also been marketing their products on 13 kilometer Vaishno Devi track.
The self help groups were formed few months earlier, now women working with these groups are earning Rupees 2500 to 3000 per month.
Many kids from these can now afford school, medicare and other necessities by working with them.

Driver killed, 3 others injured in road mishap
KT NEWS SERVICE
BANIHAL, July 3: The driver was killed and three others were injured as Tata Indica they were traveling in rolled down near Shatani nallan on Jammu-Srinagar Highway, late last night.
Reports said that a Tata Indica carrying passengers to Srinagar from Jammu met with an accident near Shatani Nallah killing its driver on the spot and injuring three others.
The injured have been shifted to Banihal Hospital where form two of them was referred to SKIMS for specialized treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Driver Kulbir Singh son of Amar Singh resident of RS Pura.
Meanwhile driver and cleaner of a truck (JK013-4997) had a narrow escape after they jump out of the vehicle when it rolled down Marog area of Ramban.

Jawan washed away
KT NEWS SERVICE
REASI, July 3: An army jawan was washed away in the strong water currents of Gulabgarh nalla in Reasi district last night.
Official sources said a jawan of 59 RR was washed away in Gulabgarh nallah in Reasi district. Incident took place when patrolling party of 59 RR was on its way in Gulabgarh on Thursday evening, a jawan slipped in 50 meter deep nallah and washed away in the river.
The deceased jawan has been identified as Sephoy P T Mona.
Army and police have launched massive search operation but the body was not fished out till reports last came in.
However, an army official has confirmed the incident.

Water woes of Surinsar addressed
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: To solve water shortage in the areas of Surinsar, a tube-well has been sanctioned, which after installation could change life of thousands of residents of surrounding areas.
BJP MLA from Nagrota, Jugal Kishore Sharma during his visit to Surinsar, Sagone and Panjoa villages of the constituency disclosed that soon the drinking water problem of the people of the area would get solved.
He said that during his meeting with the PHE Minister, the issue was discussed and the Minister agreed to sanction one tube well for Surinsar. He said that out of 5 tube wells sanctioned for Jammu division, Surinsar is to get one.
This tube well will cater to the needs of the Surinsar and its adjoining villages like Panjoa, Urkhal, Jaithely, Challana, Sangar and Chilla. The MLA disclosed that the tube-well will cost an amount of rupees one crore adding that it will permanently solve the water scarcity problem in the area.
MLA also interacted with the members of SC community during his visit and asked them to approach the Social Welfare Department to get the benefits of the schemes sponsored by the state as well as the Union Government.

Women self employment camp held
KT NEWS SERVICE
KISHTWAR, July 3: Saffron Valley Development Society (SVDS) today organised a women awareness camp at Drabshalla Kishtwar educating women of the area about various self employment avenues available in the state.
Sponsored by Jammu and Kashmir Women Development Corporation, the awareness camp was presided over by Development Officer WDC Sham Lal and Nasreen Gul Distt Manager, while CDPO Drabshalla and CDPO Kishtwar were the special invitees on the occasion.
The Development Officer and DM educated the participants about the self employment schemes. NMDFC, NBCFDC and NHFDC were the special loaning features of the Women Development Corporation, the participants were told about.
Muhammad Ibrahim Shah, general secretary of Saffron Valley Developmental Society asked the participants to make use of these schemes and improve their economic standards.
Hundreds of women have taken benefit of the schemes in the area in recent days and most of them were running successful business and were thus contributing to the state economy besides improving their living condition. "Our focus is to highlight the schemes and educate women participants about the avenues of becoming self dependant and self reliant by way of availing loaning facilities from the corporation for setting up of income generating units", he added.

'Compensate electric-shock victims'
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: JKNPP State Youth President Ch. Ghulam Ali Engineer demanded compensation of Rs 20 lakh each to next of the kin of the young couple, who died on the spot on 20th of June 2009 due to electric shock at laswara (Bishnah).
He said Shri Jagdev Singh (35) S/o Shri Bachan Singh and his wife Palvinder Kour (30) caught by electric current and died on the spot. He also visited the bereaved family and assured them for full support. He said the incident was occurred because of the negligence of the PDD.

Pensioners concerned over non-payment of arrears
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: J&K State Pensioners Association, affiliated with All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation headed by Abdul Majid Khan has expressed serious concern that pensioners have neither receivd pension on revised rates in accordance with SRO 94.
Krishan Singh, president, J&K State Pensioners Association, Jammu Province said that while issuing govt. order No. 106-F of 2009 dated: 20-5-2009, it has specificially been stated for payment of revised pension.
The modalities of the payment of pension revision arrears covering the period from 1-1-2006 to 30-6-2009 shall be notified separately. he said that modalities have not so far een notified by the concerned authorities while adding that pensioners are in a state of utter confusion as to when they will receive revised pension alongwith its arrears.
Meanwhile All J&K Low Paid Employees Federation vehemently criticised the uncalled for and irriational increase announced by the Central government in prices of Petrol by Rs. 4 and of Deisel by Rs 2.
Khan demanded immediate release of 5% DA instalment from January 2009 in respect of state Employees and pensioners in cash, issue formal orders for payment of arrears of pay/pension revision and D.A. instalment.

IMO resent separate directorate demand
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: An executive body meeting of Indigenous Medicines Organisation (IMO) was held today under the chairmanship of Dr. C.D. Thappa, Members thanked Union Health Minister of India Ghulam Nabi Azad during his visit to J&K has appreciated the ISM Doctors that they serve in far flung areas where the Allopathy Doctors do not like to go.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahesh Sharma General Secretary of the Association ridiculed the demand of separate Directorate of ISM on communal, regional and religious basis which he said is being raised by few vested interest people who always sabotaga the meaniningful efforts of the governmetn.
Moreover, Deptt. is very small having about 900 employees which is even lesss than one CMO establishment and the spirit of AYUSH (ISM) is 14 total integration.

DCC condoles demise of Nirmala Chopra
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: District Congress Committee Jammu condoled the untimely death of Nirmala Chopra, mother of Anil Chopra, secretary PCC. The meet was held under the chairmanship of DS Langeh.
Condoling the demise, the members prayed to God to give courage to the bereaved family to bear this irreparable loss. Two minutes silence was also observed in the meeting.
Prominent among those present in the meet included Kirtan Singh, B.B. Gupta, Mansa Ram, Jagan Nath, Subash Gupta, keshav Anand, JL Kaul, Om Prakash, Nazir Ahmad, Vijay Inder, Rajni Sharma, BS Mastana and Rachpal Singh etc.

Enunchs stage protest
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Members of Kinnar community at Baba Jeevan Shah Gali in Shahidi Chowk today staged protest against the Delhi High court ruling in which the double bench has permitted homosexuality.
Protesting Kinnars demanded revocation of ruling and said that it is against the law of nature. They said that nature does not permit homosexuality adding that Kinnar would not accept it as it is against the nature.

Villager injured in leopard attack
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: A wild leopard today wounded a villager while he was grazing his cattle at Nud in Jamera area of Samba district.
The injured person has been identified as Balwan Singh of Nud village in Jamera.
Police said that the Balwan suffered wounds after he was attacked and injured by a wild leopard in his village at Nud. He was rushed to the District Hospital Samba for medical treatment. Police have taken cognizance and registered a case at the concerned police station.

JU employee dies in road mishap
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: A Jammu university employeed died in a road mishap at Katal Batal, Nagrota last night.
He has been identified as Ishwar Singh son of Waryam Singh resident of Hira Nagar at pesent Jammu University quarters.
Police said that Ishwar Singh was coming back to Jammu in a car bearing registration number JK02V-8099, when it skided off the road and plunged into a nallah at Katal Batal, Nagrota. He died on the spot.
Police said that locals informed police but due to darkness rescue operation could not be launched.
Police, however, recovered body in the morning hours. The body was shifted to hospital for postmortem and other legal formalities.
After conducting postmortem it was handed over to the family members for last rites.
Police have registered a case in the concerned police station and investigation in this regard has been started.

Search operation at Akhnoor
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: A massive search operation has been launched at Balle-da-Bagh at Akhnoor.
Sources said that search operation was launched after security agencies intercepted conversation between two suspected militants, in Balle-da-bagh area.
Sources said, SOG, local police and army led by senior police officials launched hunt this evening.
The operation was going on till the last report came in.

JJM awareness campaign
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July 3: Ten day awareness campaign launched in various villages of R.S. Pura and Samba district byJan Jagriti Manch (JJM) concluded today.
Students of Jammu University, colleges and schools participated in the awareness campaign. Both male and female members visited villagees Kheerian, Anandpur, Kotli Arjun Singh, Kotli Harijan Basti, Badiyal Brahamana, Banota of R.S. Pura and Rakh Amb Tali, Rayeaan, Khanwal, Arazi Samba of district Samba.
In the awareness campaign Manch members performed a skit 'Khadda' which included some revolutionary songs. Skit Khadda depicted the miserable condition of an old farmer who falls into a pit and cries for help. It also depicted the attitude of political leaders, police, youth, religious leaders, foreigners and a common man. Many people noticed the old man and assured him for help but no one came to help him.
Skit ended with narrator appealing people to come forward to help the old man.
President of JJM Goldi explained that the old man in the pit depicted the plight of common man surrounded by various problems including unemployment, poverty, inflation, costly health and education services etc. So it is now the duty of common man to break the clutches of religion, caste, colour and unite for common problems being faced by them.
Another Manch member Serohi maintained that in the present scenario it is only the unity of farmers, students, labourers and employees which would help eliminating all the problems. Poonam, Kavita, Meena, Munna, Ajay, Atul, Dinesh, Anku, Rajender, Parveen, Dheeraj were among 22 member team.

Water scarcity in Kabir Basti
KT NEWS SERVICE
JAMMU, July3: Limited water supply by the PHE department to Kabir Basti has made life of the residents deplorable. To meet the requirements the residents have to go to Bhim Nagar for water.
Residents of the Basti Prithivi Raj Duggal, Deepak Kumar, Vira Ram, Ravi Kumar, Dassa Ram while talking to KTNS alleged that PHE department don't have water only for half an hour in the Basti comprising 120 households.
This more oftne results in quarrels among the people. They added that maximum residents of the Basti are poor and supplies water tanks to store water.
Residents urged PHE department to supply water for a longer period. They also appealed state government to provide a hand pump in the locality so that the water woes of the residents could be solved forever.