JMC fails to bring change

It has been two months since the 75 wards of the Jammu Municipal Corporation got their elected representatives after 13 years with a hope that the city will see transformation. But not much has changed. Sanitation has not improved and civic infrastructure is in a shambles. The councillors, barring a few, are mostly out of touch with residents. Except touring wards, no constructive engagement has been started to involve people in the development of wards. Many youth, who were elected as councillors and had showed much enthusiasm to change the system, have also been a disappointment. Sumit Hakhoo

Political stunt or trend of realistic movies?

Two Bollywood movies — ‘The Accidental Prime Minister’ and ‘Uri: The Surgical Strike’ — have become the talk of the town in Jammu. Both movies may be seen as a political stunt ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, but people say a new trend of realistic movies is being set. Whatever the reason behind making the movies, the film producers and multiplexes are doing a good business as cinemas in the region are seeing 100 per cent occupancy. Amit Khajuria

BJP leaders give festivities a miss 

While in government, BJP ministers and MLAs often used to participate in local festivals, using them as a platform to talk about their achievements and contribution to the developmental works in the state. Out of government, not a single leader attended the Lohri celebrations, though low-key, held by locals or social organisations in various part of the region. Leaders did not even release any statement on the festival, which is revered by both Hindus and Sikhs in the state. The reason for not taking part in the festivities is being attributed to the preparations for the parliamentary elections. Vikram Sharma 

‘Smudge’ drive against BJP MPs

As the countdown for the general election has started, some BJP leaders have hired youth to float ‘fake news’ on social media regarding the performance of Lok Sabha members of their own party. Although the BJP has made no official announcement on change of candidates, some leaders, who are aspiring to get ticket for the two Lok Sabha seats, through their ‘hired men’ have flooded the social media with posts that the party is going to field new faces on both Lok Sabha seats of the Jammu province. Both seats were won by the BJP in 2014. The youth hired by leaders are also conducting online surveys on the performance of the sitting MPs. Vikram Sharma

Players excel despite lack of infra

Despite shortage of infrastructure, players from J&K continue to impress with their performance in the ongoing 64th edition of the National School Games being held across the country. The notable feature of the performance has been the medal haul in martial arts. More than 40 medals have been bagged by the J&K contingent in the events held in Delhi. The performance of badminton, table tennis, judo, football, fencing and football teams has also been praiseworthy. “The scheme like Khelo India is providing a platform to players to exhibit their talent at the national level. Gymnast Bavleen Kaur is a fine example of that,” said a sports department official. Vikas Sharma 

Sunshine spreads cheer

Sunshine after three days of cloudy weather has brought cheer to people in Jammu. People were seen thronging parks, malls and public places along with their families to enjoy the sunny day. Amir Tantray