New Delhi, Sep 2 : The Election Commission today decided to convene a meeting of political parties in New Delhi on September 8 to assess the situation in Jammu and Kashmir over the possibility of holding assembly polls in the wake of the recent violence in the State.

A decision to call leaders of seven national parties and three state parties was taken by the EC in view of the fact that Governor’s rule in the state ends on January 10 and the need to hold elections on time in case the government is keen on the conduct of the democratic exercise.

Jammu, Aug 30 : The ongoing land shrine row has badly hit the rice sellers in Ranbir Singh Pura district of Jammu.

A couple of months back, the farmers in the area were upbeat about their rice crop. Even the wholesale dealers were rejoicing, as the producers had already wrapped up
70 per cent of their sowing by July.

The rates of the premium quality Basmati rice had risen from Rs. 2000 per quintal last year to Rs. 6, 000. spelling an almost three-fold increase in the profits this year.