Queen`s Baton enters Jammu region

Jammu: The Queen`s Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games on Monday entered Jammu region from Punjab after it was received by state`sSports Minister R S Chib at Lakhanpur - 90 kms from here.

Enthusiastic residents of the area lined up on both the sides of the road to catch a glimpse of the baton that started its journey from London October last year. The baton arrived here after passing through various cities of Punjab. Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President Suresh Kalmadi had received the Baton at the Wagah-Attari border on Friday. QBR rally headed by Director Kulbir Singh and Convener Alka Lamba arrived at Lakhanpur Inter-state toll plaza in Kathua district this morning where Chib along with Divisional Commissioner Jammu Zone Pawan Kotwal received it. "It is symbol of peace. This has come to J&K state carrying a message of peace, progress and normalcy," Chib told reporters. In Jammu, Deputy Chief Minister, Tara Chand would flag off the rally from M A Stadium this evening after which it will traverse through various areas of the city before culminating at Gen Zorawar Singh Auditorium. Baton will leave for Kashmir valley tomorrow where Minister for Science and Technology, Aga Sayed Rouhallah will receive it at the Srinagar Airport. PTI