CWG: Queen's Baton Relay enters Jammu and Kashmir

The Queen's Baton Relay for the 2010 Commonwealth Games on Monday entered Jammu and Kashmir from Punjab after it was received by state's Sports Minister R S Chib at Lakhanpur -- 90 kms from Jammu.

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 in Jammu after passing through various cities of Punjab. The Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president Suresh Kalmadi had received the Baton at the Wagah-Attari border on Friday.

The Baton relay 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 Jammu and Kashmir 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 the Gen Zorawar Singh Auditorium.

The Baton will leave for Kashmir valley on Tuesday where Minister for Science and Technology, Aga Sayed Rouhallah will receive it at the Srinagar Airport.

Image: Commonwealth Games Federation president Michael Fennell (left) and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit hold the Queen's Baton.

Photograph: Reuters