Weatherman predicts rain, snow during next 24 hours

Srinagar

The weatherman on Tuesday predicted rain and snow across Jammu and Kashmir, warning the fresh western disturbances (WDs) on January 2 and 4 will lead to disruption in surface transport on major highways.

A weather advisory issued by local meteorological department today said a fresh western disturbance will most likely affect the state of Jammu and Kashmir from the evening of January 1 to 2.

“Under the influence of this system, light rain/snow (plains) to moderate rain/snow (upper reaches) is expected at widespread places of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh region,” it said.

The advisory bulletin addressed to Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Jammu said another western disturbance will most likely affect the state from the evening of January 4 to 6.

The weather advisory said under the influence of this system, moderate rain/snow is expected at widespread places of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh region with a possibility of heavy snowfall in isolated places with maximum intensity and spread on 4 and 5 January and gradual decrease thereafter.

It said ‘this will be the first major wet spell in the starting of New Year for J&K.’

It said the weather system may lead to disruption of surface and air transportation like a national highway (Srinagar-Jammu, Mughal Road), etc.

The weather advisory said the higher reaches of Kashmir, Ladakh and hilly area of Jammu most likely to receive moderate snowfall during 4 and 5 January with the possibility of heavy snowfall in isolated places.

There will be a significant fall in day temperature and a slight rise in night temperature, the weather advisory said.

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CRPF Assistant Commandant from Kashmir dies of ‘electrocution’ in Jharkhand

Srinagar

An Assistant Commandant with CRPF from Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district died of electrocution at Jharkhand, official sources said on Tuesday.

They said that the Commandant Jeelani Khan (29) of Manzgam, Boniyar Uri, posted with 157 Battalion died inside CRPF camp at Arki in Khunti district on Monday evening.

An official of CRPF 157 Headquarter at Arki told GNS that the officer was supervising the repair of electric wires when the incident took place.

He said that a live wire fell off as a result of which the officer was electrocuted.

Concerned Station House Officer (SHO) Arki told news agency GNS that the officer was shifted to a hospital in Khunti from where he was referred to Ranchi for specialized treatment.

However, the SHO said, the officer succumbed to injuries on the way.

He said further investigations into the incident has been initiated.

The body has been dispatched to his native village for last rites, he said. (GNS)

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Woman killed, 9 inured in firing by Indian troops across LoC: Pakistan

Srinagar

A woman was killed and nine other people, including two police constables, were injured in Pakistan administered Kashmir on Monday as Indian troops resorted to “ruthless” mortar shelling from across the restive Line of Control (LoC), Pakistan media reported.

The deceased, identified as Asiya Bibi, was hit in the head by shrapnel from a mortar shell outside her house, resulting in on spot death of the mother of a toddler.

The injured were identified as Sadaf Zia, 16, Misbah Jameel, 8, Kulsoom Shafqat, 18, Zarmeen Bibi, 20, Ansar Bibi, 35, and her son Khawaja Amir, 20, Rafaqat Khan, 35, and police constables Raja Zulqarnain, 36, and Malik Sajjad, 33.

According to a report by Dawn, the Indian troops on last day of this year, 2018 targeted Athmuqam area, the otherwise rarely hit district headquarters of the picturesque Neelum Valley, located some 80 kilometres northeast of state capital Muzaffarabad.

“First they [Indians] fired some shells on Pakistan Army posts, but suddenly they started pounding civilian installations with mortar shells,” Akhtar Ayub, an Athmuqam based disaster risk management officer told Dawn.

Video footages shared by some Athmuqam residents in WhatsApp groups showed people running to safety amid the thunder of shelling and clouds of smoke, the report mentioned.

Saeed Qureshi, a senior officer at State Disaster Management Authority, told Dawn Monday’s Indian shelling pushed the death toll in PaK in the outgoing year to 28, including 19 men and 9 women, and the number of injured to 172, including 92 men and 80 women.

The shelling also left 29 houses damaged partially and completely destroyed three houses and a shop. At least 13 cattle head also perished in the violence, he said, Dawn reported.

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Cold wave intensifies in Kashmir; Srinagar shivers at minus 4.2

Srinagar

Cold wave conditions continued in the Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region on Saturday as minimum temperatures remained below the freezing point, resulting in frozen water bodies and water supply lines in several residential areas.

Icicles hanging from a tree in outskirts of Srinagar on Tuesday, January 1, 2018, as cold wave further tightened its grip in Jammu and Kashmir. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

The Met department has forecast light rain and snow during the next 24 hours.

Kargil recorded the night’s lowest temperature at minus 17.3 degrees Celsius while neighbouring Leh recorded a minimum temperature of minus 14.6, Met office said.

Srinagar, the summer capital of the state recorded a low of minus 4.2 while the mercury in Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at a low of minus 3.6 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.2 degrees Celsius.

The night temperature in Pahalgam – the famous health resort which also serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra – settled at a low of minus 4.9 degrees.

Kokernag town recorded a low of minus 1.9 degrees Celsius while Kupwara town in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 5.4 degrees Celsius last night.

Jammu recorded a low of 5.5 degrees Celsius while Batote recorded 2.1, Banihal recorded 1.7, and Bhaderwah recorded 1.2 degree Celsius.

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KEA condemns Jamia desecration

Srinagar

The Kashmir Economic Alliance Chairman Haji Muhammad Yasin Khan has condemned the desecration of the historic Jamia Masjid Nowhatta.

In a statement, Khan who also heads the Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) said Jamia Masjid is the pride of Ummah in general and Kashmir in particular and that its desecration wouldn’t be tolerated.

He appealed the political leadership and the civil society to rise to the occasion. “There’s a need to come up with a collective strategy to foil such nefarious designs that are aimed at maligning the just cause,” Khan said.

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Corporator, mayor fight over misconduct allegations

Srinagar

A female corporator from Kashmir capital Srinagar has accused Srinagar Municipal Corporation Mayor of ‘assault’ and has registered a formal complaint against him and his Personal Assistant before police station Shaheed Gunj, a report said.

Junaid Mattu, mayor of the Srinagar City.

According to news agency CNS Shaheen Bhat, who was elected from Ward number seven of Rajbagh in recently concluded Municipal Polls Monday alleged that she was roughed up by the Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu and his PA Firdous Ahmed in office chambers.

“The Mayor has been continuously asking me to come along with him for ‘enjoyment.’ He didn’t harass me once but a number of times. I had submitted an estimate for Rs 25 lakhs for developmental works but the Mayor concealed that estimate and didn’t approve it asking me to accompany him to some place for ‘enjoyment’. This is sheer sexual harassment,” Shaheen Bhat told news agency CNS.

The report said that she alleged that that Mayor and his Assistant manhandled and abused her in presence of other Corporators. “They tore my ‘Pheran’ (traditional gown) and showered choicest invectives,” she alleged.

“I approached SP South and Police Station Shaheed Gunj and requested them to lodge an FIR against the Mayor and his Assistant,” CNS quoted Bhat as having said adding that a number of Corporators are witnesses to this incident.

“Shaheen Bhat, who was elected on Congress ticket, said that she along with other Corporators will hit to roads if no action will be initiated against the SMC Mayor and his Assistant,” the report said.

A top police official confirmed to CNS that a corporator Shaheen Bhat has registered a complaint against the Mayor and his Assistant. “We will take cognizance of the complaint,” CNS reported quoted top police officer as having said.

Meanwhile, Srinagar Municipal Corporation Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu this evening in a statement issued to news agency CNS clarified that accusations levelled against him by a female Corporator are “concocted and baseless” which are aimed at to malign his image.

In a statement to news agency CNS, Mattu said that the said Corporator who has accused me of sexual harassment is the age of my mother and has children as old as me. Here is the sequence of facts:

“I didn’t attend office today and was chairing a review meeting of the Works Wing of the SMC at my residence at Church Lane, Srinagar. This is a fact that can be verified by nearly 20 gazetted officers who were present in the meeting as well as the security staff at my residence and those deputed for access control at my office. At the end of the meeting, I received a call from my Private Secretary (an employee of the SMC) that the said Corporator has barged into my office – physically assaulted the Private Secretary, Mr. Hussain and broke the computers and fixtures in the office demanding that a shop be allotted in favor of her husband in Srinagar and a job be arranged for a said person who she claims to be her son. She had persistently put forth these undue and illegal demands to me – for which I have proof. These are demands that I refused while upholding the integrity of my office and the SMC,” said Mattu in a statement.

“I immediately called the concerned SHO and registered a complaint – following which a Police team from PS Shaheed Gunj visited the office and recorded the statements of my staff and especially the written complaint of the assaulted officer along with statements of the witnesses – also government employees.”

“Following the registration of this complaint and the on-spot visit of the Police team, the said Corporator approached the Police with a fictitious and baseless complaint against me. There is a voice recording of a telephonic conversation in my possession proving that this fictitious complaint was done under the influence of a senior elected individual – in whose hotel premises the said Corporator was seen immediately after this incident. I will forward that recording to the relevant authorities.”

“The said Corporator – who is my mother’s age should have spoken of motherly values and ethics and upheld the trust reposed in her by the people. She should have upheld the dignity of womanhood and of truth by accepting her fault and apologizing to the officers for the incident of assault. I am saddened by the fact that she has chosen to level these baseless allegations against me under a well-crafted conspiracy hatched by a senior elected representative – who is clearly exposed for his role in this fiasco by the voice recording in my possession. I have spoken to my lawyers and will be filing a defamation case against the said Corporator and urge the Police to uncover the truth and uphold the law. I stand by values of transparency, honesty, and diligence in performing my duties and will not succumb to any pressure tactics to facilitate corruption. That is unacceptable and I will fight these baseless allegations and have no doubt that the truth shall prevail.”

“I am also writing to the Hon’ble Governor about this conspiracy and incident and will put this,” the statement issued by Mattu to news agency CNS reads.

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PDD Promotes 192 Engineers

Srinagar

On the directions of Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam, Power Development Department (PDD) has conducted Departmental Promotion Committee meetings regarding regularization of the officers on a substantive basis.

Consequently, placement of one hundred and ten (110) Junior Engineers (Degree holders) as I/C Assistant Engineers (Electric), placement of seventy three (73) I/C Assistant Engineers (Degree/Diploma holders) as I/C Assistant Executive Engineers (Electric), placement of three (03) I/C AEEs (Electric) as I/C Executive Engineers (Electric) and placement of Six (06) I/C Executive Engineers (Electric) as I/C Superintending  were filled.

The department also finalized the seniority list(s) of various categories of engineering services.

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Weatherman Predicts Rains, Snow On New year

Srinagar

The weatherman on Monday forecasted “fairly widespread light rain and snow” in a couple of days from tomorrow even as mercury plummeted again in Kashmir with Srinagar, the summer capital of the state being the coldest place in Valley.

A tourist writes new year greetings on snow on the eve of New Year at Gulmarg.
KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

Although there was a spell of early snowfall in the valley in the first and second week of November, the winter this season has been dry so far.

The dry spell has resulted in an increase in common ailments like cough, cold and other respiratory problems, especially among children and elderly.

A MeT official told news agency GNS that there is the possibility of fairly widespread light snow and rain on January 1 and 2. On January 4 and 5, the MeT official said, there was the possibility of widespread moderate rains and snow across the Valley.

The official said that Srinagar recorded a low o minus 6.6 degree Celsius, a day after it saw mercury to minus 2.2 degrees Celsius, nearly normal for this time of the year.

The summer capital last week saw mercury dropping to as low as minus 7.8 degree Celsius, coldest night after 7 December 1990 when low temperature settled at minus 8.8 Degree Celsius.

The all-time low recorded in the month of December in Srinagar is minus 12.8 degrees Celsius on December 13, 1934.

Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ the 40-day harshest period of winter when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum and the temperature drops considerably.

‘Chillai-Kalan’ ends on January 31, but the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir.

The 40-day period is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).

The ski-resort of Gulmarg in north Kashmir recorded the minimum temperature of minus 5.5 degrees Celsius and it was minus 5.5 degree Celsius in Pahalgam, which serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath yatra in south Kashmir.

The official said Qazigund the gateway town to the valley – in south Kashmir recorded a low of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius, while the nearby Kokernag town registered a low of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius on Sunday night.

Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a low of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius on Sunday night, he said. (GNS)

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DGP commendation medal announced

Srinagar

Director General of Police Dilbag Singh IPS has awarded “D.G.P’s Commendation Medal and Certificate,” in favour of 263 Police personnel, 19 army personnel, 26 BSF/CRPF/CISF/SSB personnel, one civilian and three civil employees for “meritorious and exemplary performance rendered by them during 2018.”

“The DGP J&K in his message has congratulated these awardees and hoped that they will continue to work with the same dedication for peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir,” a police handout said.

The SSsP/SsP who have been awarded with the DGPs commendations Medal and certificate are SSP Suhail Munawar Mir, JKPS991933, SSP Daleep Kumar JKPS-995998, SSP Sanjay Kumar, JKPS013497, SSP S.D.Choudhary, JKPS013500, SP Chandan Kohli, IPS136009, SP Abdul Hakim Munshi.

DySsP include DySP (S) Shakeel Ahmad MES891449, DySP Syed Yasir Qadri JKPS-116024, DySP Zuhaib Tanveer JKPS-085554, DySP Amran Farooq JKPS-085552, DySP Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir JKPS-135824, DySP Azhar Rashid No. JKPS-135823, DySP Sachit Sharma JKPS-135821, DySP Nissar Ahmad JKPS-125833, DySP Zaffar Mehdi JKPS-125735, DySP Mir Burhan-ul-Haq Kanth JKPS-125693, DySP Irshad Ahmad JKPS-125832 DySP Fayaz Hussain Shah JKPS-116021, DySP Hilal Khaliq Bhat JKPS-116026, DySP Aman Kumar JKPS-116077, DySP Shabir Ahmad Khan JKPS-116028, DySP Nisar Ahmad Khan JKPS-116047, DySP Wajahat Hussain JKPS-116051, DySP Vikram Singh JKPS-135826, DySP Mohan Lal Sharma KPS116050, DySP Asgar Ali Malik, KPS125834, DySP Sajad Sarwar, KPS125684, DySP Mohd Saddique, ARP911891, DySP(M) Ramesh Chander Panotra, MEG855442, DySP(S) Suman Qazi MES-845972, Dy.SP Abid Rashid Mir JKPS-125678, DySP Mohammad Shafi, EXK901828, Dy.SP Ab. Rashid EXK-936044, Dy.SP Dev Raj, EXJ-932086, Dy.SP Majid Mehboob KPS-135825, Dy.SP Yashbir Singh ARP-915540, DySP Farhan Jehanzeb Naqash, KPS-116023, DySP Junaid Hakeem, KPS-125692, DySP Ab Maajid Magray KPS-125760, DySP Tanveer Ahmed JeelaniPS-125816, DySP Garu Ram KPS-116214, DySP Bharat Bhushan Sharma KPS-085551, DySP Muneer Ahmad TEL851472, DySP Mudassar Hussain JKPS125805, DySP Vaseem Mehmood JKPS125754, DySP Surinder Singh Blouria EXJ796130, DySP Bikram Kumar, JKPS116029, DySP Nazir Ahmad Wagay ARP935892, DySP Naeem Ahmad Wani JKPS116031, DySP Junaid Wali, JKPS125691.

CPOs/Sr.POs/PO who have been awarded with this medal include, CPO Afaq Ahmad Peer PRO-952339, CPO Irshad Ahmed, PRO-956471, CPO Satish Kumar, PRO-956458, Sr.PO Mohd. Saleem Wani PRO-022607, Sr.PO Nawang Nurbu PRO-036877, Sr.PO Prithipal Singh PRO036828, Sr.PO Jai Pal Singh PRO036898, Sr.PO Raj Kumar, PRO036840 and PO Abdul Aziz Zaindari PRO106651.

Inspectors include Inspr. (S) Rehana Raj MES891792, Inspr. Rafiq Ahmad EXK-952534, Inspr. Mohammad Saleem EXK-026240, Inspr. Mohammad Anzar Khan EXK-001298, Inspr. Muneeb-Ul-Islam EXK109560, Inspr. Muneer Ahmed Khan EXJ-955664, Inspr.  Rajesh Jasrotia, EXJ-005612, Inspr. (S) Ruby Dhar, MES-006907, Inspr. Chanchal Singh, EXJ-006531, Inspr. Kapil Tickoo, ARP-985674, Inspr. Dharminder Kumar Bhardwaj ARP-983468, Inspr. Arun Kumar Sharma ARP046138, Inspr. Mudasir Ahmad ARP-022652, Inspr. Ghulam Hussain ARP-981717, Inspr. Javed Ahmad Koka, ARP026107, Inspr. Sunil Kumar ARP-026190, Inspr. Raza Ali ARP-109331, Inspr. Fayaz Ahmad, EXK-956283, Inspr. Rakesh Kumar EXJ-085747, Inspr. Mushtaq Ahmad TEL984187, Inspr. Pushpinder Singh EXJ007121, Inspr. Manzoor Ahmad ARP022649, Inspr. Farooq Hussain EXK932021, Inspr. Raghubir Sharma EXJ005603, Inspr. Sajad Ahmad Mir EXE115661, Inspr. Devinder Singh EXJ956234, Inspr. Tahir Ahmad EXK986744, Inspr.(C) Pervez Ahmad Bhat.

Sub-inspectors include SI Zahoor Ahmad EXK-022626, SI Showkat Ali Darzi ARP-115633,SI Yousuf-ul-Umer No. ARP-992484, SI Reyaz Ahmad Mir EXK-983193, SI Mohd Gulab Khan, EXK-962292, SI Azad Ahmad ARP-109245, SI Vikram Kundal, ARP-115589, SI Sarjan Ahmad EXK-109168, SI Adil Ashraf Bhat EXK-109538, SI Zahoor Ahmad Wani EXK-115653, SI Rayees Ahmad Ganie EXK109357,,SI Raghunath Singh EXJ-815509, SI Deepak Thakur EXJ-109385, SI Nagarmal ARP801655, SI Abdul Hamid ARP801348, W/SI Pooja Kumari, ARP065605, SI Khalid Ahmad, EXK-109341, SI Suresh Kumar TEL835855, SI(S) Altaf Hussain MES961995,SI Sureshwar Dev Singh EXJ026231, SI Gh. Muhamad Khanday ARP805732, SI Hilal Mohd Azhar EXK046194, SI Daljit Singh EXJ796130, SI Vinod Kumar EXJ025977, SI Aamir Mir, EXJ055978, SI Harjeet Singh EXJ007195, SI Arun Kaul EXJ026212, SI Sandeep Singh Katoch ARP109297, SI(M) Abdul Hamid Dar MEG872181, SI Sunil Kumar ARP109339, SI Bishan Lal ARP785760, SI (M) Inderjeet Singh, MEG845793, SI(M) Farooq Ahmad MEG931301, SI Mohsin Khanday ARP109295, SI Sudhir Sadhotra EXJ026044, SI Masood Rashid EXK109344, SI Samarjeet Singh TEL109324, SI (S) Rakesh Kumar MES-016583, SI(M) Shaheena Tabassum MEG-945710.

ASIs include ASI Rajinder Singh EXK-972936, ASI Tashi Wangial EXK-851580, ASI Sageer Ahmad Pathan ARP-996980, ASI Farooq Ahmad Mantoo EXK-012574, ASI Farooq Ahmad ARP972762, ASI(M), Kuljit Singh, MEG-015710, ASI (M) Vinod Kumar Thusoo, MEG003402, ASI Ghulam Qadir Khan ARP801646, ASI Gh. Nabi Wani ARP821951, ASI Mohd Ashraf ARP-835627, ASI(M) Narian Dass MEG975736, ASI Mohd Ikhlaq ARP-835901, ASI Anayatullah Khan ARP-805905, ASI Ab. Rashid, ARP-805530, ASI Reyaz Hussain ARP826140, ASI Mohammad Yaqoob, ARP801644, ASI Mohd Maqbool TEL842074, ASI(M) Sajad Ahmad Bhat MEG983413, ASI (Tel) Naz Ali Mohammad Ishaq TEL832223, ASI Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din EXK841247, ASI(M) Neeraj Kumar MEG971267, ASI(M) Sandeep Sharma MEG016614.

Head Constables include HC Vinay Dutta EXJ956538,  HC Liyaqat Ahmad, EXK-961822, HC Mohd Ashraf Bhat EXK-911527, HC Abdul Hamid EXK-972215, HC Vijay Singh EXJ966478, HC Nisar Ahmad  EXJ-977661, HC Subash Chander, EXJ-925541, HC Showket Ali EXJ-965626, HC Parshotam Kumar, EXJ-965741, HC Baldev Singh EXJ-905581, HC Surinder Kumar, EXJ-925612, HC Noor Hussain EXJ-006189, HC Mohd Shaban, ARP-832456, HC Rattan Lal ARP-835610, HC Gh. Mohi-ud-din ARP-832366, HC Rajesh Virdhy  ARP-931642, HC Nazir Ahmad ARP-851286, HC Mohd Sharief Khan TEL885933, HC Ashwani Kumar EXJ846412, HC Randip Singh TEL987098, HC Japnam Singh EXL993618, HC Mohammad Sadiq ARP885531, HC Gulzar Ahmad EXK921776, HC Ghulam Hassan Baba EXK941253, HC Prem Sagar ECJ956013, HC Satish Kumar EXJ966411, HC Shafiq Ahmad ARP956460, HC Mohd Abdullah ARP835829, HC Harnam Singh ARP835734, HC(M) Ishwar Singh MEG005737, HC Bhag Singh ARP935500, HC Suresh Kumar ARP952212, HC Balbir Singh EXJ962613, HC Gurdeep Singh EXK941438, HC Raj Kumar EXJ965678.

Selection Grande constable include, Sgct. Gazi Hussain EXK-002648, Sgct. Mohammad Yousuf, EXK-931265, Sgct. Abdul Rahim, EXK-981897, Sgct. Mohammad Shafi EXK-001238, Sgct. Fayaz Ahmad ARP-017417, Sgct. Javaid Ahmad, EXK-012407, Sgct. Mohammad Ashraf ARP085608, Sgct. Kulwant Singh EXJ-986270, Sgct. Mohinder Kumar EXJ-005973, Sgct. Mushtaq Ahmed EXJ-985485, Sgct Sanjay Kumar EXJ-962060, Sgct. Sohan Lal EXJ-997181, Sgct. Rajinder Parshad, EXJ-975613, Sgct. Ishaq Ahmed, EXJ-016365, Sgct. Mohd Rafiq EXJ-045936, Sgct. Raghbir Kumar, ARP-036697, Sgct. Irshad Ahmad ARP012720, Sgct. Praveen Kumar ARP075893, Sgct. Mohammad Rafiq ARP951464, Sgct. Mehraj-Ud-din ARP035717, W/Sgct. Parveen Manhas ARP955902, Sgct. Aftab Hussain Shah ARP077883, Sgct. Muzaffar Ahmad ARP984548, Sgct. Ajaz Ahmad  ARP001611, Sgct. Ajay Kumar Sharma ARP011703, Sgct Javid Ahmad ARP-065963, Sgct Mohd Amin EXK-984280, Sgct. Jagdeep Singh, EXK-982955, Sgct. Narinder Kumar TEL003723, Sgct. Mubarak Ali TEL013280, Sgct. Rajesh Raina ARP065966, Sgct. Shameem Ahmad ARP983339, Sgct. Muzafar Ahmad Mir EXK021585, W/Sgct Rachna Kumari ARP956554, Sgct. Ramesh Kumar Bhat EXK021618, Sgct. Khurshid Ahmad EXJ045774, Sgct. Mohammad Altaf EXK002977, Sgct. Abdul Rashid Ganie EXK001246, Sgct. Javid Ahmad Khan EXK002083, Sgct. Mohammad Ashraf APR011290, Sgct. Raqeeb Singh EXJ98679, Sgct. Rajinder Singh EXJ991629, Sgct. Sanjeev Kumar ARP011372, Sgct. Sunil Pandit EXK075622, Sgct. Jasbir Singh EXK065822, Sgct. Mohammad Yousuf ARP036472, Sgct. Azad Ahmad ARP076095, Sgct. Ghulam Hassan ARP997597, Sgct. Satbeer Singh EXK002809, Sgct. Naresh Kumar ARP077398, Sgct(M) Mehboob Ahsan Shah MEG013372, Sgct. Mohd Amin Lone ARP006410, Sgct. Majid Yousuf EXK065824.

The constables who have been awarded with the Medal include Ct (Opr) Imran Majeed TEL-107276, Ct. Farooq Ahmad EXK-097322, Ct. Prince Yasir Wani, EXK-116607, Ct. Bilal Ahmad Lone ARP-085619, Ct. Javaid Ahmad EXK-111695, Ct. Abdul Rouf Khan EXK-111281, Ct. Vikram Hangloo ARP-086047, Ct. Sahil Sharma, EXJ-116662, Ct. Amarjeet Singh, EXJ-119214, Ct. Anil Kumar ARP-075755, Ct. Pardeep Kumar ARP096627,Ct. Amir Qasim ARP105896, Ct. Younis Bashir ARP-099573, Ct. Aijaz Ahmad Dar EXEF072742, Ct. Sushil Kumar ARP096321, Ct. Gurmeharban Singh ARP108918, Tahvildar Ranjit Singh

Foll./SPO include Foll. Mela Ram EXJ-976696, Foll. Gulzar Ahmad, ARP055905, Foll. Krishen Lal ARP-841607, S/W Mushtaq Ahmad ARP126899, Foll. (W/M) Sheetal Singh ARP055904, Foll. Mangal Singh 73/IR 15th Bn, SPO Vishal Khajuria No.1261/SPOJ Police Hospital Jammu, SPO Sanjay Kumar No. 556/SPO SOG Rajouri.

Army officers and jawans deployed in J&K are D K Panday, Maj Genl GOC Kilo Force,  Neeraj Panday Col. 42 RR Bajwani Tral, Vipul Narayan No. IC-73342W Major 55 RR Camp Boonura, Pulwama, Nestor D Souzax CO 25 RR (6 Sector Romeo Force),  Rajiv Chawla Brig. Sector Commander RR Chanderkote, Amit Kumar, SM IC-59086F Col. 207 Army Aviation Squadron (UH),  Pranav Joshi No. IC-62649F Col. Commanding Officer 14 RR, Praveer Ranjan, Tps. MR05740Y. Col. Sr. Registrar & OC, Hakam Singh, MR07603Y. Col. Sr. Adv (Surg), Alok Bhalla No. MR-06245M Col. Sr. Adv Surgery & GI (Surgery), P.S. Rathore SM, 66846F Lt. Col. Army Aviation Squadron (UH), Rishi Dhillan No. MR-07286H Lt. Col. CI Spl. Surgery & (Vascular Surgery), Harisharan Jeet Kaur No.NR-18454W Lt. Col. Deputy Principal Matron, Manish Gupta, MR06691N. Lt. Col Ct/Spl (Anaes), U Naga Satish No. MS-18114N Capt. MO (Anesthesiologist), Bhupendra Singh, MR09274M. Major GoI, Spl (Anaes), Anurag Rathi, MR09413L. Major GD/Spl (Surg), Hemant Singh Chahar, MS17471K. Major MO (Ortho) and Mohammad Sajid 15433396P NK (BTA)

CRPF officers and Jawans deployed in J&K are Naresh Kumar No. IRLA-9666 Asstt. Commandant 79 Bn CRPF,  Ravi Sharma No. IRLA-9739 Asstt. Commandant 44 Bn CRPF, Vinay Kumar Tiwari IRLA-4732 Commandant 53 Bn CRPF, Col. Pranav Joshi No. IC-62649F Commanding Officer 14 RR, Puneet Kumar Kauldhar No. IRLA-4470, Commandant 130 Bn, CRPF, Rajesh Kumar No. IRLA-4449, Commandant 180 Bn, CRPF, Prashant Kumar Shrivastava No. IRLA-5190, 2 I/C, 44 Bn CRPF (Staff Officer, Spl. DG CRPF J&K Zone), Ratul Das 4993, 2 I/C 73 Bn  Naresh Kumar, 9666, AC 79 Bn Ravi Sharma, 9739, AC 44 Bn L. Lbomcha, 9789, AC 29 Bn. Ram Niwas Sekhu IRLA 4852, Comdt. CRPF 179 Bn. Bhupal Singh IRLA4687, Comdt. CRPF 177 Bn. Dipak Kumar IRLA 4925, Comdt. CRPF 92 Bn.  Erick Gilbert Jose, IRLA 4709, Comdt. 14 Bn. CRPF Jitendra Kumar Gupta IRLA No.  4979,Comdt CRPF 06 Bn.  Harshpal Singh, IRLA No. 6678, Dy. Comdt CRPF 06 Bn.  V.S. Pandey, IRLA No. 4007, Comdt. Jammu Sector Harinder Kumar  IRLA No. 4851, Comdt. CRPF 187 Bn. Mohd Khalid Khan, IRLA No. 4931, Comdt. CRPF 137 Bn.

SSB, BSF and CISF personnel awarded with the medal are Ajay Kumar UIN12090001, Commandant 07 Bn. SSB Batote Ramban, Sunil Kumar UIN13120881, 2nd in Command, SHQ (Spl Ops) SSB Sgr., Ganga Singh Udawat, UIN11270007, 2nd in Command, SHQ (Spl Ops) SSB Sgr.  Mukesh Kumar 11141447, Commandant 2nd  Bn, SSB,  Hari Lal IRLA No. 18736564 DIG (Ops) FTR HQ. BSF Kashmir, Om Parkash, IRLA No.19564333 Comdt. 116 Bn. BSF and Rajiv Panwar Dy. Comdt. NISA Hyderabad CISF.

Civil Government officers and officials who have been awarded include Aga Aijaz Hussain, Joint Director FSL, Dr Tsering Palmo No. DEP-145797, PMO, MI Room DPL Leh, Ranjeet Kalra, Former J&K Cricketer, Sports Admn. and Sports Promoter of J&K.

One Civilian who has been awarded with DGPs medal and a cash reward of Rs. 10,000 is Ghulam Mustafa (Taxi Driver) son of Mohammad Ibrahim R/O Sanjak District Kargil.

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Governor warns of action if woman relatives of militants harassed

Srinagar

Governor Satya Pal Malik on Monday warned of action if the woman relative of a militant was harassed by the police, as alleged, in Jammu yesterday, even as he claimed that the family was questioned following “specific intelligence inputs”.

“It has been widely reported in media that three close relatives of a militant were allegedly arrested and harassed by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. It has also been alleged that the clothes of a lady, who was one of the persons arrested, were also torn,” said governor Malik in a statement.

“It is clarified that there are standing general and specific instructions that have been issued to all police officers and staff on not harassing families of militants. This is being followed meticulously in most circumstances. However, there could be a situation where a few relatives of a militant are questioned by police under due process of law so as to obtain details of a militant’s whereabouts. This is done very rarely and only on the basis of specific information,” Malik in a statement said.

“In this particular incident, which relates to residents of Patipora in Pulwama district, it is clarified that none of the persons were questioned in Pulwama. They were questioned in Jammu district based on very specific intelligence inputs,” he said.

“I have been informed that there has been no tearing up of a lady’s clothes or her being harassed by the police. I once again reiterate that all police officers and staff will be directed not to harass ladies who happen to be relatives of militants or treat them in any unbecoming manner. Any questioning should be done as per normal practice only in the presence of a lady constable,” he added.

He requested all political parties to understand the fragile security situation in parts of Jammu and Kashmir and not to upset this through motivated statements and false allegations.

“This will only demoralize a hard-working police force,” said governor Malik in a statement.

“I will also direct IG Police, Kashmir to look into this incident to see whether the lady has been harassed or her clothes have been torn as is being alleged. If necessary, action will be taken against any police staff found acting wrongly,” Malik said.

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Government to setup sheep markets in every district

Srinagar

For organized trade of livestock, Government to set up sheep Mandis in every district, besides slaughter houses in every block if the state.

This was stated by Principal Secretary Animal, Sheep and Fisheries Department Dr Asghar HassanSamoon during a three-day tour of Chenab valley to access the sheep, animal, fisheries and transport department in the area.

Highlighting the consumption of meat and potential of the livestock sector in the state, Dr Samoon said there is need to organize this sector and sheep Mandis will give it an organized look beside motivating more and more youth to become livestock entrepreneurs.

“Hundreds of sheep are imported in the state every year. It is important to provide a platform to the industry. Establishment of sheep Mandis will be win-win situation for both customer and traders. Other than giving space to traders to sell their livestock, it will save customers from overpricing,” Samoon told officials.

He was accompanied by Director Animal Husbandry Dr Victor Kaul, and Director Sanjeev Kumar, Director Fisheries R N Pandita, Director State Motor Garages (SMG) Zakir Hussain and officials of these departments. He also held meeting with respective deputy commissioners of Kishtiwar, Doda, and Ramban during the visit to these areas.

Saying that foot and mouth disease proves fatal for the cattle and sheep and cause a severe loss to the economy besides public health, Dr Samoon health and safety standards will be maintained in these mandis by the sheep department.

Dr Samoon also called for setting up new slaughter houses in every block besides reviving existing slaughter houses on scientific lines. He asked for identifying land and submitting Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) at earliest.

He also asked for utilization of funds for spreading awareness, training and capacity building of farmers and to organize livestock show cum awareness camps in every area.

He also asked for attracting young aspiring entrepreneurs for establishing medium to large sheep farms and facilitating credit lending scheme through banks.

Dr Samoon also called for submitting a proposal of setting up poly clinics, laboratories and veterinary hospitals in all areas and upgrading existing infrastructure. He along with deputy commissioners also visited various sites for setting up the infrastructure of these departments.

During meeting with transport officials, Dr. Samoon said Rs 10 crore have been released for procuring new buses for improving transport facilities, especially in hungry routes.

Transport officers were directed to provide route more route permit to the unemployed youth with a rider that they will play their vehicles in their respective areas of Chenab valley only so that issue of overloading is addressed.

Strictly calling for allowing only good condition buses to play on the Chenab roads, Dr Samoon directed for not allowing above 15 years of vehicles on Chenab roads. He also called for setting up vehicle inspection and certification centers in Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts.

He directed the authorities to prepare DPR for the construction of taxi stand at Banihal besides procuring road safety equipment’s for traffic personnel manning traffic on the highway.

On day third, he held meeting with District Development Commissioner, Ramban, Showkat Aijaz Bhat along with sheep, animal, fisheries and transport department officials.

Dr Samoon asked the DDC Ramban to provide adequate funds to Animal, Sheep and Fisheries departments from district capex budget because this sector is the main source of income for the rural population.

He reviewed the functioning of departments and said that Ramban district has the big potential of Animal husbandry, Dairy, Fish, Poultry and Sheep farming and directed the officers to develop advance infrastructure for providing quality services to farmers so that people can earn their livelihood at their doorstep. Meanwhile, certain decisions related to the department were taken on the spot

He asked the DDC to provide the land for establishing Polyclinics in all blocks and Nitrogen plant to improve Artificial Insemination for improving the breed of animals in the district.

Later he also inspected Sheep breeding farm at Chanderkote and checked the status of livestock and its productions besides distributing Tarpaulins among the beneficiaries and directed the officers and officials to carry out their professional duties with dedication and make every scheme of the department a great success.

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Miscreants ‘loot, ransack,’ Kashmiri shops in Shimla

Srinagar

In a bizarre incident that happened in Shimla, a capital city of Himachal Pradesh on Thursday, a mob ransacked Kashmiri shops after severed head of calf was allegedly found in the market, reports claimed.

Shops ransacked in Shimla, Pic: Facebook

In a 3: 21-minute video, which is widely being circulated on social media networking sites, hundreds of the people are seen outside the shops and some of them throwing outside the belonging from the shops amid sloganeering in Rohru Tehsil in Shimla district.

The angry mob allegedly broke the shutters of the shops with hammers, iron roads, and sticks and ransacked the shops. but the traders alleged that no one among local administration has come on the front to tackle the grave issue.

However, some reports suggest that police have taken the cognizance of the case and some of the people have been called for questioning and further investigations are going on. The police reportedly have registered an FIR, including sections in the Indian Penal Code related to attempts to outrage religious feelings and promote enmity between different groups.

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Winter vacation in Kashmir, Jammu winter zone ITIs from Jan 02

Srinagar

Directorate of Technical Education on Monday announced vacations in all the ITIs functioning in the Kashmir division and in the winter zone of Jammu province from January 2, 2019, to January 10, 2019.

An order to this effect issued by the Directorate said the decision has been taken in view of adverse weather conditions in the valley. “However, the office and the staff shall remain present at the institutes during the vacations as usual,” the order added.

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Year 2018 Was Deadliest In Human Losses, JKCCS Report

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) report suggests that the year 2018 was the deadliest year as the state lost 586 persons during the 365 days. The report was released in Srinagar on Monday.

JKCCS released an annual Human Rights Report 2018 at Srinagar.

“The year 2018 was the deadliest year of the last decade in Jammu and Kashmir as violence peaked during the year resulting in the killing of at least 586 people in different incidents of violence, which is highest in the last decade. Among 586 people killed, 160 are civilians, 267 are militants and 159 are members of the armed forces and Jammu and Kashmir police. The killing of 267 militants during encounters with armed forces and police is also the highest in the last decade. In fact, there has been a marked uptick in militant killings since 2016 as 145, 216 and 267 militants were killed in 2016, 2017 and 2018 respectively. In the last decade the year 2012 witnessed the least number of killings,” JKCCS  in a statement said.

The JKCCS released a detailed statement about the findings of the report based on the day to day incidents.

Table 1 – 2008 to 2018

Year	Armed Forces and Police	Militants	Civilians	Yearly Total
2008	151	363	157	671
2009	117	244	99	460
2010	102	201	167	470
2011	71	101	56	228
2012	36	75	32	143
2013	82	73	48	203
2014	83	99	53	235
2015	58	106	55	219
2016	104	145	146	395
2017	125	216	108	449
2018	159	267	160	586
Total	1088	1,890	1081	4059

 

“The year saw extrajudicial executions of at least 160 civilians in Kashmir; with the month of May recording, the highest (28) civilians killed this year. November recorded highest (61) killings followed by October with 57 killings,” JKCCS statement added.

Table 2 – Month Wise Killing of the Year 2018

Month	Armed forces / Police	Militants	Civilians	Monthly Total
Jan	14	10	15	39
Feb	17	09	07	34
March	12	22	13	47
April	13	23	20	56
May	09	19	28	56
June	19	25	11	55
July	10	12	09	31
Aug	18	25	10	53
Sep	11	35	08	55
Oct	14	29	14	57
Nov	09	39	13	61
Dec	13	19	10	42
	159	267	160	586
Total Killings		586

 

The JKCCS statement said among 160 civilians killed in 2018, 18 are women. The year also witnessed the killing of at least 31 children, accounting for nearly 20% killings of civilians, which is highest in the last ten years.

“South Kashmir continued to witness increased violence as has been observed since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July 2016. The four districts of South Kashmir – Kulgam, Anantnag, Pulwama and Shopian jointly recorded the highest number of civilian killings with 85, while North Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora recorded 24 civilian killings and the Central Kashmir districts of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Budgam recorded 13 civilian killings,” it said.

 Table 3 – District Wise Civilian Killings

District	Total Civilian Killings
Kulgam	26
Anantnag	07
Pulwama	28
Shopian	24
Srinagar	07
Ganderbal	02
Budgam	04
Baramulla	14
Bandipora	07
Kupwara	04

 

“The excessive use of force on civilians continued unabated this year as the killings of civilian demonstrators suggest. In 2018, 191 incidents of excessive use of force have been recorded. The use of force on civilian demonstrators by armed forces in the situation emerging out of encounters with militants lead to 40 extra-judicial executions,” the JKCCS statement added.

“In 2018, at least 275 Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) were conducted across Indian administered Jammu and Kashmir which resulted in the killing of 267 militants. According to the data compiled by APDP and JKCCS, at least 143 encounters took place between Indian armed forces and the militants following CASOs. In 2018, at least 120 cases of damage to civilian houses were reported in Jammu and Kashmir in which 31 houses were completely burnt while 94 were partially damaged,” said JKCCS statement.

“In 2018, the government continued to use arbitrary and administrative detention like Public Safety Act (PSA) to detain dissenting individuals and Hurriyat leaders. Hundreds of fresh detentions under PSA were reported this year. Apart from administrative and preventive detentions, putting pro-independence leaders under house arrest was common in 2018. People were also detained in illegal detention at police stations and sometimes even army camps on the pretext of questioning them,” it added.

“In 2018, three civilians were forcibly disappeared and their dead bodies later surfaced. The crime of enforced disappearances is continuing crime and the Indian State continues to be in denial about the 8000 enforced and involuntarily disappeared persons from Jammu and  Kashmir. The government in Indian administered Kashmir is reluctant to carry out forensic investigations into 7000+ unmarked and mass graves despite several SHRC recommendations.”

“In 2018, media in Jammu and Kashmir continued to be at the receiving end of violence,” it said.

“The state government in Kashmir continues to exercise restraint on the freedom of religion and belief and frequently resorts to curbs. In 2018, for 12 Fridays out of 52, prayers were disallowed in the Jamia Masjid and Muharram processions were also disallowed,” the statement added.

In the year 2018, APDP and JKCCS documented 108 instances of internet blockade in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Sexual violence as a ‘weapon of war’ continues to be prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir as the horrifying rape and murder of an eight-year girl from Kathua in January 2018 demonstrates. In 2018, there were other cases where allegations of rape were made against CRPF personnel in Poonch and in another case, an Indian army personnel was arrested by police for allegedly abducting a girl in Poonch. This year in February, JKCCS submitted a petition to State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) listing 143 cases of sexual violence cases in Kashmir and demanded investigation but till now no progress has happened in the case.”

“In 2018, several cases of State surveillance were reported in Kashmir. This year, there were reports that army in Kashmir is seeking information on populations, from the police in the vicinity of the armed forces camps,” JKCCS in a statement said.

“In 2018, APDP and JKCCS received several complaints from people who are repeatedly summoned to the police stations in an illegal and informal manner where they are threatened for what they have been writing on several social media platforms, mainly criticism against Indian officials and the conduct of armed forces. This constitutes harassment and violation of the rights of freedom of expression and a breach of individual privacy.”

“In 2018, the instances of persecution and harassment of Kashmiris living outside was frequently reported. According to the data compiled by APDP and JKCCS, at least 22 incidents of harassment and persecution of Kashmiris living outside were reported this year in which 24 Kashmiri students were assaulted and 19 were arrested.”

Cover Page of annual report Published by Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society.

“In 2018, the Jammu and Kashmir was put through another military election by conducting of Municipal Elections and Panchayat Elections. Both these elections witnessed heightened militarization in the valley and no independent observation of the elections was allowed. Both the elections this year, which witnessed single digit polling, had many anomalies, which are further detailed in the report,” added JKCCS statement added.

“In 2018, political activists and workers of various parties continued to be attacked and killed. This year at least 11 political activists were killed in acts of targeted violence in Jammu and Kashmir. This year also witnessed multiple attacks on the family members of policemen, political activists and militants.”

“The year also witnessed the extra-judicial executions of two persons with mental disabilities by armed forces. In the last many years, APDP and JKCCS have documented at least 18 such killings.”

“This year the state of impunity continued to exist as no breakthrough was made in any case in which armed forces are accused of human rights violations, which includes the mass gang rape and torture of the women and men in the twin village of Kunan Poshpora in 1991. The case is still stuck in the Supreme Court of India with no headway,” added JKCCS in a statement said.

“This year government released figures of 21,400 hectares of land in Jammu and Kashmir under the illegal occupation of Indian armed forces, with 18,846 hectares under ‘authorized occupation’ of the armed forces in Kashmir including Ladakh. The heightened militarization in Jammu and Kashmir and especially in Kashmir was witnessed during elections and during the Amarnath Yatra,” said the statement.

“In 2018, suicides among Indian armed personnel stationed in Kashmir saw a massive uptick as reportedly 20 armed forces personal claimed their lives, which is highest in the last ten years,” JKCCS in a statement said.

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SSP Security Kashmir attached

Srinagar

Jammu and Kashmir Police on Monday attached the Senior Superintendent of Police Security Kashmir.

Maqsood-ul-Zaman

“Maqsood-ul-Zaman, Senior Superintendent of Police Security Kashmir is hereby attached with Security Headquarters with immediate effect,” the order reads.

“Sajad Hussain, SSP Commandant JKAP-3rd Bn in addition to his own duties shall look after the work of SSP Security Kashmir till further orders,” said the order.

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Jamia ‘Desecration’: JRL sponsoring Friday as Youm-ul-Taqadus

Srinagar

Every nation at the end of the year proudly announces its achievements in various fields, sets new targets for the coming year and compares their previous shortcomings to ensure better quality of life in future, but our nation is forced to keep the count of our dead ones, keep the record of death and destruction around us, this was stated by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik in a meeting held on Monday at Hyderpora, Srinagar.

The spokesman said that leaders once again condemned the unfortunate incident of desecration of the pulpit of Jamia Masjid Srinagar and said that these mischievous actions cannot be tolerated and people should be cautious and conscious about such disrespectful events. Leaders announced January 4, 2019, as “Youm-ul-Taqadus” and are jointly to offer Friday prayers on this date.

Describing the horrifying situation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and labelling the year 2018 as “Red-18”, JRL said that human blood is spilled all over the state. Every street, every slope, busy markets, open fields or even long and torturous borders– everywhere there is blood of humans, be it of armed youth, common people, government informers, political workers, freedom lovers, policemen or even government forces, everybody’s blood is red and whenever it is spilled, humanity ceases to exist.

Giving details of the bloody events of 2018, Pro-freedom Leaders said that more than 587 violent incidents have cost 240 “armed youth”, 37 civilians, 86 armed forces in addition to thousands of bullet and pallet injuries. Scores of residential houses have been raised to the ground by the dynamite. They said that elderly people, kids and women have been made to shiver in bone-chilling temperature of -80, setting new records and South Kashmir is the worst hit.

Leadership said that these self-centered, multi-faced politicians every now and then pop up with latest slogans—nowadays their belly is again aching with colic of “Autonomy”, sometimes they yell to Hurriyat to “go ahead” just to encash the public sentiment, they roar with the slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” to appease their masters.

They said that every group competes with their rivals in killings, maiming, blinding and destruction. “If one killed hundreds of school going children like Tufail Matoo and Wamiq Farooq, other in her tenure sarcastically commenting “milk and toffee” remarks to justify ruthless killings”. They said that now the fresh entrants, masters in the art of deceit and appeasement, groomed and nourished in the lap of the saffron brigade have been assigned the job of “collaborators”. Political vultures from every filth and dampness are attracted to this new power source.

JRL in their statement urged United Nations and International Human Rights Organizations to take cognizance of a recent report by UNHRC about the deteriorating human values and prevailing bloodshed in the state and urged them to use their good offices and to take steps for its peaceful resolution and for putting an end to this “bloodshed”.

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Several injured in Srinagar road accident

Srinagar

Several passengers on Monday were injured after a vehicle they were travelling turned turtle in Gratbal area of Srinagar.

Reports said that a Matador 407 vehicle overturned at Gratbal-Nawa Kadal Nallah Mar road resulting in injuries to several persons.

The injured were shifted to SMHS hospital for treatment. Police have registered a case and initiated proceedings.

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Governor releases Compendium on Budget 2019-20

Srinagar

Governor, Satya Pal Malik today said the State Budget 2019-20 has laid a progressive roadmap for implementing a series of structural reforms to foster a new era of development, growth, and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Governor releases Compendium on Budget 2019-20.

“The Government has enumerated a slew of measures in the budget with adequate financial support to ensure that the benefits of development and growth to reach the people at the earliest,” Governor said while unveiling a compendium on Budget 2019-20 here this evening.

Advisor to Governor, Kewal Kumar Sharma, Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam, Principal Secretary to Governor, Umang Narula, Principal Secretary Finance, Navin K Choudhary, Director Budget, Imtiyaz Hussain and other senior officers of the Finance Department were present on the occasion.

In a maiden effort, the compendium has been compiled jointly by the Finance and Information Departments.

It comprises of four sections including Main Budget, Budget Highlights, Budget at a Glance and project-wise details of the languishing projects approved for funding through JKIDFC, till date.

Governor said the booklet will serve as a handy reference tool for all the government departments and functionaries as it contains all the information related to the budget and state finances.

He said the Governor’s Administration has successfully implemented a series of fundamental structural reforms at various levels under its ‘Mission for Delivering Development’ and ‘Mission on Good Governance’ and these pioneering initiatives have been hailed by the people across the board.

He said the focus of the Governor’s Administration is on infrastructure creation and expanding the economic activity to generate more employment avenues for the State’s enterprising youth. “Equally there is focus on strengthening agriculture and rural economy, promoting industrial activity, provision of good healthcare, improving quality of education, upgradation of sports facilities, ensuring sustainable welfare of underprivileged and creation of better avenues in other key sectors,” he said and added that the basic objective is to make development work for everyone.

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Hurriyat (M) releases Human Rights Report 2018

Srinagar

Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq on Monday released Human Rights Report 2018, prepared by the human rights division of the amalgam.

The Hurriyat spokesman said that report encompasses the detail of human rights violation that occurred in Kashmir during the year 2018, as per the report, the year 2018 witnessed the total number of 543 deaths occurred due to the ongoing conflict in J&K, the highest in the decade. Out of 543 persons, 161 were Civilians, 127 Government Forces Personnel, and 255 militants. Besides, 19 men and 8 women total 27 persons got killed on the other side of the line of divide reportedly due to continuous acrimony and exchange of fire between the forces deployed there.

Out of males 141, females 20, total 161 civilians killed, 67 civilians were killed by government forces during a cordon and search operations (CASO), Post-encounter clashes or by firing live ammunition and pellets. 34 civilians were killed by unknown gunmen. 32 civilians were killed in firing or shelling across the line of the divide in Jammu & Kashmir. 03 civilians were allegedly killed by militants for being army informers. 14 civilians were killed by blasts that occurred by grenades, shells or by mysterious blasts. 03 civilians lost their life by cardiac arrest due to shock due to the “harassment/fear” caused by forces. A civilian died due to suffocation caused by tear smoke shells. 02 died in Police custody. 01 civilian was used by forces as a human shield.  01 person lost his life due to stone injury during a stone-pelting incident. 03 civilians were crushed by government forces vehicles.

The report has also mentioned, due to the imposition of repeated curfews and restrictions, the congressional Friday prayers at Kashmir’s Historic Grand Mosque (Jama Masjid) Srinagar were restricted 16 Fridays. The Kashmir’s chief religious cleric Mirwaiz Dr Molvi Mohammad Umar Farooq and Chairman APHC was 17 times barred during the year on the eve of Fridays from performing religious obligations. He was kept for 113 days in-house confinement.

As per the report, nearly 4,524 civilians had been injured, and at least 724 of them had suffered injuries to their eyes during the year 2018. On a single day on April 2, 2018, at least 63 civilians with pellet and bullets injuries were admitted in different hospitals across Kashmir. Out of 63 wounded, 39 were having metal-pellet injuries and 35 were hit in the eye, others were having bullet injuries. On November 25, 40 persons inflicted with pellet and bullet injuries were admitted in district hospital Shopian, a 19-month old baby girl from Shopian was also injured on this fatal day. 17 receive pellet injuries on 02 September in Laddi village in Shopian and 15 youth sustain pellet injuries in Panzan Budgam on 27 September and on May 07, Srinagar hospitals receive 45 youth with bullet and pellet injuries. Over 5,600 mostly youth were detained at various police stations in the valley in 2018 alone. Those arrested under the PSA have been lodged in jails outside the valley and also, in many cases, in different jails outside the state.

The report has in a detailed mention about the physical assault of journalists by the government forces while performing their professional duties.

The reports also brief about the efforts of APHC in awakening the world community about the human rights violations in Kashmir, besides, a mention of United Nations report on Kashmir.

“The APHC during 2018 while speeding up its efforts to turn the attention of International community towards Human Rights violation in Kashmir through several petitions, letters and other communications to United Nations, Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and other Human Rights groups highlighted the bizarre state of human rights in Kashmir and sought their influence to end the worst “repression” of Kashmiries. In a letter dated 10 December 2018 from Chairman Mirwaiz Mohammad Umar Farooq to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, APHC demanded the 5 establishments of a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive and independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir,” reads the report.

Throughout the year the state administration imposed curfew and restrictions and ban on mobile internet on many occasions. Pertinently, State exercises curfew as a tool to suppress civil liberties and inflict collective punishment on the entire population. Kashmiris have been denied of the right to protest, demonstrations, and right to peaceful march.

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Governor unveils J&K Bank Wall Calendar 2019

Srinagar

Governor Satya Pal Malik on Monday launched and unveiled the JK Bank Wall Calendar and Diary 2019 at Raj Bhawan in presence of K. K. Sharma. Advisor to Governor; Parvez Ahmed, Chairman and CEO, J&K Bank; Umang Narula, Principal Secretary to Governor; Navin Kumar Choudhary, Principal Secretary Finance; and senior management of the Bank.

Governor unveils J&K Bank Wall Calendar at Jammu on Monday, December 31, 2018.

The Calendar is based on the theme “Pushing the Limits” and showcases the Adventure Tourism potential across the three regions of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Satya Pal Malik observed, “J&K Bank is the premier financial institution of the State and has always been instrumental in promoting the economic growth of Jammu and Kashmir. It is an epitome of success and for that, I commend the leadership of Parvez Ahmed & his team in taking innovative measures not only in the management of the Bank but also through various CSR interventions, especially in promoting sports which I believe can be a game changer in positively energizing the youth in the State”.

Quoting the example of a football club supported by the Bank recently, the Governor said, “The club has, in a very short span of time, reached amongst the top rankings and has become a passion for the youth in Kashmir. I request the Bank to keep on nurturing such initiatives in future too.”

After being apprised by the Chairman JK Bank about the recognition received by the Bank’s Easy Payment Unit project in Leh, the Governor appreciated the dedicated staff of the Bank who worked under challenging circumstances to provide indispensable banking facilities in the far-flung areas of the State. “The Bank”, he added, “is doing a good job and full support from the State administration is assured to the Bank. It is my advise that the Bank should focus on rural/agrarian customers and new entrepreneurs to start a benefit cycle of development and prosperity in the State.”

Chairman and CEO, JK Bank Parvez Ahmed while conveying thanks to Governor and State Administration said, “Our calendar finds a place in each of the 25 lac households across every nook and corner of the State and keeping in view its social relevance and impact, we requested the Governor to launch it. It has been our consistent endeavor to utilize the calendar as a powerful medium to convey a relevant message through every leaf of the thematic calendar.”

“We are optimistic and confident that post-launch,  the calendar will not only inspire and engage the youth of the State in adventure sports but will also act as an ambassador to promote adventure tourism in the State and become a harbinger of tourism growth in the niche segments,” added Parvez Ahmed.

On the occasion, 50 delivery channels of the bank comprising of 26 banking outlets and 24 ATMs/ Recyclers spread across the State were also inaugurated by the Governor in order to improve the outreach of banking services in the State and to serve the people better in far-flung areas.

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Speaking for militants ahead of polls Mehbooba’s compulsion : Guv Malik

Srinagar

Governor Satya Pal Malik on Monday said that speaking in favour of militants is Peoples Democratic Party Mehbooba’s compulsion because elections are round the corner.

Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday warned the Governor of dire consequences in view of alleged harassment to a family of a militant.

Malik said, “I do not mind what Mehbooba has said because she is my friend’s daughter but one thing is clear that speaking for militants’ is out of their compulsion in view of upcoming Assembly elections.”

He said that if anything wrong has happened, he will order a high-level probe into the matter.

“we have nothing personal with families of militants and strict instructions have been issued to the security forces to be careful during counter-insurgency operations,” Malik told reporters at Jammu University.

Governor termed 2018 year as an overall successful year in many aspects and added, “many halted developmental schemes were resumed and people have started realising that if peace prevails, progress will automatically take place.”

Malik said democratic set up was established while Panchayat Polls and Civic Polls were held successfully and peacefully in which not even a casualty of a ‘single bird’ was reported.

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Drug peddler arrested in Kulgam: Police

Srinagar

Police on Monday claimed to have arrested a drug peddler during routine checking at Jawahar Tunnel and recovered contraband substance from his possession.

“During routine checking at Jawahar Tunnel, a police party of Police Post Jawahar Tunnel intercepted a TATA vehicle bearing registration number JK02AB-8358,” the spokesman said.

“On checking the vehicle, 2.7 kilograms of Cannabis was recovered from the possession of Mohammad Rafi Mirza resident of Ward No 02 Rajouri, who was driving the vehicle,” he said.

“A case FIR No 272/18 under the relevant section of law has been registered in Police Station Qazigund and further investigation is on,” said the police spokesman in a statement.

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IGP Kashmir promotes 782 head constables to ASI rank in Kashmir

Srinagar

Inspector General of Police Kashmir Swayam Prakash Pani on Monday promoted 782 Head Constables to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspectors of Executive wing, having lien and seniority with Kashmir Zone.

A police spokesman in a statement said that amongst these 782 Head Constables, 376 Head Constables who have completed all departmental formalities, have been formally promoted to the rank of Assistant Sub-Inspectors (ASIs).

“However, the formal promotion orders in respect of other 406 Head Constables shall be issued after completing their pre-promotion course,” said the spokesman.

“Swayam Prakash Pani (IPS), IGP Kashmir Zone has felicitated the promoted officials and their families and expressed hope that they will strive to work with greater zeal and professionalism for public welfare and the maintenance of peace and public order,” said the spokesman.

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Desecration of Jamia Masjid the most condemnable act: Jama’at

Srinagar

Jama’at-i-Islami Jammu and Kashmir expresses its deep anguish and anxiety over the anti-Islamic act of desecration of Jamia Masjid Srinagar which has remained the pivotal centre for propagation and promotion of Islamic teachings and values for centuries together and has always played a primary role during the critical periods of Kashmir history and guided the people rightly and in right direction.

The spokesman said that some disgruntled elements at the behest of some anti-Islamic agencies by raising the black flag on the very sacred pulpit of this grand Masjid Have hurt the sentiments of the millions of Muslims living over here. This is a vicious attempt to cause dissension among the most suffering Muslim fraternity in the valley. Such elements are not serving any cause of the people of Kashmir or that of Islam but causing hurdles in it. Their nefarious activities are a cause of great concern for the entire Muslim Ummah living over here and the common masses are fed up with their acts of hatred and discord.

The pulpit of Masjid is meant for spreading the sacred message of the Qur’an and Sunnah and create unity of heart and soul among the Muslim community but not to raise conflicting flags. These boys must utilize their capabilities for promoting the cause of Islam and not to be swayed away by the vested interests and the enemies of Islam who are bent upon to create disunity among the Muslim community in order to divest them of the Islamic identity.

Some irresponsible preachers are defaming Islam and quite in contravention of its teaching of mutual tolerance, raising Shia-Sunni differences in such a manner which will ultimately lead towards the discord among the oppressed people of Kashmir.

Jamaat while showing total solidarity with Mirwaiz Molvi Muhammad Umar Farooq, the guardian of Jamia Masjid Srinagar, vehemently condemns the sacrilegious act of some unknown masked elements, appeal all the Islamic organisations and institutions to come forward and openly oppose these nefarious activities in order to maintain the unity and brotherhood among the Muslims keeping aside all the secondary and tertiary differences.

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KCCI organises MSME seminar in Srinagar

Srinagar

Seminar on bringing Tourism Sector under the preview of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) was organised by the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry on December 29, 2018, at Srinagar.

 Members of KCCI during MSME seminar

It was attended by President, KCC&I Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad, Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Director, Industries & Commerce, Aijaz Ahmad, Assistant Director, Tourism Department and Afaq T Dar, Manager, Jammu & Kashmir Development Financial Corporation (JKDFC) besides office Bearers of KCC&I.

Representatives from the Hotel Industry, Tour & Travel operators and Houseboat Owners participated in the seminar.

Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad while initiating the discussion laid down the importance of registration of the Tourism units under Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) for availing the benefits under the scheme.

Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Director, Industries & Commerce highlighted the various benefits available to the Tourism units under MSME and assured hassle-free registration on top priority without any hurdles. Officers from  Industries & Commerce, Tourism  Department and Jammu & Kashmir Development  Financial Corporation (JKDFC) participated in the interaction. Afaq T. Dar, Manager, JKDFC assured the participants of extending full cooperation to the business community.

Assistant Director, Tourism Department and Members appreciated the KCC&I for organising this interaction Seminar with exclusive focus on the problems faced by the Tourism sector.

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Lieutenant General SK Sharma Takes Over As Chief Of Staff Northern Command

Srinagar

Lieutenant General SK Sharma assumed the appointment of Chief of Staff, Northern Command at Udhampur on Monday, an army spokesman said.

Lieutenant General SK Sharma

He relieves Lieutenant General JS Nain who would be taking over a Corps shortly.

“Lieutenant General SK Sharma, was commissioned in the Rajputana Rifles on December 17, 1983, and has commanded 11th Battalion of the Rajputana Rifles, an Infantry Brigade along the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir and an Infantry Division in Jammu,” said army spokesman.

He has also held staff and instructional appointments including a Military Observer tenure at United Nations Mission in Liberia.

He has also served as an instructor at Indian Military Academy, Dehradun and has had tenures in Military Operations and Intelligence Branches at Army Headquarters, the spokesman said.

“Prior to taking over as the Chief of Staff, Headquarter Northern Command, he was tenating the appointment of Chief of Staff, Chinar Corps. The General Officer is also a recipient of Yudh Seva Medal for his distinguished service during operations and dedication to the organization,” the army spokesman said.

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Desecration of historic Jamia Masjid not acceptable: JKLF

Srinagar

While condemning the recent act of desecration of historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar by some unknown people, JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik on Monday said that places of worship and pulpits are signs of Allah and revered seats of our religion, and we as Muslims cannot allow anyone to dishonour these places.

In a statement, Malik said that every saner person of our society has and will always stand against such condemnable acts. Jamia Masjid is a sacred place for us and we as a nation will not allow anyone to violate its sanctity.

Meanwhile, a memorial meeting was held at JKLF head office in Srinagar today to remember and recall the services, struggle and sacrifices of legendary professor Abdul Ahmad Wani who embraced “martyrdom” on December 31, 1993. The meeting which was attended by various JKLF leaders and activists was chaired by JKLF chairman who along with others addressed the meeting.

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Mehbooba calls Mirwaiz to convey her outrage over Jamia Masjid desecration

Srinagar

Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday on Monday called Hurriyat (M) chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and condemned the desecration of Jamia Masjid Srinagar.

Taking to social networking site Twitter, Mirwaiz wrote: “Appearance of a few youth with IS flag in Jama Masjid Srinagar is desecration of the most important institution of Kashmir’s religious, social life. Called @MirwaizKashmir, Umar sahheb to convey my outrage.”

“Jama Masjid & it’s pulpit are most imp landmarks of our religious, cultural moorings. Can’t allow barbaric forces to defile it in the name of Islam,” Mehbooba wrote on her Twitter handle.

Interestingly, after the killing of top Hizb commander Burhan Wani in July 2016, Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government locked the Jamia Masjid for 18 consecutive Fridays. In May 2018, days before BJP pulled out of Mehbooba led collation, forces entered Jamia Masjid and fired teargas shells inside the mosque premises. The incident was condemned widely and seen as direct interference into religious affairs.

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Jammu region being exploited by politicians for votes: Er Rasheed

Srinagar

Appealing masses in Chenab valley to support Awami Itihad Party (AIP) in upcoming elections to “preserve the unique identity and culture of the region and to make an end to politics of exploitation” AIP President Er Rasheed has accused successive governments of ignoring the people of Muslim dominated areas of Jammu province.

While addressing a public gathering in Banihal today, Er Rasheed said that NC, PDP and Congress have been creating fear among Muslim dominated areas in Jammu region by talking about communal politics of BJP, Congress has been indulging itself in playing secular card but unfortunately all of them have added to the miseries and sacrificing of the Muslim community without doing any good to them.

He said the voice of Muslim community in Jammu province goes often unheard for the lack of genuine leadership and whosoever has been voted does at the end stab them. While BJP has taken the entire administration hostage and is consolidating its vote bank by dirty tricks, the genuine leadership of the Muslim community is being deprived of reaching out to the people. The fact is that the entire Chenab valley has become like a vote making a machine for NC, PDP and Congress and like East India Company for a certain class.

Various companies who have been authorized to execute much-talked projects are in fact contributing nothing towards the issues which could have got some change in the entire neglected Chenab valley.

Rasheed accused BJP of “shamelessly” consolidating Hindu votes and other parties and dividing Muslim votes by trying to show false sympathies just to gain power and in the entire process, the real issues get ignored.

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Weapon loot: Police personnel guarding Congress leader’s house dismissed for unauthorised absence

Srinagar

Four policemen were dismissed from the service on Monday after they were found absent from their duties when four rifles were looted from the Congress leader in Srinagar on Sunday evening, reports claimed.

Earlier, four rifles were looted from the official residence of Congress leader Muzzafar Parray in absence of the SPOs guarding his residence at Jawahar Nagar Srinagar. Taking cognizance of the incident, authorities have dismissed four SPOs from their service.

In this regard, a case has been registered and further investigations are going on.

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We don’t want to create Zia-ul-Haq’s Pakistan in Gandhi’s India: Mehbooba

Srinagar

Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic President Mehbooba Mufti on Monday accusing the BJP of entering Muslim households while asserting that the BJP was trying to interfere in the personal lives of the community.

Former CM Mehbooba Mufti addressing a press conference at her Gupkar residence on Monday, December 31, 2018.KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

Mehbooba said that by bringing the Triple Talaq Bill, they (BJP) are entering our houses. This will disturb our family life and also, there would be more problems for women and men economically.

“I have gone through a broken marriage and I feel that women face the biggest challenge economically after her marriage is broken,” said Mehbooba.

“After creating division on religious and sectarian lines, BJP now wants to divide Muslim families through Triple Talaq bill,” she said.

“Muslims pride themselves for strong family structure and bonding. Same is true of other religions in the East, which is considered as an advantage over the Western culture. This bill is a direct assault on that,” she added.

“Indian Muslims and we from Jammu and Kashmir which is a Muslim majority state decided to stay with Gandhi’s secular democratic India and let us not convert it into Zia-ul-Haq’s nation,” Mehbooba said.

“When we talk about reservations for Muslims, BJP rejects it on religious lines. But when it comes to this kind of law, then they run to Parliament,” she said.

“Democracy is not run through the brute majority, it is about consensus. Muslims accepted the decision of SC on the invalidity of Triple Talaq, unlike the Sabarimala verdict. Best is to empower Muslim women to be able to face the world independently in case of a breakup,” said Mehbooba.

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Pulwama parts shut to mourn militant killings

Srinagar

A complete shutdown was being observed in parts of Pulwama district in south Kashmir to mourn the killing of four militants killed during an encounter with government forces.

An eyewitness said that all the shops and other business establishments were closed in most of the areas including in district and a think movement of traffic was plying on the roads.

Earlier, four militants affiliated with JeM outfit were killed in an encounter with government forces in Hanjan Rajpora area of the district.

Reports said that people from various areas of the district are visiting the residences of slain militants to offer condolences.

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Fire damages bank building in Awantipora

Srinagar

A bank branch belonging to HDFC was completely damaged in a fire incident in Awantipora area of Pulwama district in south Kashmir last evening.

Reports said that the fire broke out in the branch located near the main market Awantipora around 8: 45 PM, resulting in damage to the building.

However, the cause of the fire was not known immediately. Meanwhile, police have taken the cognizance of the case and further investigations are going on.

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Srinagar shivers at minus 6.6, Kargil freezes at minus 17.2

Srinagar

Cold wave again gripped Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region on Monday as minimum temperatures remained below the freezing point.

Kargil in Ladakh was the coldest place in the state where minimum temperature was minus 17.2 degrees followed by Drass minus 16.2 degrees.

Srinagar, the summer capital of the state recorded a low of minus 6.6 while the mercury in Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at a low of minus 4.7 degrees Celsius.

Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 5.0 degrees Celsius.

The night temperature in Pahalgam – the famous health resort which also serves as one of the base camps for the annual Amarnath Yatra – settled at a low of minus 5.5 degrees.

Kokernag town recorded a low of minus 2.3 degrees Celsius while Kupwara town in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 5.3 degrees Celsius last night.

Jammu recorded a low of 5.2 degrees Celsius while Batote recorded minus 1.5, Banihal recorded minus 1.5, and Bhaderwah recorded minus 0.2 degree Celsius.

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BAT action foiled along LoC in north Kashmir, two attackers killed: Army

Srinagar

The Army claimed to have foiled a major BAT attack at a forward post along the line of control in Nowgam Sector on Sunday.

“Army foiled a major BAT (Border Action Team) attempt to strike a forward post along the Line of Control in Naugam in the early hours of 30 December 2018,” said a spokesman.

The spokesman said the intruders attempted to move by exploiting the thick jungles close to LoC and were assisted by heavy covering fire of high calibre weapons such as mortars and rocket launchers from the Pakistani posts.

“The movement was nonetheless detected by the vigilant Indian Army troops deployed along the LoC. The fire-fight initiated by Pakistan was given strong retaliation by Indian Army and the exchange of fire continued the whole night,” said the spokesman.

During prolonged searches in the thick jungles and difficult terrain, he said, two bodies of “likely Pakistani soldiers” were recovered along with a large cache of warlike stores.

“The search operations are still underway in the Sector to sanitise the area. It was also reported that a few other intruders managed to escape across the LoC, taking advantage of the Pakistani firing and adverse weather and visibility conditions,” said the spokesman.

He said the attackers were wearing combat dresses like Pakistani Regulars and were carrying stores with Pakistani markings.

“Some intruders were also seen in BSF and old pattern IA dresses as part of the deception. They had intruded well equipped with IEDs, incendiary materials, explosives, and a plethora of arms and ammunition,” said the spokesman.

“From the recovery, it was estimated that they intended to carry out a gruesome attack on the Indian Army forward post in Naugam sector,” he said. “We will ask Pakistan to take back the mortal remains of deceased likely Pakistani soldiers since Pakistan did provide full covering fire support to these intruders,” said army spokesman in a statement.

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LeT condemns desecration of Jamia Masjid

Srinagar

Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) chief Mehmood Shah has strongly condemned the waving of ISIS flag in historic Jamia Masjid Srinagar and desecrating the pulpit of the grand mosque.

A video showing some masked youth appearing in Jamia Masjid Srinagar, believed to be after Friday prayers, and waving ISIS flags and chanting ‘Dawlat-e-Islam’ slogans. One of youth (wearing skinny jeans and shoes) is seen standing on the mosque pulpit while others are seen waving flags and chanting slogans.

The incident evoked strong condemnation from the joint resistance leadership (JRL), Anjuman Auqaf Jamia Masjid and other organizations. The netizens also denounced the sacrilegious act.

A spokesperson of LeT Dr Abdullah Ghaznavi in a statement issued to news agency GNS quoted Shah as saying that “youth must recognize the fact that the terrorist organization ISIS is brought up by India-Israel-US nexus.”

“The only vicious motive of this organization is to malign the Jihad and image of Mujahideen. Those who are promoting ISIS intentionally must come into their senses and reform themselves. ISIS is the end of Islamic State, not the other way around,” LeT chief said.

Mehmood Shah further said that Delhi is exploiting the “immature” youth for its “vicious motives”.

“But they (Delhi) will never succeed. The condemnation statement by Joint Resistance Leadership is based on facts. We are the heirs of Kashmir’s indigenous freedom struggle and will never allow anyone to malign it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Lashkar chief has paid tribute to “commander Ashfaq Wani and four freedom fighters” of Jaish-e-Muhammad (JeM) who were killed in a gunfight with forces on Saturday.

“India is at the brink of defeat. The countdown has begun. The Modi government, in its five-year tenure, tried all that it could to suppress the freedom movement of Jammu Kashmir, but all went in vain. The brave Kashmiris have proven that they can never be stopped. Today, their top rank generals are criticizing Modi that he has created serious trouble for India through his Kashmir policy,” Shah said in the statement.

He added, “India was doing all this barbarism on the instructions of the US which is leaving the region (Afghanistan) now and wants a safe exit from the people whom it called terrorists in 2001. The humiliating defeat of America will be written in the history.”

Mehmood Shah also thanked people for their “sacrifices and bravery”. (GNS)

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Youth electrocuted to death in Budgam village

Srinagar

A 17-year-old youth was electrocuted to death in central Kashmir’s Budgam district on Sunday evening.

A police officer told news agency GNS that the youth Danish Yousuf son of Mohammad Yousuf Bhat of Gurand Khurad village was electrocuted after he was repairing wires of an electric transformer at his house.

Danish was immediately rushed to the nearby hospital in an unconscious state, however, doctors present there declared him brought dead on arrival, the officer said.

The body of the deceased has been handed over to the family after conducted all legal medico formalities, he said. (GNS)

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JK Police Public School Srinagar secures 92% result in 10th class

Srinagar

Director General of Police Dilbag Singh and Chairperson Police Wives Welfare Association (PWWA) Dr Rubinder Kaur have congratulated Abreena  Ashraf and Zeeya Jan of JK Police Public School, Bemina Srinagar for securing 5th and 8th positions respectively in class 10th annual regular examination and other successful students of the school.

Abreena Ashraf

DGP and Chairperson PWWA have also congratulated parents of all the students of the Police Public School, Administrative Officer, Staff members and Principal of the school.

Zeeya Jan

In a statement, the spokesman said that the school has got an overall pass percentage of 92.04%.

“Seventies students have secured more than 80% marks. Out of 88 students who appeared in class 10th annual regular exams 81 students were declared successful,” he said.

“The top three students of the school are Abreena Ashraf who secured 5th position by getting 494 marks ( 98.8%), Zeeya Jan secured 8th position by scoring 490 marks ( 98%) and  Iffat has secured 96.6% who by getting 483 marks,” he added.

Dilbag Singh and Dr Rubinder Kaur while wishing the students good luck for the future have hoped that the performance of the school will get better in the future.

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Desecration of Jamia Masjid won’t be tolerated: Mirwaiz

Srinagar

Hurriyat Conference (M) Chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Sunday expressed shock over the attempt to violate the sanctity of the pulpit at Jama Masjid by masked youth, saying such hooliganism will not be tolerated at all.

Taking to social networking site Twitter, Mirwaiz wrote, “Deeply shocked and saddened by the attempt to violate the sanctity of the pulpit at #JamaMasjid by a group miscreants late on Friday! Such hooliganism that harms the mosque or misuses the name of Islam to spread anarchy and fear among people will not be tolerated at all!”

“Jama Masjid is the fountain head of both the religious identity and the political aspirations of the people of J&K , engaged in the struggle for Right to Self-determination, inspired by Islamic values of seeking justice and resistance to oppression,” Mirwaiz wrote on his twitter handle.

Meanwhile, Mirwaiz also chaired a crucial meeting of Awami Action Committee (AAC) at Mirwaiz Manzil, Nigeen here to discuss the recent attempt at violation of the pulpit of Jamia Masjid Srinagar by a “bunch of goons”.

Terming it as shocking, the participants said this anti-Islamic act has greatly hurt the religious sentiments of people across the state, a statement said adding that the participants strongly condemned it.

“Such a ploy will not be tolerated by the people at any cost as they hold the mosque and its pulpit in great reverence and regard,” the participants said adding that the pulpit of Jamia Masjid Srinagar has been the centre for representing the religious identity and social and political aspirations of people of Kashmir since past many decades and will continue to do so. “No matter how many conspiracies are hatched by agencies backed goons and miscreants, all will be defeated,” they in a statement said.

The participants of the meeting added, “Since day one, numerous conspiracies were hatched to weaken the voices emanating from the historic Jamia Masjid but time is witness that all such conspiracies were defeated by the people who have a great religious and sentimental attachment with the grand masjid and its pulpit.”

Terming the Friday’s incident as an act of violation of the sanctity of the mosque that deserves highest form of condemnation, the participants said that “enough is enough” and that these elements who are misusing the name of Islam and creating indiscipline and anarchy are actually defaming the Kashmir struggle by indulging in such acts and helping the adversary.

The participants of the meeting reiterated that “nobody will be allowed to play with the people’s movement for the right to self-determination that has the blood and sweat of lakhs of people at its back and that no such act (the one witnessed on Friday) will be tolerated again”.

In the meeting, it was decided that in connection with this incident of sacrilege, on Monday, December 31, Mirwaiz will offer Zuhr prayers at the historic Jamia Masjid and will take stock of the situation on the ground.

Mirwaiz will also chair another meeting on Wednesday at 2 pm after which Asr prayers will be offered at the Jamia Masjid that will be followed by cleansing the mosque in which volunteers, locals, and the members of Anjuman-e-Auqaf will take part.

“It was also decided that Friday, January 4, will be observed as (Youm-e-Taqadus) where resistance leadership and religious scholars will address people in the mosque beside condemning this act of sacrilege committed by some anti-Islam elements,” the statement said.

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