Friday 31 December 2021

PAGD Leaders Detained Ahead Of Protest March

SRINAGAR: The leaders of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration were put under house arrest on Saturday to prevent them from holding a proposed sit-in protest against delimitation draft recommendation.

Quoting PAGD spokesperson M Y Tarigami news agency KNS reported that they have been put under house arrest and they have been locked from both inside and outside.

He said that this is the gift from the government on the New Year’s Eve and this the picture of Kashmir as government doesn’t even allow to hold a sit-in protest.

“I don’t even know that I was put under house arrest. Some cops came and informed that you are under arrest,” he said.

Meanwhile, former chief minister and National Conference vice-president, Omar Abdullah said that this is the new year with the same J-K police illegally locking people in their homes.

“Good morning & welcome to 2022. A new year with the same J-K police illegally locking people in their homes & an administration so terrified of normal democratic activity. Trucks parked outside our gates to scuttle the peaceful @JKPAGD sit-in protest. Some things never change,” he Tweeted.

In another Tweet, he said: “Talk about a lawless police state, the police have even locked the internal gate connecting my father’s home to my sister’s. Yet our leaders have the cheek to tell the world that India is the largest democracy, hah!!”

Former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti had also been placed under detention.

Taking to social networking site Twitter, Mehbooba wrote, “ GOI trumpets scrapping Article 370 & dismembering J&K throughout the country but is deeply paranoid & intolerant when people of J&K want to protest against its disempowerment. For the umpteenth time, we’ve been placed under house arrest for trying to organise a peaceful protest.”



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Vaishno Devi Stampede: LG Orders Probe, Announces Ex-Gratia

SRINAGAR: Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said a high-level inquiry has been ordered into the stampede at the famous Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in which at least 12 people were killed and several others injured.

The Lt Governor said he spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and briefed him about the incident.

“Hon’ble Prime minister has assured all the help,” the office of the LG tweeted.

In a series of tweets, the office of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor said, “Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured.”

“Spoke to Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji. Briefed him about the incident. A high level inquiry has been ordered into today’s stampede. The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members,” he said.

“Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured,” Sinha said.

“Ex-gratia of Rs 10 lakh each would be given to the next of kin of those who lost their lives due to stampede and Rs 2 lakh to injured. Shrine board to bear the cost of treatment of injured,” tweeted Sinha.



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12 Dead, Several Injured In Stampede At Vaishno Devi

SRINAGAR: Massive tragedy stuck here on New Year Eve in which 12 pilgrims died and 14 others were injured in a stampede at Jammu and Kashmir’s Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, Officials said Saturday.

Quoting official sources news agency KNO reported that the stampede was triggered by a massive rush of devotees on the occasion of New Year at the shrine.

They said that the incident occurred around 2: 45 am in the midnight, when large number of devotes queued to have Darshan of sanctum sanctorum inside the cave shrine on Trikuta hills in Katra ended up in chaotic situation.

“The stampede broke out when a huge crowd of devotees, who had come to pay their obeisance to mark the beginning of the New Year, entered the Vaishno Devi Bhawan,” the officials said.
The police said that rescue operations started immediately and all the injured have been taken to hospitals, where condition of some is stated to be “serious”.

Meanwhile, after the incident Jammu and Kashmir government swung into action and launched rescue operation. The Jammu and Kashmir government also initatted high level probe into the accident.

“A high level inquiry has been ordered into the stampede. The Inquiry Committee will be headed by Principal Secretary (Home) with ADGP, Jammu and Divisional Commissioner, Jammu as members,” officials told KNO

“Deeply pained at the loss of lives due to stampede at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. My condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers with the injured,” the Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha said in a tweet from his official handle.

He said that he spoke with the Prime Minister and “briefed him about the incident.” He further announced that an amount of Rs10 lakh each would be given to the families of those who lost their lives in the stampede and Rs 2 lakh to those injured. He also stated that the shrine board will bear the cost of treatment.
Home minister Amit Shah also expressed grief over the loss of lives

“The tragedy due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Bhawan is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. My condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” said Union Home Minister Amit Shah in a tweet.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also monitoring the tragic situation, a minister in his office said.

“Extremely saddened by the loss of lives due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan,” said Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sending his “condolences to the bereaved families.”

The Prime Minister’s Office also announced an amount of Rs 2 lakh each from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
The PMO said that the amount would be given to the families of those who lost their lives due to the stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan. The injured would be given Rs 50,000, the PM’s Office added. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also grieved over loss of life in stampede.

“The tragedy due to a stampede at Mata Vaishno Bhawan is heart-wrenching. Anguished by the loss of lives due to it. My condolences to the bereaved families in this sad hour. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” Rajnath Singh wrote on twitter.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office said that PM Narendra Modi is “personally monitoring and keeping track of the tragic situation arising out of stampede at Mata Vaishno Devi shrine.”

He further stated that PM Modi has “conveyed his sympathies to bereaved families and issued instructions to provide all possible medical aid & assistance to the injured.”

Senior officials and representatives from the shrine board are at the spot.
Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Mukesh Singh has confirmed that 12 pilgrims have died and at least 14 others are injured in the stampede. He added that injured have been taken to a hospital.



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PDD Daily-Wager Electrocuted To Death

SRINAGAR: A 30-year-old PDD daily-wager was electrocuted to death during repairing of an electric transformer in Lisser Kokernag in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, officials said.

Identifying the deceased as Suhail Ahmad Bhat son of Mohammad Rafiq Bhat, a resident of Buchoo Kokernag, news agency GNS quoted the officials as having said, adding that the person received a major electric shock.

The person, they said, was brought to SDH Kokernag, however the doctors there declared him dead on arrival.

Meanwhile a police official confirming the incident said that cognisance of the incident has been taken for further investigations.



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Intending Hajj Pilgrims Asked To Collect Cover Numbers

SRINAGAR: The intending Haj Pilgrims of Hajj 1443 (H), 2022(AD) who have applied for Haj 2022 and have not (NOT) received their Cover Numbers through SMS till date have been requested to approach/ contact J&K Haj Committee, Bemina, Srinagar during office hours either personally or through following telephone numbers so that their Cover Numbers are generated well before the last date i.e January 31, 2022.



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Man Shot At, Assailant On The Run

SRINAGAR: A man was injured after being fired upon with a 12 bore rifle over a land dispute in Surankote Poonch. The accused is on the run even as the “weapon of offense” has been seized by the police.

Quoting officials news agency GNS reported that one person namely Mohsin Ali Shah allegedly fired on Mazamal Hussais Shah with his 12 bore rifle on some land dispute at village sangla in Surankote.

Mazamal suffered injuries in belly and his family shifted him at SDH Surankote, they said. After first aid, they said, he was referred to GMC Rajouri.

SHO Surankote Niaz Ahmed confirmed the firing by Mohsin on Mazamal and said that weapon has been recovered.

“A case has been registered and further investigations are underway,” he said, adding, “Efforts are underway to arrest the accused who is on the run,” the police officer added.

 



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Thursday 30 December 2021

Suffering Sumo Travelers, SSP Speaks

Hundreds of passenger vehicles such as Sumo and Tavera cabs coming from south Kashmir are not being allowed into Srinagar city. The vehicles are stopped at Pantha Chowk due to which people are suffering, reports #IqraAkhoon

 



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Delimitation: NC MP Trio Submitting Objections On Friday

SRINAGAR: Three Members of Parliament (MPs) from Kashmir Valley will submit their dissent note over the proposed allocation of Assembly seats in J&K to the delimitation commission on Friday.

Quoting National Conference Lok Sabha member, Justice (retd.) Hasnain Masoodi news agency KNO reported that they will file their objections to the proposal tomorrow.

The draft proposal shared by the delimitation commission with MPs from Jammu and Kashmir on December 20 has triggered a massive controversy, as out of seven new seats, six have been allocated to Jammu and only one to Kashmir.

All political parties including National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party and Peoples Conference have opposed the proposal, saying it reeks of bias and partisan approach.

In the meeting, the panel headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice (retd.) Ranjana Desai shared details about the proposed allocation of Assembly seats to various districts in the Union Territory and the number of seats to be reserved for Scheduled Castes and Schedule Tribes.

As already reported, the panel has decided to reserve seven seats for SCs and nine seats for STs in the 90-member Assembly.



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FCS&CA Deptt Launches Exercise To Extend Food Security Cover To Left-Out Beneficiaries

SRINAGAR: The Department of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) has launched an exercise to bring all the deserving left-out households and beneficiaries if any, under the ambit of the Public Distribution System in Jammu & Kashmir.

In this connection, FCS&CA Department has requested all the Deputy Commissioners through the respective Divisional Commissioners, to initiate an exercise to include the left-out eligible persons/ beneficiaries, if any, in light of the criteria already notified by the Government of India  and Government of Jammu and Kashmir in this regard and within the assigned district wise  and category wise targets.

“The exercise is aimed at bringing all the needy persons under the ambit of the assured food security, as per their entitlement, through the Targeted Public Distribution System,” a spokesperson of FCS&CA Department said and added that the Deputy Commissioners have been requested to approach the Government in case any district exceeds the quota or requires additional quota.

The spokesman said that the Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA Department, Zubair Ahmad sensitized the officers about this issue and also  reviewed the progress achieved on other initiatives in a meeting with the provincial head and districts heads of the Department.

The spokesman said that in order to streamline and make the Public Distribution System more credible and transparent, the Department is vigorously pursuing Aadhaar seeding of beneficiaries in all categories in a mission mode so that all the genuine beneficiaries get identified and avail their entitled quota in a smooth and transparent manner. “In the event of any beneficiaries being without Aadhaar, the DCs have been requested to order special drive for enrolment of such beneficiaries in coordination with the field functionaries of FCS&CA Department,” he said and requested the beneficiaries to complete their Aadhar seeding at the earliest.

He said the Department is employing innovative measures to make the Public Distribution System credible and lay down an institutionalised framework for effective implementation of NFSA. He said in terms of the J&K Food Security Rules-2021, notified by the Department recently, measures like, fool-proof procedure for identification of beneficiaries, setting up of Internal Grievances Redress Mechanism along with Vigilance Committees to be set up at Village/Ward, Block and District levels and a mechanism of Social Audit have been put in place.

“These measures shall help to further strengthen Public Distribution System with the participation of all stake-holders right from grassroots level and help ensure transparency, accountability and proper functioning of the system in Jammu & Kashmir,” the spokesman said.

The Department, he said, has introduced a nominee policy to handle the failure of authentication in case of old aged persons/ workforce that has worn out finger prints, differently-abled persons, minors, bed-ridden persons with no physically able person in the family to draw rations.

“Since the introduction of this policy in August this year, around 2700 families have availed the said facility and are collecting their entitled ration through their nominees,” he said and urged all such families, who are eligible under the policy to avail this facility in order to get their rightful entitlement of rations and not to remain dependent on dealers or salesmen.

Regarding winter-dumping, the spokesman said that the Department has completed winter dumping of rations in the areas, that witness closure of roads and passes during the winters. “Across Jammu and Kashmir around 60,000 MTs of foodgrains have been dupmed for these areas, in which more than a thousand sale centers of the Department operate,” he said and added that advance free rations have also been lifted for distribution under PMGKAY till March, 2022 in these areas.

The spokesman said that in view of the demand from residents a special dispensation for distribution has been put in place in these areas and the beneficiaries can avail their ration quota for December 2021 and subsequent three months in one go, if they so desire, in view of harsh winters seen in such areas. However, all the distribution shall be made through PoS machines only to make the distribution process credible, he maintained.



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SIA Files Chargesheeet Against Hurriyat Leader, 8 Others For ‘Selling’ MBBS Seats

SRINAGAR : The recently formed State Investigation Agency (SIA) of Jammu and Kashmir Police on Thursday filed its first charge sheet against nine persons including chairman of Salvation Movement Zaffar Akbar Bhat in a case related alleged “selling” of MBBS seats in Pakistan to Kashmiri students.

The charge sheet under section 173 CrPc was filed in Case (FIR No. 05/2020) under section 13, 17, 18, 40, ULP Act, 420 IPC of police station CIK Srinagar before Special Judge designated Court at Srinagar under NIA Act.

Besides Mohammad Akbar Bhat alias Zaffar Akbar Bhat of Usmania Colony Baghi-Mehtab here, the charge sheet has been filed against Fatima Shah wife of Nisar Ahmad Shah of Palhalan Pattan, at present Nundreshi Colony near Sham Lal Pump Bemina, Srinagar, Altaf Ahmad Bhat (A/P Pakistan) son of Abdul Jabar Bhat, Qazi Yasir son of Late Nisar Ahmad Qazi of Qazi Mohalla, Reshi Bazar, Anantnag, Mohammad Abdullah Shah son of Ghulam Ahmad Shah of Kulpora Salkoot Kupwara, Sabzar Ahmad Sheikh son of Bashir Ahmad Sheikh of Nowgam, Shangus Anantnag, Manzoor Ahmad Shah (A/P Pakistan) son of Ghulam Ahmad Shah of Kulpora Salkote Kupwara and Mohammad Iqbal Mir son of Ghulam Rasool Mir of Cheeni Chowk near Khwaja Mir Ali School Anantnag of Mahaz Azadi Front.

“Police Station Counter Intelligence Kashmir on receipt of information through reliable sources that several unscrupulous persons including some Hurriyat leaders were hand in glove with some educational consultancies and were selling Pakistan-based MBBS seats and seats in other professional courses in various colleges and universities, registered the case in July 2020,” news agency KDC quoted the SIA as having said.

“The information on the basis of which criminal investigations were started into the matter also suggested that the money collected from the parents of the aspiring or potential students was used, at least partly, to support and fund (militancy) and separatism in different ways.”

During investigation, the SIA said oral, documentary and technical evidences were collected and on analysis of collected evidences it surfaced that MBBS and other professional degree related seats were preferentially given to those students who are close family members or relatives of killed militants.

“Evidence also came on record to show that money had been variously put into channels that ended up in supporting programmes and projects pertaining to (militancy) and separatism,’ it said, adding, “For example, money collected in disguise of providing medical and other technical courses in various institutions of Pakistan were used to fuel up the unrest post elimination of (militants) including Burhan Wani in 2016 and every effort was made to disturb the peace and tranquillity post abrogation of Article 35A and 370 of Indian Constitution.”

The SIA claimed that the examination of witnesses corroborated by other circumstantial evidence indicated that many families who approached Hurriyat leaders to avail the programme of Hurriyat on the “behest of ISI” that aimed at incentivising militancy by compensating the family of slain militants by way of providing free of cost MBBS and engineering seats as monetary consideration.”

“By incentivizing the next of kin of killed militants for the (militancy) and related activities of their killed militant relatives, Pakistan is trying to keep the pot boiling and tends to radicalize the impressionable minds in the veil of technical education,” the SIA said. As per investigation, the SIA said on an average the cost of a seat ranged between 10 to 12 lakhs and depending upon the “political heft of a Hurriyat leader who intervenes, concessions were extended to the aspiring student and his family.”

“On the basis of available evidence, a conservative estimate indicated that the money involved could be around Rs. 04 crore per annum, on the basis of the fact that allocation of seats for distribution by individual Hurriyat leaders where around 40 seats for MBBS programme every year,” the SIA said, adding, “The historical bonhomie between Hurriyat leaders and their masters in Pakistan has been again exposed through the investigations and has exposed their nefarious designs once more of being hand in glove with the (militants) based in Kashmir valley and Pakistan and the undercurrents of their close knit relationship is only to destabilize the UT of J&K and Union of India.”

Four persons— Mohammad Akbar Bhat, Fatima Shah, Mohammad Abdullah Shah and Sabzar Ahmad Sheikh have been arrested for being a part of the supply chain at one stage or the other. “The investigation with regard to the other aspects of the investigation/suspects (Co Conspirators) is in progress and the facts will be presented the Court through a supplementary charge sheet.”



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Covid-19: One Death, 139 New Infections, 120 Recoveries In 24 Hours

SRINAGAR: The Government on Thursday informed that 139 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 37 from Jammu division and 102 from Kashmir division, have been reported today, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 341167.Also, one COVID death has been reported from Jammu Division.

Moreover, 120 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged from various hospitals including 19from Jammu Division and 101 from Kashmir Division.

The Bulletin informs that no new case of Mucormycosis has been reported today, thus the total number of confirmed cases remains 50 across J&K..

On COVID vaccination, the bulletin informs that 91,585doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of doses administered across J&K to1,84,82,509.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 341167 positive cases, 1294are Active Positive (382in Jammu Division and 912 in Kashmir Division), 335347 have recovered and 4526 have died; 2198 in Jammu division and 2328in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 19258740 test results available, 341167 samples have tested positive and 18917573 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 65017 COVID tests have been conducted in last 24 hours.

Till date 5192782 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 8219persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 1294 in isolation and 432036 in home surveillance. Besides, 4746707 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup for positive cases reported today, the Bulletin said that Srinagar reported 51 cases, Baramulla reported 15 cases, Budgam reported 13 cases, Pulwama reported 07 case, Kupwara reported 03cases, Anantnag reported 01case, Bandipora reported 02cases, Ganderbal reported 04 cases, Kulgam reported 06 cases while as Shopian reported no fresh case for today.

Similarly, Jammu reported 16 cases, Udhampur reported 04 cases, Rajouri   reported no case, Doda reported 02 cases, Kathua reported 03 cases, Samba reported 01 case, Poonch reported 08 cases, Reasi reported 03 cases while as Kishtwar and Ramban reported no fresh cases for today.

The bulletin further informs the general public that they can contact helpline numbers 0191-2520982/2674444/2674115/2674908/2549676 in Jammu Division and 0194-2440283/2430581/2452052/2457313/2457312 in Kashmir Division for any kind of guidance and assistance.

In case of emergency, people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 by calling toll free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free services by dialling toll free number 102, the bulletin reads.

It also informs that the public can reach national helpline by dialling 1075.

Further the bulletin also informs the public that for any kind of COVID-19 query, logon to https://ift.tt/2XYaXJZ

The readers can also reach us on the official Twitter account of DIPR-J&K @diprjk; website: http://www.jkdirinf.in; Webportal:  jkinfonews.com and Facebook: @dipr.jammu.kashmir.



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Man Found Dead Under Mysterious Circumstances

SRINAGAR: A male body was found under mysterious circumstances in  Nowgam area of Verinag area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Thursday.

Quoting an official news agency KNO reporterd that a body of youth was found by some locals under mysterious circumstances in Nowgam, Verinag who accordingly informed police.

He said accordingly police party rushed to the spot and took body into their custody after which it has been shifted to GMC Anantnag for postmortem.

He identified him as Aijaz Ahmad Wagay (28) son of Ghulam Hassan Wagay resident of Nowgam Verinag.

He added that the said youth was missing since Wednesday evening and probably he does due to cold conditions.



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Wednesday 29 December 2021

Six JeM Militants Killed In South Kashmir In Last 12 hours: Police

SRINAGAR: Six Jaish-e-Mohammed militants were killed in two separate encounters in last 24 hours in south Kashmir, police said.

In a tweet police spokesman quoted Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said that six militants associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit were killed in two separate encounters in Kulgam and Anantnag districts of south Kashmir.

“6 militants of militant outfit JeM killed in two separate encounters. 4 among the killed militants have been identified so far as (2) Pakistani & (2) local militants. Identification of other 02 militants is being ascertained,” police tweeted.

Earlier officials said during the initial exchange of fire, two army men and a cop  were injured who were later shifted to hospital for treatment.



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Two More Militants Killed In Anantnag Gunfight, Toll 3: Police

SRINAGAR: Two more militants were killed in an encounter with the counter-insurgent forces in Nowgam Shahbad Dooru area of north Kashmir’s Anantnag district taking the death toll of militants to three, police said.

An official said that two more militants were killed in the gunfight in Nowgam Shahbad Dooru area of Anantnag district.

He added that the slain militants were affiliated with Jaish e Muhammad.

The search operation is on in the area and further details are awaited.

Earlier, police had said that one militant was killed in the encounter at Nowgam Shahbad Dooru area of Anantnag.



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JeM Militant Killed In Anantnag Gunfight: Police

SRINAGAR: A militant affiliated with Jaish-e-Muhammad militant outfit was killed in a operation in Nowgam Shahabad Dooru area in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Wednesday, an official said.

An official said that militant affiliated Jaish-e-Mohammed has been killed in the encounter.

He said that the two army men and a policemen were injured in the initial exchange of firing during an encounter.

Earlier, a police spokesman said a gunfight broke out between militants and forces in Nowgam Shahabad, Dooru village of Anantnag district.



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Policeman Injured In Anantnag Gunfight

SRINAGAR: A police man was injured in an ongoing encounter at Nowgam Shahabad, Dooru area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, police said.

A police spokesman in a statement said that a police man was injured in the initial firing and was shifted to hospital for treatment.

Earlier, a police spokesman said a gunfight broke out between militants and forces in at Nowgam Shahabad, Dooru area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.



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Lt Governor Chairs Meeting Of Amarnath Shrine Board

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a meeting of Amarnath Shrine Board and discussed various issues related to new Yarti Niwas Bhawans at Srinagar, Jammu, and Ramban, at Raj Bhavan here.

The eminent members of SASB- Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Pt. Bhajan Sopori, Dr Devi Prasad Shetty, D. C. Raina, Prof Anita Billawaria, Tripta Dhawan, Dr Sudershan Kumar, Prof Vishwamurti Shastri- presented valuable suggestions for optimum utilization of the Yatri Niwas Bhawans and facilities for pilgrims.

Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta; CEO, Amarnath Shrine Board, Nitishwar Kumar; CEO, SMVDSB; Additional CEO, SASB; former Additional CEO, SASB, and other senior officers were present in the meeting.



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Hyderpora: SIT Warns Political Class Of Penal Action For ‘Speculative Statements’

SRINAGAR: Special Investigation Team of Police formed regarding Hyderpora “encounter” on Wednesday said that its investigation is still going on and warned political leaders of “appropriate penal” action for “speculative” statements.

Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh along with Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar and Incharge Special Investigation Team (SIT) Hyderpora Encounter Sujit K Singh, addressing a press conference in Srinagar on Tuesday, December 28, 2021. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur

“Today (29.12.2021) SIT (Special Investigation Team) came across with several posts on media from some political leaders and family members wherein they have casted doubts upon the evidences obtained by SIT so far. These people have tried to call it “Concocted Cover up Story”, “Ornamental Probe”, “Clean Chit to Killers”, “Fairy Tale of Police” etc,” reads the statement issued by police.

“Pertinent to mention also that vide District Magistrate vide his Order NO. DMS/JUDINQUIRY/2838/2845/2021 Dated: 18.11.2021 wherein magisterial enquiry was initiated under section 176 Cr.Pc and accordingly the enquiry officer vide NO. ADM(K)/PSINQ/2021/1168/1172 Dated: 18.11.2021 issued a general notice through the electronic and print media and invited members of the general public to record his/her statement if any such person has any acquaintance or knowledge or proof regarding the incident,” the chairman SIT said in a statement.

“All such person making statements should have approached the enquiry officer with genuine evidences they have, for corroboration or contradiction of the facts surfaced in the case,” he said.

He added that the SIT constituted in the instant case is “still investigating” the matter and “all such persons are once again advised to provide any type of evidence if they have regarding the incident so that every aspect of investigation is covered and concluded on merits.”

“Such speculative statements from the political leaders have tendency to create provocation, rumour, fear and alarm among the general masses or particular section of society. This kind of approach is against the rule of law and may attract appropriate penal provisions as envisaged under law,” said SIT Chairman in a statement.



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Tuesday 28 December 2021

Hyderpora Was A Botched Up Operation, Mehbooba Says

SRINAGAR: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister and PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Tuesday said the clean chit given by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to forces in the Hyderpora encounter was not surprising and alleged that the inquiry was to “cover-up a botched operation”.

Taking to social networking site Twitter, Mehbooba Mufti wrote, “SIT’s clear chit to armed forces in Hyderpora encounter isn’t surprising. It was purely a charade to cover up a botched up operation & absolve those culpable for killing innocent civilians. How can one expect justice when they  themselves are judge, jury & executioner?”

Earlier, Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the Jammu and Kashmir police, headed by Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Sujit Kumar Singh, gave a clean chit to the forces that carried out the November 16 Hyderpora operation.

The Gupkar alliance also termed the SIT report “concocted” and a “cover-up”. “Today’s press briefing of J&K police about last month’s Hyderpora tragic incident is only a repetition of an old story. It does not even slightly give any objective picture of this shocking incident,” its spokesman M.Y. Tarigami said.

There was a strong public perception that the civilians killed in the incident were made human shields by security forces and the latest statement of the police seemed to be an concocted cover-up story, he stated.

“It will not suffice the legitimate concerns of the people at large and the families of the slain victims. The alliance firmly believes that nothing short of a credible judicial probe will clear the doubts. The administration must ,without any further delay, order a time-bound judicial probe,” he added.



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Former Tehsildar Convicted In Disproportionate Assets Case

SRINAGAR: A former government official was sentenced to three years in jail by a special court on Tuesday in a disproportionate assets case.

According to a spokesperson of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) two other accused in the case filed in 2008 were acquitted by the court for want of sufficient evidence.

The spokesman in a statement said that special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Jammu, Ritesh Dubey convicted Janak Singh, son of Shankar Singh of Extn.1 Shastri Nagar, Jammu, the then Tehsildar Recovery, Jammu in a case under FIR number 4/2008 P/S VOJ (now ACB Jammu) for acquiring assets disproportionate to income, acquiring assets without permission from Government and also acquiring assets in benami transactions.

“The instant case was registered on the basis of a verification conducted into the allegations that the convict had raised assets disproportionate to his known sources of income in the name of his family members and friends by indulging in corrupt practices during his service career,” he said.

“The verification has found that the accused has constructed a double story residential house on a piece of land measuring more than 02 kanals at Shastri Nagar, Jammu and has established a Petrol Pump namely Shankar Filling Station at Greater Kailash Jammu in the name of his family members. The said Janak Singh was found to have resorted to acquisition of moveable and immovable properties including land etc. in his name and in the name of his close relations in order to conceal his money.” he added.

“Accordingly case FIR No. 4/2008 P/S VOJ (now ACB-J)  U/s 5 (1) (e) r/w 5 (2) J&K P.C Act Svt. 2006 and Sections 109 and 120-B RPC, Section 12/2014 Public Men and Public Servant Declaration of Assets Act and Section (3) of J&K Benami transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2010 was registered,” said the spokesman.

“After investigation a charge sheet in the instant case was produced in the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Jammu. The Hon’ble Court awarded punishment under (a) Sections 5(1)(e) read with 5(2) of J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt.2006 and 109/120-B of  Ranbir Penal Code (b) Sections 12, 14 of Public Men & Public Servants Declaration of Assets Act and (c) Sections 3 of J&K Benami Transactions(Prohibition) Act,2010 for commission of offences punishable under sections 5(1)(e) read with 5(2) J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Svt 2006 for 3 years simple imprisonment and  1 year simple imprisonment for offences under sections 12, 14 of Public Men & Public Servants Declaration of Assets Act and 2 years simple imprisonment for commission of offences under section 3 of Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 2010. Other two accused persons namely Raughbir Singh (brother-in-law of the convict) and Gandrab Singh (real brother of the convict) were acquitted for want of sufficient evidence,” he said.

“Prosecution in this case was conducted by Irshad Ahmed Sheikh, Addl. Public Prosecutor, Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption, Jammu,” the spokesman said.



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5 Injured In Road Accident

SRINAGAR: At least five persons were injured after a vehicle they were on board skidded off the road in Banhali in Boniyar area in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Quoting an official news agency GNS reported that a sumo vehicle registration number JK05B 5379 skidded off the road resulting in injuries to five persons.

Identifying the injured persons as Javid Ahmad son of Abdul Rashid khan (driver), Ulfat Bano daughter of Hamid Khan, Munera Begum wife of Mushtaq Ahmad Khan, Irshad Ahmad son of Abdul Rasheed khan and Rashid Ahmad son of Abdul Rahim, residents of Banali Boniyar, the official further said that all of them were taken tyo PHC Boniyar from where they were shifted to GMC Baramulla for preferential treatment.

A health official at PHC Boniyar in the meantime said that the driver with relatively grave injuries has been further taken from GMC Baramulla to SKIMS Soura.



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Casual Labour Dies Of Electrocution

SRINAGAR: Accusing Power Development Department(PDD) of ‘callous attitude’, hundreds of locals on Tuesday staged a protest demonstration after a casual labour of PDD died of electrocution in Rafiabad area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Quoting officials news agency KNO reported that the casual labour identified as Mohd Ramzan Wagay of Rawoocha Rafiabad was critically injured after he received an electric shock while repairing a transmission line in the area.

“Following the incident, the injured was taken to a nearby health center where doctors declared him dead on arrival,” they said.

Meanwhile, the locals staged a massive protest against the PDD terming the incident as sheer negligence of the department. The protester also demands stern action against those behind the incident.

“The deceased had two minor daughters. We want to ask the department what will happen to them now,” a local protester said, adding that all this has happened due to the negligence of the power department.

“The department has its own senior officers who never do this work themselves while they also have training due to which the lives of these poor employees are lost,” another protester said, adding that the government should provide compensation to the victim’s family.



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JK Reports 91 New Covid-19 Cases, One Death

SRINAGAR: The Government on Tuesday informed that 91 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 32 from Jammu division and 59 from Kashmir division, have been reported today, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 340924.Also, 01 COVID death has been reported from Kashmir Division.

Moreover, 127 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged from various hospitals including 29from Jammu Division and 98 from Kashmir Division.

The Bulletin informs that no new case of Mucormycosis has been reported today, thus  the total number of confirmed cases remains 50 across J&K.

On COVID vaccination, the bulletin informs that 96,780doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of doses administered across J&K to 1,82,59,957.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 340924 positive cases, 1296are Active Positive (347 in Jammu Division and 949in Kashmir Division), 335103 have recovered and 4525 have died; 2197 in Jammu division and 2328in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 19133058 test results available, 340924 samples have tested positive and 18792134 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 56,954 COVID tests have been conducted in last 24 hours.

Till date 5157331 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 8293 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 1296 in isolation and 432472 in home surveillance. Besides, 4710745 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup for positive cases reported today, the Bulletin said that Srinagar reported 30 cases, Baramulla reported 03 cases, Budgam reported 05 cases, Pulwama reported 03case, Kupwara reported 04 cases, Anantnag reported no case, Bandipora reported 05 cases, Ganderbal reported 09 cases while as Kulgam and Shopian reported no fresh case for today.

Similarly, Jammu reported 20 cases, Udhampur reported 01case, Rajouri   reported 02 cases, Doda reported 06 cases, Kathua reported 01case, Samba reported no case, Poonch reported 02 cases while as Kishtwar, Ramban and Reasi reported no fresh cases for today.

The bulletin further informs the general public that they can contact helpline numbers 0191-2520982/2674444/2674115/2674908/2549676 in Jammu Division and 0194-2440283/2430581/2452052/2457313/2457312 in Kashmir Division for any kind of guidance and assistance.

In case of emergency, people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 by calling toll free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free services by dialling toll free number 102, the bulletin reads.

It also informs that the public can reach national helpline by dialling 1075.

Further the bulletin also informs the public that for any kind of COVID-19 query, logon to https://ift.tt/2XYaXJZ

The readers can also reach us on the official Twitter account of DIPR-J&K @diprjk; website: http://www.jkdirinf.in; Webportal:  jkinfonews.com and Facebook: @dipr.jammu.kashmir.



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In SMHS Hospital, Central Heating System Is Put Off For Most of The Night In Peak Winter

by Minhaj Masoodi

SRINAGAR: A bone chilling disclosure has revealed that the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh (SMHS) Hospital put off its central heating system during the peak intense cold period between 12 in the night up to 6 am. The revelation has come in response to an RTI application.

A socio legal non-profit organization, Young Lawyers Forum was told by the SMHS management that its central heating system remains shut for 12 out in a 24 hour cycle. Importantly, the heating system is shut down at 12 PM midnight and is only restored at 6 o’clock in the morning.

As per the response furnished by the office of the Medical Superintendent, SMHS Hospital, a copy of which lies with the Kashmir Life has revealed that the heating system is operational from 6 AM to 12 PM and 6 Pm to 12 AM.

The response read: “As per the standing norms, Central Heating System becomes operational from 15th November each year. It would not be out of place to mention here that Central Heating System is already installed in this Hospital and is run by Mechanical Engineering Department-MED (Hospital Wing) and funds to procure High Speed Diesel (HSD) as per the requisition made by the said department, i.e; MED are released by Accounts Officer, SHMS Hospital (DDO) as per budgetary grants allocated under relevant component. However, in case severe cold starts early in the valley, the Government takes a call and issue necessary instruction to start Central Heating System earlier than that of scheduled date i.e; 15th of November, 2021.”

“Over and above, Split Air Conditioners are installed in some areas of Hospital, where heating is utmost and cannot be done away with i.e.: Theatres, Laboratories, ICUs etc., in order to avoid any inconvenience to the patients/attendants who visit the Hospital 24 x 7,” the response further read.

“However, in the meanwhile woollen curtains have been fixed on entry of Wards to get rid of the cold intensity. Besides, broken window panes have been replaced with the new ones, in order to prevent exhaust of Heat from the Hospital.

In respect of point No 04 of the aforesaid application, a copy of an order issued by this office, as regards, operation of Central Heating System in this Hospital for 2020-21 is appended in photostat.”

The order dated 09-11-20 reads, “The central heating system of this hospital shall run as per the following Schedule with effect from 15.11.2020:

  1. Morning: 6am to 12 noon =06 hours
  2.  Evening: 6pm to 12 pm= 06 hours.”

Dr Kanwaljeet Singh, Medical Superintendent, SMHS Hospital, said that there is no shutdown at night. “We run it for two to three hours at night. Rest, you can talk to the MED department, I am in a meeting,” he said and hung up.

Manzoor Khan, AEE, GMC Srinagar and Associated hospitals, Mechanical Engineering Department MED said that the concerned MS is the one who provides us the schedule for the central heating. “The central heating works till 12 at night. After that hot water circulates and the heat remains in circulation for 2-3 hours. That mitigates the cold to some extent.”

However, the people who have managed the intense cold nights in the hospital said the life literally goes numb once the heating system are put to rest. One of the residents who was attending a patient in the casualty ward said that the window panes are broken. The wind blows through these windows at night and the heating system is shut.

“It becomes freezing cold at night in wards when the heating system is turned off, especially during the night time. It becomes difficult for the attendants to survive the night, not to talk of the patients who are already in a physically deteriorated and weak condition. Administrative officials have air condition systems installed in their offices and are least bothered about the sufferings of the patients and attendants.”

Ubaid Mir, who is the general secretary of the organization, said that they had filed RTI applications to GMC Srinagar and associated hospitals seeking information regarding the availability of heating arrangements in the hospitals and the operational timings thereof. “We received responses from almost all the associated hospitals of GMC Srinagar but the response received from SMHS, which is one of the main hospitals in Kashmir is shocking.”

“As per current scientific research, lack of proper heating facilities not only causes inconvenience to the patients but also hampers their recovery. This is the reason we decided to file RTI applications in the matter, starting from GMC Srinagar and associated hospitals,” he said.

He said that as per RTI responses received from Bone and Joint Hospital, Kashmir Nursing home, GB Pant Hospital and Government Psychiatric Hospital Srinagar, the heating systems are operated as per need and weather conditions. “Further, the heating system at Sub district Hospital Hazratbal remains functional 24 x 7. SMHS hospital remains an exception to the general practice of running the heating system in 6 hour shifts.”

He demanded immediate cognizance and action of the government in the matter. “We are ready to take up the issue at the highest available forums,” he said.



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‘Cover Up’, Says PAGD On Hyderpora

SRINAGAR: People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) on Tuesday said that today’s  press briefing of Jammu and Kashmir police about last Hyderpora  tragic incident is only a repetition of old story.

In a statement PAGD said that it does not even, slightly give any objective picture of this shocking incident .

“There is a strong public perception that the civilians killed in the incident were made human shields by the security forces and the latest statement of the police seems to be an concocted  cover up story,” said PAGD spokesman in a statement.

“It will not suffice the legitimate  concerns of the people at large and family of the slain victims,” he said.

PAGD firmly believes that nothing short of a credible judicial probe will clear the doubts.

“The administration must,without any further delay, order a time bound  judicial probe,” said PAGD in a statement.



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Monday 27 December 2021

India Reports 6,358 New Covid Cases, Omicron Tally Reaches 653

New Delhi: India registered 6,358 fresh Covid cases in a span of 24 hours, the Union ministry of Health and Family welfare said on Tuesday.

As many as 293 deaths were also recorded pushing the death toll to 4,80,290.

Meanwhile, the Omicron infection tally has risen to 653 across the nation. However, of the total cases, 186 have been discharged from hospitals. So far, 21 states have reported Omicron infections, as per the ministry.

The recovery of 6,450 patients in the last 24 hours has increased the cumulative tally to 3,42,43,945. Consequently, India’s recovery rate stands at 98.40 per cent, the highest since March 2020.

India’s active caseload is presently at 75,456. Active cases constitute 0.22 per cent of the country’s total positive cases, the lowest since March 2020.

Also in the same period, a total of 10,35,495 tests were conducted across the country taking the cumulative tests to over 67.41 crore.

Meanwhile, the weekly positivity rate at 0.64 per cent has remained less than 1 per cent for the last 44 days now.

The daily positivity rate stands at 0.61 per cent, which has also remained below 2 per cent for last 85 days and less than 3 per cent for 120 consecutive days now.

With the administration of 72,87,547 vaccine doses in the last 24 hours, India’s Covid inoculation coverage has reached 142.47 crore as of Tuesday morning.

More than 16.80 crore balance and unutilised Covid vaccine doses are still available with the states and UTs to be administered, the ministry said. (IANS)



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Gulmarg Freezes At Minus 9.4, MeT Predicts Dry Weather Till Dec 31

SRINAGAR: Kashmir reeled under the cold wave with minimum temperatures below freezing point on Tuesday even as the Meteorological department predicted dry weather till December 31.

“Night temperatures are likely to drop further in the coming days as the weather is likely to remain dry till December 31,” MeT officials told Kashmir Life.

Gulmarg in north Kashmir the famous tourist place was the coldest place in the Valley where minimum temperature was minus 9.4 degrees.

Srinagar, the summer capital of the state recorded a low of 1.4 while the mercury in Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at a low of minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.

The night temperature in Pahalgam –settled at a low of minus 7.9 degrees.

Kokernag town recorded a low of minus 2.5 degrees Celsius while Kupwara town in north Kashmir registered a low of minus 1.0 degrees Celsius last night.

Jammu city recorded 7.7 degrees Celsius, Katra 5.2, Batote minus 0.2, Banihal recorded minus 1.8 and Bhaderwah recorded minus 1.1 degrees Celsius as the night’s lowest temperatures.



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Real Estate Summit: Mehbooba, Omar Say “True Intention” To Put J&K on “Sale”

SRINAGAR: Former chief ministers Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti lashed out at the administration for opening the Jammu and Kashmir to real estate investors.

The comments came after the Lieutenant Governor’s administration signed 39 MoUs worth Rs 18,300 crore with the country’s real investors for the development of housing and commercial projects in the Jammu and Kashmir.

Taking to microblogging site Twitter, Omar Abdullah wrote, “Once again the true intentions of the government are brought to the fore. While offering to secure the land, jobs, domicile laws & identity of the people of Ladakh, J&K is being put up for sale. People of Jammu should beware, ‘investors’ will buy up land in Jammu long before Kashmir.”

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti termed the summit “sale of the resources of J&K”.

“J&K’s special status was illegally revoked to dehumanise, dispossess & disempower the only Muslim majority state in India. GOIs brazen loot & sale of our resources shows that the sole motive is to annihilate our identity & change the demography,” Mehbooba tweeted.

The Apni Party also called this summit an “endeavour for undermining the domicile law”.

Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Monday in a statement said that efforts that aim at a holistic development and job creation in Jammu and Kashmir are welcome but not at the cost of domicile laws that safeguard land and employment rights of its permanent residents.

He said, “Our party will always welcome any efforts that will foster progress and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. But at the same time, we are pledged to resist any plans that will do away with the exclusive rights of the people on their land and jobs.”



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Covid-19: One Death, 111 New Infections, 127 Recoveries In 24 Hours

SRINAGAR: The Government on Monday informed that 111 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 32 from Jammu division and 79 from Kashmir division, have been reported today, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 340833.Also, 01 COVID death has been reported from Kashmir Division.

Moreover, 127 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and been discharged from various hospitals including 43from Jammu Division and 84 from Kashmir Division.

The Bulletin informs that no new case of Mucormycosis has been reported today, thus the total number of confirmed cases remains 50 across J&K..

On COVID vaccination, the bulletin informs that 99,241doses of COVID vaccine have been administered in the last 24 hours bringing the cumulative number of doses administered across J&K to1,81,47,151.

According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 340833 positive cases, 1333are Active Positive (344 in Jammu Division and 989in Kashmir Division), 334976 have recovered and 4524 have died; 2197 in Jammu division and 2327in Kashmir division.

The Bulletin further said that out of 19076104 test results available, 340833 samples have tested positive and 18735271 samples have been tested as negative till date. Besides, 46,897 COVID tests have been conducted in last 24 hours.

Till date 5138130 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 8404 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 1333 in isolation and 433256 in home surveillance. Besides, 4690613 persons have completed their surveillance period.

Providing district-wise breakup for positive cases reported today, the Bulletin said that Srinagar reported 38 cases, Baramulla reported 19 cases, Budgam reported 05 cases, Pulwama reported 02case, Kupwara reported 03cases, Anantnag reported no case, Bandipora reported 02 cases, Ganderbal reported 09cases,Kulgamreported 01 case while as Shopian reported no fresh case for today.

Similarly, Jammu reported 21 cases, Udhampur reported 02 cases, Rajouri   reported 01 case, Doda reported 03 cases, Kathua reported 01case, Samba reported no case, Poonch reported 03 cases, Kishtwar reported 01case while as Ramban and Reasi reported no fresh cases for today.

The bulletin further informs the general public that they can contact helpline numbers 0191-2520982/2674444/2674115/2674908/2549676 in Jammu Division and 0194-2440283/2430581/2452052/2457313/2457312 in Kashmir Division for any kind of guidance and assistance.

In case of emergency, people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 by calling toll free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free services by dialling toll free number 102, the bulletin reads.

It also informs that the public can reach national helpline by dialling 1075.

Further the bulletin also informs the public that for any kind of COVID-19 query, logon to https://ift.tt/2XYaXJZ

The readers can also reach us on the official Twitter account of DIPR-J&K @diprjk; website: http://www.jkdirinf.in; Webportal:  jkinfonews.com and Facebook: @dipr.jammu.kashmir.



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Earthquake Hits Kashmir

SRINAGAR: An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale jolted Jammu and Kashmir at 19:09 pm on Monday.

According to the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre of the earthquake was at the depth of 137 km deep at Lat:35.68 N & Long: 75.30 E in the region of Jammu and Kashmir.

However, there were no immediate reports of any loss of life or damage to property due to the earthquake.

 



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Rydham Singh Appointed Vice President Youth Peoples Conference

SRINAGAR: In an effort to strengthen the organisation structure of the party, the PC has appointed Rydham Singh as J&K Vice President Youth.

Rydham Singh Appointed Vice President Youth Peoples Conference

“We are pleased to appoint Rydham Singh as Vice President Youth Peoples Conference. I congratulate him and wish him all the best for his new role. I have no doubts that Rydham Singh will work woth utmost honesty and dedication in carrying forward the vision and policies of the party,” PC Youth President Sheikh Mohammad Imran said in a statement.



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Fresh Snowfall In Higher Reaches, Rain In Plains

SRINAGAR: Higher reaches in Kashmir received fresh snowfall while rains lashed plains in Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Monday. The snowfall has led to closure of Bandipora-Gurez as well as Srinagar-Leh roads besides Machil, Keran and Karnah.

Mughal road, connecting Shopian with Poonch and Rajouri districts as well as Kishtwar-Sinthan road are closed.

According to news agency GNS, 3 inches of fresh snowfall had accumulated this morning around Razdan top and other adjoining areas, leading to the closure of the Bandipora-Gurez highway.

Reports of 2 inches snowfall was recorded in Kishtwar—Machial (2 inches), Ishtayari (3 inches) Marwah (3 inches) and Warwan (6 inches).

Reports from Kupwara said that Machil recorded 5 inches, Z Gali (7 inches) Firkantop (6 inches) and Sadna top (7 inches) while it was still snowing.

“As expected, light snow/rain occurred at many places in both J&K and Ladakh,” a meteorological department official said.

Regarding forecast, he said, weather will remain generally cloudy in both J&K and Ladakh with chances of light snow at some places, mainly over higher reaches during the next 24 hours. “There’s no forecast of any major snowfall till ending December.”

He said from tomorrow, “appreciable” rise in day temperature and fall in mercury during night. “There would be warmer days and colder nights till approach of next Western Disturbance,” he added.

Meanwhile Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K recorded a low of 2.2°C against last night’s minus 1.8°C.

Kashmir is presently under the grip of 40-day long harshest period of winter, known locally as ‘Chillai Kalan, which started from December 21. It is followed by a 20-day long ‘Chillai Khurd’ and a 10-day-long ‘Chilla Bachha’.

The mercury settled at minus 6.0°C against minus 7.5°C on the previous night at the world famous resort of Gulmarg.Reports said Gulmarg recieved around 5-6 inches of fresh snowfall while Tangmarg had 2 inches of fresh snowfall in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official said. It is normal for the famous resort.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, had a low of 1.2°C against minus 1.2°C on the previous night, he said.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 4.1°C against minus 3.8°C on previous night.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 2.3°C against minus 0.3°C on previous night, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a minimum of 1.5°C against minus 1.5°C on the previous night, the official said.



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Will Break All Walls That Come In Way Of JK’s Development: LG Sinha

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Monday said that some people don’t want J&K to grow on the development front and that his government is committed to “break all walls that create hurdles” in making the UT at par with other parts of India.

Addressing the first-ever J&K Real Estate Conference in Jammu, LG Sinha as per news agency KNO, Sinha said that some people keep on misleading others that there can be no development in J&K. “They don’t want J&K to develop at part with other parts of India. They want industries without giving land for it and development without investments. But we will break all walls that will come in the way of J&K,” news agency KNO quoted the LG as having said.

He said that Srinagar will host Real Estate Summit on May 23 this year that will pave way for Kashmir’s development on real estate front. The LG also announced that likewise in other parts of India, J&K too will have a Central Secretariat soon as the land for the same has been identified.

LG Sinha said that at present all hotels, guest houses and lodges are booked due to the huge tourist influx in Kashmir at present. “I get three to four calls from people and friends to arrange hotels for them as all hotels are booked in Kashmir. There is need to have more hotels and guest houses in Kashmir to accommodate more tourists,” he said.



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Two Injured In Explosion At GMC Baramulla

SRINAGAR: Two persons sustained burn injuries in an Oxygen plant leakage incident at Government Medical College Baramulla on Monday morning, officials said.

Explosion At GMC Baramulla Oxygen Plant

Quoting officials news agency GNS reported that two technicians identified as Asif Mushtaq Bhat, 25, son of Mohammad Ashraf Bhat resident of Delina Baramulla and Mohammad Saleem Khan, 30, son of Ghulam Nabi Khan resident of Kandli Bagh Baramulla suffered facial injuries in the incident.

Both the injured were taken to a Srinagar hospital for treatment, the official added.



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Fire Damages Hotel In Central Kashmir

SRINAGAR: A hotel in Kangan area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district was damaged in a devastating fire incident on Monday.

Fire damages hotel in central Kashmir’s Kangan

An eyewitness said that fire broke out on Monday morning at Hotel Snow Land and Resorts in Mammar. In the incident, the building sustained massive damage. Soon after the incident, the fire and emergency men rushed on the spot and controlled the flames.

In this regard, police have also taken the cognizance of the incident.



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Sunday 26 December 2021

Briefing December 26, 2021 – January 1, 2022

KATHUA

Anand Dutta one of the convict in Kathua rape and murder case

The Punjab and Haryana High Court, which is the trial court for the sensational Kathua rape of an 8-year old nomad girl, has suspended the remaining sentence of Anand Dutta, a Police officer who was convicted for destruction of evidence. He was one of the six accused in the January 2018 rape and murder case that also led to the resignation of two cabinet ministers. Dutta, was a Sub Inspector and in charge of the police station when the crime was reported. Court sent him for rigorous imprisonment for five years. “Prayer made in the instant application is accepted and the remaining sentence of the applicant/appellant-AnandDutta is suspended during the pendency of the appeal. The applicant/appellant-AnandDutta is ordered to be released on bail on his furnishing personal/surety bonds to the satisfaction of Chief Judicial Magistrate/Duty Magistrate concerned,” the court order said.

The counsel appearing on behalf of the accused contended that he was falsely implicated in the case and that the allegations levelled by the prosecution were not corroborated by any material particulars. The case was investigated by a group of senior officers of the JKP’s Crime Branch. His counsel had pleaded that the accused has undergone more than half of the substantive sentence awarded to him (2 years 7 months and three days) and that sentence of the co-accused Tilak Raj was earlier suspended by the High Court on December 16, 2021. Before being bailed out, Dutta had availed of parole for 11 months and 14 days.

A group of Hanguls or Kashmir Stags pass through grassy slopes in Dachigam National Park Srinagar, on Friday, December 27, 2013, the wildlife population of Kashmir has increased
photo by bilal bahadur

Hangul population is improving but the animal has a skewed male-female and fawn-female ratio. The April census showed the animal numbers growing from 237 in 2019 to 261 in 2021. It also said the animal’s sex ratio (males per 100 females) was 12.6 in 2021 down from 15.3 in 2019. The number of fawns per 100 females, however, has increased to 13.4 in 2021 from 9 in 2019.

JAMMU

The world-famous American sci-fi drama series Person of Interest is becoming relevant to Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Police (JKP), according to a Media Nama exclusive has reportedly issued tenders for a project aimed at installing 200 facial recognition-enabled CCTV cameras. The idea is to install 1000 such surveillance cameras across Jammu and Kashmir. Reports suggest that the “tender documents reveal that the facial recognition project also seeks the appointment of a system integrator for the entire surveillance network, and solutions from vendors whose products have been tested by the United States National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST)”. The systems are required to be hugely intelligent because they have to count the people in the crowd, decide their gender; estimate crowd density; detect a person falling down suddenly; recognize a person with a beard or with glasses; match a suspected criminal face from pre-recorded feeds; issue alerts if suspects or blacklisted people are captured in a frame composing multiple people; and create a dataset of white-listed individuals and enable a feature that can raise the severity of an alert. In all this, the accuracy must be 90 per cent.

In the last two years, there were 5,601 ceasefire violations by Pakistan

GENEVA

United Nations Flag

Currently, in judicial custody, the arrest of human rights activist, Khurram Parvez is being debated within the civil liberty community. The latest is the statement issued by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders (HRD) Mary Lawlor. “We are concerned that 1 month after Mr. Parvez’s arrest, he is still deprived of liberty in what appears to be a new incident of retaliation for his legitimate activities as a Human Rights Defender.” The statement she tweeted said: “In his search for accountability, Mr. Parvez has been the victim of a number of incidents of reprisals reportedly for sharing this information with the United Nations, as documented in various reports of the Secretary-General and communications from UN special procedures mandate holders.” Arrested on November 22, 2021, under UAPA, Parvez is presently detained at the Rohini Jail Complex.

A civil administration official writing a receipt for the ‘fine’ imposed on a person for violating the Covid19 guidelines. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur

In order to enforce the Covid19 protocol, the government has revived the penalty system – Rs 200 for the first violation and Rs 500 for the second. The harsh measure is aimed at preventing the new variant Omicron that has three established cases in Jammu – two women and KV student with neither of the trio any travel history. Recently 29 women in LD Hospital tested positive for Covid19.

MUMBAI

Beauty Queen Sushmita Sen with her Kashmiri boyfriend Rohman Shawl, who is younger to her by 15 years.

One of tinsel town’s real love stories involving Kashmir has ended. The 1994 Ms Universe and actor, Sushmita Sen, 46, has confirmed that she has separated from her boyfriend Rohman Shawl, 30, after three years of relationship. In relationship with the Kashmir model since 2018, Sen was living with him along with her two adopted daughters. They had met through Instagram. The split revealed itself when they unfollowed each other and was finally confirmed by Sen. “We began as friends, we remain friends!!,” she wrote. “The relationship was long over…the love remains!!” Reports suggest that Shawl has moved out of Sen’s apartment and is staying “at a close friend’s home”.

In the last five years ending 2020-21, Jammu and Kashmir government has collected a whopping Rs 6791 crore as taxes on fuels.

BILLAWAR

Kuldeep Singh Kathua resident

It took 29 years for Kuldeep Singh, a resident of Chinji Makwal village to get freed from a Pakistani jail and return home. His wife Urmila waited for her husband for almost three decades. Singh told reporters in Punjab after he crossed over that he was a spy and the systems forgot him after he was arrested in Pakistan.

Nearly 8500 out of total 9905 bunkers ready for use by border dwellers

RAJOURI

It was sort of history in making when the residents in Rajouri took an outgoing Station House Officer (SHO), inspector Sameer Jeelani in a procession like a groom after his transfer. A video shows the police officer being carried on shoulders amid drum beating by people. In recent history, it is being seen as an unprecedented send-off. Before his 30-months tenure ended in Rajouri, he was invited to a series of special functions organised in his honour by diverse sections of the society. The warm send-off was in recognition of his “tremendous work” during his tenure that included arresting a gang of cow vigilantes who killed a young man, being beaten while crossing Mughal Road and deciding to fight back and becoming a sort of social worker during the Covid19 lockdown. He was even accused of preventing entry of DC into a police station recently.

In areas closer to the border (IB and LoC), the government has started building 9905 bunkers (8444 for individual and 1461 for community use) in the Jammu region. By now, almost 8500 are ready for use.

JAMMU

Nawab Bazar resident Mumin Khan, 23, created a new record in Deadlift by lifting 262.5 kg. The previous record of 260 kg was created by powerlifter Amandeep Singh. The record in the Jammu and Kashmir powerlifting and Deadlift championship 2021-22, in which 200 powerlifters participated, fetched him the nomination for nationals to be played at Kerala in February 2022. Khan’s last record was 285 kg (September 2021). Son of a power-lifter, Khan is currently pursuing an engineering degree from SSM College Pattan. In November 2020, Khan was crowned as Power Man of Kashmir. In the championship, Kashmir bagged 10 Golds and four Silvers.

KULGAM

Stargazing: Inmates, mostly orphans, of a Home for orphans in Kulgam watching the skies in a science camp within the premises. The home, Bait-ul-Hilal is run by Jammu and Kashmir Yateem Foundation. pic: special arrangement

In an interesting idea, the managers of JK Yateem Foundation tied up with Science Teachers Association (STA) and brought three powerful telescopes to the Al-Hilal Residential Educational Institute at Chawalgam to help the inmates in star-gazing. Interesting, some local kids not living with the facility also joined the event. “The participants evinced great interest and were fascinated to watch the four moons of the planet Jupiter, rings of the planet Saturn and beautiful Venus planet of the solar system besides craters on the moon,” a Foundation spokesperson said. “A Planetarium Show was also held for the students to explore various constellations of stars.”

DUBAI

The Tengpora (Srinagar) based farmer produce organisation (FPO) implemented by NABARD has 192 members. Some of its organic produce was recently flown to Sharjah (UAE) through Lulu Group. The consignment included kale, turnip, carrot, white radish, cauliflower, broccoli, lotus roots, rice, dried mushrooms, and saffron. Srinagar is connected with Sharjah and a flight goes many times a week.



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