SRINAGAR: Gunshots were heard on Thursday morning in Nowgam area spreading panic in the area.
“I am just rushing towards the spot,” a police officer said. “We are told there is firing.”
Police and army have also rushed to the spot. There are not many details available.
More details are awaited.
SRINAGAR: India recorded 72,330 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, the highest since October 2020, taking the total tally to 1,22,21,665 on Thursday.
The active cases have now increased to 5,84,055 comprising 4.78 per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 93.89 per cent.
The death toll increased to 1,62,927 with 459 daily new fatalities.
The number of people who have recovered from the disease surged to 1,14,74,683, while the case fatality rate stood at 1.33 per cent, the data stated.
A total of 24,47,98,621 samples were tested for Covid-19 up to March 31. Of these, 11,25,681 samples were tested on Wednesday, said the Indian Council of Medical Research.
India fought through the first wave of infection six months ago and recorded the highest single-day spike of 93,617 cases on September 16. The highest number of deaths recorded in a day were 1,169 on September 15.
Eight states — Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh are logging high numbers of Covid-19 daily new cases, the Health Ministry said.
The Centre has advised high-burden states and Union territories to take stringent measures for containment of the surge.
So far, 6.51 crore doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for ‘Covishield’ and ‘Covaxin’. (IANS)
SRINAGAR: A sub-inspector rank officer of Jammu and Kashmir police who is posted as Police Post incharge Marheen in Kathua district was critically injured after he was knocked down by an unknown vehicle at a police Naka late last night.
Senior superintendent of police Kathua, RC Kotwal told the news agency KNO that that SI Vikas Sharma, who is in charge of Police Post Marheen, was on a routine vehicle checking duty outside the post during late evening hours on Wednesday when an unknown vehicle hit him.
“The officer has received injuries in his head and after being given the first aid at Kathua hospital, he was shifted to GMC Jammu for specialised treatment,” SSP Kathua said.
SRINAGAR: The directorate of school education Kashmir (DSEK) Wednesday ordered new school timings in respect of government and private schools from April 1, 2021.
According to an official communiqué issued here, the new timing for schools falling in areas within the Srinagar municipal limits shall be 9am to 3pm, while the timing will be 9:30 am to 3:30Pm for schools falling outside such limits.
The communiqué further read that all concerned institutions shall strictly adhere to the timing order and “any deviation in this regard shall be dealt with seriously”.
by Mohammad Younis
SRINAGAR: The counter insurgent forces on Wednesday launched a cordon and search operation in Ahangar Mohalla in Tujjar sharief area of north Kashmir’s Sopore town of Baramulla district.
Reports said that a joint team of army’s 22 RR, SOG of Jammu Kashmir Police and 92 battalion CRPF cordoned off the Ahangar Mohalla in Tujjar Sopore.
They said the CASO was launched in the village following inputs about the presence of militants.
Sources said that large numbers of forces have been deployed in the area and door to door search operation is going on.
More details are awaited.
SRINAGAR: At least 14 students from a Government High School Katsoo Srigufwara in South Kashmir’s Anantnag district were tested COVID_19 positive on Wednesday while the authorities have ordered closure of the school for one week.
Pertinently, 36 students and 60-year-old man from a private school in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district were tested positive today.
Block Medical Officer (BMO) Dr Arshid Tak confirmed to the news agency KNO that 14 students of Govt High School Katsoo Srigufwara were tested positive for Covid-19.
Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Abdul Rashid said that the samples of 138 students were taken today and 14 among them were tested positive.
He said the administration including concerned Tehsildar has decided to keep school closed for one week.
SRINAGAR: The Government on Wednesday informed that 373 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 73 from Jammu division and 300 from Kashmir division, have been reported today, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 130960.Also 04 COVID-19 deaths have been reported, 01 from Jammu Division and 03 from Kashmir Division.
Moreover, 131 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 26 from Jammu Division and 105 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 130960 positive cases, 2531 are Active Positive, 126435 have recovered and 1994have died; 736 in Jammu division and 1258 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 6051587test results available, 5920627 samples have been tested as negative till March 31, 2021.
Till date 1507692 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 29291 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 2531 in isolation and 122508in home surveillance. Besides, 1351368 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 29062 positive cases (including 159 cases reported today) with 1051 Active Positive, 27539recovered (including 72 cases recovered today), 472 deaths; Baramulla has 8848 positive cases (including 63 cases reported today)with 349Active Positive, 8319 recovered (including 19 cases recovered today), 180 deaths; Budgam reported 8208 positive cases (including 26 cases reported today)with 162 active positive cases, 7926 recovered (including 08cases recovered today), 120 deaths; Pulwama has 5992 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today)with 82 Active Positive, 5818 recovered and 92 deaths; Kupwara has 5807 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today), 70 Active Positive, 5640recoveries, 97 deaths; Anantnag district has 5175 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today)with 39 Active Positive, 5042 recovered, 94 deaths; Bandipora has 4763 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today), with29 Active Positive and 4672 recoveries (including 03 cases recovered today), 62 deaths; Ganderbal has 4717 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today)with 23 Active Positive, 4647 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today)and47deaths; Kulgam has 2799 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today)with 23 Active Positive, 2703 recoveries (including 01 cases recovered today)and 54 deaths while as Shopian has 2648 positive cases (including 01 cases reported today),23 active positive cases, 2585 recoveries and 40 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 25912 positive cases (including 45 cases reported today) with 484 active positive cases, 25047recoveries (including 20 cases recovered today), 381 deaths; Udhampur has 4361 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today), 27active positive cases, 4277 recoveries (including 02 cases reported today)and57 deaths; Rajouri has 3895 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today)with 13 active positive, 3827 recoveries and 55 deaths; Doda has 3455 positive caseswith05 Active positive, 3386 recovered and 64 deaths; Kathua has 3329 positive cases (including 11 cases reported today), 49 active positive cases, 3227 recovered(including 02 cases recovered today) and 53 deaths; Kishtwar has 2756 positive cases with 17 Active Positive, 2717 recoveriesand22 deaths; Samba has 2861 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today)with 18 active positive cases, 2802 recoveries and 41 deaths; Poonch has 2548 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 20 active positive, 2502recoveriesand 26 deaths; Ramban has 2159 positive cases with 21 active positive cases, 2117 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today)and 21 deaths while Reasi has 1665 positive with 07 active positive cases, 1642 recoveries and 16 deaths.
According to the bulletin, among the total 130960 positive cases in J&K, 13379 have been reported as travelers while 117581 as others.
The Bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
The bulletin added that there are 1091 COVID dedicated beds, 962 Isolation beds with 926 vacant beds and 129 ICU beds where 112 beds are vacant in Jammu division while there are 1570 COVID dedicated beds, 1484 Isolation beds where 1356 beds are vacant and 86 ICU beds where 75are vacant beds in Kashmir division. There are a total of 2661 COVID dedicated beds, 2446 Isolation beds with 2282 beds vacant and 215 ICU beds with 187vacant beds in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Central Government is continuously monitoring the evolving situation of Covid-19 in the Union Territory and is providing all necessary support towards effective containment of the spread of Covid-19 and better clinical management of positive cases.
The government has also started free tele-consultation general OPD services by Specialists/MBBS Doctors for the residents of J&K under National Tele-consultation Service. People can avail these services from Home by registering online on web portal https://ift.tt/2YXoEWE. The services are available on Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. People can also download and install esanjeevani OPD app from google play store.
Besides, 24×7 Rapid Antigen Testing facility for COVID-19 has been started outside the emergency of GMC Hospital Jammu. The facility will be very useful for segregation of patients in emergency wing of GMC Jammu.
Meanwhile, a 24×7 COVID Control Room has been set up for redressal of the grievances related to COVID-19 positive patients admitted in the Associated Hospitals of Government Medical College, Jammu and Government Hospital, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. Patients or attendants can call at 0191– 258 5444 (Control Room), Exchange: 0191-258 2626 / 258 5542 / 258 4290 /258 4291 / 258 4292 / 258 4293/ 258 4294 for assistance.
The bulletin has informed the people that, the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialing toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Corona virus Disease (COVID-19).
The bulletin has informed that the Directorate of Indian Systems of Medicine, J&K is distributing AYUSH Medicines having immunity boosting, immuno-modulator, anti-oxidant, rejuvenator, anti-stress, metabolism regulator, anti-allergic, anti-pyretic, anti-tussives, bronchodilator, etc. properties during the COVID-19 pandemic. The department so far has provided medicine to 15.15 lakh people that include various frontline workers, senior citizens, PRIs, police/paramilitary personals and general masses. Moreover, preventive measures and Yoga therapies are also being advised to the people to take care of lifestyle/mental disorders so that physical and mental health is ensured during this pandemic.
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumors and pay no heed to them at the same time
SRINAGAR: The Chairman and Managing Director of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, R K Chibber got yet another extension in his services. This extension is for six months.
RK Chibber
With the fresh extensions, Chibber has grown higher in the history of Jammu and Kashmir Bank to be the longest-serving Chief Executive whose services were extended for more than two years. This is his seventh extension.
The Jammu and Kashmir Bank has already sent a communication to the BSE and NSE that the services of Chibber have been extended. The extension has been approved by the Reserve Bank of India. Chibber was supposed to complete his long tenure of extensions on April 10, 2021. Ahead of his retirement in October 2019, Chibber was appointed as Chairman and MD of the bank on a time gap basis in June 2019 after Parvez Ahmad was sacked from the position.
SRINAGAR: A massive fire broke out in a business unit at Namchibal near Gandhi College in Fateh Kadal area of central Kashmir’s Srinagar on Wednesday evening.
Fire breaks out in Fateh Kadal in Srinagar. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
An official from the fire and emergency department said that fire broke out in a business unit at Namchibal near Gandhi College in Fateh Kadal area of Srinagar.
Soon after the incident, the fire tenders were rushed to the area to douse the flames, he said.
The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, the official said, adding there were no reports of any loss of life or injury to anyone so far.
More details are awaited.
by Umar Raina
SRINAGAR: A driver of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) killed after he came under an heavy avalanche in Pani Matha near Zojila Pass on Wednesday, sources said.
Police sources said that the driver of BRO who was doing snow clearance operation from Zojila road came under an heavy avalanche at Pani Matha near Zojila Pass at around 5:00 pm On Wednesday,resulting the onspot death of driver.
As soon as the other labourers and officers of BRO who were present there started a massive rescue operation and with the help of police they took the dead body out from the avalanche and has been taken it to SDH Kangan for medico legal formalities.
The deceased driver identified as Ghulam Rasool Bhat (50) Son of Ghulam Mohammad Bhat a resident of Gagangeer Sonamarg.
SRINAGAR: While chairing a high-level meeting to review the preparations for summer darbar move 2021, the Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam informed that there will be a substantial reduction in the transportation of records during the bi-annual shifting of capital from Jammu to Srinagar on April 30, 2021.
It was informed that the Government has taken concrete steps to switch to paperless office by rolling out e-office in the moving departments. As such, most of the official record has been uploaded to the e-office, and training of employees has begun. The switch to the online mode will avoid wear and tear as well as loss of official record during the bi-annual transit, besides saving the associated transportation cost.
The General Administration Department informed that the move offices observing 5-day week and 6-day week will close at Jammu on 30th April 2021 and 1st May 2021, respectively. All the offices will reopen in the summer capital city of Srinagar on 10th May 2021.
The meeting reviewed the arrangements being made to transport employees and limited records on 1st -2nd May 2021 and 8th-9th May 2021. The security/ escort plan, availability of trucks and buses, recovery vans, mobile workshops, health facilities, and ambulances along the highway were discussed threadbare.
The Chief Secretary directed the Traffic Department to ensure hassle-free movement of the convoy from Jammu to Srinagar. He directed the BEACON and NHAI to ensure the good condition of the National Highway-44.
The Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs Department was asked to distribute temporary ration cards to the move-employees through a special week-long camp.
The Chief Secretary also directed the Estates, Jal Shakti, and Power departments, and Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) to inspect residential colonies of the move-employees and ensure complete sanitation, availability of electricity, potable drinking water, and other basic facilities therein.
He asked Estates Departments to set up additional convenience facilities at the Civil Secretariat Srinagar for employees, besides ensuring adequate drinking water facilities and cleanliness.
It was decided that a Mini-Secretariat will be kept functional in Jammu during the summer season for the safekeeping of the official record and accordingly, Estates Department was directed to ensure availability of adequate accommodation and facilities at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu.
Administrative Secretaries of departments of Rural Development Department, Housing & Urban Development, General Administration, Estates, Jal Shakti, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, besides Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioners of JMC and SMC along with IGP, Security, IGP Kashmir, and IGP, Jammu participated in the meeting.
SRINAGAR: The Biden administration has said that the situating is improving in Jammu and Kashmir even as it admitted there are issues pertaining to civil rights and the freedom of speech. The assessment is part of the US state department’s annual human rights country reports for 2020.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with US Vice President Joe Biden during former’s US visit a few years before Biden was elected as the President of USA
The report released by the Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the Government of India has continued to “take steps to restore normalcy”.
Here are the relevant excerpts from the detailed report that was released by the US State Department on Tuesday:
“The government continued taking steps to restore normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir by gradually lifting some security and communications restrictions. The government released most political activists from detention. In January the government partially restored internet access; however, high-speed 4G mobile internet remained restricted in most parts of Jammu and Kashmir. The government began a process to redraw electoral constituencies but did not announce a timeline for local assembly elections. Local district development council elections took place in December in which a coalition of Kashmiri opposition parties won the majority of seats.
Killings by government and non-government forces, including insurgents and terrorists, were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, north-eastern states, and Maoist affected areas of the country. The South Asia Terrorism Portal (SATP) reported the deaths of 63 civilians, 89 security force members, and 284 insurgents countrywide as a result of terrorism or insurgency attacks. The Jammu and Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society (JKCCS) reported 229 killings in 107 incidents in the first six months of the year. JKCCS also reported 32 extrajudicial killings in the first half of the year in Jammu and Kashmir.
Formal charges have yet to be filed in the 2018 killing of Rising Kashmir editor in chief Shujaat Bukhari and his two police bodyguards. A police investigation alleged that terrorists belonging to Lashkar-e-Tayyiba targeted Bukhari in retaliation for his support of a government-backed peace effort. While a police special investigation team arrested three persons in 2019 “for their alleged role in arranging the logistics,” the perpetrators were still at large, and the case remained open.
Respect for the Integrity of the Person: Under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), the central government may designate a state or union territory as a “disturbed area,” authorizing security forces in the state to use deadly force to “maintain law and order” and to arrest any person “against whom reasonable suspicion exists” without informing the detainee of the grounds for arrest. The law also provides security forces immunity from civilian prosecution for acts committed in regions under the AFSPA. In 2016 the Supreme Court stated that every death caused by the armed forces in a disturbed area, whether of a civilian or a terrorist suspect, should be investigated.
The AFSPA remained in effect in Nagaland, parts of Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Assam, and a version of the law was in effect in Jammu and Kashmir. The AFSPA was renewed through January 2021 in Nagaland, which had been under the AFSPA for nearly six decades. Human rights organizations asserted the law is in violation of Article 21 of the constitution and continued to call for its repeal, citing numerous alleged human rights violations.
Nongovernmental forces, including organized insurgents and terrorists, committed numerous killings. Maoists in Jharkhand and Bihar continued to attack security forces and infrastructure facilities, including roads, railways, and communication towers. The SATP reported terrorist attacks resulted in the death of 99 civilians, 106 security force members, and 383 terrorists or insurgents during the year; this was the lowest numbers of civilians killed since the SATP began reporting this data in 2000. As of July terrorists killed six political party leaders in Jammu and Kashmir.
Disappearances: There were allegations of enforced disappearance by the Jammu and Kashmir police. Although authorities denied these charges and claimed no enforced disappearances had occurred since 2015, the International Federation for Human Rights reported that cases of enforced disappearances continued through 2019. The Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission ordered an investigation of enforced disappearances in 2018.
Torture: There were reports of security forces acting with impunity although members were also held accountable for illegal actions. In December the Indian Army indicted an officer and two others of extrajudicial killings in Jammu and Kashmir. Also, Jammu and Kashmir Police filed local charges against the accused. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) may request information about cases involving the army and paramilitary forces.
Arrest Procedures: The Public Safety Act (PSA), which applies only in Jammu and Kashmir, permits authorities to detain persons without charge or judicial review for up to two years without visitation from family members. After extending her detention by three months during the year, authorities released former chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti, who had been detained under the PSA. According to the JKCCS, 662 individuals were arrested under the PSA in 2019, of whom 412 remained under detention as of August. The government released most political activists from detention, although several Kashmiri politicians were reportedly detained in the period prior to the district development council elections in December.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir allowed detainees access to a lawyer during interrogation, but human rights groups documented that police routinely employed arbitrary detention and denied detainees further access to lawyers and medical attention.
In August 2019 parliament passed an amendment to the UAPA that allows the government to designate individuals as terrorists and provides new authorities to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to seize properties acquired from proceeds of terrorism. According to the Center for Law and Policy Research, the number of cases filed under the UAPA rose from 976 cases in 2014 to 1,182 cases in 2018. States and union territories with insurgent activity, including Manipur and Jammu and Kashmir, also saw an increase in the application of the UAPA.
On April 10, authorities arrested pregnant student leader Safoora Zargar under the UAPA for allegedly conspiring to incite the Delhi riots. The Delhi High Court released her on June 23 after the central government did not object to her release.
Fair Trial: The judicial system remained seriously overburdened and lacked modern case management systems, often delaying or denying justice. According to Department of Justice statistics released in September, there were 398 judicial vacancies in the 1,079 judicial positions on the country’s 25 high courts.
In April, Mohammed Yasin Malik, leader of the pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), was arrested and charged with murder in the death of four Air Force officials in 1990. Malik was denied the right to be physically present in court. Human rights groups in Kashmir, including the JKCCS, expressed concern regarding whether Malik was receiving a fair trial.
In March 2019 the Ministry of Home Affairs declared the JKLF an unlawful organization for five years under the UAPA. A ministry statement accused Malik and the JKLF of participating in the “genocide” of Kashmiri Hindu Pandits in 1989, as well as the murder of air force personnel, kidnappings, and funding terrorism. Malik and the JKLF were involved in violence in the early 1990s until Malik renounced violent separatism in 1994 and declared a ceasefire.
Political Prisoners: There were reports of political prisoners and detainees. NGOs reported the central government held political prisoners and temporarily detained individuals in Jammu and Kashmir under the PSA. On September 15, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed parliament that 223 political leaders from Jammu and Kashmir, who had been detained after August 2019, remained in detention but added “no person is under house arrest.”
Abuse of Internal Conflict: On August 14, HRW called for an impartial investigation into the July 18 killing of three men by security forces in Jammu and Kashmir. The army claimed the men were militants killed in retaliatory gunfire in Shopian District. The family members identified the bodies from photographs circulated on social media and claimed they were laborers. The army instituted a court of inquiry into the killings, and on September 18, army officials stated the troops “exceeded powers vested under AFSPA.” The army initiated disciplinary proceedings against those involved in the incident.
Killings: Various domestic and international human rights organizations continued to express serious concern at the use of pellet guns by security forces for crowd control purposes in Jammu and Kashmir. In March the Jammu and Kashmir High Court dismissed the public interest litigation petition seeking a ban on the use of pellet guns on protesters, asserting that police have the right to administer force in self-defense when facing violent protests. Ministry of Home Affairs data and Srinagar hospital records showed that at least 18 individuals died from pellet gun injuries between July 2016 and February 2019.
Physical Abuse: A May 2019 report by the JKCCS and the Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons alleged that police, military, and paramilitary forces in Jammu and Kashmir used torture against civilians and opposition over the past four decades.
The report documented 432 testimonies from individuals who claimed to have been tortured. There were continued allegations of physical abuse and torture following the government’s enhanced security measures in Jammu and Kashmir after the August 2019 move to abrogate Article 370 of the constitution.
On August 30, there were violent clashes between security personnel and Shia Muslim marchers in Jammu and Kashmir during Muharram processions. Approximately 200 to 250 individuals and 30 to 40 police personnel were injured, according to several media reports.
Child Soldiers: No information was available on how many persons younger than 18 were serving in the armed forces.
Insurgent groups reportedly used children to attack government entities. In June the annual UN Children and Armed Conflict report outlined allegations that at least five children were recruited by, and joined, militant groups in Jammu and Kashmir, and at least two of these children were killed in encounters with security forces.
NGOs estimated at least 2,500 children were associated with insurgent armed groups in Maoist-affected areas as well as insurgent groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the United Nations, 68 children between the ages of nine and 17 were detained by security services in Jammu and Kashmir on national security-related charges, including one for actual or alleged association with armed groups.
In January 2019 the Observer Research Foundation reported militant groups in Kashmir recruited juveniles. The foundation highlighted the conditions that encouraged minors in Jammu and Kashmir to join such groups. The report discussed the involvement of children in acts of violence, such as stone-pelting and arson, which was then followed by a heavy-handed crackdown by security forces.
It stated that, in the absence of a juvenile justice mechanism, the law-and-order apparatus failed to differentiate between children and adults, in turn provoking an ever greater degree of anger among the populace.
Other Conflict-related Abuse: On March 17, the Ministry of Home Affairs informed parliament’s lower house there were approximately 65,000 registered Kashmiri migrant families across the country. Tens of thousands of Hindus, known as Kashmiri Pandits, fled the Kashmir Valley after 1990 because of conflict and violent intimidation, including destruction of houses of worship, sexual abuse, and theft of property, by Kashmiri separatists.
The Prime Minister’s Development Package, announced in 2015, outlined a reconstruction plan for Jammu and Kashmir and included the creation of 3,000 state government jobs for Kashmiri migrants. On March 18, the minister of state for home affairs informed the upper house of parliament that the selection process had concluded for 1,781 posts and that 604 of the positions had been filled as of February 22.
Kashmir journalists protesting on Srinagar streets.
Freedom of Speech: AII’s report Jammu and Kashmir After One year of Abrogation of Article 370 documented 14 instances of detention, police interrogations, and assaults on journalists. The government also introduced a new media regulation policy in Jammu and Kashmir empowering local administration to determine “fake and antinational news” and to initiate related action against journalists.
On May 20, Srinagar Police summoned The Kashmir Walla editor Fahad Shah for covering an encounter between militants and security forces. Shah alleged police claimed his stories “maligned” police and subjected him to five hours of questioning. The Srinagar police summoned Shah again on July 9 and October 4 on the same matter.
In February the Kashmir Press Club stated security agencies had routinely deployed intimidation tactics such as threats, summonses, and physical attacks on journalists in Jammu and Kashmir. On February 8, journalists Naseer Ganai and Haroon Nabi were summoned to the police facility, where they were questioned for reporting on a statement by the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front.
In June the Jammu and Kashmir government released the Media Policy–2020, which authorizes the Directorate of Information and Publication Relations to “examine” the content of print, electronic, and other forms of media for “fake news, plagiarism, and unethical or antinational activities” in the name of law and order. Under the new media policy, government action could range from legal proceedings against journalists for “indulging in fake news, unethical or antinational activities, or plagiarism” to withholding advertisements to any media that “incite or tends to incite violence, question sovereignty and the integrity of India, or violate the accepted norms of public decency and behavior.”
On April 18, police in Kashmir booked photojournalist Masrat Zahra under the UAPA for indulging in “antinational activities” on social media. In a statement police accused Zahra of “uploading antinational posts with criminal intention, uploading posts that glorify antinational activities and dent the image of law enforcing agencies besides causing disaffection against the country.” Zahra maintained she was sharing archival images that had already been published in different local and international social media platforms. The investigation continued at year’s end.
On April 23, the Jammu and Kashmir cyber police filed a FIR against Kashmiri author and journalist Gowhar Geelani for “glorifying terrorism in Kashmir” through social media posts. The police statement said Geelani was “indulging in unlawful activities through his posts and writings on social media platforms which [were]prejudicial to the national integrity, sovereignty and security of India.”
Internet Freedom: According to NGO Software Freedom Law Center, the central and state governments shut down the internet in different locations 106 times in 2019 and 76 times as of December 21. The center reported the longest shutdown occurred between August 4, 2019, and March 4 in Jammu and Kashmir. Authorities restored mobile 2G services in April and landline internet in August. Mobile 3G and 4G connections remained blocked as of December, although intermittent access was restored in certain districts.
Kashmir artist Masood Hussain’s recent work making a demand for the restoration of high-speed internet for fighting the Coronavirus.
AII documented 67 instances of government-enforced internet shutdowns in Jammu and Kashmir between January 14 and August 4. NGOs and professionals from the education and medical fields reported that frequent internet shutdown and denial of access to 4G internet presented problems to online education and COVID-19 mitigation measures.
In January the Supreme Court ruled that the indefinite shutdown of the internet in Jammu and Kashmir was illegal.
Freedom of Peaceful Assembly: The law provides for freedom of assembly. Authorities often required permits and notification before parades or demonstrations, and local governments generally respected the right to protest peacefully. Jammu and Kashmir was an exception, where the state government sometimes denied permits to separatist political parties for public gatherings, and security forces reportedly occasionally detained and assaulted members of political groups engaged in peaceful protest
During periods of civil unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, authorities used the law to ban public assemblies and impose curfews.
Foreign Travel: The government may legally deny a passport to any applicant for engaging in activities outside the country “prejudicial to the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.”
The trend of delaying issuance and renewal of passports to citizens from Jammu and Kashmir continued, sometimes up to two years. The government reportedly subjected applicants born in Jammu and Kashmir, including children born to military officers deployed there, to additional scrutiny and police clearances before issuing them passports.
The UN or Other International Bodies: The government continued to decline access by the United Nations to Jammu and Kashmir and limit access to the north-eastern states and Maoist-controlled areas. In an August statement, UN human rights experts called on the government “to take urgent action to address the alarming human rights situation in the territory.” The UN special rapporteurs noted that since August 2019, “the human rights situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been in free fall,” and they were “particularly concerned that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many protesters are still in detention and internet restrictions remain in place.” The group appealed to the government “to schedule pending visits as a matter of urgency, particularly of the experts dealing with torture and disappearances.”
SRINAGAR: At least 36 students and a 60-year-old male, who is a parent of one among the students, were tested COVID-19 positive at Noorani Public School in Khull area of Damhal Hanjipora in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, officials said on Tuesday.
Block Medical Officer (BMO) DH Pora Dr Shugufta Salam told the news agency KNO that “37 COVID-19 positive cases have been detected from this school including primary contact of student in mass/random sampling, testing for all the contacts will be undertaken in due course of time.”
She said 390 were tested while 37 among them were declared as positive for COVID-19.
She said that all the primary and secondary contacts of the affected students have been advised to self-isolate, quarantine themselves
Meanwhile, Chief Education Officer (CEO) Kulgam, Mohammed Ashraf Rather told KNO that school will remain closed for week due to surge in COVID-19 postive cases.
SRINAGAR: The authorities on Wednesday declared two localities in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district as micro-containment zones after seven persons were reported positive for Covid-19.
In an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency KNO District Magistrate Ganderbal declared Rajbagh Colony Nagbal and Chek Yangoora as micro containment zones .
In two separate orders District Magistrate stressed upon officials to trace contacts and take stringent precautionary measures by declaring these places as micro-containment zones.
“It is possible that the said positive COVID-19 cases might have contacted with many persons belonging to from “Bilal- Abad Sainik School (Chek Yangoora), tehsil Lar and Rajbagh Colony Nagbal and as such the locals of these villages have become susceptible of COVID -19 and it is felt expedient to break further transmission of COVID-19 and has become imperative to take stringent precautionary measures by declaration of “Bilal-Abad Sainik School (Chek Yangoora), tehsil Lar and Rajbagh Colony Nagbal as micro-Containment Zones,” the order states.
The order was issued under Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897, the Disaster Management Act, 2005 and Section 144 CrPc.
The order stated that there shall be no inward or outward movement of any person(s) from the micro containment Zones and people shall stay indoors as there will be complete restrictions in Bilal- Abad Sainik School (Chek Yangoora), tehsil Lar and Nagbal and they shall not allow relatives/visitors to visit their homes.
It stated that Dr Sultan, Medical Officer and Dr Rakshanda shall be the administrators of micro-containment zones respectively .
The administrators have been asked to coordinate with all line departments to ensure the availability of all basic facilities including Food grains/LPG/Medicines etc in the Micro Containment Zones.
“Any person(s)/group(s)/institution(s) found violating the directions contained herein this order shall be booked under the provisions of relevant act/rule/law,” it states.
District magistrate has also asked the concerned Tehsildar/ NT/ BDO to ensure the implementation of these instructions in letter and spirit.
SRINAGAR: Zixdo technologies, one of the leading doorstep car-washing startup has opened its franchise in the Bemina area of Srinagar on Wednesday.
Zixdo Technologies opens franchisee in Srinagar
Its other franchisees are in Goa, Belgaum, Patna, Siwan, Dehradun, Hubli, Kurnool, Lansdowne, Bangalore.
The startup focuses on a hassle-free car wash experience at the customer’s desired location and tends to bring a professional wash station at the customer’s home on a two-wheeler. It also focuses on increasing employment by creating around 500-600 job opportunities through low investment business and reaching pan-India by adding partners.
“Car washing and cleaning services would also see a huge potential,” Zixdo Technologies Srinagar head Sarmad Khan said. “We are a one-stop solution to offer end-to-end services to customers. Our aim is to provide more and more quality service to the customers through highly-skilled level workers at your comfort zone without any hassle.”
“We have basically started our operations in Srinagar city only but if the response is good, we’ll further expand it to the other districts and we are also aiming at providing employment to our youngsters through our venture,” he added. “With regard to the car wash at home, we’ll be providing the service at affordable rates but incase a customer is residing outside Srinagar, there will be some added costs,” he added.
“Customer satisfaction is our motto and I’m absolutely confident that once someone avails our service, they will continue to avail it for times to come,” he further added.
“Zixdo has been a great companion in the establishment of our venture, be it marketing, logistics support or machinery Zixdo has been of great help,” said Khan.
SRINAGAR: The authorities on Wednesday ordered the closure of a government higher secondary school in Kaloosa locality of north Kashmir’s Bandipora after a teacher and a student at the school tested positive for COVID-19.
An official told the news agency KNO that the teacher and the student of 11th standard tested positive for Covid-19 at government higher secondary school Kaloosa after the health department had collected samples of some teachers and students a few days ago.
The official said that the school would remain closed for the next three days as a precautionary measure.
SRINAGAR: Traffic Department on Wednesday said that on March 31, 2021, subject to fair weather and better road condition LMVs (Passenger) shall be allowed from both sides on Jammu-Srinagar NHW viz Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa.
According to the advisory, TCU Srinagar and Jammu shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the traffic.
“LMVs will have to cross Nagrota (Jammu) from 0500 hrs to 1100 hrs, from Jakheni (Udhampur) 0600 hrs to 1200 hrs and Zig Qazigund from 10:00 am to 13:00 am and no vehicle shall be allowed after cut off timing,” it said.
It said that heavy motor vehicles shall be allowed from Zig (Qazigund) towards Jammu after assessing the traffic situation on the highway. TCU Srinagar shall liaise with TCU Ramban before releasing the HMVs.
The historic Mughal Road and SSG Road is closed due to snow accumulation, reads the advisory.
It said that the Srinagar-Leh highway is closed by the J&K Government vide Divisional Commissioner Kashmir’s order No. 400/2020 dated 30-12-2020 till further orders.
People have been advised not to travel on the highway without confirming the status of the road from phone numbers Jammu (0191-2459048, 9419147732), Srinagar (0194-2450022, 2485396,18001807091), Ramban (9419993745) and Udhampur (8491928625).
SRINAGAR: Weather is likely to remain dry in Jammu and Kashmir during the next 48 hours as there is no likelihood of any major rainfall during this period, the meteorological (MeT) office said.
“Weather generally remained dry in J&K on Wednesday. Fair, dry weather is expected in the Valley during the next 48 hours,” an official of the MeT department said.
He said that the night’s lowest temperature in Srinagar was 6.6 degree Celsius while the mercury in Qazigund in south Kashmir settled at a low of 6.5 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg, the famous skiing resort in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 1.0 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 1.7 degrees.
Kokernag town recorded a low of 6.7 degrees Celsius while Kupwara town in north Kashmir registered a low of 4.1 degrees Celsius last night.
Jammu city recorded a minimum temperature of 13.1 degrees Celsius, Katra town 15.5, Batote 9.3, Banihal 8.6 and Bhaderwah 7.0 degrees as the minimum temperatures.
Shakir Ashraf meets the Kashmir ice skater who represented India in Europe
Basharat Ahmad Mir, 17, a Parimpora resident, became the first ice skater from Kashmir to win the gold medal in 2019 in Belarus Europe. KL Image: Special arrangement
Basharat Ahmad Mir, 17, a Parimpora (Srinagar) resident, became the first ice skater from Kashmir to win the gold medal in 2019 in Belarus Europe. A student of the twelfth class at Burn Hall School in Srinagar, he has been playing with snow throughout till he graduated in the game and started playing on the ice. He is a science student.
“When I was in the third standard, I started participating in roller skating, cycling and ice skating,” Mir said. “I want to reach the Olympics, as ice skating is an Olympic game. I prefer to take part in short track speed ice skating.”
It was in his LKG class when he won a race in school. After that, he continued to take part in athletic sports.
“During a sports event at Bakshi Stadium, Mohammad Asharaf Dijoo, General Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir Ice Skating Association was impressed by my performance and he asked me to join them,” Mir remembers.
Ice skating is the self-impulsion of a person across a sheet of ice, using metal blade ice skates to glide on the ice surface. The blade is almost 0.1mm in thickness.
Mir started ice skating at the age of 11 in Gulmarg, Kashmir’s own winter sports base. He used to travel from Srinagar to Gulmarg by bicycle.
“It is not easy to play internationally as you have to work hard for it,” Mir said. “During training camps in Gulmarg, I used to wake up at midnight for practice as in midnight temperature decreases from -15 to -20 in Gulmarg which freezes the ice completely as compared to the day”
During the ice skating practice at midnight, players have to wear thin tight clothes due to which Mir suffered a headache and fever several times but he didn’t give up. He was being driven by passion out of his warm bed during cold nights. “It was very hectic to continue sports as well as studies. However, some people told me that you are wasting time in ice skating as there is no future for a Kashmiri player in this. But I ignored them and continued my practice.”
All these golds belong to Basharat Ahmad Mir, Kashmir’s ace ice-skater. KL Image: Special arrangement
Ice skating apart, Mir is also a professional cyclist, skier, roller skater and long-distance runner. He was given a cycle in his school which is worth Rs 1 lakh. He has won best skater of year four times in a row. Basharat is the first ice skater from Jammu and Kashmir who has represented the Ice Skating Association of India.
“The association has the main role in my international career. They helped me in camps which were organised by associations which used to be 15 days camps or a month.” Mir said. He added that his coach Mohammad Ashraf Dijoo has supported him a lot throughout his international career. “He always trained me in a better way and gave me his best”.
Earlier Mir was not sponsored by anyone. The gym centre which was not allowing Mir to enter is now sponsoring him. At the age of 18 Mir has won 104 events. Mir has played 2 nationals in skiing, 2 nationals in cycling, 3 nationals in roller skating and 3 in ice skating.
“In May 2019, the trials for ice skating were to happen in Delhi. I was in depression about how to reach there as I didn’t have enough money. But the whole credit goes to my school Burn Hall which then helped me and made it possible for me to reach there,” Mir said.
At that time Mir had no equipment. Then the tourism department provided this to him. This equipment, according to Mir, was rusty but he had no choice.
“When I took part in short track speed skating in Delhi, I performed well there. I was on my way back to the airport when my association rang me up and told me that you are selected for international. It was a dream come true for me”, Mir said.
According to Mir, he was given Rs 3 lakh in 2019 by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar (DC) Shahid Choudhary. “When I left for Europe for international, everything was stalled in Kashmir due to the abrogation of article 370. My parents were not aware where I was and I was also not aware how my parents are due to the communication gag,” Mir said.
Mir participated in the Belarus cup and Ice Skating Europe Union trophy (ISU) which were 500-metre and 1000-metre races. “I couldn’t perform well in the 500-metre race but performed brilliantly in the 1000 metre race. We won the ISU trophy for India there,” Mir said adding he was among four Under-19 international players who were selected for short track speed ice skating.
“I personally think that Kashmiri people are made for winter sports because we have the natural ice skating rink and also the world’s best skiing resort in Gulmarg,” Mir said. “I think it’s the best gift that God has given us and we must take advantage of it so that a lot of Kashmiris can represent the region at the international level”.
SRINAGAR: Four years after his arrest, Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militant Saifullah Mansoor, who infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir with the intention to carry out militant attacks at different places in India, including Delhi, has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and fine.
Mansoor, alias Bahadur Ali, along with his two associates Abu Saad and Abu Darda — all trained Lashkar militants — illegally infiltrated into the valley to carry out militant attacks at different places in India as per instructions given to them by their handlers based in Pakistan or Pakistan-administered Kashmir (POK).
Forces arrested Mansoor on July 25, 2016, from Yahama Mukam village in Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir.
The forces recovered large number of arms — AK-47 Rifle, Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL), ammunition, hand grenades, UBGL shells — military map, wireless set, GPS, compass, Indian currency and Fake Indian Currency Notes from his possession.
On March 26, Special Judge for NIA cases in Delhi’s Patiala House courts pronounced Mansoor’s sentence.
This case was initially registered by NIA on July 27, 2016, pertaining to a larger conspiracy hatched by the LeT, a proscribed militant organization, based in Pakistan, to commit attacks in India.
During investigation, Mansoor revealed about the recruitment, various training camps of LeT, trainings to LeT militants about handling of weapons, explosives, wireless sets, night vision devices, GPS, Grid Reference and modus operandi for motivating the newly recruited cadres for jihad and acts in India by the leaders of LeT and also the details of launching pads of LeT in PaK.
The NIA on January 6, 2017, filed a charge sheet against Mansoor in the case.
Abu Saad and Abu Darda were killed in an encounter on February 14, 2017, in Kupwara district.
“During investigation two associates of Mansoor, namely Zahoor Ahmad Peer and Nazir Ahmad Peer both residents of Jammu and Kashmir were also arrested in this case. The trial in the case against other charge-sheeted accused continues,” the NIA said. (IANS)
SRINAGAR: A local school in Central Kashmir’s Budgam district was closed for five days after one of its contractual lecturer tested positive for Covid-19, officials said.
An official told news agency KDC that Government Girls Higher Secondary School Budgam was closed after a contractual teacher of the institution was declared positive for Covid-19 during a test drive held on Tuesday.
He said that the school will remain closed for five days from today as a precautionary measure to contain the spread of virus among others.
SRINAGAR: A 4-year-old boy has gone missing from his residence in Chowgam area of Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district with officials suspecting that he may have been taken away by a wild animal.
Quoting an official, news agency KNO reported that Nazakat Hussain Khan, son of Mohammad Rafiq Khan, a resident of Chowgam went missing last night at around 9:00 pm when he was inside his home.
The official said that it is suspected that the boy has been taken away by a wild animal as blood stains had been traced in the forest.
The official said that police, wildlife and forest department have launched a search operation to trace the missing boy.
In-charge Wildlife Officer Kulgam, Imtiyaz Ahmad Naik said that searches are going on in the forests adding that nothing can be said whether he has been taken away by wild animal or anyone else.
by Urvat IL Wuska
SRINAGAR: Kashmir Trade Alliance held a protest on Wednesday here at press colony Lal Chowk against the recent order of RTO regarding the re-registration of vehicles brought from outside Jammu and Kashmir.
Trade body protests government’s move of seeking tax on re-registration of non-J&K registered vehicles on Wednesday, March 31, 2021. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
Scores of car dealers raised slogans of justice demanding exemption from double taxation of their vehicles.
Aijaz Shahdar President Kashmir Trade Alliance said, “The authorities must revoke this arbitrary order as this is total injustice with the vehicle owners and also with the dealers as they now have to pay the tax amount twice at the rate of 9 percent.”
Protesters said that only nominal rates should be charged for the vehicles bought from outside for re-registration.
Another protestor said that the taxes of vehicles exported to the valley from outside the states have already been paid, and they have to go through the initial stages again during their re-registration.
SRINAGAR: India recorded 53,480 new coronavirus cases in the last 24 hours, 4.8 per cent lower than the day before, taking the total tally to 1,21,49,335 on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, the country had recorded 56,211 cases, while on Monday, it logged 68,020 cases, the highest single-day spike in daily new cases since October 11 last year.
According to the ICMR, 24,36,72,940 samples have been tested up to March 30 with 10,22,915 samples being tested on Tuesday.
On Monday, only 7,85,864 samples were tested, while on Sunday, 9.13 lakh samples were tested, compared to over 10 lakh samples the previous days, according to the data by the apex research body.
Prior to March 30, India registered a steady increase for 19 days in a row. The active cases have now increased to 5,52,566 comprising 4.55 per cent of the total infections, while the recovery rate has further dropped to 94.11 per cent.
The death toll increased to 1,62,468 with 354 daily new fatalities. The number of people who have recovered from the disease surged to 1,14,34,301, while the case fatality rate stood at 1.34 per cent, the data stated.
India fought through the first wave of infection six months ago and recorded a highest single-day spike of 93,617 cases on September 16. The highest number of deaths recorded in a day were 1,169 on September 15.
Six states — Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat are logging high numbers of Covid-19 daily new cases, the Health Ministry said.
The Centre has advised high-burden states and Union territories to take stringent measures for containment of the surge.
So far, 6.30 crore doses of corona vaccine have been administered in the country since the drive began on January 16 after approval for ‘Covishield’ and ‘Covaxin’. (IANS)
SRINAGAR: The forces on Wednesday said that they have arrested a person along with 9. 75 Kilograms of explosive material in the form of 78 gelatine sticks and 275 meters wire in Doda district of Jammu province.
Notably, the recovery has been made just days after a similar consignment of gelatine sticks and allied material was recovered from a hideout near a hydel power project in Kishtwar district.
In statement, issued to the news agency KNO Army said that explosive material was recovered on Tuesday during an operation conducted based on specific intelligence at Gundna area of Doda district.
It said that the recovery includes 78 Gelatin sticks with explosive weighing 9.75 KGs, and Cordex-275 meters.
Army further said that one person has been arrested in this matter and further investigations was going on.
SRINAGAR: A day after the Pakistan premier responded to the get-well-soon message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Islamabad is deciding today about resuming bilateral trade, reports appearing in media said.
“In what could be a first major step by Islamabad to attempt revival of relations with New Delhi, the Pakistan government is going to consider Wednesday the resumption of trade ties with India,” The Indian Express reported quoting sources. Pakistan’s cabinet committee on economic affairs must be in a meeting, right now.
Cotton and sugar imports from India are seemingly in priority.
The abrogation of Article 370 had led to the snapping of trade relations between the two countries and the downgrade of diplomatic relations. Off late, however, the two countries are warming up to each other. Starting from reviving the ceasefire, the two Prime Ministers have been in communication. Prime Minister Modi wished Khan on Pakistan day and later after he was tested positive for Covid-19.
Both the countries are insisting on peace. While India is talking about terrorism, Pakistan has been talking about Kashmir first.
“India desires normal relations, including on trade with all countries, including Pakistan. Pakistan unilaterally suspended bilateral trade with India in August 2019,” minister of state for commerce and industry Hardeep Singh Puri told Lok Sabha last week. “It is for Pakistan to review its unilateral measures on trade.”
The snapping of ties between the two neighbours has hit the trade seriously. In 2020, India’s exports to Pakistan dipped by 76.3% to $283 million while imports plummeted by 96.2% to just $2.5 million. If relations are normalized, the bilateral trade has the potential of reaching up to US $ 37 billion, according to a 2018 World Bank assessment.
SRINAGAR: National Conference Member of Parliament from Anantnag Hasnain Masoodi on Tuesday sought exemption of tax on re-registration of non-J&K registered vehicles, urging the government to address the actual roadblocks towards ensuring hassle-free traffic on roads in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the re-registration of non-J&K registered vehicles would put an extra burden on the people especially the middle classes despite the fact that a one-time token tax has already been paid to the actual registered state/UT. He said given the economic slump in the region the government is expected to provide succor to the people. He impressed upon the government to levy only a nominal amount of re-registration fee from these vehicles as used to be charged until now. The measure of levying heavy toll tax on re-registration, he said would impede the process of re-registration as the people would skip the process to evade the heavy duty.
“To ensure that all the outside vehicles are duly re-registered, the government should only charge a nominal amount,” he said. In addition to it, he said such measures won’t help the government deal with the traffic mess. He said the best way to deal with the traffic mess is to augment the existing road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir to live up to the ever-increasing demands of the people.
Masoodi also took a strong exception to the newly announced result of the J&K banking associate exams, saying the results reveal regional prejudice. “Reportedly out of 1500 qualified candidates, only 200 have qualified the said exam from Kashmir division,” he said. While questioning the results he stated that the youngsters of Kashmir have outshone their counterparts elsewhere in the country by qualifying for highly prestigious exams and that the low qualifying percentage of aspirants from Kashmir is inconceivable. He said the results have disheartened the most meritorious aspirants who have burnt midnight oil to qualify for the exam.
by Shakir ashraf
SRINAGAR: Syed Taha, 23, is an International Taekwondo player who is likely to become the first-ever National Institute of Sports coach from Kashmir.
Meet Syed Taha Kashmir’s International Taekwondo Player
Taha’s Taekwondo journey started at the tender age of three which after 20 years has brought him to the position of becoming a coach himself.
He credits success to his coach Syed Ashiq Hussain Bukhari who he says believed and guided him.
Taha says he has remained unbeaten in 20 Taekwondo championships held at Union Territory level, District level and at Divisional level.
“I am doing my training at an indoor stadium and at Pehalwan Sports Club,” Taha said.
Taha has been named as the youngest player at several championships.
“Due to lack of infrastructure in Kashmir I have suffered a lot. There is no qualified NIS coach in Kashmir as well.” he said.
Taha has 12 times won state gold medals and 14 times district gold medals.
He has participated in India Open International Olympic Ranking Championship 2019 held at Gachibowli Stadium Hyderabad India along with Commonwealth Baton Relay 2010 for the Commonwealth Games of 2010.
He says that he has “suffered” a lot because of continuous lockdowns in Kashmir. “I was not able to practice during these lockdowns.”
“In Kashmir valley, there is no qualified NIS coach for Taekwondo that is why we are not able to win in various tournaments. My motive is to qualify for the NIS exam and to train the players in a better way,” Taha said.
He said, “ I don’t want the new generation to face problems which I faced.”
SRINAGAR: Union Minister for Education, Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, in presence of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, on Tuesday inaugurated “Anandam- The Center for Happiness” at IIM Jammu through virtual mode.
Lt Governor addressing inaugural function of Anandam the center for happiness at IIM Jammu
Union Education Minister, during his address, congratulated IIM Jammu for the new venture and said that incorporating happiness in the academic curriculum of students is a very crucial step towards empowering our nation.
The Center for Happiness aligns with NEP-2020, aiming to achieve holistic well-being for all. This step will take our education system to new heights, similar to the times of ancient Indian universities like Nalanda and Takshashila, he added.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha called upon the young generation to find the inner joy and focus on ‘Balanced Life’ through Meditation and Yoga in order to meet the modern day challenges.
Highlighting the significance of “Anandam- The Center for Happiness”, the Lt Governor observed that the new center emphasizes on holistic well-being of students, just like the Center for Meditation.
Terming Self-revelation as an integral part of Gurukul education tradition, the Lt Governor said that centers like Anandam have worldwide paved the way for education to become a vibrant force and to know oneself. Now, the IIM Management students in Jammu will also be able to experience the same.
The Lt Governor expressed his gratitude towards the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for making untiring efforts in bringing a balance in education and professional life, in the routines of students and professionals through Yoga and Fit India Movement. He also thanked Sri Sri Ravi Shankar for his immense contribution towards promoting Holistic Living and improving people’s lives.
Speaking on the importance of happiness in a Nation’s development, the Lt Governor made a special mention of Bhutan where the growth is measured as GNH-Gross National Happiness rather than GDP.
“The right way to measure wealth is to measure happiness and not just money”, said the Lt Governor. Staying happy is the best prayer that anyone can offer to God and is the real idea of happiness, he added.
“Anandam” is a pure consciousness that doesn’t aim only for happiness but knowing the truth, doing good, and enjoying the beauty around. “Sarvabhtahiteratāḥ” stands for being always engaged for the well-being of all, the Lt Governor maintained.
Bliss and Absolute Happiness are an important part of our tradition. Vedas and Upanishads emphasize on experience more than interpretation. Maharishi Yajnavalkya has also discussed it very extensively in the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad. When we say bliss, in reality, we are talking about Truth and Consciousness. In the Yajurveda and Sarvasara Upanishad, the five layers of our personality are explained in detail.
I hope the texts of these books will be made available to students in simple words in order to make them aware of our rich tradition, added the Lt Governor.
Emphasizing on creating a favourable environment for the students, the Lt Governor observed that through New Educational Policy, the students would be able to choose the education as per their interest which would also improve the students’ efficiency and skills.
The Lt Governor urged the teaching community to address the issue of stress amongst the students. It is the responsibility of teachers to aware the students that the New Education Policy has emphasized on the spirit of skill, and not the marks, he added
The Lt Governor also appealed to students to not let ups and downs in life affect them, and asked them to spend their student life being playful through Yoga and Meditation.
Explaining the benefits of yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices for students to maximize their overall performance, the Lt Governor observed that Yoga does not only mean physical exercise, it is a science through which one brings the mind from past and future to present.
He suggested the students and professionals to begin their day with five minutes of meditation and 10 minutes of yoga session, which can also become part of the students’ curriculum.
As we are progressing in engineering, management, and science, similarly, if we move forward in the field of self-knowledge, we can become the ‘World Leader’ again, observed the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor further suggested the universities and institutes to invest in Well-Being also and replicate the model of Anandam Center in all educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.
If you are a teacher, your teaching method will change and if you are a student, your performance will be excellent. Competition, studies, and examinations will become a celebration rather than stress, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor also termed the Module of Mindfulness at Workplace in the Management Development Program as important for developing perfect awareness amongst the students.
Quoting renowned influential thinkers Michael Porter, the Lt Governor said that the ability to change constantly and effectively is made easier by high-level continuity.
Just like the Sun, which has its own solar system and continues to provide us with life, each individual has their own energy system and infinite space both outside and within. The very realization of infinite power within is known as the explosion of the universe. And, this is possible only through meditation. When consciousness comes to its peak, you can become adaptive to the fast-paced changes that are taking place in our lives on a daily basis, added the Lt Governor.
In today’s times, when Higher Educational Institutions are preparing themselves for the post-covid world at both the external and internal levels, the coming up of Anandam center in IIM Jammu is an important step towards a stress-free campus. It would certainly help the students to take the journey of knowing the truth of life and would create a student-friendly environment in management education among other intensive disciplines like Business Policy, Public Sector Policy, Marketing, Brand Positioning, and Strategic Management, he added.
The Lt Governor hoped that the new center would act as a medium for the students to complete their journey from students’ life to working professionals happily, the Lt Governor maintained.
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder, Art of Living Foundation also spoke on the occasion and provided his idea of happiness.
D Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu; Prof BS Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, besides faculty members and students of IIM Jammu, attended the inaugural ceremony, in person, and through virtual mode.
SRINAGAR: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole on Tuesday chaired a meeting of officers to review Covid- 19 related situation in Kashmir.
Div Com Chairs Covid-19 Review Meeting, Stresses On Strong Mask Enforcement In All Districts
At the outset, Mission Director NHM detailed the meeting about the district wise current graph of positive cases, contact tracing, vaccination, home isolation and other measures taken to ensure containment of coronavirus spread.
All Deputy Commissioners, Director Health, Director Tourism, SP Headquarter, tourism stakeholders and other concerns attended the meeting.
During the meeting, the Div Com stressed intensive contact tracing of positive cases. He also emphasized on rigorous testing and vaccination is conducted in all districts.
Stressing on strong mask enforcement, the Div Com directed DCs to ensure the imposition of a fine against the violators. He said that Covid-19 related SOPs should be followed in letter and spirit and people should not be allowed to move around public places without the mask.
The Div Com also called for proper home isolation and implementation of containment zones.
He instructed that all service providers should be vaccinated before the commencement of the Annual Amarnath Yatra.
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Tuesday said GoI’s August 5, 2019 decision has increased the trust deficit between New Delhi and Kashmir saying the measures have not fared well in any region of Jammu and Kashmir.
NC leaders during party convention at Budgam.
This was said by party General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar while addressing workers meeting at Party Headquarters in Budgam. Among others Party’s Provincial President Nasir Aslam Wani, senior party leader Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi, Central Zone President Ali Muhammad Dar also addressed the gathering. On the occasion, Abdul Ahad Dar, Prof Abdul Majeed Mattu, Manzoor Ahmed Wani, Saif Ud Din Bhat, Dr Muhammad Shafi, Muhammad Ibrahim Mir, Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Muhammad Ashraf Lone, Muhammad Shahi Shaheen, Nazir Ahmed Goga, Local DDC members were also present.
In his address, Sagar said that far from institutionalizing the confidence-building measures in J&K to win back the trust of people; New Delhi has chosen to supplant a new democratic model on the region. He said that New Delhi has failed to open its heart to accommodate the dissent and divergent views keeping up with its democratic ideals. “The new scheme in vogue in Kashmir has disillusioned people, especially youth despite expressing faith in the power of ballot and democracy during the most troublesome times. Today the people of Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of their caste, creed, religion or regional affiliations are feeling disempowered as the successive orders post august 5, 2019 have put the people on the track of terminal alienation. The ongoing approach of New Delhi towards Kashmir is far from being people-centric and guided by a resolute commitment to the promises successive governments in New Delhi had made to the people of Kashmir. The current approach it goes without saying is inconsiderate of J&K’s unique socio-political makeup, its internal diversity, religious pluralism, political aspirations and development needs,” he said.
He said the unprecedented mandate in favor of NC and PAGD in the recent DDC elections should have acted as an eye-opener for New Delhi. The results have made known the people’s detestation for august 5,2019 measures in a democratic, constitutional and peaceful manner, hence affording New Delhi a chance to restore all constitutional safeguards to J&K again for the greater good of the country’s interests. “So far the people of JK have not experienced any merits in the post august 5, 2019 ‘Naya Kashmir’ model. The months and weeks that followed the undemocratic measures have only seen a spike in administrative inertia, development deficit, unemployment, administrative unaccountability, economic slump down, paucity of basic facilities and black sliding of people’s welfare,” he added.
He said New Delhi has to show magnanimity and maturity while dealing with JK. Reimagining a peaceful and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir cannot be achieved until the robust investment is poured in its ailing economy, tourism, horticulture, agriculture and allied sectors. He said the pretext of development, investment and employment extravaganza, which the GOI had promised in the run-up for undemocratic and unconstitutional measures are not perceptible on the ground. On the contrary, the situation continues to remain on edge.
Addressing the gathering, Nasir Aslam Wani welcomed the renewed engagement between India and Pakistan saying the cessation of hostilities between the two nations will have a major impact on the furtherance of peace in Jammu and Kashmir. “We look forward to more bilateral meets; such small steps may together set the stage for bolder measures towards a lasting peace. We in our party hope that the respective populations will benefit from the steps taken by the neighboring countries,” he said.
In his address, Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi said Jammu and Kashmir witnessed unparalleled and unprecedented discrimination on every account. “The months that followed unilateral, undemocratic and unconstitutional abrogation of jk’s constitutional position was marked by abrogation of democracy, constitutionalism, peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said adding that there can be no trade-off between development and people’s dignity and for peace to prevail in the real sense; the GOI has to do justice with the people at every level.
On the occasion, all the party functionaries prayed for the speedy recuperation and wellbeing of Party President Dr Farooq Abdullah.
SRINAGAR: The government Super Specialty Hospital Srinagar has successfully performed six primary/rescue angioplasty surgeries with two patients being in Cardiogenic shock.
Doctors who performed six primary/rescue angioplasty surgeries with two patients being in Cardiogenic shock at Govt Super Speciality Hospital Srinagar on Tuesday, March 30, 2021.
The surgeries conducted free of cost under the Ayushman Sehat Sehat scheme also indicate the growing heart attack’s along with enunciating the risk factors particularly smoking among the younger generation.
As per the data, the patients include a 70-year-old patient who is a smoker and is diabetic; the second patient is a 48-year-old male who is also a smoker; the third patient is a 47-year-old male (Smoker); the fourth patient is a 37-year-old male (Smoker); fifth is a female who is 58 years old with Hypertension, and sixth is a male 46 years who is also a smoker.
These six surgeries have beaten the record of five performed in 2015 at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences.
The primary angioplasty is the procedure that is superior to Thrombolysis.
As per the officials, the Government Super Specialty Hospital Shireen Bagh Srinagar is fully equipped and geared to tackle any such cases with 3 Cathlabs and 11 cardiologists in place.
SRINAGAR: With yet another coffin being lowered in the grave, the toll in March 29, attack on the Municipal Council Sopore has reached three. Apart from the cop who was killed, two councillors lost their lives. Incidentally, they belonged to the same family – Reyaz Ahmad Peer was the son in law of Shamsuddin Peer.
Some members of the MC Sopore in a meeting that was attacked by militants in which two members and a PSO were killed on March 29, 2021.
Reyaz died almost instantly in the attack and Shamsuddin was driven to Srinagar where he succumbed to his injuries, a Tuesday morning.
Shamsuddin, Reyaz and his wife Abida, were elected from three Sopore wards without a contest when the NC and PDP boycotted the local body polls in 2018. They were from BJP. Abida, who represents ward No 4, however, had not attended the MC meeting in which her husband and father were killed.
Reyaz basically hailed from Qaziabad locality in Langate and had migrated to Sopore after his marriage with Abida, his second wife. His first wife with two kids lives in his ancestral village.
The widow of the slain BJP councillor along with her kids mourning Riyaz Ahmad Peer’s death. She is also a councillor. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
“They were poor people,” Masarat Kar, an NC councillor, who worked with them, said. “Javed was actually a ghar damadh, living with his in-laws and had recently shifted to a new place in Khushaal Colony.” She said his two families are now rendered destitute.
The attack, however, has created security concerns. These were amplified after the Kashmir Police Chief; Vijay Kumar ordered the suspension of the four cops who, according to him, failed to retaliate. At the same time, however, he has stated that the councillors did not inform the police about the meeting. This has angered the councillors.
Ms Kar, who aspires to lead the council, given the numbers NC has in the MC, said the fact is that they were apprehended an attack – “but obviously not the kind that happened.”
Masarat Kar, one of the NC councillors talking to the media before the start of the meeting on May 29, 2021. When they were in the meeting, two of the members and a cop were killed in a militant attack.
Not known, so far, the NC members of the MC had gone to the meeting with their heads covered by blue helmets. “We thought, we will be the target of the stone-pelting today but tragically it was a militant raid,” she said on phone. “The meeting was planned for 12 noon and the Executive Officer got delayed and we started at around 12:40 pm and the attack was carried out at 12:50 pm.”
The MC Sopore has been in crisis for a long time. On March 8, the MC Sopore met and it coincided with the International Day of the women. “When we entered the premises, we saw turmoil as people were calling us names and we did not know why they were – employees’ of MC Sopore or outsiders,” Ms Kar said. “The crisis was that we had petitioned the Director Urban Local Bodies that certain wards were least sanitized in comparison to few and the Director said the human resource should be fairly distributed within 21-wards and the councillors must counter-sign the sanitisation certificate. It was not acceptable to the workers and that is why they were angry at us.”
Sopore MC has 79 regular workers and 59 others on the basis of a consolidated wage and the town has chronic sanitation issue.
Shamsuddin, an MC Sopore Councillor, succumbed to his injuries. In This photograph, his funeral is being offered on March 30, 2021, in Sopore. The councillor was grievously injured in a militant attack a day earlier.
In the immediate follow-up, Ms Kar said the councillors wrote to police, the Lt Governor and the Director ULB, seeking an enquiry into the disorder and specifically, who the protesters were and why they were protesting. On March 17, Director upheld his earlier order but there was no clue about the enquiry the councillors had sought.
Ms Kar said when the meeting was planned for March 29, a letter had actually been sent to the police and the additional Deputy Commissioner mentioning the security arrangements. “I personally shared these entire details with IGP sahib,” she said. “Even if, the MC had not informed the police, they should have known it otherwise.”
It was in this backdrop that the NC members of the MC had gone with the helmets on their heads to attend the meeting. Before the meeting started, they were actually asked by the media about this and they told the same story. And then the militant attack took place and the entire narrative got misplaced. Ms Kar lost her driver, a PSO, in the attack. “He was with me for three and a half years and we were readying to see him married in June,” she said.
What is interesting in Sopore MC is that the councillors allege that after they moved a no-confidence motion against the BJP chairperson, they have been continuously denied their right to choose a new chairperson. NC has 11 berths in the 21-member Council and seven are independents and the remaining are with BJP.
(Ghulam Hassan contributed to this report from Sopore)
