SRINAGAR: India on Sunday reported 41,831 fresh Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours with 541 fatalities, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data showed.
India is registering less than 50,000 daily new cases for the last 35 days. However, the country registered marginally higher cases on Sunday than Saturday’s caseload of 41,649.
With 541 more covid fatalities, India’s cumulative death toll from Covid-19 now stands at 4,24,351.
India’s active caseload has crossed the four lakh mark again and currently stands at 4,10,952. India’s recovery rate is 97.36 per cent. However, the active cases constitute 1.30 per cent of the total cases.
The weekly positivity rate remains below 5 per cent and is currently at 2.42 per cent. The daily positivity rate continues to remain below 5 per cent for the last fifty-five days and currently stands at 2.34 per cent.
Meanwhile, the government has advised the states to restrict the gatherings in the districts which are reporting over 10 per cent positivity rate.
According to the government data, a total of 39,258 patients were discharged from hospitals and health centers in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cured to 3,08,20,521 to date as the virus continued to infect less than one lakh people over the last 53 days.
The Health Ministry data said that a total of 60,15,842 Covid vaccine doses were administered in the last 24 hrs. With this, the number of vaccinated people with at least one jab has gone up to 47,02,98,596 in the country.
In a tweet, Health Ministry said that India has achieved a landmark in vaccination drive against the Covid pandemic and has successfully jabbed over 47 crore people across the nation.
The total number of samples tested so far has reached 46.82 crores as on August 1. (IANS)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3C0yNV3
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
Despite being one of the major tourist attractions, Yousmarg lacks even basic amenities. The electricity and water supply is erratic. There are no bins or garbage disposal machines. What is more, the tourist place is without internet and an ATM, reportsUmar Mukhtar
Breath taking view of famous Meadows of Yousmarg west of Srinagar on 01, July 2014. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
PHOTO BY BILAL BAHADUR
Mohammad Auqib, 27, along with his friends, has made a list of the picnic places to visit this summer. The list marks ‘cross’ for the Yousmarg because of the unpleasant experience they suffered on their maiden trip to the tourist spot. There is an agreement between the friends that they will never visit the place again.
Early June, as the mercury spiked, Auqib, along with his three friends, made a plan for a picnic. They wanted to choose a location they had not visited. So, all agreed to go to Yousmarg.
Virgin Meadow
Almost 47 km from Srinagar, Yousmarg is one of the Pair Panchal range’s breathtaking meadows. Believed to have been Roosmarg, a meadow of deer’s, the wildlife abundant lush green pasture is permanently surrounded by snow-clad mountains peaks. It is the main base camp for scaling three major Pir Panchal peaks – Tatakoti (4725 meters), Romesh Thong (4700m) and Sunset Peak (4746m). Tatakoti is a glacier that feeds Doodganga, the mountain stream that feeds part of Srinagar.
It also has excellent rough tracks connecting the meadow with Gulmarg, Tosa Maidan and Poonch. One of the tracks via Noorpur Pass connects Yousmarg (Kashmir) with Loran (Poonch) and has been a historic trek. Loran was once Kashmir’s major outpost where a fort was located. It is now being used by the Bakerwals for their migration from Pir Panchal range to Kashmir with their herds during summers.
En route to the spot, they drove through rough patches of the road soon after crossing the Chrar-e-Sharief. Once in Yousmarg, they started looking for accommodation to stay. While approaching many government hutments, they got a negative response from all of them citing the reasons that they had no electricity or no water in bathrooms. Early that day, there were moderate winds and it had affected the supply of electricity and water supplies.
Auqib approached the lone private hotel nearby with limited room capacity. Luckily, they were able to find shelter.
“We had no hopes that we would find accommodation here. If this hotel had no space we had to go back to our homes,” said Auqib.
No Connectivity
Yousmarg houses more than a dozen huts, a government-owned hotel, and a private hotel. The tourists allege that these huts are never available for the common people.
“Mostly the privileged families (families of government officials) occupy these small huts,” said Irshad Ahmad, a local visitor.
As they got to the room, Auqib and his friends thought the worst was over, only to find they have lost cell phone connectivity.
Kashmir emerging picnic spot, Yousmarg requires better management of the cattle and horses. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
After failing to catch any signal even after restarting the phone multiple times, one of the friends enquired from the hotel owner about the network issue, he was told that Yousmarg does not have a tower facility. The friends had made a three-day stay plan but the connectivity issue forced them to leave the place the following day.
“Had there been the network we could have probably stayed there for more days,” said Amir, another friend.
Locals and the shopkeepers said that they have time and again requested the authorities for the installation of the mobile tower in Yousmarg but their pleas have fallen on deaf ears.
“In 2014, a base was made at the cost of Rs 2.5 lakh for the installation of the mobile tower. We approached every officer, every department, they assured us that a tower will be set up but did nothing,” said Rafiq Ahmad, the owner of a private hotel.
Foul Air
The following day, as Auqib along with his friends stepped out of the hotel to dive into the meadows surrounded by the woods, a foul smell greeted them. The smell was coming from the horse dung spread almost everywhere.
“This was something unexpected by us, I came here to breathe some fresh oxygen but the unpleasant smell made me literally uncomfortable,” said Mukhtar, a friend of Auqib.
Locals and the shopkeepers lament the poor sanitation in Yousmarg. In 2016 two garbage disposal machines worth lakhs were brought to Yousmarg, but were never used. The machines remain wrapped in tarpaulin at the entrance to Yousmarg.
If the concrete infrastructure is pushed out of the meadow, Yousmarg would be more beautiful. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
“The machines lie there for five years now and have not been installed, this is an utter failure of the administration,” said Basit Ahmad, a shopkeeper there.
Basit alleges that the toilets made by the Yousmarg Development Authority (YDA) mostly remain under lock and key. Also, the place has no dustbins.
To Nilnag
The friends decided to go to Nilnag, a nearby location, on horses. They had to pay Rs 1600, but they were running out of cash. Auqib, asked a passer-by about the ATM. To his shock, he was told that there is none. The friends looked towards each other in surprise.
“We had debit cards with us. We believed we will use them as we do at most of the places but we were wrong. We had never imagined a tourist destination would be without internet and ATM facility,” Auqib said.
Fortunately, a shopkeeper gave them the cash and they promised him of return once they are back. The nearest ATM to Yousmarg is some 12 km away at Pakherpora.
Entry Fee
The entry fee to the Yousmarg is Rs 50 per vehicle. But there is no parking area inside. A location was designated for parking, a tender was allotted and the area remains fenced by the wires as locals say that the contractor alleges that his payment is yet to be released. As of now, the parking area is used by ponywallas for their horses.
At the entrance of the Yousmarg is a beautiful pond. A local entrepreneur had asked for permission so that he could get boats into the pond as a tourist attraction. Initially, he was permitted to do this. He purchased boats worth Rs 10 lakh but was then never permitted to get these into the water. A source in the Yousmarg Development Authority said that the water supply and fisheries department did not permit it.
“What basically hinders the development of the Yousmarg is the lack of coordination between the YDA and other departments which have a stake there,” the source said.
Another administrational hitch is that the YDA does not have its own CEO, unlike other such development authorities. The last time the YDA had its own CEO was in 2015. Since then, the CEO charge lies with the Budgam Additional Deputy Commissioner.
“He has other things to do, it is his additional charge. Why would he take pains in our matters,” said another shopkeeper.
Residents said that Yousmarg has the potential to be a gateway to a number of potential destinations in its South, West and East including Doodhpathri, Nilnag, Bargah, Tosamaidan, Dargdolan, and Liddermand.
Lack Of Coordination
The source said that the YDA started many projects there but the forest department does not permit it. He suggested that the higher officials could sit together and set up a roadmap in coordination with one another.
A Gujjar family in Yousmarg is busy cooking the food.
“No tourist stays here for the night because there is no ATM or internet here. It is shame, the world is going for 5G and we are asking for just 2G here,” said Rafiq Ahamd, a hotelier.
The YDA officials despite having a massive building in Yousmarg do not use it. They have rented a private accommodation at Chrar-i-Sharief, almost 20 km away.
“We need to do paperwork, keep record and upload it on to the internet which is not possible there,” said an official. “That is why we have shifted our office to Chari Sharief.”
Funds Lapse
The development authorities get Rs 3 crore funds per annum for the development of the tourist spot. But the mismanagement and not having the CEO of its own results in the lapse of the funds. The source revealed that only 13 per cent of the allocated funds were spent last fiscal.
Yousmarg witnesses the tourist season for a maximum of four months. The local shopkeepers said that this spot could be a round-the-year tourist attraction.
“Here we have the best slopes for skiing. It is a best-suited place for winter sports,” said a group of shopkeepers. “But dreaming about these things when we do not have internet and ATM here is just foolishness.”
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3fkuqL0
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today released an e-book consisting of a pictorial compendium of 9514 projects worth Rs 3900 cr completed in J&K under various UT sector schemes during 2020-21.
The e-book is available for public viewing on the official website of the Finance Department www.jakfinance.nic.in under the head “Publications”. It is a visual glimpse of the progress made in various sectors of the economy and provides basic information about the projects completed.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that financial reforms and interventions initiated by the Finance Department are now showing the impact on the ground. Out of the total projects, 6167 projects have been completed within one year, which itself is an example of transparent and speedy implementation on the ground, he added.
The pictorial compendium would act as an inspiration for the executing agencies for timely completion of the projects with all quality parameters in place, said the Lt Governor.
We are putting every government work into public domain to bring about greater accountability and transparency in the work culture in the UT, besides ensuring that the money was spent as per the developmental needs of the people. More reforms are underway which will help to further fine-tune the developmental strategy and give an impetus to the efforts of the Government, the Lt Governor maintained.
The Lt Governor observed that proper documentation of development projects with photographic evidence with geo-coordinates is an effort towards enhancing transparency and accountability in the execution of works.
The UT of J&K has achieved an unprecedented level of transparency in the financial management through a host of financial reforms and interventions made by the Government which include the activity-wise online release of funds through “BEAMS” (Budget Estimation, Allocation and Monitoring System); “EMPOWERMENT” (Enabling Monitoring and Public Overview of Works Being Executed & Resources for meaningful Transparency) web portal whereby the details of projects and related expenses are put in the public domain, making administrative and technical approvals, e-tendering, geo-tagged photographs mandatory for payments; online billing through “JK Payment System”; streamlining of GST; e-stamping; e-GRAS; digital payments; implementation of GeM; publication of important manuals relating to Budget and Audit, Back to Village and My Town My Pride initiatives and 100% physical verification of projects, added the Lt Governor.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary said that timely completion of projects has been the focus of financial reforms initiated. He informed that during 2018-19, as many as 6090 projects were completed under various UT sector schemes. Similarly, the number of completed projects during 2019-20 was 6933 which increased to 9514 during 2020-21 (37% more than the previous fiscal). 86% of all these projects were completed well within a span of 02 years, he added.
The Chief Secretary stated that the 9514 projects were completed under various UT sector schemes/programmes at the cost of about Rs. 3900 Crores which is a massive asset creation in the economy. The benefits of these projects shall percolate down to the masses which is our primary objective.
Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Tariq Ahmad Khan, Director-General Expenditure Division-II, Finance Department; M.Y. Itoo, Director General Budget, Finance Department; Ashiq Khandey and Shafaat Yehya, Deputy Directors Finance were present on the occasion at Raj Bhavan.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3A0TdM1
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A-52-year old man from a Gurez village in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district died after he was part of a search operation in a forest area in the wake of suspicious movement there on Thursday evening.
The army and the police said during the search operation, the man slipped into a nallah, sustained injuries, was taken to army hospital where he succumbed. Locals of the Tarbal area of Gurez, however, alleged that the man died due to torture inside an army camp.
Quoting a group of locals news agency KNO reported that the local resident identified as Muhammad Abdullah Hajam son of Abdul Rahman Hajam a resident of Tarbal was allegedly called by the local army unit of (36RR) at Tarbal–the last village near LoC, about 20 kms from Gurez town.
The locals said that they came to know this morning about the death of the man inside the army camp. The deceased according to locals was the father of five children.
The locals further alleged that the network connectivity was suspended in the entire Bagtore area this morning following the incident. After Hajam’s death, his relatives and locals held a protest in the area. A police team later managed to pacify the protesters.
A police spokesman in a statement said that today army unit of 06 Maratha LI approached Police Post Izmarg Gurez, Bandipora and reported that one Abdullah Hajam age about 53-54 years resident of Tarbal was with them for a search operation during the intervening night of 30-31/7/21.
“While conducting a search in a dense forest area along with said person, suddenly he slipped into a deep nalla and got injured. He was shifted to Bn headquarters for treatment. However, despite all possible efforts the injured succumbed to his injuries before being shifted to another hospital,” the spokesman said, adding that on receipt of the said report, an inquest proceeding has been initiated into the incident to ascertain the facts & circumstances leading to this incident. “The medico-legal formalities were completed at Sub District Hospital Gurez. Investigation in the matter is in progress,” the police spokesman said.
Defence Spokesman in Srinagar Colonel Emron Musavi in a statement said that last night, Abdullah Hazam, r/o Tharbal, Gurez, saw some suspicious movement in the forest area ahead of Tharbal village. “He immediately informed the nearest army post about the suspicious activity. Army search party along with him went to search the area in the darkness,” he said, adding that “While the party was moving through a slushy patch, he unfortunately slipped into the nallah. The soldiers immediately rescued him and brought him to the nearest military doctor. The doctor immediately examined him and gave first aid. However, despite the best efforts of the doctor, Abdullah Hazam could not be saved and passed away due to his injuries at 8 am.”
The Defence spokesman said that Post mortem has been conducted and the body is being handed over to the family. “All possible assistance is being provided to the family of Abdullah Hajam,” he said.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3C3gLSj
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The Government on Saturday informed that 118 new positive cases of novel Corona virus (COVID-19), 40 from Jammu division and 78 from Kashmir division, have been reported today, thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 321462.
Moreover, 113 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 43 from Jammu Division and 70from Kashmir Division.
Besides this, 99.46 percent of population above the age of 45 years has been vaccinated across the Jammu and Kashmir.
The Bulletin also informs that No confirmed case of Mucormycosis has been reported today, thus the total number of confirmed cases remains 35 in the UT of J&K.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 321462 positive cases, 1176 are Active Positive, 315908 have recovered and 4378 have died; 2142 in Jammu division and 2236 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 11718976 test results available, 11397514 samples have been tested as negative till today.
Till date 2845857 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 8909 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 1176 in isolation and 353482 in home surveillance. Besides, 2477912 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Srinagar has 71389 positive cases (including 19 cases reported today) with 318 Active Positive, 70239 recovered (including 16 cases recovered today), 832 deaths; Baramulla has 23625 positive cases (including 15 cases reported today) with 114 Active Positive, 23229 recovered (including 08 cases recovered today), 282 deaths; Budgam reported 22895 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today) with 68 active positive cases, 22622 recovered (including 07 cases recovered today), 205 deaths; Pulwama has 15188 positive cases (including 14 cases recovered today) with 48 Active Positive, 14946 recovered (including 18 cases recovered today)and 194 deaths; Kupwara has 14065 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today), 34 Active Positive, 13866 recoveries (including 05 cases recovered today), 165 deaths; Anantnag district has 16323 positive cases (including 01 cases reported today)with 37 Active Positive, 16081 recovered (including 02 cases recovered today), 205 deaths; Bandipora has 9468 positive cases (including 01 cases reported today) with 11 Active Positive, 9357 recoveries (including 07 cases recovered today), 100 deaths; Ganderbal has 9907 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 51 Active Positive, 9778 recoveries (including 07 cases recovered today) and 78 deaths; Kulgam has 11261 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today)with 30 Active Positive, 11114 recoveries and 117 deaths while as Shopian has 5584 positive cases with 10 active positive cases, 5516 recoveriesand 58 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 52764 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 111 active positive cases, 51514 recoveries (including 16 cases recovered today), 1139 deaths; Udhampur has 11296 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today), 31 active positive cases, 11130 recoveries (including 01 cases recovered today) and 135 deaths; Rajouri has 10929 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) 47 active positive, 10657 recoveries (including 06 cases recovered today) and 225 deaths; Doda has 7251 positive cases (including 10 cases reported today) with 95 Active positive, 7031 recovered (including 07 cases recovered today) and 125 deaths; Kathua has 9262 positive cases with 05 active positive cases, 9106 recovered and 151 deaths; Samba has 7123positive cases with 13 active positive cases, 6991 recoveries and 119 deaths; Kishtwar has 4641 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 32 Active Positive, 4565 recoveries (including 06 cases recovered today) and 44 deaths; Poonch has 6263 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today) with 34 active positive, 6134 recoveries (including 06 cases recovered today) and 95 deaths; Ramban has 5966positive cases (including 01 cases reported today)with 23 active positive cases, 5877 recoveries (including 01 cases recovered today)and 66 deaths while Reasi has 6262 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today)with 64 active positive cases, 6155recoveriesand 43 deaths.
According to the bulletin, among the total 321462 positive cases in J&K, 22846 have been reported as travelers while 298616 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 2423 COVID dedicated beds, 2019 Isolation beds with 1991 vacant beds and 404 ICU beds where 391 beds are vacant in Jammu division while there are 3353 COVID dedicated beds, 3074 Isolation beds where 3032 beds are vacant and 279 ICU beds where 239 are vacant beds in Kashmir division. There are a total of 5776 COVID dedicated beds, 5093 Isolation beds with 5023 beds vacant and 683 ICU beds with 630 vacant beds in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3rMxcxx
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A-52-year old man from a Gurez village in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district died allegedly inside a local army camp in Tarbal area of Gurez on Saturday.
Locals of the area alleged that the man died due to torture. A group of locals told news agency KNO, that the local resident identified as Muhammad Abdullah Hajam son of Abdul Rahman Hajam a resident of Tarbal was allegedly called by the local army unit of (36RR) at Tarbal–the last village near LoC, about 20 kms from Gurez town.
The locals said that they came to know this morning about the death of the man inside the army camp. The deceased according to locals was the father of five children.
The locals further alleged that the network connectivity was suspended in the entire Bagtore area this morning following the incident. After Hajam’s death, his relatives and locals held a protest in the area. A police team later managed to pacify the protesters.
A senior police officer from the Gurez, wishing not to be named that they are investigating the matter and the cause of death will be ascertained after the post-mortem examination.
However, defence sources said that a team of doctors have gone to the spot and they will check how the death took place. “The facts are being ascertained,” a defence source said.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3fiTPER
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Saturday chaired a series of meetings with Covid Task Force, Deputy Commissioners and District SsP to review the Covid situation across the Union Territory of J&K.
The meetings were the latest in the series, wherein the Lt Governor takes a district-wise assessment of the Covid scenario in the UT and seeks action-taken report from the District Administrations.
J&K government is getting full support from the Government of India in its fight against the global pandemic. Against the committed 6.5 lakh doses of vaccination for the current lot, the Government of India has provided more than 16 lakh doses to J&K which itself speaks about the undeterred commitment and dedicated attention of GoI towards saving precious lives, the Lt Governor maintained.
This will also help the UT government to achieve its target of covering 60 % of the population with the first dose by August, he added.
J&K’s average vaccination coverage of the first dose in 45 and above age group clocking 99.9 %; positivity rate dropping to 0.2 % and all districts falling under Green Zone as per the stringent indicators for consecutive weeks are results of strenuous efforts by all, observed the Lt Governor.
In a meeting with the DCs and SsP, the Lt Governor directed for adopting zero-tolerance against non-observance of Covid Appropriate Behaviour to ensure that the Covid situation remains under control.
Divisional Commissioners and DCs were instructed to monitor the working of Joint teams for effective enforcement of containment measures.
Adherence of Covid Appropriate Behaviour, 100% vaccination coverage of the targeted population, maximum testing, wearing of face masks, strict implementation of micro containment zones, effective clinical management need to be ensured in a mission mode to eliminate the threat of the 3rd wave, remarked the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor directed the Health Department to prioritize vaccination of college and university students. As the Covid situation in J&K has improved significantly, now we can work out a plan to open educational institutions in a staggered manner, added the Lt Governor.
Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department gave a detailed district-wise analysis of the Covid-19 pandemic including the status of vaccine availability and coverage; the daily trend of COVID 19 cases; the trend of daily testing done and daily positivity rate etc.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3xfcxTO
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A joint team of Army and police on Saturday claimed to have achieved a major success by killing Lamboo—the Jaish-e-Muhammad’s IED expert and “mastermind” of Lethpora fidayeen attack of 2019—in which 40 CRPF men were killed.
Lamboo was killed along with another Jaish militant whose identity is yet to be ascertained. Addressing a joint presser at army’s Srinagar-based 15 Corps headquarter, GoC 15 Corps D P Pandey, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar and GoC Victor Force termed the killing of Lamboo as a major success for forces.
“Saifullah alias Adnan alias Lamboo was active for the past few years in south Kashmir. Based on an input generated by the police, boys from Victor Force launched an operation in the dense woods of Dachigam area of Pulwama on July 27. Given the fact that weather was inclement, so all cautions were taken,” GoC 15 Corps told reporters as per news agency KNO. He said that today morning, contact was established with the militants and in the ensuing encounter, Jaish’s IED expert, who was also a highly trained militant, was killed along with his associate.
“He has been responsible for carrying out many attacks, recruiting young boys and brainwashing them. He would also give weapons and training to the new recruits,” GoC 15 Corps said.
Speaking on the occasion, IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar said that Lamboo alias Adnan alias Saifullah is a relation of Jaish chief Masood Azhar and had infiltrated into this side of Kashmir in 2017. “There were 14 FIRs registered against him and he was the mastermind and main accused in the February 14, 2019 Lethpora fidayeen attack,” the IGP said. “In total, there are 19 accused. Seven have been arrested and with Lamboo seven have been killed. Five are still absconding.” He said that in its chargehseet, NIA had also named Lamboo.
The IGP said that Lamboo was involved in the killing of SPO Fayaz Ahmed, his wife and daughter in Tral recently. In his address, GoC of south Kashmir based Victor Force Rashim Bali said Lamboo had been fleeing from the cordons by taking advantage of civilians and in today’s operation too, he tried to take cover of two women. “But boys from the Victor Force in a professional manner zeroed in on him and killed him and his associate in just three minutes without a scratch to any civilian,” he said. He said that from Lamboo, a M-4 carbine, a glock pistol, a chinese pistol and an Ak-47 rifle has been recovered from the slain. “Glock pistol is a semi-automatic pistol and is not being carried by all,” he said.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3jaAfLU
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Former South Africa batsman Herschelle Gibbs has accused the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) of “trying to prevent” him from participating in the inaugural Kashmir Premier League (KPL).
Gibbs, who is a part of KPL franchise Overseas Warriors, made the accusation in a tweet, adding that the BCCI has also threatened of denying him entry in India if he participates in the league.
“Completely unnecessary of the BCCI to bring their political agenda with Pakistan into the equation and trying to prevent me playing in the KPL,” the Proteas great said. “[They are] also threatening me saying they won’t allow me entry into India for any cricket related work. Ludicrous.”
Completely unnecessary of the @BCCI to bring their political agenda with Pakistan into the equation and trying to prevent me playing in the @kpl_20 . Also threatening me saying they won’t allow me entry into India for any cricket related work. Ludicrous
Later, Gibbs told SportsKeeda that the person issuing the threat was BCCI Secretary Jay Shah. “It came from Mr Shah. (The) message was sent to Graeme smith who passed it on to me,” he said.
The first-ever edition of KPL is scheduled to begin from August 6 and conclude on August 16. It comprises five franchises representing cities of Pakistan administered Kashmir, while a sixth franchise named Overseas Warriors is reserved for overseas Kashmiris.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3jdrLnA
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Tanveer Ahmad Khan, a resident of Nigeenpora Kund, Kulgam has secured AIR-2 in the Indian Economic Services (IES) examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). With this achievement, he has become the first youth from Kashmir valley to qualify the IES exam.
Tanveer Ahmad Khan IES
Despite the lack of availability of communication and connectivity, Tanveer removed all barriers and achieved the top rank.
Khan studied in a local primary school and later he went to Government Degree College Baramulla. Khan is also armed with a Masters in Economics in 2018 from Kashmir University.
Khan went to Kolkata for M.phil and was preparing for IES side by side.
“It was a hard struggle but I never stopped,” he said.
Khan’s father is a farmer and works in Punjab during the winter months.
Khan said along with his parents, his maternal uncle Ghulam Nabi Rather, a teacher by profession, kept him guiding and supporting financially and emotionally.
“This accomplishment is not the only mine, it has many stakeholders,” he said
While remembering his teachers, Khan said one of his teachers namely Bilal Ahmed Wani played a key role in my education.
Khan said that “indeed financial support matters a lot but that should not be an obstacle between your goals”. Khan hailed NGOs who helped him in difficult times.
After this breakthrough congratulations poured in for Khan.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took to Twitter and wrote, “Congratulations to Tanveer Ahmad Khan of Nigeenpora Kund, Kulgam for getting AIR-2 in Indian Economic Service (IES) 2020. I have always believed that the youth of J&K are inherently capable and full of potential. His feat will inspire and motivate our youngsters. I wish him a bright career.”
Congratulations to Tanveer Ahmad Khan of Nigeenpora Kund,Kulgam for getting AIR-2 in Indian Economic Service(IES)2020.I have always believed that the youth of J&K are inherently capable & full of potential.His feat will inspire &motivate our youngsters.I wish him a bright career. pic.twitter.com/PaCryiZQ6Y
New Delhi: India recorded 41,649 fresh Covid-19 cases with 593 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data showed on Saturday.
On Tuesday (July 27), India had registered 29,689 new Covid cases, less than the 30,000-mark in 132 days, and 415 deaths.
The total number of deaths has reached 4,23,810 as per the government data and active cases number 4,08,920.
According to the government, 37,291 people were discharged from hospitals and health centres in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cured to 3,07,81,263 till date as the virus continued to infect less than one lakh people over the last 53 days.
According to the health ministry data, a total of 46,15,18,479 Covid vaccine doses have been administered in India so far, including 52,99,036 in the last 24 hours.
The total number of samples tested so far has reached 46,46,50,723 as on July 29, including 18,16,277 samples tested on Friday.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3ffNREt
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Vehicular traffic on Jammu-Rajouri-Poonch National Highway was suspended for around 3 hours on Saturday after an security forces recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the crucial roadlink.
Quoting officials news agency KNO reported that this morning, a specific information was received by police that suspicious moment has taken place in Dalogra area along highway in Rajouri.
“Traffic was immediately suspended and an operation was launched during which the security forces detected an IED improvised,” the officials said.
They said that the bomb disposal squad (BDS) of police deffused the IED while entire area is under Cordon and searches are going on.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/2Vbo6hM
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: National Investigating Agency (NIA) Saturday said that it’s men were conducting raids at 14 locations in J&K in connection with the two separate IED recovery cases.
Quoting an NIA official news agency KNO reported that NIA raids are going in J&K in connection with two separate cases. “One is IED recovered in jammu on 27.06.2021 Rc -04/2021 and the other one is Lashker-e-Mustafa case,” he said.
The official said that raids are going on at 14 locations in J&K including Shopian, Anantnag, Banihal in Kashmir, besides, Sunjwan and Jammu.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/37a0H2H
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Two militants were killed in an encounter with counter-insurgent forces at Nagberan- Tarsar forest area in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Saturday.
An official said that two militants were killed so far in the ongoing encounter at Nagberan-Tarsar forest area of Pulwama.
The identity and the affiliations of the slain militants could not be ascertained immediately.
Earlier, a police spokesman said a gunfight broke out between militants and forces at Nagberan-Tarsar forest area of Pulwama.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3Cabkky
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
Offering affordable food in upmarket environs, Javed Parsa created a major eatery chain with footprints within and outside Kashmir by operating from a tiny cabin office in Srinagar with a smartphone in hand and a clever idea in mind, reports Khalid Bashir Gura
One of the few Kashmir businesses that continued growing despite the prevailing slump is the Parsa chain of eateries. It offers variety within a budget has an upmarket eco-system, young outlook and improves the brand value using social media. Now at 27 units, Javed Parsa, its 33-year old founder has a target of a 100 unit chain. Perhaps the only social entrepreneur, Parsa created the huge brand within seven years.
“Being in a position to mentor and create a pool of young and genuine businessmen has been the greatest blessing in my life,” Javed said after throwing open its Shopian unit. “Every single addition to Parsa’s family adds a lot of value to our brand.”
Creating a fast expanding brand in a challenging fragile market that hardly remains open for half of the 365 days is difficult arithmetic. But, how exactly it happened?
A Long Story
As one opens the glass door at Parsa Food and Beverages restaurant, the first unit at Srinagar’s Sarah Mall that is now the mother and medulla of the chain, lingering aroma soon tickles olfactory senses. The sight and sound of the clattering plates, spoons, and genuinely smiling waiters listening to customers calmly gives an impression of being a guest.
Javid Parsa, in his tiny office, listing the books that people have contributed for use by others. KL Image: special arrangement
In a corner, Javed operates from his 5.5×4 feet office. With this small chamber are tied memories of a generation. Parsa’s USP is he makes everyone feel special and loved; something the world is hungry for. He clicks selfies with his clients and makes every entry into his eatery a social media event. People spend small amounts on food and celebrations land for free to their smartphones.
In 2014, Javed acquired a franchisee of Kathi Junction and used social media to reach a wider clientele. On October 31, 2017, he called it a day, snapped his arrangement, and launched his own brand, Parsa, the family surname.
In the subsequent seven years, Kashmir witnessed hell. First, the September 2014 floods decimated most of the Vale. A year later, the mass unrest over the killing of Burhan Wani almost closed Kashmir for most of the summer. Then in August 2019 Article 370 and Article 35A was undone with Kashmir kept under lock and key. Well before Kashmir could breathe easy, the Coronavirus pandemic locked Kashmir again.
Despite all this, Parsa’s is now a 27-unit chain with more than 300 employees. All except one are franchisees. “Each outlet has an average of 10 employees,” Javed said.
Tiny Office
Javed’s cabin office cannot accommodate more than two people. But it is stuffed with gifts of his customers: photos, paintings, sketches, gifted by his customers, currency coins of different nations deposited by Kashmiris from different parts of the world beside his notice board and accounts books.
Parsa brand owner, Javid with the staff of a new franchise outlet. He knows the art of making a meeting memorable.
“My primary branch is smaller than my franchisees,” Javed laughs, adding that in 2014 when he ventured into the food business he carried thorough research of the market for almost two months. “I went to different restaurants in Srinagar to understand the menu and what is it that can be the talk of the town.” It was this survey that helped him understand the eventual disconnect between an eatery and the customer. Filling that gap helped Javed build Parsa.
“My brother, Naveed says that since we can afford a better office we should shift. But I am comfortable as it is here where I took off,” he said while adjusting himself in his cramped seat.
Childhood
Brought up in picturesque Bandipora, Javed is a carpenter’s son. He was brought up by his maternal grandfather, Ghulam Rasool Shah popularly known as Gul Pir, a postmaster.
“He has been the closest human being who influenced me in my childhood,” Javed said, insisting that he learned the art of smiling from him and it helped him to win hearts.
His grandfather delivered letters to seven villages and little Javed would accompany him on his bicycle. “I would trail behind him to orchards, markets, wherever he went,” he said. “I picked from him the art of dealing with people, co-existence, and love.”
Silent, smiling little Javed would keenly observe people discussing issues at kandur waan, the traditional Kashmiri bakery shops. “I would often be around as people chatted, shared stories, discussed politics, religion and society,” he said. “I had never imagined that Parsa’s would replicate this tradition in its eateries.”
Academics and Activism
As Javed grew he had no clear goal as to what to do in life? Inevitably, he found himself scrambling and shifting from mechanical engineering to designing to pursuing MBA.
“As they say, engineering confused me; designs disillusioned me before business completed me,” a smiling Javed said. “I left mechanical engineering in the third semester without informing the parents as I discovered it was not my domain. Subsequently, I was supported financially in my new idealistic pursuit of designing by some relatives and friends. But soon it disillusioned me as the practical world of designing was different from what I had fancied. Then I came to Hyderabad, and got admitted into the central university to meet the need for accommodation and simultaneously earn a livelihood at a call centre.”
He pursued MBA in Urdu at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad. “I have studied just because one has to. I didn’t have many hopes or expectations from life,” said Javed.
At the University, he was into student activism. He soon became part of the student union. He led the protests against a “suffocating” dress code and closing of the girls’ hostel at 6 pm. It was just a continuation of what he did in the school – arguing why he sits on a jute mat, unlike teachers who use chairs.
One Man Army
Busy with his success and expansion, Javed regrets the pandemic delayed his idea of creating a corporate hierarchy for his brand. This has pushed him to be the only person on the control button.
“Everybody reports to me. I do not have a manager. I am one point contact for all my employees,” Javed said, adding that a culture of acceptance, belongingness, working together as a team, and respecting each other is the standard he has set for employees to emulate. “My employees emulate the behavioural standards I have set,” he said. “I believe if a person has good values, work can be taught to him but if the person lacks values, it is difficult to fix.”
An inner view of one of Parsa brand outlets.
The basic protocols involve wearing a uniform and a smile. Despite all this, there have been instances of misbehaviour from his staff.
From his cabin, Javed oversees the operations of all the outlets online. “When the sale of an outlet goes down I walk in,” he said. “I use my skills to bring the attention of my customers back as they might have grown weary of the monotony.”
Social Media
When Javed ventured into the eatery business, he lacked adequate financial resources for advertisements. However, he realized the potential reach of social media to connect with audiences.
“The budget of my initial business model was so small that I could not afford a small advertisement in a newspaper. I knew it would reach people and I tapped into its potential,” he said.
Javed invited prominent personalities to his shop. This made Parsa’s a place where one can learn, discuss and connect with people who matter. “I initially captured selfies, recorded moments, and tagged people in it. It helped me to reach a wider audience and soon they were attracted to visit Parsa’s and experience the food and meet other people through various events.” This marked the creation of the first batch of clientele loyal to the brand.
“We gave people reasons to connect, sponsored musical, cultural events or launched workshops, books etc. Soon Parsa’s became a place where people launched their careers, released books, music albums,” he said, adding that he carried a campaign on road safety for four months in which we involved people from diverse backgrounds. This was followed by a campaign on menstrual hygiene, an issue people usually talked about in whispers.
At one point in time, Javed said he got life threats for promoting female artists or letting someone just sing, or expressing himself. These events brought us all together.
“These little acts I did for youth made them emotionally close to this place as they felt it is a part of their growth,” Javed believes. “I can proudly say that it is a place where strangers can sit in front of one another and eat comfortably.”
Culture and Cuisine
Javed’s smart use of social media helped him create his USP to connect with a generation and it built the brand. He doesn’t sell anything Kashmiri in Kashmir. But in Banglore and other places, he introduced Kashmiri cuisine and crockery.
“We serve Kashmiri wazwaan at affordable prices outside Kashmir and let me tell you, there are many voracious wazwaan outside Kashmir,” Javed said. “Besides the cuisine, it is Kashmiri music and culture which we serve along with the food.”
Javed acted as a liaison for many Kashmiri artists to connect with audiences outside Kashmir and perform at his outlets.
Downside
But do life’s vagaries weigh down smiling and resilient Javed also? What is he like when back home or alone after a bad day? Javed admitted he does face melancholic times and brave storms of anxiety and depression.
Over the years, the conflict and criticism for his work and ideas have taken a toll on his psyche. He also sought psychiatrist help for his stress. His stress was the outcome of the criticism that his outreach during adversity was a marketing trick than a genuine initiative. This added to the crisis triggered by conflict and shutdowns. But he busied himself in connecting with the less fortunate and in turn provided him with the love and support of more people.
Philanthropic Platform
As he has thousands of followers on social media, people approach him with pleas regarding financial and medical aid, employment, launching careers as artists, and even advertising business.
“Parsa’s is a platform that people trust in,” Parsa said, “That’s why they donate but I support only after strict verification check.”
In 2016 mass unrest, when Kashmir remained shut for months, Javed was seen mostly at SMHS Hospital. He catered to the injured and people visiting with them. “We set up a kitchen there and served people from far-off places,” Javed said. But soon he was forced by financial circumstances to shift to Hyderabad again to support family and staff.
At a time when Kashmiri students were being singled out in certain states, Javed was around to help.
In August 2019, when Jammu and Kashmir was in a literal siege, cut off from the rest of the world and a lucky Javed was not home.
“I had pre-booked my flight to Bengaluru on August 12 for a business trip. Later as I returned, I set up my base in Delhi,” he said, adding he helped hundreds of Kashmiris connect with their relatives. He provided financial support to various students spread across India, who could not access funds due to the communication restrictions at home.
Javed had carried letters from parents and relatives and sent them to their children and family members. “Many residents had travelled to Hajj and due to sudden communication blockade and rumours they had panicked,” Javed remembers.
Apart from helping residents to communicate, Javed helped them face a shortage of medicines. In collaboration with international agencies and NGOs who offered help and provided medical aid, Javed coordinated with people going to Kashmir and helped supply medicines through them to the needy.
Recalling an incident at Aloochi Bagh in Srinagar, Javed said that he had read the news about a family having lost their home in a fire. They could not call fire and emergency services due to communication blackout. What added to the agony of the distressed family was that he had to get two daughters married in a few months.
“After proper verification, I put an appeal for help on social media and people generously came forward with financial aid. Within few hours around Rs 5 lakh were donated,” he said. “The contributions came from Kashmiri students, corporates, and businessmen living outside Kashmir”.
The Pandemic
All business remained shut during the Covid19 so Javed provided free meals to the needy, arranged blood and plasma for patients and helped the unemployed by giving them opportunities.
Unlike other businesses, Parsa’s continued its growth despite the pandemic. No pink slips were distributed at Parsa’s and no salary cuts were announced.
Javed believes eating is an experience and online delivery of food must be the last option. As pandemic dictated that necessity, he soon hopes to resume the normal routine. He believes the restaurant serves as a place of social dining, and that he would prefer watching people sitting and conversing in front of one another rather than delivering food.
Brand Parsa’s
Javed believes Parsa’s is only the medium where he interacts with people and spend time with them regardless of age, places, ideologies, and share ideas.
“It is not ordering, grabbing, and leaving. For the food, one has to sit, wait and eat. Then there are feedback moments. Countering the conventional etiquettes of other outlets where just the food is served. We want to make it an experience,” claimed Javed. “I wanted to fill that vacuum of the restaurant beyond food.”
At Kathi Junction, he was restricted by a contract. At his own outlet, he sets his own standards. “I wanted to be independent and take decisions on my own. I went to places where people do not care about Parsa’s like Bangalore, where one can get the same roll on a handcart at a cheaper price. But I had to innovate,” he said. “That is how Kashmiri cuisine and culture was exported to mainland parts.”
Javed said he likes to think that he is the engineer of his success and the designer of his destiny.
Javed said he studied many models first and then designed his own keeping Kashmir in mind. He inserted clauses of the hartal menu in Kashmir that can take care of employees when the tough times like frequent shutdown to pandemic lockdowns hobble business.
“But when it comes to dealing with complaints I am very tough,” Javed said. “I make sure franchisees follow norms.
Some of the requisites are space, place, and non-refundable one-time brand fees of seven lakh rupees and it varies as per places. However, the contract is renewed every three years. In operations and contributions to the franchise, I charge only five per cent of everyday sales like recipe, staff, promotion and packaging.
“I simultaneously work as a designer when the outlets are built,” he said. “I hang out with them before giving those franchises, as I call them for dinner, talk to them, travel with them and learn about them. Values and binding affinity is of prime importance before lending my brand name to someone.”
Book Bank
Books are the most important feature of his outlet. A custodian of thousands of books of different genres, donated by avid readers to other book lovers, Javed is helping youth to inculcate reading habits.
According to the website dedicated specifically to book banks, in order to promote the reading culture across the valley, Parsa Foods has started Parsa Book Bank in 2015.
The objective is to promote the reading culture in times of the internet and social media. The books are donated by visitors and every donor is a permanent member of Parsa Book Bank and can read and borrow as many as they want. Currently, Parsa Book Bank has thousands of books with different genres ranging from art, politics, and fiction to resistance and biographies, donated by nearly 500 people by now. There are around 400 regular readers and borrowers at Parsa Book Bank.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3C0L1wP
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha took a comprehensive review of the status of various projects being executed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, at the Raj Bhavan Jammu.
Lt Governor takes comprehensive review of various NHIDCL projects
The Lt Governor was briefed about the status, pace of works, and issues of various projects including the four-laning of Jammu-Akhnoor Road; two-laning with Paved Shoulder of Chenani-Sudhmahadev road section; Sudhmahadev-Goha Tunnel in the Jammu Division, besides the current status of Z-Morh Tunnel; Zojila Tunnel; Baramulla-Tangmarg-Gulmarg road among others in the Kashmir Division.
During the meeting, the Lt Governor directed the officials to expedite the pace of work on the major road projects. He issued directions for removal of any pending bottlenecks, besides calling for synergizing inter-agency/department coordination for achieving optimum results.
On the four-laning of Jammu-Akhnoor Road, the chair was briefed about the progress achieved under various packages of the project. It was informed that around 70 % progress has been achieved in the Canal Head to Ganesh Vihar stretch of the prestigious project, involving construction of a 4.6 km long Flyover.
The Lt Governor issued explicit directions to the concerned officials to stick to the timelines of the project. “This project is going to ease the life of thousands of our citizens. There should be no delay in the execution and the adherence of the set timelines must be ensured”, he added.
The meeting also discussed the current status of two-laning of Chenani-Sudhmahadev road section of NH-244, Sudhmahadev-Goha Tunnel, Goha–Khellani in the Jammu region. Further, a team of senior NHIDCL officials shall visit Doda next week, to resolve all pending issues related to the NH-244 project by working in synergy with district authorities.
Status of various projects being executed in the Kashmir division was also reviewed, including the Z-Morh Tunnel; Zojila Tunnel; Baramulla-Tangmarg-Gulmarg road, among others.
It was informed that the connectivity of Sonamarg highway will be ensured during the ensuing winter season and there would be effective deployment of snow cutters along all major roads that are affected due to heavy snowfall.
The Lt Governor directed the officers to undertake the technical supervision of works like earth-cutting along the highways. He observed that it is imperative to ensure the highest quality of works besides preserving the fragile ecology.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Shaleen Kabra, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department; Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary to Government, Public Works (R&B) Department; Manoj K Dwivedi, Administrative Secretary, Mining Department; Vikas Kundal, Managing Director, JKPCC; besides Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, and Deputy Commissioners of concerned districts attended the meeting in person and through virtual mode.
Executive Director, NHIDCL Jammu and Executive director, NHIDCL Kashmir along with senior functionaries of NHIDCL also attended the meeting.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3fdzG2V
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Following heavy rains in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal and its adjoining areas, the power canal at Baba Wayil Padshahibagh witnessed a breach forcing water to enter into farmlands and residential areas.
Heavy rains trigger a flood-like situations in Ganderbal
Eyewitnesses said that water entered into several houses at Nunar and Gotlibagh areas of Ganderbal. Due to the waterlogging, traffic on Ganderbal-Kangan road was also disrupted.
Witnesses added that water entered not only in houses but also in agricultural land and military camps.
District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Kritika Jyotsna said that teams of police and civil officials have rushed to spots and are assisting people. Jyotsna also confirmed that water has entered into a couple of houses in Nunnar and Gutlibagh.
“Our teams are there to assess the situation,” she said.
The breach and subsequent release of waters into the residential areas created panic among locals.
Some people were seen taking out their belongings from the ground floor to safer places and police personnel were seen helping people at Nunnar and Gotlibagh to deal with the crisis. (KNT)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3BVJGaJ
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has released the class 12 result today at cbseresults.nic.in. Students can check the individual scorecards now.
The exam was scheduled to be held in May but was cancelled due to surge in COVID-19 cases. This year, the CBSE 12th results have been prepared in an alternative way as board exams could not be held this year due to surge in COVID-19 cases. The board had adopted an alternative assessment scheme to finalise the result.
Using CBSE roll number finder, students can get their roll numbers. This year students have not been issued admit cards as exams were not held. Therefore students do not know their roll number
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/37elbHu
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A family of five members was rendered homeless after a houseboat, they were living in, sank in river Jhelum near the Museum in Lal Mandi locality of Srinagar late last night.
Houseboat capsized during the intervening night of Thursday-Friday at river Jhelum near Lal Mandi. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
Quoting family members news agency KNO reported that they have been rendered homeless after their houseboat sank into river Jhelum last night.
“They had a narrow escape as water entered the houseboat and it sank, while they jumped out of it and saved themselves from drowning. However, we have now been rendered homeless as we don’t any shelter where we can live. We are now putting up in neighbours houseboat,” said Mohammad Ashraf Kahankhasi, owner of the houseboat.
He said that he cannot afford to repair the houseboat on his own as it cost around 1.5 lakh to repair the same, while they don’t have the resources to afford the repairing cost.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3j7rYIy
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A 32-year-old man has allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself to death in Chankhan Sopore areas of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday afternoon.
Quoting official sources the news agency KNO reported that a man was found hanging at his residence in Chankhan Sopore.
They said that he was rushed to Sub District Hospital (SDH) where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.
Meanwhile, local police has taken cognizance of the matter and started an investigation.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3BV7k7b
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A team of Wildlife department assisted by local inhabitants captured a leopard in Punzwa Villgam village in Handwara on Friday afternoon.
Reports said that the leopard had taken shelter in a school building in the vicinity two days before. Wildlife department was informed accordingly, however a team arriving at the scene was successful in catching the animal today only.
Quoting a wildlife official news agency GNS reported that they were informed about the presence of the wild animal in the area, following which a team reached the spot. While maintaining utmost caution as to avoid any exigency, the animal was captured safely from the area with able assistance from the local inhabitants, he said.
The captured animal would be dispatched to Dachigam park, he further said.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3xd65Nf
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Former PDP leader and ex-MLA Poonch Shah Mohammad Tantray along with his associates on Friday joined Apni Party at its office in Lal Chowk Srinagar.
Welcoming Tantray into party-fold, Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari expressed confidence that his joining will boost the Party cadres and increment their morale in the Pir Panjal region.
“I have a special affinity with Pir Panjal region, especially district Poonch where I had the privilege to serve as the Incharge District Development Board in 2015-16. The district has a huge potential for growth and development provided it gets the right leadership,” he remarked.
Bukhari hailed the work done by Mr. Tantray as an MLA in his constituency and described him as a true representative of the people. “Tantray Saheb would always raise and pursue the issues and problems faced by the people in Poonch and that is the spirit required to become a leader of the masses. I am happy that his joining Apni Party has provided us a chance to work again as colleagues and friends to serve the people,” he added.
On this occasion, Tantray thanked Apni Party leadership for rising to the occasion and becoming the voice of the people of Jammu and Kashmir at a time when all other traditional parties had adopted a criminal silence. “It is not only the practical agenda of Apni Party but I have witnessed Bukhari Saheb’s delivery as a minister on the ground that was even acknowledged by the opposition parties at that time,” he added.
The former MLA Poonch pledged to work tirelessly to strengthen the party base in Pir Panjal region especially in district Poonch where its popularity is gaining momentum with every passing day.
Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir said that the Party is committed for an equitable development of all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir while focusing on tangible issues that affect the routine lives of the people.
“We have always raised the pressing issues of the people and rigorously followed them up as they directly pertain to public welfare. The development of Pir Panjal region is vital for the holistic progress of J&K and Apni Party will see to it that this region gets its fair share,” he said.
Meanwhile, former Congress Block Vice President Poonch Mukhtar Ahmad Khari alongwith his associates also joined Apni Party on the occasion.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3feoS4F
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
KUPWARA: The villagers of Trehgam, Kunan and Poshpora are up in arms against the administration demanding repair and macadamisation of the road that connects the villages with Kupwara town.
Trehgam-Poshpora-Kupwara road in shambles. Kl Image
The representatives of these villages on Thursday held a protest demonstration outside the office of the Deputy commissioner urging the administration to pay urgent heed to their demands.
The Block development Council chairman Trehgam Mohammad Abdullah Mir while speaking with the media asked the administration to explain why the important road of the district is in shambles.
Former Sarpanch of Poshpora Fayaz Ahmad Mir warned that if the demand was not met then they would be forced to take out all the men, women and children out on roads in protest.
Aabid Quadri, a political activist and village representative in Poshpora blamed the past governments and the administration for neglecting the road that is now covered with potholes, ditches and craters.
A resident of Posphora who daily commutes to his shop in Kupwara complained of bumpy rides as he said it takes him one hour to traverse the otherwise 10-minute journey. He said that his car now needs service and repairing frequently as he added that the road has now become propane to accidents.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara said that he has heard the demands of the protestors and directed the Executive Engineer R&B Department Kupwara to get the potholes filled and patchwork done on priority.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3iepAko
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Four CRPF men including an Assistant sub-inspector and a civilian were injured after suspected militants hurled a grenade on CRPF party at Khanpora Bridge in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday.
Quoting a senior police officer news agency GNS reported that militants attacked by lobbing a grenade towards CRPF party at Khanpora Bridge in which four CRPF personnel and a civilian recieved splinter injuries. They were shifted to nearby hospital for treatment.
Official sources identified injured CRPF personnel as ASI Kisku, constable Dayananad Kumar, Kamlesh Singh and Gautam Mandal.
Meanwhile whole area has been cordoned off to nab the fleeing militants, they said.
The story is still emerging, more details awaited.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3fe1fsR
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Former Minister and senior leader Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Ajay Sadhotra has expressed serious concern over the move to convert the Historic Mubarak Mandi complex into a hotel.
Opposing the move, Sadhotra alleged that BJP Government is hell-bent upon vanishing Dogra history and culture.
“First BJP divided princely State into two union territories, secondly abolish 35-A which was protection for land and jobs security to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and now converting the Historic Mubarak Mandi complex into a hotel”, he added.
He said that the people of Jammu and Kashmir have an emotional attachment with the historic monument as it was the seat of power of the Dogra dynasty and any attempt to convert this Heritage building to a hotel will create bad blood.
If the building is preserved as Monument, thousands of tourists from the country and outside the country will come to see and know about the Dogra history and history of princely J&K State, he added.
He asked the Government to review its decision of converting this Monument into the hotel and preserve it as a Heritage Monument as has been done by the Hyderabad Government by preserving the Chowmahalla Palace of Nizam of Hyderabad.
“Government should take up the execution of a master plan of this historical Mubarak Mandi on war footing as crores of rupees has been spent on Mubarak Mandi time to time by different Governments”, he stated.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3yhTWb5
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A 63-year-old man was crushed to death by a train in Badragund area of Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday morning.
Quoting an official the news agency KNO reported that a retired government employee of Irrigation and Flood Control (I&FC) Department namely Ghulam Nabi Chopan, son of Abdul Aziz Chopan of Vessu Qazigund was crushed by a train at around 11:00 am, resulting in his on spot death.
“It was not known whether he has committed suicide,” the official said, adding that police has started an investigation in this regard.
Station House Officer (SHO) Qazigund, Reshi Irshad also confirmed the incident.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3fb3YTX
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A man was arrested in Uri town of Baramulla for allegedly raping a minor girl inside a forest area, police said.
In a statement, police said: “On 28,07,2021, Police Station Uri received a written complaint from one person stating therein that his minor daughter (name withheld) aged about 13 years was raped by one person namely Imtiyaz Ahmad Khan @ Muna Khan, son of Mohammad Saleem, a resident of Paranpeelan Uri in forest area after giving life threat to her.
On receiving this complaint, a case under relevant sections of law was registered in Police Station Uri and investigation was set into motion, the statement said.
During the course of the investigation, The Police team after utilizing all available means and due to strenuous efforts arrested the accused person within hours of the complaint received by police. He has been shifted to the police station where he remains in custody.
As a part of the investigation, necessary medico-legal formalities have been carried out. Further investigation in the matter is going on, it said.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3BUfv3N
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
New Delhi: India recorded 44,230 fresh Covid-19 cases with 555 deaths in the last 24 hours, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare data showed on Friday.
On Tuesday, India had registered 29,689 new Covid cases, less than the 30,000-mark in 132 days, and 415 deaths.
The total number of deaths has reached 4,23,217 as per the government data and active cases number 4,05,155.
According to the government, 42,360 people were discharged from hospitals and health centres in the last 24 hours, taking the total number of cured to 3,07,43,972 till date as the virus continued to infect less than one lakh people over the last 52 days.
A total of 45,60,33,754 Covid vaccine doses have been administered in India so far, including 51,83,180 in the last 24 hours.
The total number of samples tested so far has reached 46,46,50,723 as on July 29, including 18,16,277 samples tested on Thursday.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/2V7BrYt
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Body of a 45-year-old woman was found in an orchard in Gutiyar area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday morning.
Quoting official sources the news agency KNO reported that the body of Fareeda Begum wife of Gulzar Ahmad Mir of Gutiyar was found in the orchard.
They said that she had gone missing yesterday when she had gone to her orchard in Gutiyar, following which searches were launched to trace her.
“Today morning body was found in the orchard and it has been now taken to the hospital for post-mortem to ascertain the cause of here death,” they said.
Meanwhile, Baramulla police have taken cognizance of the incident and have a registered a case, while further investigations have also been taken up.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/3ieK38G
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
Broadcaster and poet,Rukhsana Jabeenretired as Director of Radio Kashmir. She tellsIbtisam Fayaz Khanthat withdrawing Urdu from its standing as the sole official language of Jammu and Kashmir was a huge loss.
Rukhsana Jabeen
KASHMIR LIFE (KL):Your literary and broadcasting journey was interesting because it was a different era?
RUKHSANA JABEEN (RJ): It all began in 1977. I took admission for masters in Urdu at the University of Kashmir. Like the Persian department, the Urdu department had a literary circuit called Bazm-e-Adab. Students would participate in its events and present their prose and poetry. Teachers used to evaluate and improve our writings. Professor Hamidi Kashmiri was one of the teachers who used to mentor students including me by providing us with books and encouraged us to write. My work used to get published in our departmental newsletter Bazyaft. That is how it began.
My writings were appreciated from within and outside Kashmir. Shabkhoon used to be one of the prominent magazines and publishing in the magazine would fetch instant recognition and respect. After my masters, I did my pre-doctorate (MPhil) on contemporary Persian Poetry in Iran. Forugh Farrokhzad is my favourite Iranian poet.
KL:How was your schooling, your childhood, your aim in life?
RJ: I am originally from Khwaja Bazar Srinagar. I have studied in a government school where the taath (sitting mats) used to be prickly. That was a different era, simple and modest. Then I moved to Khanyar High school which was later upgraded to a higher secondary. I remember Nallahmar Road used to be a big orchard once, which is now a concrete jungle. After that, I went to Nawakadal College for women. I have lived in a downtown environment and I personify that culture. Finally, I moved to the University where I studied both Urdu and Persian.
As you asked about my childhood habits and my dreams, I had a flashback that as a small girl I used to take glass and spoon. Spoon was my mike and I used to mimic the radio broadcasters and their shows focusing majorly on women at that time. It used to be in the Kashmiri language programmes hosted by Mariyam Begum and Uma Dhar. I used to be in plays, unlike other children. One day these childhood plays became real in my life.
We were two sisters and our parents never discriminated against us as they had no son. They never treated us any less. We were encouraged to study and supported to fulfil our dreams. My mother did not let me do any household work as she wanted us to focus on our studies. And today I treat my daughter the same way.
KL:How did your family provide support when you started writing poetry?
RJ: They never objected to my poetic skills but they objected to working for the radio. Going to radio was considered taboo in that era. They were very sceptical about “our girl will go to the radio station”. Our home environment was traditional, a peer Gharana. People believed that only singers and theatre personalities go to radio. They were unaware that formal official positions do exist, even for women. Family and relatives did not like to hear my voice on the radio. I used to give excuses that radio personnel come to our university and record our voices as our writings were published in Bazm-e-Adab. Later, they appreciated and relatives started seeking radio jobs for their daughters too.
KL:And then you put in 32 years in broadcasting?
RJ: In 1982, Basharat Ahmad, my ideal broadcaster, suggested that I should apply for the programme officer post in Radio Kashmir for which I had to sit in the PECS examination conducted by UPSC. I got selected as an Urdu programme officer. I joined radio in 1983. Initially, I worked with Yuvavni, and eventually, I was deployed to the general service section of the radio. The way seniors supported and encouraged me throughout, I did the same for the deserving and talented juniors.
For the initial five years at Yuvavani, I moved with my team from village to village in OB vans. I was the first Muslim Kashmiri girl to work as a programme officer. I broke the myth that Muslim girls have their limitations in being professional broadcasters. I always wanted my assignments to be distinct from others. I made sure to work hard and prove my mettle. Except for music and drama, I managed all kinds of programmes. My Payame Subuh was the morning radio programme that was very popular.
KL:Do you believe that the reputation and success of public broadcasting has compromised in the All India Radio era?
RJ: Yes, it has. Now, young people are not involved in office work. The young blood is required so that Radio Kashmir revives itself. With time, people change and so do their preferences. If youth are not the workforce, there won’t be anything new in the content. The staff is old and belong to a different generation. They are not even hiring new people. This has caused a lot of problems. Radio was the most popular public forum in Kashmir and it had more listenership than other states. Youth can’t apply unless and until posts are not advertised. Accountability does not exist now.
KL:Has the privatization of radio stations affected the listenership of All India Radio?
RJ: Private station cannot compete with All India Radio. Kehtay haina haathi mara huwa bhi sawa lakha ka hota hai…. Zawal aatay aatay bhi bharsoon lagengay…. At the same time, I appreciate the energetic talent manning private stations. There is no competition to All India Radio as for as its reputation, the sensitivity of content, and message delivery is concerned.
KL:What has been the main theme of your writings?
RJ: Life is the main theme of my writings as it is colourful, sometimes black and white, and sometimes grey. These colours of life become the subject of our writings. I prefer to write ghazals because it has the aura of freedom to write what we feel. It is not bounded or restricted.
KL:How do you see the current status of the Urdu language in Kashmir?
RJ: It is beyond hope but I still expect rays of sunshine as I always prefer to looking at every situation as an optimist.
KL:Urdu is no more the only official language?
RJ: Even when Urdu enjoyed being the only official language, no policies were made for its promotion and preservation. It is not at all understandable to me how the government can accommodate more than one language in their official works. It is not possible to give all other languages the same position as Urdu has always enjoyed. No one will benefit from this. Instead, it is a huge loss to our culture. Yes, other languages also have their significance and must be preserved. It must be added into curriculums according to the geographical majority.
KL:What should be the steps taken by the government for preserving the Urdu language in the region?
RJ: Urdu academies must be organized as is the case in Delhi, Bengal, Hyderabad, Karnataka, and Haryana. The Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture, and Languages works for all the state languages rather than focusing on one language. So we need an academy that will concentrate on the development, promotion, and preservation of Urdu as a language. Government should take these steps for preserving the Urdu language in the region.
Anyway, the situation of Kashmir for the last two years has made us all wonder how to simply survive in these times. Art, culture, and language, all these things are not a priority, unlike life and health. I pray for the situation to become better, politically, socially, and with respect to the pandemic. Then we can take the necessary steps about our Urdu language.
KL:People use Urdu for certificates. Do you believe that it is going away day by day from our lives?
RJ: There was a time when Urdu used to be a craze in Kashmir. Several Mushairay (poetic symposiums) used to be held across Jammu and Kashmir. It is correct that Urdu is being treated merely as a subject to pass an examination. Though that’s not how the knowledge must be pursued. Parents are being careless who don’t recognize the importance of Urdu or, perhaps, they have also been treated the same way by their parents.
Even people who survive on Urdu do not encourage their kids to study the Urdu language. They presume their children won’t survive in the outer world on Urdu alone. Unless and until a language does not become means for earning or employment, it will decline. We have to link these two – Urdu and employment. Several Urdu newspaper houses require Urdu knowing journalists, columnists, typists, editors.
Radio Kashmir is one such platform where Urdu professionals are essential for broadcasting news, make programmes or scriptwriting. Kashmir’s social geography won’t allow the 24/7 English news channel. The region has to have Urdu-speaking news channels for better audience reach and message delivery. Marte marte bhi Urdu kayi logoo ki zindagi raheghi ….. English is equally an important language in today’s world. However, we must not forget or ignore Urdu and Kashmir languages cultural worth.
KL: What should be the responsibility of organizations like Adbee Markaz Kamraz?
RJ:Adbee Markaz Kamraz is the oldest and has completed 50 years for the cause of protecting preserving our own Kashmiri culture and language. They have been doing the best they can. However, Kashmir’s cultural organizations can work much better if they are provided with a good amount of financial funds.
Due to current situations, sub-groups under AMK have not received any monetary aid. For that, a federal organization of these NGOs must themselves be financially self-sufficient. The proper administrative head is absent in any of these literary sub-groups. When Adbee Markaz Kamraz was under the administration of Dr Aziz Hajini, several projects and programmes were arranged for the betterment of the Kashmiri language and culture. From arranging publications to poetic symposiums and Kashmiri musical programs, Musaviri (sketching), their work used to be highly appreciable and was touching skies.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/2WvHk21
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
