SRINAGAR: Kashmir Valley including the summer capital of J&K sprung to life on Wednesday as children made their way to schools after long winter vacations.
According to reports, students dressed in uniforms were seen heading to their respective schools very early in the morning as the School Education Department has changed school timing in Srinagar city from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Some parents even expressed resentment over “too early” schooling.
“The interest of students should be paramount. Normally timings used to be changed from April 1,” several parents said, adding, “There is still considerable chill during the morning hours and people at the helm of affairs should not lose sight of it.”
The schools up to class 5th were ordered to observe winter vacation from December 1 to February 28, the classes from 6th to 8th from December 12, and those from 9th to 12 standards from December 19. (GNS)
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Working in SKUAST-K’s potato laboratory, a scholar was desperate for the MS media, a key ingredient for tissue culture but the lab lacked funds. It took her 28 months to discover a cheap alternative that is abundantly around the campus and it fetched her a prestigious grant to set up a unit for its production, reportsIfra Reshi
Sameena Lone, the young Kashmir scholar, who bagged a Rs 50 lakh grant from the respected BIRAC for her ground-breaking innovation, intends to change the way people look at the mounds of weeds that are perennially extracted from Dal Lake. She will be converting the weeds into a cheap medium for popularizing tissue culture.
A resident of Nishat Brein, Sameena, the daughter of a forest range officer, is a vegetable science scholar currently pursuing her PhD at SKAUST. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s in horticulture from SKAUST and her work on potato tissue culture started during her MSc. Working with her mentor, Dr Khursheed Hussain at the Potato Tissue Culture Laboratory, she recognized the high cost of nutrient media used in the cultivation of tissue cell culture.
“During the learning process, once we fell short of the Murashige and Skoog (MS) media that we were using in potato tissue culture, I posted my mentor. He said the laboratory can’t buy media for lack of funds,” Lone said while recalling the first time she felt the necessity for looking at the alternatives. “My mentor told me he was also looking for alternatives as he faced the same problem at his own end.”
It pushed the team on a hunt for an affordable, organic nutrient medium that would allow farmers to conduct tissue culture on their own, generating disease-free plantlets with lower pesticide loads.
After 28 months, “in a whistle-blow phenomenon, Coontail media came to the limelight”. After three years of research and standardization, she discovered that part of the weeds in Dal Lake are hugely nutrient-rich and can be used to create ideas for tissue culture. The success led her team to patent the idea and the associated processes. The idea was found to enable potato farmers to have affordable, organic potato tissue culture media, which not only reduces costs but also produces healthier, and disease-free potatoes.
This became one of its kind and the first Organic Tissue Culture Media to be used for the mass multiplication of high-quality, disease-free, and organic planting material of potato. Its success led Sameena to set up her own start-up, Kashmeer Organo Greens Private Limited with her mentor as co-founder. The unit currently operates from SKUAST-K’s Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (SKIIE) Centre.
= Having an idea and floating a start-up does not make a successful enterprise because it requires resources. Sameena’s Eureka moment in 2018, however, lacked an environment in which capital and resources could be even discussed. There was no concept start-ups, the way it is mainstream right now.
Things started changing fast as the team started talking about the idea. Almost in every competition of newer ideas, Sameena’s MS media was taken seriously.
The idea won the first prize in an Innovative Idea Presentation Competition organized by Maharaja Ranjit Singh College of Professional Sciences, Indore (MP), on the 36th National Science Day in 2022.
Back home, the idea got selected for seed funding from the JK Department of Science and Technology and IC.
Again, the idea also won first prize in Innovation Business Competition during the National Innovation Workshop held at Jammu on December 1, 2022, organized by GCET Jammu in association with IIT Kharagpur and the World Consortium of University held at Jammu.
Then came the final surprise when the idea, Organic and Disease-Free Seed Potato Production through Tissue Culture in Kashmir, bagged a prestigious grant from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), a Not-for-Profit Company’ of the Government of India, which supports technology innovators and entrepreneurs to pursue a promising technology and establish and validate proof of concept (POC) for the idea under the BIG grant scheme. It is a Rs 50 lakh grant.
Sameena Lone, SKUAST-K PhD scholar, discovered a cheap alternative to MS media required in potato tissue culture. The media is being produced from locally available weeds, abundantly growing in Dal lake. The patented idea fetched her a Rs 50 grant to set up a start-up for producing tissue culture media. KL Image: Shuaib Wani
The grant is a very competitive one. More than 500 innovators had applied for the grant and only 26 were selected for the final pitching round before the panel. Eventually, only nine innovators were selected. “I was the only one from Jammu and Kashmir to receive the BIRAC BIG grant in the present round,” Sameena said.
“This has helped me realise my dream of doing something creative and something that was not done before,” a confidant Lone said. “Still, a lot of work is to be done.”
The grant is a staggered process that will release funds coinciding with the completion of the project within two years. There are key milestones in the implementation of the project, which are linked with the release of funds. The next step for this project includes product development at a commercial scale, demonstration trials, marketing at cost, and conducting awareness campaigns to educate people about the benefits of organic and healthy vegetables.
The unit is starting with four employees and the numbers will go up as per the demand. Anticipated to require almost four tons of weeds a year, the project will fetch Kashmir a reliable tuber for growing organic and disease-free potatoes. Estimates suggest, Kashmir grows 4500 tons of potato a year but the consumption is much more. Sameena’s innovation can help growers use the MS media and pick the tissue culture skill for better production at home.
Sameena and her scholar colleagues along with their mentors are working on developing anti-diabetic carrots in the SKUAST-Ks plant biotechnology department.
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SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has cleared decks for USD 100 million support by International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) through implementation of Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP).
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, gave a green signal to propose the JKCIP to the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) for financing through International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
JKCIP comprises of four components which inter alia includes value chain support with export focus, incubation and start-up support, support to vulnerable communities and project management. The project implementation would spread over 7 years (2023-2030) across all districts of J&K.
With an aim to contribute to the sustained increase in incomes of rural households by improving pre-production, production and post production verticals of agriculture the projects main objective is to improve the competitiveness of the farmers through a value chain approach with emphasis on export of high value agricultural commodities and development of business incubation centers and start-up support.
Atal Dullo, Additional Chief Secretary(ACS), Agriculture Production Department said the project is expected to have an overall positive impact on the growth of agriculture and allied sectors in JK, including export promotion of potential agricultural commodities and GGAP practices that would encourage export promotion like GI tagging, promotion of niche crops, certifications, quality control, laboratory/logistic support, branding facilities, marketing platforms and development of an organized value chain.
He further said that IFAD shall promote environmentally sustainable and climate resilient agricultural practices for the tribal and other vulnerable communities which inhabit some of the most vulnerable landscapes such as hillsides, rangelands, semi-arid and arid lands and rely on climate-sensitive natural resources to make a living .
With the implementation of JKCIP government is aiming to capture the opportunities in global trade by tapping the competitive advantage of Jammu and Kashmir’s agro-climatic diversity, monopoly in production of default organic crops (Walnut, almond, cherries), year-round vegetable production, niche crop advantage & pristine climate which catalyzes the opportunity to export high value agricultural commodities, a part of the government’s larger efforts to look beyond the objectives of Holistic Agricultural Development Plan (HADP).
Another major goal of the IFAD project is to establish incubation centers to undertake skilling of more than 2.5 lakh entrepreneurs targeted under HADP projects, besides giving adequate focus on extension of support for training of trainers, demonstration set ups, entrepreneurship development and facilitating partnership with research institutions like ICAR, NFDB, NDDB.
The project aims to create six mini-Centers of Excellences with 24 satellite centers for niche agri products and four mini-Centers of excellences for fruit and nut crops besides establishment of three export Hubs and two Business incubation centres.
Additionally, it aims to establish 60,000 integrated farming models for fringe and nomadic communities and establishment of 200 horticultural nurseries. The project would also undertake GI tagging, aggregation, processing and marketing of at least six agriculture and minor forest produce.
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SRINAGAR: School Education Department on Tuesday changed school timing in Srinagar city from 9Am to 2Pm.
According to the news agency KNO, Under Secretary to government for School Education Department said, “I am directed to convey the approval of the department for change of school timings in Srinagar City from 9 Am to 2 Pm from March-01.”
Pertinently, Schools in Kashmir division are all set to resume academics from March-01 following the winter vacation of over two months
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SRINAGAR: A CRPF trooper ended his life by shooting self dead with his service rifle in Nowshera area of Jammu district reports said on Tuesday.
A police offical confirming the incident identified the deceased as CT Sarith of 245 Batallion.
The cause of him taking such an extreme step was not immediately known, the official said adding that investigation has been launched into the incident. (GNS)
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The Shopian Sqay Association players have won medals in two championships, 14 gold and four silver medals at South Asian Sqay Championship and Tri-National International Championship. The 7th South Asian Sqay Championship and tri-nation international 2023 was held in Kathmandu, Nepal. The players include Khatija Tul Kubra, Shahzadi Lariba, Tawqeer Ashraf, Shahzaib Shakeel, Junaid Shafi and Faizan Ayoub Khan have won gold medals under different categories and Faizan Gulzar and Durdana Yousuf won the silver medal in the championship. In the Tri-National international championship 2023, Tahneet Mushtaq, Anish Zahoor, Zaid Bin Hassan, Mohd Huzaif, Shafeeq Ah Malik, Owais Mushtaq, Danish Aijaz and Haamid Rashid won gold while Umer Masood and Khansa Bashir have won silver medals.
Our Little Squay Champion Abid Aijaz from Ganderbal after returning from 7th South Asian Squay champinship Katmandu
Nepal with a silver medal. pic.twitter.com/7sc8rzkWBo
The Jammu and Kashmir government enhanced the wages of daily engaged Daily Rated Workers, including Casual Labourers from Rs 300 per day to Rs 311 with effect from October 2022.
LADAKH
Retired Brigadier Dr BD Sharma took over as Ladakh LG on February 19, 2023. This photograph was taken after clicked after he was administered the oath of office by Chief Justice Jammu and High Court Mr Justice N Kotiswar Singh.
Brigadier (Dr) B D Mishra (Retired) has taken oath as the new Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Ladakh. He became the second LG of the Himalayan region by replacing R K Mathur, who held the office since 2019 when Ladakh became the union territory. The 83-year-old Mishra is a former brigadier of the Indian Army and the former Commander of the Counter Hijack Force of the National Security Guard (NSG), popularly known as the Black Cat Commandos. His appointment came on the heels of a stalemate in Ladakh where the Kargil Democratic Alliance and Leh Apex Body have been asking for statehood to the region along with a legislature, schedule-VI safeguards, and an additional parliament seat.
The government has started the Innovative Extension Approaches for Revitalising Agriculture in Jammu and Kashmir with Rs 463 crore earmarked for creating 2000 Kissan Khidmat Ghars, which will serve as a One Stop Centre for extending farmer-oriented services
RAMBAN
Landslides damage 5 houses in J&K’s Ramban
At least 13 houses and a road stretch of 200 meters was damaged in an incident of ‘land erosion’ at Duksar Dal areas of Gool in Ramban district. The affected families were shifted the safer places. The land sliding had been witnessed in the area for three consecutive days. DC Ramban said a requisition has been sent for expert advice from geologists to ascertain the reasons. Meanwhile, in the Rezan area of the Ganderbal district, soil erosion led to damage to several houses. In the Noorabad area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, a landslide damaged five shops belonging to Fayaz Ahmad Hajam and Abdul Majeed Hajam. A house also suffered minor damage.
As per official figures, Kupwara’s Hagnikoot and Nichahama have 9 Lakh metric tonne Lignite deposits while Awoora and Zirhama have 8 lakh metric tonne high-quality Marble deposits
SRINAGAR
Racing for career, Kashmir young girls at a JK Police recruitment rally at Humhama Srinagar in June 2021. Photo: JKP
The government cancelled the results of two Border Battalions of Jammu and Kashmir Police after “observing” some discrepancies. The examination for 1300 Constable posts in JK Police Border Battalion was conducted in October last year and the results were declared in January 2023. An official notification issued by Additional Director General of Police Coordination PHQ Danesh Rana stated that after the declaration of the final result issued on January 25, 2023 in respect of candidates of UT of Jammu and Kashmir who have participated in the recruitment process for the post of Constable in two Border Battalions of Jammu and Kashmir Police conducted in terms of the above-referenced advertisement notifications, some discrepancies in the said result were observed.
QAZIGUND
Thousands of fish at a spring in the Babapora (Qazigund) died after the water body developed a low concentration of oxygen. In a never-before incident, the dead fish were flushed towards the mouth of the spring. Spring is the natural exit point at which groundwater emerges out of the aquifer and flows onto the top of the Earth’s crust to become surface water. It is a component of the hydrosphere as well as a part of the water cycle.
As per officials, a spring located at Babapora with good discharge for the past many years was selected as a source for this water supply scheme for villages – Babaporateng, Mandhole and Chandian Pajan. They said there was a reduction in the discharge of the spring in such a way that almost all the fish (in quintals) which were initially inside the spring under the hillock came out towards the mouth of the spring, which has never happened before. This created panic for us as well as the local people, they said.
SRINAGAR
Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry elected its new leadership on February 22, 2023.
Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCC&I) elected its new executive committee with 21 candidates in the fray emerging victorious. The KCC&I later elected its office bearers and the Executive Committee with Javid Ahmad Bhat (Tenga) elected as President, and Ashaq Hussain Shangloo and Fayaz Ahmad Punjabi being elected as Sr. Vice President and Jr. Vice President respectively. Faiz Ahmad Bakshi has been elected as Secretary General while Dr Umar Nazir Tibetbaqal is the new Jt. Secretary-General and Zubair Mahajan has been appointed as Treasurer. Akib Chaya bagged the highest number of votes with 453 voting in his favour followed by Umar Nazir Tibatbaqal with 444 votes.
PATTAN
In a strange incident, a government school teacher posted in the Pattan area of Baramulla district assaulted his colleague and bit his ear. The incident took place on February 21 after the two teachers entered into a verbal brawl over some discussion on managing charge of school assignments. As the teachers exchanged heated arguments, one of the teachers attacked his colleague and bite his ear. Following the incident, the J&K Police in Pattan arrested a teacher for assaulting his colleague and registered an FIR in the case as well. An official said the teacher who was attacked has got around 6 stitches in his ear. Meanwhile, the district education authorities in Baramulla have ordered an inquiry into the matter and are mulling taking departmental action against the teacher.
SRINAGAR
Jairam Ramesh
Former colleagues, Jairam Ramesh and Ghulam Nabi Azad are at loggerheads once again, as Azad has slapped the Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh with a defamation notice for reportedly calling him a “slave”, “Mir Jafar” and a “vote- cutter”. In the notice, which has been sent through Azad’s legal counsel Naresh Kumar Gupta, the DAP chief seeks compensation of Rs 2 crore from the Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh for causing damage to his “unblemished reputation”. It is pertinent to mention that earlier in January, the senior Congress leader took a jibe at Ghulam Nabi Azad’s DAP by calling it the “Disappearing Azad Party” after the exit of the leaders from the newly formed DAP. Earlier during Bharat Jodo Yatra’s J&K leg, Ramesh had called DAP chief “Mir Jafar” and alleged that he had been propped up by the BJP to cut the Congress’ votes in J&K.
RAMBAN
social media
A teacher has been suspended for allegedly criticising policies of the government on social media platforms in the Ramban district. According to an order, Joginder Singh, teacher GPS Chanderkote was suspended for criticising policies of the government on social media platforms. The teacher, as per the order, has been attached to the office of chief education officer Ramban and an inquiry committee has also been constituted, which will be headed by additional district development commissioner Ramban to probe the matter.
KARNATAKA
Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed various groups after inaugurating various development projects in Srinagar on Monday, October 25, 2021. KL Image by Bilal Bahadur
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that by reading- down Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the “merger” of Jammu Kashmir forever with India. Speaking at an election rally in Sandur, Karnataka Shah praised the government’s move and highlighted the significant improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation. Shah refuted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims of a bloodbath in the region, stating that the abrogation has led to the lowest figures of terrorism-related incidents. The Home Minister also added that the move has led to a lot of positive changes in the region. The abrogation of Article 370, which had caused harm to the country, was a significant move made by the BJP-led government in 2019, Shah said. Despite opposition from various political parties, the government’s decision has permanently ensured Jammu and Kashmir’s integration into India. The improved situation in the region has been well-received and is a cause for celebration for the entire country, he added.
PULWAMA
Robbers brandishing toy guns loot the Sopore family
In a bizarre incident in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district, five villagers were allegedly looted by extortionists holding a “toy gun’. The incident was reported from Trichal village barely 3 kilometres away from the Pulwama district headquarters. As per reports, five villagers who were intending to enter the mosque to offer Fajr prayers were stopped by three extortionists who were probably carrying toy pistols. The victims have been identified as Tawseef Ahmed Bhat son of Ali Muhammad Bhat, Muzafar Ahmed Dar son of Ghulam Hasan Dar, Javaid Ahmed Mohand son of Ghulam Hasan Mohand, Haji Ali Muhammad Dar and Muhammad Shaban Bhat son of Ali Muhammad Bhat.
KOKERNAG
Saddam Nab Azad, with his right hand, raised, son of Ghulam Nabi Azad has joined the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). He was seen at the party’s youth convention at Nigheen Club on February 26, 2023.
Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who is also the chairperson of the Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), has announced that if his party wins the upcoming assembly elections, he will bring back the Roshni Act in the Union Territory. The Act, which provides ownership rights to occupants, was initially passed in 2001 by the National Conference government but was repealed in 2018 by the then-governor Satya Pal Malik. Addressing a rally at Larnoo Kokernag, Azad expressed his concern over the economic crises in Jammu and Kashmir and said that his aim is to build the region as a welfare state, where the economy grows to the extent that people are willing to pay taxes themselves. He emphasized that the poor are being crushed by rising electricity bills, water charges, and property taxes.
SRINAGAR
High Court of Jammu and Kashmir
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh directed the authorities to proceed with the termination of an 18-20-week pregnancy of an alleged minor rape victim after having a fresh examination of the victim and after the father of the minor gives “extra high-risk consent.” The victim’s father had approached the court seeking termination of the pregnancy of the minor. In the rape case, an FIR was registered at a police station in north Kashmir on February 14.
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SRINAGAR: A nocturnal gunfight broke out between militants and government forces in Padgampora area in South Kashmir’s Awantipora on Tuesday late night.
One militant has been killed in the ongoing encounter; however identity of the slain militant is yet to be ascertained.
Meanwhile two army troopers also received bullet wounds in the gunfight. They have been subsequently shifted to hospital for further treatment.
Earlier Reports said that a joint team of Police and army launched a cordon and search operation in Padgampora.
As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight. (GNS)
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SRINAGAR: Last rites of Sanjay Sharma, an ATM bank guard, who was shot dead by militants on Sunday, were performed on Monday in his native place. Hundreds of villagers attended the funeral and stood with the grief-stricken family.
PDP president visited the family of a slain bank guard, Sanjay Sharma at their ancestral residence in Achan Pulwama on February 27, 2023. Sanjay was killed on Sunday by unidentified militants in his village.
Sanjay Sharma’s family was the only Pandit family living in the otherwise Muslim-majority Achan village as they had refused to leave their native village in the 1990s. Of the four brothers, only one had migrated and is living in Udhampur. His parents also stayed put and passed away in the same village.
The Jammu and Kashmir police are suspecting the role of The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow militant outfit of the Lashkar-e-Taiba ( LET) in the killing of Sanjay Sharma.
Quoting Additional Director General (ADGP) Vijay Kumar, The Hindu reported that LeT’s TRF is behind the killing and police have stepped up the search for three local and two foreign militants active in the region.
To denounce the killing and to express condolence and solidarity with the family silent candlelight protests were held at many places in the valley. One such protest was reported from Pulwama’s main Chowk.
“In a fight between Muslim Kashmir and Hindu India, religious minorities living in Kashmir are becoming a scapegoat,” KPSS, a Srinagar-based Pandit group said. It called for initiating a “brutal operation” against the killers.
BJP also held protests at several places in Kashmir and burnt an effigy of Pakistan, holding the neighbouring country responsible for the killing. The main protest was held in the Jawahar Nagar area of the city where dozens of party workers protested against the killing. Protesting party workers appealed to the LG administration to ensure the security of minorities and take steps to prevent such incidents in future.
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SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday inaugurated power infrastructure projects worth Rs.192 crores.
The 25 projects inaugurated included 22 receiving stations costing Rs 50 cr; a Smart Metering project costing Rs 62.88 Cr & Smart Metering App – Smart Bill Sahuliyat, and a Supervisory Control & Data Acquisition system at Rs 79.27 cr.
In presence of the Lt Governor, KPDCL and JPDCL signed MoUs worth Rs 1814 Cr & Rs 2174 Cr, respectively, with PESL (PGCIL), RECPDCL & NTPC for implementation of Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS). It will strengthen distribution infrastructure and improve electricity supply to urban & rural areas.
Dedicating the power infrastructure projects to the people, the Lt Governor said the projects inaugurated today will add to the existing distribution capacity and provide quality power supply to the households and existing & upcoming industrial units in the respective areas.
The completion of projects under the MoUs signed today will go a long way to achieve the goal of providing 24×7 quality power to the people of Jammu Kashmir, he added.
We have made dedicated efforts to increase generation, transmission, and distribution capacity and ensured that the people of J&K have access to hassle-free power supply, the Lt Governor observed.
Projects undertaken for the creation of new receiving stations and augmentation of existing stations will ensure quality and reliable power supply to people. We have achieved huge capacity addition under Centrally Sponsored Schemes/PMDP projects. Out of 195 projects, 135 have been completed and the remaining 60 projects will be completed in the coming months, the Lt Governor noted.
The power scenario in Jammu Kashmir, which was in shambles for decades, has witnessed a major turnaround with more electricity being supplied, especially in far-flung areas as compared to previous years, said the Lt Governor.
In Kashmir valley, additional capacities were created during the winter to enable peak demand and 10 percent more power was supplied as compared to last year. For the first time, in a single year out of a total of 30 grid stations, 11 stations have been augmented, he added.
The power supply position in the Jammu region has improved after the addition of new system capacities. These initiatives exemplify our commitment to inclusive development and to fulfill the needs of the common man, the Lt Governor further added.
The Lt Governor highlighted the reforms introduced in the last three years to improve the power infrastructure; enhance power sustainability & efficiency in the UT.
Under PMDP and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, a well-planned, systematic, and comprehensive program is being implemented for improvement and upgradation of transmission & distribution infrastructure to streamline and strengthen the power supply across J&K, he said.
The target of 1727 MVA capacity addition has been achieved at 220 and 132 KV levels and 236 circuit km transmission line has been laid. We have added 2345 MVA capacity in the distribution sector and 8550 new distribution transformers have been installed in residential areas. Four mega hydro projects will be completed in the coming years.
In the first phase of the smart metering project, 57,000 meters have been installed and 1.25 lakh smart meters will be installed during Phase II, he informed.
The Lt Governor directed the officials to avail the benefit of the RDSS scheme.
Officers must evaluate the implementation of the Power Amnesty scheme, and make dedicated efforts to reduce AT&C losses. Remove apprehensions of people. Spread awareness regarding smart meters, he added.
The Lt Governor sought participation from the citizens in the government’s efforts toward the socioeconomic progress of rural and urban areas.
To make urban local bodies self-reliant, Housing & Urban Development Department has notified the introduction of property tax in Jammu & Kashmir like other parts of the country.
The Lt Governor said the administration will ensure common people don’t face any inconvenience. Every decision will be made in the interest of the people. Administration and responsible citizens must make others aware of the Property Tax and how we can contribute to transforming the cities as engines of growth, he added.
The property tax in Jammu and Kashmir is the least as compared to other states. There are around 5,20,000 houses in the cities of J&K. Out of these, 2,06,000 houses are less than 1000 sq ft which means 40% won’t have to pay any property tax. 2,03,680 houses are less than 1500 sq ft and 80% of these households will have to pay less than Rs 600 per annum while the rest will have to pay a nominal amount of Rs 1000 (maximum). This amount is one-tenth of the tax amount being paid in Shimla, Ambala, and Dehradun, the Lt Governor said.
In commercial establishments, out of 1,01,000 shops in Srinagar, Jammu & other municipalities, and around 46% of shops ( 46,000 shops) are less than 100 sqft and they will have to pay up to Rs 700 per annum. Out of these 46,000 shops, 80% will have to pay Rs 500-550 per annum/ Rs 50 per month. 30,000 shops will have to pay taxes below Rs 2000 per annum which is also one-tenth of the amount being paid in Shimla, Ambala, and Dehradun. 76% of shops will be paying a nominal amount in the shape of Property Tax. No better arrangements can be made than this.
The revenue generated won’t go to the J&K UT Government and will be deposited in the accounts of the corporations and municipalities. It will be utilized for improving public amenities, the Lt Governor noted.
If a common man has any problem, he must reach out to the administration. It is our collective responsibility to build a J&K which is economically prosperous, with ample opportunities for livelihood generation so that people can live & work with dignity and peace, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor also spoke on the transformation taking place in agriculture & allied sectors and how the implementation of 29 projects recommended by the Apex committee will bring a favorable change in the lives of farming families.
He further shared the achievements registered during Back to Village & employment opportunities extended to the youth; recruitment in Government jobs and streamlining the departmental promotions process.
Smart Metering App – Smart Bill Sahuliyat launched today for the convenience of smart metered consumers. It will make consumers aware of the benefits of smart metering and provide them with information regarding power savings.
The newly integrated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCDA) system in distribution for centralized control and monitoring of receiving stations will help in the early restoration of the power supply in case of any fault in the feeder, it was informed.
While interacting with the media persons, the Lt Governor condemned the killing of a civilian in Pulwama. Our security forces will deal with those behind the killing. We are working with a 360-degree approach to improve the security situation, said the Lt Governor.
Sh Junaid Azim Mattu, Mayor SMC; Dr. Arun Kumar, Chief Secretary; Sh. H. Rajesh Prasad, Principal Secretary, PDD; Managing Directors of powerful corporations and senior officials attended the inaugural event at Kashmir International Convention Centre. (GNS)
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SRINAGAR: Bharti Airtel, one of the major telecom operators in India, announced the launch of high speed 5G Internet services in four more districts of Jammu & Kashmir UT thereby providing the ultra fast internet service to a total of 13 towns across the union territory.
The four new districts to get 5G services are Katra, Anantnag, Baramulla, and Rajouri.
The 5G services are already live in Jammu, Srinagar, Samba, Kathua, Udhampur, Akhnoor, Kupwara, Lakhanpur, and Khour.
In a statement, Airtel said the services would be available to customers in a phased manner as the company continues to construct its network and complete the rollout.
Airtel said it will augment its network making its services available across all the cities in due course of time.
“Connectivity to our customers in the Valley is in line with our commitment to bridge the digital divide and connect communities who need it the most,” said Adarsh Verma, COO of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, Bharti Airtel.
“Customers in these thirteen cities can now experience ultrafast network and enjoy speeds upto 20-30 times faster than the current 4G speeds. We are in the process of lighting up all the cities which will allow customers to enjoy superfast access to High-definition video streaming, gaming, multiple chatting, instant uploading of photos and more,” he added.
“Airtel was the first service provider to roll out 5G services in the country in October 2022. Today, Airtel 5G Plus is available across all states in the country,” said the telecom operator, adding that it is well poised to cover every town and key rural areas with 5G services by March 2024.
Telecom service providers in India started providing high-speed 5G services in the country from October 2022 onwards.
The government issued spectrum allocation letters to telecom service providers in August 2022, asking them to prepare for the rollout of 5G services in the country.
Department of Telecom had received total bids worth Rs 1.50 lakh crore from the 5G spectrum auction.
5G is the fifth-generation mobile network capable of transmitting a large data set at a very rapid speed and is also expected to bring more development in remote data monitoring in sectors such as mining, warehousing, telemedicine, and manufacturing, among others.
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SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha on Monday said that with the implementation of various central government schemes, Jammu and Kashmir will soon achieve its target of ensuring round the clock electricity.
Talking to the reporters, Sinha said that the power generation, distribution and transmission capacity has been increased in the past three years.
“We have increased 56 per cent capacity of distribution and generation in the three years compared to what we had in the past 70 years,” he said, adding that with the Rs 152 crore project in Kashmir, the capacity of power distribution will be increased further.
“At present, Rs 5000 crore worth central government schemes are there to strengthen the distribution grid in J&K. With the support of NTPC, REC, others including the installation of smart meters, J&K will soon achieve its target of round the clock electricity to the consumers.” (KNO)
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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said that most of the people living in the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu and the peripheral municipalities will not be touched by the property tax being imposed from April 1, 2023. Almost 40 per cent of the residential structures in urban and semi-urban areas in Jammu and Kashmir are exempted under the rules and almost 46 per cent of the commercial establishments will have to pay as low as Rs 700 a year.
“This is the lowest property tax rates that are being imposed,” Sinha told reporters on the sidelines of a function at SKICC. “It is almost one-tenth of what is in vogue in Shimla, Dehradun and other places.”
Offering statistics, Sinha said there are 5,20,000 residential structures in Jammu and Kashmir’s urban space. Of them, 206000 have a built-up area of 1000 sq ft which are already exempted. In 203600 residential structures which are built above 1000 sq ft but below 1500 sq ft will have to pay Rs 1000 a year. Of these 203600 houses, he said in almost 80 per cent of the structures, the owners will be paying no more than Rs 600 a year.
Sinha said there are 101000 shops across Jammu and Kashmir and 46 per cent of them fall under a 100 sq ft area and will have a minimum of Rs 700 a year. There are only 30000 shops which are spread over less than 2000 sq ft. These will be paying Rs 2000 a year.
The LG said the collections from the tax will not go to the Consolidated Fund Instead these will g to the local urban bodies which will gradually become growth engines of these areas. He said the people must write to the concerned department in case they have anything to respond to in case of property tax.
“I urge the common people of J&K to come forward and help build a better J&K,” the LG said.
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SRINAGAR: Authorities are attaching four houses in Srinagar and Anantnag districts in connection with a militancy case, officials said on Monday.
Quoting a senior police officer news agency GNS reported that State Investigation Unit of police is attaching three houses at Barthana Qamarwari Srinagar and one at Sangam Anantnag.
The decision by the authorities was taken in connection with case (FIR no. 127/22), the officer said.
The case pertains to recovery of arms and ammunition from members of TRF group, the officer said.
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SRINAGAR: The weather department on Monday predicted scattered light rain and snow in Jammu and Kashmir during the next 24 hours.
Quoting a meteorological department official the news agency GNS reported, “From March 1-2nd, light rain is expected in plains and light to moderate snow and rain over higher reaches at many places, Dry weather is expected during 3rd to 7th March.”
Regarding temperature, he said, Srinagar recorded a low of 4.2°C against 7.3°C on the previous night and it was above normal by 2.7°C for the summer capital.
Qazigund, he said, recorded a low of 1.5°C against 5.2°C on the previous night and it was 1.1°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir.
Pahalgam, he said, recorded a low of minus 0.9°C against 3.2°C on the previous night and it was 2.6°C above normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.
Kokernag recorded a low of 2.4°C against 4.3°C on the previous night and it was 2.3°C above normal for the place, the officials said.
Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 2.5°C against minus 1.6°C on the previous night and it was 3.3°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, he said.
In Kupwara town, he said, the mercury settled at 3.1°C against 3.0°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C above normal for the north Kashmir area.
Jammu recorded a low of 15.1°C against 12.5°C on the previous night. It was 3.5°C above normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said.
Banihal, he said, recorded a low of 2.8°C (above normal by 0.6°C), Batote 6.5°C (above normal by 3.0°C), Katra 12.6°C (3.3°C above normal) and Bhadarwah 4.1°C (3.3°C above normal).
Ladakh’s Leh and Kargil recorded a low of minus 6.2°C and 4.8°C respectively, the official said.
While Chillai-Kalan, the 40-day long harsh winter period that started on December 21 and a 20-day-long period called ‘Chillai-Khurd’ that followed it have ended, Kashmir is under grip of 10-day-long period ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold) which ends on March 1.
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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir’s borderland continues to be peaceful and tension free as the ceasefire between the rival armies entered the third year. There is no shelling from either side and life is near normal. Unlike past, people straddling the Line of Control are throwing big feasts on marriages, which are visible and noisy.
A sweets exchange between the two army officers from India and Pakistan on the bridge over Kishanganga in Teetwal. The sweets were exchanged on the the occasion of Eid on July 21, 2021.
The ceasefire is holding despite Islamabad and Delhi not seeing eye to eye and the diplomatic relationship continues to remain at the lowest ebb, ever. The two countries, however, continue to hit at each other in international forums, mostly on and around Kashmir. The security grid continues to maintain a strong counter-infiltration mechanism in place.
In the last two years, there were only three instances of breach of ceasefire and the officials insist they were of minor nature.
While the infiltration is by and large very difficult, the security grid is facing two different challenges. One is the use of drones in supplying arms and ammunition and another is the consistent supply of drugs. While the patches of the International Border falling in the Kathua and Jammu sector is usually in news for drone infiltrations, it is the Karnah (Tangdhar) sector of the LoC that is usually been as major source of drugs entry into Kashmir.
With the guns silent along the Line of Control (LoC), the residents who were earlier demanding bunkers and shelters to save from raining shells are now seeking better road and other basic infrastructure.
“The road stretches at Dardkote in Uri are dotted with potholes which speaks volumes about the tall claims of the government of improving road connectivity,” Faisal Khan, a Sarpanch in Uri, were quoted saying by a local news gatherer, KNO. “The road is dotted with huge potholes and has not been repaired for the last several years and the authorities concerned are least bothered about the sufferings of people. The road acts as an important link which connects several areas and thousands of commuters, transporters pass through potholes every day.”
The residents expressed concern over the condition of government schools. “Four classes are functioning in a single room at Dardkote,” they said, adding that similar conditions are in maximum government-based schools”.
Authorities, however, are not taking the bunker construction far granted. By the end of fiscal 2022-23, almost all the bunkers are expected to be ready. MHA is funding the construction of 14460 bunkers which includes 13029 Individual and 1431 community bunkers.
The bunker construction was not impacted by the February 25, 2021 ceasefire when the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan announced the ceasefire after discussing it on hotline. The ceasefire was outcome of back-channel diplomacy between the two countries and took many months to happen. AK Doval, India’s National Security Adviser and Pakistan’s Inter Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lt Gen Faiz Hameed are reported to have held a secret meeting in the United Arab Emirates in 2020, which led to the February 25 joint statement from the rival armies agreeing to strict adherence to the 2003 ceasefire understanding. This actually was revival and renewal of the ceasefire that came into force on November 26, 2003.
Both sides maintained a ceasefire for the first three years. However, in 2006, the breaches started and continued expanded with the hot talks in Delhi and Islamabad.
In 2017, 12 civilians and 19 security personnel were killed in border shelling incidents. 2018 saw 2140 instances of ceasefire violations, which peaked to 3479 in 2019. In 2020, 46 people lost their lives in 5133 incidents of ceasefire violations.
On February 3, 2021, MHA told the parliament that in three years – 2018, 2019 and 2020, 72 security personnel and 70 civilians were killed in 10,752 cases of ceasefire violations in Jammu and Kashmir on LoC and IB. In these incidents, 364 security personnel and 341 civilians survived with injuries.
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SRINAGAR: The Chief Coordinator of G20 India along with other top officials of ministry of tourism have arrived in Srinagar to take stock of preparations.
Quoting a top official news agency, KDC reported that Harish Vardhan Singla, Chief Coordinator G20, Ministry of External affairs, Arvind Singh, Secretary Ministry of Tourism, GOI, Rakesh Kumar Verma Addl. Secretary Ministry of Tourism, GOI, and other top officials, arrived from New Delhi by Air India flight.
Kashmir is all set to host the G20 meeting in the second week of May, 2023, Srinagar.
Hosting the event will be a “moment of pride” for Kashmir as this is the first G20 meeting to be held in the Union Territory, the official said.
“The G20 includes almost 70 per cent of the world population as well as economically. Holding the G20 meeting in Srinagar has its importance as it will help in boosting tourism and many misgivings, which our neighbouring country tries to portray, would also be clarified,” he added.
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SRINAGAR: Suspected militants on Sunday fired upon a Bank Security guard at Achan in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district.
Quoting a senior police officer news agency GNS reported that militants this morning fired upon a person namely Sanjay Pandith son of Kashi Naath Pandith resident of Achan.
The injured has been shifted to nearby hospital for further treatment. By occupation he is a Bank Security Guard, the officer added.
Meanwhile whole area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers.
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SRINAGAR: The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday staged a protest march calling for the reversal of the Jammu and Kashmir administration’s decision to impose property tax in the Union Territory starting on April 1. The new tax rates will be 5% for residential properties and 6% for commercial properties.
Suhail Bukhari, the PDP’s chief spokesperson, and dozens of party members set out on a protest march from the PDP offices near Sher-e-Kashmir Park. The party activists shouted anti-property tax chants and called for its roll-back.
A police presence near the Traffic Headquarters prevented the protesters from continuing their march into the Lal Chowk city centre. They later turned back and dispersed.
Addressing to reporters, Bukhari claimed that the government was attempting to erode the Jammu and Kashmiri people’s purchasing power.
“First, our political freedoms were taken away; next, democracy was buried here; last, the homes of the poor were destroyed and they were subjected to harassment. The property tax is next. In the previous five years, Jammu and Kashmir’s economic position has gotten worse. The industrial sector here is weak, and there is no employment (creation),” he said.
As per the PDP’s chief spokesperson, the government should have held the people’s hands “but instead the BJP government is seeking to deepen the people’s concerns.”
He urged the government to roll back its decision.
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SRINAGAR: The opening of the schools in Gurez area of the north Kashmir’s Baramulla District has been postponed till March 5 in view of the fresh snowfall forecast.
According to an order issued by sub-divisional magistrate Gurez, the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure.
“In light of the recent snowfall forecast and avalanche warning, and in the interest of safety and as a precautionary measure, the opening of school educational institutitions, which was scheduled to begin on March 1, 2023, is hereby postponed until March 5, 2023,” the order read.
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SRINAGAR: To bring about the much needed agricultural reforms in the UT, the government Friday extended Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) to the farmers of all 20 districts of J&K.
Speaking at the launching event of the extension of PMFBY at SKUAST Jammu, Lt Governor said that the scheme would provide comprehensive coverage against crop losses arising out of natural calamities and unseasonal rains.
Launched in the year 2016, PMFBY aims at supporting sustainable production in agriculture and was earlier available to only four districts of the UT.
“The initiative will stabilize the income of farmers; encourage them to adopt innovative practices with sufficient insurance protection from climatic catastrophe. I urge all the farmers to avail the benefits of PM Fasal Bima Yojna,” Lt Governor said.
Lt Governor said that the implementation of PMFBY across J&K would have a positive impact on the agricultural scenario in J&K and also complement the efforts of the J&K administration in creating a progressive environment.
Proper dissemination of relevant information and transparency in the implementation of PMFBY would be ensured. Crop insurance mobile app and toll free number of the insurance company would facilitate the farmers to report about the losses, he added.
He also highlighted the agriculture reforms introduced in J&K in the past 30 months.
“The welfare of the farmers is our top-most priority. The J&K administration has taken major decisions in the agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors to shape the vision of inclusive development,” he said.
I am confident that agriculture and allied sectors will guide the prosperous future of J&K. The groundbreaking 29 projects worth Rs 5013 crore for the holistic development of agriculture and allied sectors will provide an integrated solution to all issues related to agriculture and allied sectors with a mechanism to reduce wastage and increase production, Lt Governor added.
The LG said that with meticulous implementation of the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan, J&K could achieve 12 percent growth in the agriculture sector.
“J&K is the first region in the country where agriculture reforms are being attempted on such a large scale. It is our endeavor to generate large scale employment in the agriculture sector, ensure economic stability for farmers especially the small and marginal farmers and facilitate the setting up of new agri business enterprises,” he said. “We are moving ahead with a strong resolve to bring prosperity in the lives of our farming community and other stakeholders associated with the agriculture and allied sector.”
The LG said that the administration was also promoting entrepreneurship in the sheep and goat sector and encouraging the farmers to adopt millet crops.
He appreciated the Agriculture Production and allied departments for providing training to a large number of farmers.
The LG emphasized dedicated and collective efforts to transform J&K into the number one region in terms of farmers’ income and sought people’s participation in implementation of government policies.
Reiterating that administration is commitment to safeguard the interests of the people he said, “Citizen participation is crucial to foster economic growth, strengthening of infrastructure and services to achieve the goal of a prosperous society,” the LG said. “Progressive farmers also shared their views on interventions of the government aiming at growth of agriculture and allied sectors in J&K.”
On the occasion, the Agriculture Production Department signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with National Seeds Corporation to provide good quality certified seeds to the farmers of J&K.
The occasion also witnessed the release of the Milestone Report and Logo of Holistic Agriculture Development Plan and a Coffee Table Book ‘Vihan’ on 29 projects under HADP by the LG.
The irrigation schedule 2023-24 for both Kashmir and Jammu divisions was released while sanction letters were also handed over to beneficiary entrepreneurs under the National Livestock Mission.
A dedicated YouTube channel of the Agriculture Production Department for awareness of farmers and promoting their success stories was also launched.
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SRINAGAR: The government on Saturday said that imposing property tax is aimed at ensuring better facilities for the people.
Addressing a news conference today at TRC meeting hall here, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir V K Bidhuri, who was accompanied by SMC Commissioner, Athar Aamir Khan clarified that 1/3rd of the population are already exempted from the property tax as their property area is less than 1000 square feet.
He added that the Jammu and Kashmir is last in the country where the property tax is being imposed. “Unlike other places, the property tax is very less. The property tax will be collected from those whose houses are built at more than 1500 square feet,” he said. He also said that the tax to be paid only once in a year.
He added that the collected amount will be used for the people and the amount will remain in the account of corporation and municipal committees only.
Bidhuri further stated that there was no option other than imposing property tax, which would be acceptable to the people, for ensuring better facilities to them.
The SMC Commissioner, while interacting with media persons, said that the tax that would be collected from people from April will be used for better facilities to people. “At present SMC’s revenue is just ten per cent compared to its requirement. This will help in ensuring better services and facilities to the people as the tax cannot be transferred to the central or state government and used for developmental purposes only,” he said.
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SRINAGAR: A teacher has been suspended for allegedly criticizing policies of the government on social media platforms in the Ramban district.
According to an order, Joginder Singh, teacher GPS Chanderkote was suspended for criticizing policies of the government on social media platforms.
The teacher, as per the order, has been attached to the office of chief education officer Ramban and an inquiry committee has also been constituted, which will be headed by additional district development commissioner Ramban to probe the matter.
“The inquiry committee will initiate an in-depth inquiry and submit a comprehensive report on the matter, along with specific recommendations, by or before March 25,” reads the order.
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Once upon a time, the garden was an address for peak summer bathing, swimming and prayers. Now, Sher Bagh is a place for a brief halt for patients visiting the women’s hospital, reportsAasiya Nazir
Once the town’s coolest place for prayers, fresh air, and rest, Anantnag’s Sher Bagh is a sort of ruin now. Its glory is lost, and so is its quality of water and the freshwater fish ponds that would help kids pick up swimming and understand the aquatic life.
It is a historic garden. Residents attribute it to the Mughal era insisting that the pleasure-seeking occupiers laid most of the gardens in Kashmir including the south. However, history lacks a clear idea to vindicate the claim.
“Till 1951, the discharge from the Andar Nag spring had created a marsh on the spot,” M Salim Baig, the INTACH convenor in Jammu and Kashmir said. “One day when Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah visited the town, the residents talked about the marsh and he suggested it be converted into the garden for the locality and since then it is named Sher Bagh.”
Baigh said he has checked with the historians and they have revealed that the residents went to neighbouring Mattan wherefrom they got fish and were introduced to the newly refurbished garden. Andar Bagh has a spring called Nagbal and the discharge made a small waterfall. Given the fact that there are a few references to the garden prior to 1947, there is a possibility that there might have been some kind of garden which was in duse and mismanaged and resulted in a marsh. “Mughals avoided laying gardens in the towns. All the Mughal gardens are far away from the population. They avoided laying a major garden in Srinagar.”
The neighbouring Rani Bagh, part of which houses an educational institution, is attributed to the Dogra period.
Sher Bagh is located on the foot of a hill that is home to a Sulphur spring, the Andar Nag. In fact, the discharge from this spring lands in Sher Bagh and moves through the neighbouring localities and eventually gets into the Jhelum. The water channel, however, is in ruins as the discharge has gone down.
Even though the water discharge has gone down, fish are hardly seen in the ponds, the garden still holds its majestic looks. It has enormous Chinars and during summers it is lush green.
A view of Sher Bagh in Anantnag garden in February 2023. KL Image: Shah Hilal
What makes the Andar Nag and Sher Bagh premises interesting is that it has the stakeholding of all the faiths. The Nag premises have a temple and a Gurudwara. The Sher Bagh has an open mosque, where, till recently prayers were offered five times a day. It is an impressive platform that has a freshwater pond and various water channels surrounding it. The main pond has been a public swimming pool for generations. However, it was never called a mosque and was always referred to as Nimazgah.
“We used to swim in smaller channels and once we would get trained, we will finally swim in the main pond,” Abdul Rashid, a resident, now a doctor said. Originating from the sulphur spring, the water would normally be cold in spring and slightly warmer in winter. “It was a place for recreation and picking the real-life skill, the swimming and in between, there would be prayers.”
= Now, the garden is the casualty of the times. Officially it is managed by the fisheries department but there is no any fish in the ponds and the channels. The space that would be crowded by the residents during afternoons till late in the evening is now the resting place for the attendants of women admitted to the Maternity and Child Care Hospital.
The park space has been relocated. Realigned, it is craving for upkeep and proper maintenance.
Residents allege that the park has received little to no attention in the last many years. They claimed that visitors have ceased to get in. The fish have disappeared. They attribute it to the pollution over the hill.
“When I was a kid the number of fishes in the ponds was such that the surface was never visible,” resident, Mohammad Yousuf, said. “The water was so clean that we used to drink it. Now the water is polluted.”
Even though it lost its beauty, the garden retains its utility. Located near one of the busiest markets in the town, people still get in, take a rest and leave.
Society has equally contributed to the unmaking of this space. Though enough and adequate parking space is available near Rani Park, most of the people park their vehicles outside Sher Bagh, polluting its atmosphere. The parking at the main gate of the Bagh is impacting business and sometimes hinders the emergency cases in the hospital in their movement.
Another telling mess of the park is that the people who have lunch in the park, throw away a lot of waste. The park managers have failed to offer any kind of system that will enable the space to stay clean. Dustbins are there but nobody uses them.
Those visiting the park have their own issues. Zaina Begum is a frequent visitor. “The single biggest issue that the people face is the closure of the washrooms,” Begum said. “The public toilets were so dirty that they were locked, once and for all.”
Residents said the park is facing a crisis because there is multiple stakeholdings. While the property belongs to the Waqf Board, fish are supposed to be the Fisheries Department’s responsibility and the park is to be maintained by the Floriculture department. Residents said it would be ideal if the Bagh is given to a private party that will maintain it and manage it at a cost. “There is no harm in people paying some coins for spending a few hours in the park,” one resident suggested.
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SRINAGAR: A five-year-old girl was killed after she was hit by an unknown vehicle at Damhal Hanjipora area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday, officials said.
Quoting an official the news agency KNO reported that an unknown vehicle hit a five year old girl identified as Zahira Jan, daughter of Mohammad Younis Shah at her native village in DK Marg, D H Pora.
She was critically wounded and was immediately shifted to nearby hospital where doctors declared her brought dead.
Meanwhile, police have taken the cognizance of the incident and a hunt has been launched to nab the driver involved.
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SRINAGAR: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said that by reading- down of Article 370, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made the “merger” of Jammu Kashmir forever with India.
Speaking at an election rally in Sandur, Karnataka, on Thursday, Shah praised the government’s move and highlighted the significant improvement in the situation in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation.
Shah refuted Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s claims of a bloodbath in the region, stating that the abrogation has led to the lowest figures of terrorism-related incidents. The Home Minister also added that the move has led to a lot of positive changes in the region.
The abrogation of Article 370, which had caused harm to the country, was a significant move made by the BJP-led government in 2019, Shah said.
Despite opposition from various political parties, the government’s decision has ensured the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into India permanently. The improved situation in the region has been well-received and is a cause for celebration for the entire country, he added.
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SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday claimed to have arrested two narcotic smugglers in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district.
A police spokesman in a statement said that during the intervening night of February 23, 2023 and February 24, 2023, based on specific input of Kupwara Police a total of 5 packets of heroine weighing about 4.588 Kilograms were recovered from Karnah area of Kupwara in two separate incidents.
The spokesman in a statement said that in first case, based on specific input about narcotics smuggling in Taad area, a case vide FIR No.17/2023 U/S 8/21-29 NDPS Act was registered in Police Station Karnah.
He said that during the investigation of the case, one suspect namely Farooq Ahmad Shah son of Raqueeb Hussain Shah resident of Panjitara Karnah was picked up for questioning.
He added that based on his confession, Kupwara Police along with Army (06 JAK Rifles) recovered 03 packets of heroine like substance weighing 2.674 Kgs (with packing) from a hiding place near his house in presence of Executive Magistrate.
“He has been arrested and further investigation in the case is going on and more arrests are expected,” said the spokesman.
“Similarly, in another case based on specific input, a case FIR No. 18/2023 U/S 8/21-29 NDPS Act was registered in Police Station Karnah,” he said, adding that during the investigation of the case, one suspect Raja Aftab Alias Babu son of Raja Ghulam Akbar resident of Teethwal was detained for questioning.
“Based on his confession, 02 packets of heroine like substance weighing about 1.914 kgs (with packing) were recovered by Kupwara Police along with Army (06 JAK Rifles) in presence of Executive Magistrate near his house at Teetwal. He has been arrested and further investigation is going,” said police spokesman in a statement.
He said that during the preliminary investigations, it came to surface that both the arrested persons are hardcore narcotic smugglers and had received these consignments from across the LoC to promote drug addiction and further the cause of terrorism in J&K.
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SRINAGAR: In a bizarre incident in South Kashmir’s Pulwama district five villagers were allegedly looted by the extortionists holding a “ toy gun’.
The incident as per villagers occurred in Trichal village on Thursday, barely 3 kilometers away from the Pulwama district headquarters.
Quoting the locals, KNT reported that five villagers who were intending to enter the mosque to offer Fajr prayers were stopped by three extortionists who were probably carrying toy pistols. “They asked the men to show their identity cards, and during frisking, they took the cash and fled away,” they said.
Locals on Friday appealed the police to nab the extortionists who looted cash and cell-phone from 5 persons while they were approaching the mosque to offer fajar prayers.
.The victims have been identified as Tawseef Ahmed Bhat son of Ali Muhammad Bhat, Muzafar Ahmed Dar son of Ghulam Hasan Dar, Javaid Ahmed Mohand son of Ghulam Hasan Mohand, Haji Ali Muhammad Dar and Muhammad Shaban Bhat son of Ali Muhammad Bhat.
Extortionists looted Rs 3,000 each from Tawseef Ahmed and Muzafar Ahmed, Rs 6000 from Javaid Ahmed, Rs 30,000 and an ATM and pan cards from the wallet of Haji Ali Muhammad and a cell phone from Muhammad Shaban Bhat.
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SRINAGAR: A 56-year-old man allegedly committed suicide by hanging himself in Noorbagh locality of Sopore town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Friday.
Quoting officials news agency KNO reported that the man hanged himself to death at his residence in Noorbagh.
They said that he was rushed to SDH Sopore where doctors pronounced him dead on arrival.
They added that police have taken cognizance of the incident and started further investigations.
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Two years after the British “took over” the governance of Jammu and Kashmir and appointed Sir Oliver St John, the first British Resident on September 25, 1885,Andrew Wingatewas appointed the land Settlement Officer on January 15, 1887. Of the state’s 28 tehsils he did land settlement in Lal and Phak Parangna’s leaving the gigantic exercise to Walter R Lawrence. In his preliminary report, however, he detailed how the land, crops, markets and people were consumed by the middlemen unleashed on the peasantry
This photograph taken by an astronaut on December 1, 2021, using a Nikon D5 digital camera with having 70-mm focal length, was released by NASA on December 31, 2022. It shows the Kashmir valley in a haze.
“The general result of the last 70 years appears to be that the population is now little more than half of what it used to be. That it is a considerable loss, there can be little doubt. Traces of disused irrigation and of former cultivation, ruins of villages or parts of villages, of bridges, &c, local tradition, all point to a greater prosperity, which by the end of the Sikh rule in AD 1846 had well-nigh disappeared.
Feeding People
To maintain the population, two devices have been resorted to, both I believe of old date. The first, prohibiting export of rice is still in existence. The second, prohibiting any Kashmiri crossing the passes was removed during the last famine. The door of hope was, however, opened too late for of the numerous refugees few succeeded in reaching the open country and consequently few came back. Since then, numbers of Kashmiris visit the Punjab every winter where they find employment and save on their wages, returning in the early spring to cultivate their fields, generally bringing with them some cloth or other trifle for their wives, but getting frequently roughly handled by the customs’ clerks for their pains.
Kashmiri requires more and more frequent nourishment and warmer clothing than his brother of the plains. Not only does the climate necessitate more but the Kashmiri has the body and strength of an elephant. The collectors of shali often pay insufficient attention to this point, and as the aim is to collect for the use of the city all that can be safely taken, they are apt, acting on their experience of what a family consume in the plain, to leave too little to properly support and multiply the agricultural population. (page 16)
I saw mobs struggling and fighting to secure a chance of getting a few seers of the government shali, in a way that I have not witnessed since the great famine of southern India.
Stagnant Prices
I have found it impossible to obtain any record of bazar prices, but I believed I am correct in saying that before AD 1846 the normal price of shali was about eight annas per kharwar, and that it varied with the harvests. For example, during the famine of AD 1861-33, the price rose greatly, and oven after AD 1833, it remained for some time as high as Rs 1.5 per kharwar. Whether the kharwar was reduced to 15 traks instead of 16 traks then I have not ascertained. Shortly after Maharaja Golab Singh assumed control, the present system of collecting shali in large granaries in the city and selling it by retail through government officials appears to have been introduced, and the price of shali, with a brief interval about AD 1879 when it was raised to Rs 1.5 has remained stationary at Rs 1.25 per kharwar of 15 traks = two maunds and one seer of standard weight at 80 tolas per seer.
For over 40 years the system has been sufficiently profitable to support a large body of the pandit population of the city in idleness, and the government has gradually become on the one side a farmer working with coolies under a management closely approximating forced labour, and on the other side, a gigantic bannia’s shop doling out food to the poor in exchange for their coppers, and keeping with every cultivator an account showing what is taken from him whether in the way of grain, oil, wool, ponies, cows, &c, and what is given to him in the shape of seed, plough-cattle, cotton or wool to spin and weave, and a hundred other petty details. (page 17)
When I told your Highness in Darbar the price of shall must rise with the state of the harvest, and must probably be often higher than rupees two chillki, a shiver went round the officials, and your Highness said you would not dare to raise the price so great would be the outcry. I can only say that a country cannot go on feeding a semi-idle host at less than cost price and somebody must be a loser. The cultivators have lost much, even the interest to cultivate, and now the loss is falling on the State. (page 26)
The Booty
Under the Sikhs, the State took a half-share of the kharif crop and in addition four traks per kharwar and on account of the rice straw and the vegetable produce of’ the Sagazar” plots, the whole of which were kept by the Asami and were supposed to be free of assessment, Rs 1-9-0 per cent, was added to the total. The patwari and kanungo got 4 a trak per kharwar between them.
Inferior village servants got something. Nazarana was levied four times a year, and tambol (about two per cent) was taken on occasions of marriages in the ruler’s family. The villagers had also to feed the state watchers of the grain, called Shakdar. Non-resident cultivators paid a little less and Pandits and Pirzadas only paid two extra traks instead of four.
For the rabi and kimiti crops, all classes of cultivators were taxed alike, and in addition to the half-share, three traks per kharwar were taken under the names of extra cesses. The kimiti crops appear to be those that have always had a money value and are tilgogal, sarson, tobacco, cotton, linseed, saffron and the like.
For other crops, whether kharif or rabi, the collection might be in kind, or the villages might be farmed out. But I can find no trace so far of any crop rates. Walnut oil, fruit-trees, and honey have also always been taxed. Under the above, the State share was not less than three-fifth of the gross produce and what the cultivator actually retained was certainly less than two-fifths and probably only about one-third. The abundance of fruits, berries, and nuts, the extensive grazing area, and forest produce, enabled the cultivators to live, but an assessment so heavy as this would extinguish all rights in land, would render land valueless and would reduce a population forcibly confined within the valley to the condition of tenants-at-will. (page 18)
Panchan Pather is a fascinating meadow in Kulgam that was opened for tourists by officials recently. Photo: special arrangement
Since the times of the Sikhs, the pressure has been undoubtedly relaxed but it must still be pretty severe when cultivators, are found ready to sell whole villages for no other equivalent than the protection of a powerful name. Many of the Mukaddams, or heads of the villages, are very intelligent, but when it comes to seeing their children stinted of food, with hearts sickened by deferred hope, they sign away fatuitously day by day such rights as they possess. During Maharaja Golub Singh’s rule (AD 1846 to 1857) the Sikh procedure was followed, but some slight relaxations were made in favour of land newly cultivated, for large areas were lying waste.
His Highness was fond of horses and a number of grass-rakhs were reserved from cultivation.
Under Maharaja Ranbhir Singh, circles of villages were annually farmed out to contractors, called kardars. About 1865 the extra traks per kharwar were reduced for all Pandits and Pirzadas for a time to only one trak.
From about 1869 the practice of contracting with the Mukaddams or with the Zamindars gradually established itself in place of the farming system, and only two extra traks came to be levied instead of four.
In 1873-74, the village contracts seem to have been divided up into asamiwar khewats” or cultivators’ accounts, and either produce or cash was taken from each man.
In 1875 the harvest was a bad one, and the state took two shares of the produce and left one only to the cultivators. Next year fresh contracts were entered into either with Mukaddams, Kardars or cultivators and two traks per kharwar were again added to the assessment, besides an aggregate tax of Rs 9-12-0 per cent, if paid in cash or nine kharwars 12 traks per hundred kharvvars if paid in kind. This tax included a number of items, such as support of the Palace-temple, the abolished kanungo’s share, and so on.
In 1877 the scarcity began and the new contracts broke down and so the State collected in kind only, and this practically continued till 1880 when a new asamiwar khewat was made based upon previous years’ collections as estimated in cash but payable either in produce or cash as the cultivator was able. This khewat or cash settlement is supposed still to be valid, but after the good harvests of Samvat 1937 and 1938 the settlement was thought to have been too easy, and so it was raised by Rs 8-9-0 per cent, the chief item of the increment being Rs 6-13-0 for a pony tax, which might be paid in ponies instead of money, and in place of the Rs 1-9-0 per cent, formerly levied for fodder, the cultivators were required to give five kurus of rice-straw per 100 threshed.
This settlement includes all cesses except the tambol and nazrana. In 1885 the Rs 8-9-0 per cent, tax was remitted, and so now the khewat of S 1937 is supposed to have been reverted to, with the exception of the five kurus of rice-straw which are still taken.
In 1886, one seer per kharwar, formerly payable to the zillalidars, was made payable to the State, who appointed paid chowkidars. If this revenue history is not very correct, it must be remembered that access to the revenue records has been denied me. (page 19-20)
A pre-partition photograph showing the men and women busy in rice-field harrowing.
Grain Free Market
There are neither grain shops in the bazar nor bannias nor bankers. I do not know whether it is an offence to sell shali but cultivators are afraid to do so, and in tehsils nominally under a cash settlement and with an abundant harvest my establishment have once and again been literally starving and the only way they can get food is by having it sent out, rice, atta, dall from the government storehouses in Srinagar to the tehsildars who thereupon sell to my men for cash. My men still find difficulty in procuring the necessaries of life, and only very urgent representations at headquarters have secured the supplies necessary to stop the angry and to me humiliating clamour of my subordinates to be allowed to buy food for ready money. (page 17)
Coolies, Not Cultivators
I have been told by the highest and most trusted officials in Srinagar that the Kashmiri cannot be trusted with shali because he would eat the whole of it, that he will not plough unless the tehsildar gives him the seed and makes him, and that without this fostering care of government he would become extinct. The truth being, that he has been pressed down to the condition of a coolie cultivating at subsistence allowances the State property.
The Kashmiris are called cowardly because they have lost the rights belonging to the peasantry elsewhere and tamely submit to be driven like sheep before a sepoy. But it is useless to expect that a small population forming an isolated state that looked only to its hills for protection could withstand powerful neighbours, like Afghans or Sikhs, or that so distant and inaccessible a province would not be ruthlessly ground down under the endless succession of Governors that have enriched themselves in this valley. The Kashmiri is strong and hardworking, but his spirit is dormant, and he is grudged the quantity of food the climate makes necessary but which a short-sighted policy considers gluttonous, and consequently, he is being closer pressed every harvest. (page 19)
Last year I found in the cash-settled tehsil the standing crops, reaping, and threshing, as strictly guarded as if there was batai assessment with this serious difference that the cultivator did not know what share of his shali would be left to him. (page 25)
Peasant Loot
It may be easier now to understand why the Kashmiri cares naught for rights in land, why his fields are fallow or full of weeds, and manure and water neglected, why he has, as I can well believe, even to be forced to cultivate? The revenue system is such that whether he works much or little, he is left with barely enough to get along on till next harvest. He is a machine to produce shali for a very large and mostly idle city population. The secret of the cheap shali is because if the price were allowed to rise to its proper level, the whole body of pundits would compel the palace to yield to their demands. (page 26)
An early twentieth-century photograph showing a group of extremely beautiful Kashmiri women, disempowered and in poverty. The photograph has been taken in the Kashmir periphery.
The ignorant Mohammadan cultivator has not only no one he can call friend, but everyone, whether Hindu or Mohammadan, of any influence, is against him, for cheap bread by the sweat of the cultivator’s brow is a benefit widely appreciated. The Mohammadan cultivator is compelled to grow shali, and in many years to part with it below the proper market rate, that the city may be content. If the harvest is too little for both, the city must be supplied and is supplied by any force that may be necessary and the cultivator and his children must go without. That is the explanation of the angry discontent that filled the valley during the famine. The cultivator is considered to have rights neither to his land nor to his crops. The pundits and the city population have a right to be well fed, whether there is famine or not, at rupees two chillki per kharwar. I said everybody of influence was against the cultivator. (page 26)
Enforced Weave
The anti-climax is reached when cotton is served out to the villagers to be made into army clothing, and when the villagers can make nothing of the rotten commodity, they are charged for the cotton supplied at Rs 14 chilki per kharwar, with interest at over 14 per cent. (Page 27)
Internal Displacement
It has been described how the revenue system leaves the cultivator, without protection. His one concern is to get enough to eat and when he fails in one tehsil he betakes himself to another. Consequently, hereditary occupants are few and if any proof were wanting of the unsatisfactory condition of agriculture it is the fact that large numbers have only cultivated their present lands for a few years. In a highly fertile valley to find the peasantry roving from village to village is a clear sign that the administration is faulty.
This constant search for a rest never found, leads to two things; first, that much valuable land is annually thrown out of cultivation, and secondly that the people endeavour to shelter themselves behind any influential name. Consequently, since the death of Maharaja Golab Sing, from which date central authority appears to have been weaker, there has been a steady and latterly rapidly increasing transference of land from the cultivating to the non-cultivating classes and a landlord element is intruding itself between the cultivator and the State. (Page 27)
The Modus Operandi
As soon as a man has got any land he proceeds first to oust all the old cultivators so as to destroy any proof of the land having been cultivated when he entered upon it, and second to extend his ownership over every bit of land in the neighbourhood he can lay hands on. An instance will speak for itself. A tehsildar cast his eye upon a fine village within his charge, close to Srinagar. There, were six or seven kharwars fallow and waste, which supplied a pretext for developing the country and improving the revenue by applying for a chak. He had good influence at headquarters and his friend the Diwan, about five years ago, gave him a mukarrari patta for 20 kharwars at the usual rates of Rs 12 for wet and Rs 6 for dry land, but the tehsildar took care to get it inserted that all the land was dry… For some such trifling sum he is in possession of 29 kharwars of fine land of which 20 kharwars are irrigated and chiefly shali, so that even at the nominal rates of the patta, he should be paying about Rs 300. Some of the villagers objected to their land being thus appropriated and specially to the water supply being controlled for the benefit of the land seized, but the tehsildar speedily reduced them to reason by getting their revenue demand raised by between 30 and 40 per cent, and the village is now labouring under heavy outstanding balances. This leads to cultivators disappearing and as they disappear their fields are quickly added to the chak. He is now trying to turn the villagers out of their abadi and to house his own cultivators there instead.
One of the major jobs of a Kashmir home was to grind the paddy for rice, the main staple food. In this photograph taken somewhere in the twentieth century, an entire village family is recorded in the process of grinding paddy. The process involved using stone mortar (Kanz) and pestle (Mohul) to pound the dried rice. Both men and women would do it.
Another cultivator dies, his children are young. The neighbouring chakdar immediately takes possession under an agreement to be answerable for the revenue and to restore the land when the children grow up. Another chakdar makes a quarrel about his boundary and works in a few kharwars of land that way. One cannot ride in any direction without hearing complaints of these annual accretions to chaks. (page 30-31)
When I saw the village its fine lands were mostly lying unsown and its houses empty. If it is inquired why the old cultivators do not now return it is because the outstanding balance against the village is enormous, and last year I found the tehsildar trying to secure the entire crops of the miserable few who were left in a vain attempt to reach a sum equal to about one-third of the demand, but with the more likely result of ensuring the complete desertion of the place. As I pointed out villages do not tumble down in this fashion without a cause and the cause is bad administration, and that I fear sometimes with a definite purpose. (page 32)
The son of an influential official took a contract in the old days for two villages. Next year he petitioned the Vazir Wazarat that he was being hindered paying the revenue of the villages which are his property. The Vazir Wazarat submits the case for orders and an endorsement is written across a corner that petitioner is to be allowed to pay the revenue of the villages, and here the writer takes care to repeat the words of the petition, which are his, in milkiyat and zumindari. Now whatever rights cultivators may have it is certain that ownership of villages, unless conferred by the Darbar by sanad, does not exist in Kashmir. Having got so far, the next step was to take an ikcrarnama or agreement from the villagers that he is the proprietor. Armed with these documents, he requests me to record him as proprietor of both villages. On inquiry, of course, it is ascertained he is a mere contractor of revenue and that one-half the villagers deny his claims, and the other half were bought over by a promise that they should be protected from seizure for forced labour. (page 32)
A 1900 photograph showing Sir Walter Lawrence in Kashmir. Agha Sayed Hussain as the young Tehsildar is standing behind him (third from right)
It is to be clearly understood that the interests of the Darbar and the interests of the cultivators are identical and that the interests of all middlemen whatsoever, whether revenue farmers, telisildars, or quasi-proprietors, are inimical to both. The cultivators desire more food and the Darbar, more revenue, and the whole pundit class live by stinting both. (page 37)
The Commission Crisis
I cannot conclude without representing that the conditions which environ my department are most unfavourable to good work. Your Highness’s back is no sooner turned than the measurers again suffer from obstruction. Coolies arc seized, not only from villages under survey, contrary to your Highness’s positive command, but even the parties are interrupted, and chain drawers and flag bearers are dragged away. Recently the judge has begun to receive complaints against my subordinates for assault and the like and to issue process against them. Considering they are Punjabis working for your Highness in a country where they cannot even understand the language, and that a dozen Kashmiris can be made to give any evidence an offended chakdar or official instigates, my subordinates are not likely to consent to work absolutely alone in isolated villages with the prospect of appearing in Criminal Courts. My subordinates have a most difficult task and are exposed to every temptation. (page 45)
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