SRINAGAR: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Tuesday raided multiple locations in Kashmir including the residence of Advocate Parvez Imroz in NGO funding case registered in the year 2020.
Quoting reliable sources, news agency KDC reported that the sleuths of NIA with the assistance of police and CRPF raided multiple locations in Srinagar, Kupwara, Budgam, Pulwama, and Shopian districts of the valley.
In Srinagar, The NIA sleuths raided the residence of Zubair Siddiq Dar, son of Mohammad Sadiq Dar at Bonpora Batmaloo and later was brought to PS Batmaloo for questioning.
In Budgam, the sleuths of NIA raided the residence of Arshid Indrabi, son of Ghulam Qadir at Cooperative Colony Peerbagh.
Another team searched the residence of Advocate Parvaiz Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Qadir at Kanta Bagh Kralpora.
The residence of Saleem Ahmad Malik at Kralpora Kupwara was also being searched by the sleuths of NIA this morning. Similarly, raids are being conducted at different parts of Kashmir Valley.
The national probing agency said that the involvement of some Valley-based NGOs, trusts, and societies in funding terror-related activities was being probed in this case. “Some NGOs, both registered as well as unregistered, have been collecting funds domestically and abroad under the cover of doing charity and various welfare activities. But some of these organisations have developed links with proscribed terror organisations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen,” the agency said.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/IJrDAxj
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Amid the frequent wet spells in Jammu and Kashmir in the month of July, the summer capital of the Union Territory—Srinagar has broken all previous records, as for the first time since 1891, the station has received a precipitation of 187.2 mm.
It has been after 131 years that Srinagar has witnessed such huge precipitation in July month.
Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng said that Srinagar recorded the wettest July in at least 131 years, saying that the Rambagh Observatory in Srinagar received the highest total rainfall in July since its establishment in 1891, recording 187.2 mm of rainfall this July.
“The majority of this rainfall occurred during three spells: 20.0 mm on 08 July, 50.6 mm on 20 July, and 53.4 mm on 27 July,” he said, adding that before this year, the highest-ever rainfall recorded in the month of July was 182.6 mm in 1988.
Some of the areas in the Valley also received record-breaking precipitation in the month of July, he said, adding that Qazigund in South Kashmir has recorded the highest July rainfall after 28 years.
Total rainfall of 197.7 mm was recorded in July 2023 at Qazigund, he said, adding that the previous record and all-time record is 280.1 mm in 1995, saying that the highest rainfall has been recorded since 1996.
In Pahalgam, a precipitation of 225.5 mm was recorded in July 2023 while the previous & all-time record is 232.6 mm in 2021, adding that this month’s precipitation is the second highest rainfall since the weather observatory was set up in 1978 or 2nd highest rainfall in 45 years.
At Kokernag, highest rainfall was recorded in the last eight years as a total rainfall of 198.0 mm was recorded in July 2023 while the previous record was 204.3 mm in 2015.
Adding further he said that the all-time record in Kokernag is 246.2 mm in 1995, therefore, the area has received the highest rainfall since 2016.
In Gulmarg, highest rainfall has been recorded in the last 13 years as a total rainfall of 144.8 mm was recorded in July 2023, he said, adding that the previous record was 220.9 mm in 2010 and the all-time record is 255.3 mm in 1993. “Therefore, Gulmarg a famous ski resort has recorded the highest rainfall since 2011,” he said—(KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/4PI7Rv6
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
Four new bills introduced in the Lok Sabha change the assembly shareholding and the privileges that SCs, STs and the OBC’s enjoy in Jammu and Kashmir, reportsFaiqa Masoodi
In the ongoing Monsoon session of the parliament, the BJP government has introduced four major bills pertaining to Jammu and Kashmir. While one bill authorises the Lt Governor to nominate three berths in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly, three other bills alter the existing reservation quota for SCs and STs. Given the consequences of these pieces of legislation, there is a political ferment in Jammu and Kashmir, with reactions pouring in from all sections of society. The political class sees the bills with the constitutional parameters at a time when the Supreme Court is about to start the hearing of a bunch of petitions that challenge the reading down of Article 370 and the reorganisation. The tussle between Gujjars and Pharais has also gained momentum.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023
In 2022, after the delimitation process was completed in Jammu and Kashmir, the number of seats in the assembly increased from 107 to 114. With 24 seats reserved for areas in control of Pakistan, nine seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes for the first time. In the additional seats, Jammu was given six and one to Kashmir.
The delimitation commission had recommended the reservation of seats for both Kashmiri Pandits and displaced persons from PoJK or refugees, “who have poor representation in the assembly.” The bill proposed to accommodate this recommendation.
“The Act is proposed to be amended with a view to providing representation to Kashmiri Migrants, Displaced Persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and Scheduled Tribes in the Legislative Assembly of the Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir so as to preserve their political rights as well as for their overall social and economic development,” said the statement of objects and reasons of the Bill.
By amending the sub-sections (3) and (10) of section 14 of the reorganization act, the bill paves the way for nominating a man and a woman from the community of Kashmiri Migrants, and one member from DPs from PoK to the assembly. The right to nominate was given to LG. While the amendment to Section 14 will substitute ‘107 seats’ in the Act for ‘114 seats’, Sections 15 A and 15 B will pave the way for the reservation of three seats.
The political class sees the amendments to the Act as part of a larger “disempowering” plan.
“I strongly believe that the move will lead to disempowerment rather than empowering a particular class as the nomination process mentioned in the bill is a flawed one,” PDP spokesman Mohit Bhan said, insisting it will widen the “mistrust between the two communities. “The new method of nominations to the legislature through the LG’s office is utter disregard for the elected government and constitution.”
Bhan said the seat reservation should have been in a way where a Kashmiri Pandit would openly go and seek public votes, “This would not only bring the voter and candidate close but would create a larger platform which would offer a sense of security, trust building thus paving way for return and rehabilitation of larger pandit community.” He regretted that the questionable amendment is being done to a law that is already challenged in the court. “It is an utter disregard to the country’s largest institution (SC)”.
National Conference spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said they have no problem if the underrepresented get their share but the problem lies in vesting the governor with the power to nominate the trio.
Thousand of Gujjar Bakarwals hit the streets in Srinagar on July 25, 2023 marching towards the Governor’s House to defend their Scheduled Tribe (ST) status
“We have no problem with the representation of underrepresented communities. That was also the logic behind having an upper house which was scrapped under this very reorganisation act. Our opposition is to the proposal of the LG nominating people,” Tanvir said. “This should be the prerogative of the elected government and not an unelected representative of Delhi. In the past, the two reserved seats for ladies were appointed by the Governor, but only with the approval of the elected government.”
Sadiq said that bill is an open admission by BJP that it will lose at the hustings in Jammu and Kashmir and that is why the party is taking the nomination route to get a handful of members. “We have already rejected the Reorganisation Act of 2019, and the entire process is currently under challenge in court. It raises concerns about how the government can proceed with a decision in such haste while it is still being debated in the Supreme Court.”
CPI (M) leader MY Tarigami said that the Central government should have waited for the Apex court’s final verdict before proposing an amendment bill.
“The proposed JK Reorganisation Amendment ( 2023 ) Bill, allowing reservation of seats for Kashmiri Pandits and migrants from PoK is being introduced in the Parliament at a time when the Supreme Court has begun hearing a clutch of petitions filed by the CPI(M) and other petitioners, challenging the J & K Reorganisation Act, 2019 itself,” Tarigami said. “Additionally, the power to nominate the members to the Assembly should rest with the elected government. The government needs to strengthen the displaced communities on the ground.”
There are three more bills in the Lok Sabha that will reshape the quota structure for education and employment in Jammu and Kashmir. The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 will amend Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989 and add four new groups to the ST list – Pahari ethnic group, Gadda Brahmin, Koli, and Paddari tribe.
After reading down of Article 370, the Delimitation Commission reserved nine assembly seats for the ST population – three in Poonch, two out of five in Rajouri, and one each in Reasi, Anantnag, Ganderbal, and Bandipore. By then, Gujjars and Bakerwals were the only ST in Jammu and Kashmir.
It proved a bait for Paharis, especially after Home Minster spoke publicly. “Elected members of the Pahari community can now become a minister and Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, which was impossible earlier because of dynastic politics,” Home Minister Amit Shah said in Jammu in 2021. Later the party started parleys with the Pahari leaders.
Paharis have been seeking the status for a long time. In March 2020, the government constituted the 3-member GD Sharma Commission (Muneer Khan, IPS, Rupa Lal, IFS were two other members) to look at the issues relating to socially and educationally backward classes, scheduled tribes (ST), and scheduled castes (SC). It submitted its report in 2022 recommending reservations for Pahari-speaking people. The Registrar General of India approved the recommendation, and so did the National Commission for Schedule Tribes (NCST) in the case of the Padri tribe, Koli, and Gada Brahmin communities in the list of STs. Then came the bill.
The move triggered unrest in the Gujjar Bakerwal community. They have already been at loggerheads for a long time. Yet again, they were on roads in Kashmir but mostly in Rajouri and Poonch.
“Tribe cannot be defined on a linguistic basis. A tribe is an ethnic group with all together distinct characteristics and lifestyles. Tribal’s can be defined as per constitution while as Pahari is a very vast term with no particular definition as such,” activist politician, Guftar Choudhary said. “We do not want the inclusion of the elite classes in the Schedule Tribe list as it will be an injustice to the deserving ethnic tribal’s.”
Tribal researcher Javaid Rahi said that as per Census-2011 Gujjar-Bakerwals constitute 16 lahks of the total population in Jammu and Kashmir, which could now be around two million, constituting the third largest majority. Pahari, he said, “is an umbrella term and does not fall in the category of a caste or even a language.” He said the demands for ST was raised by them always but every time it was rejected by the Government of India.
“Before the GD Sharma report was approved by the Government of India, almost five such reported had been rejected as they did not define Paharis as ethnic groups with Dr Farooq Abdullah being the first to initiate the process for defining Paharis in JK,” Rahi said. After the ST privilege was extended to the Pahari’s, in response the Gujjar Bakerwal Joint Action Committee met Home Minister on November 24. “Amit Shah assured us that our reservation quota will be untouched and the government will find an alternative for Paharis,” he said. “This was in consonance with our demand. However, the youth are now on the streets as they believe that their identity is at stake.”
Zahid Parwaz Choudhary, President Gujjar-Bakerwal Youth Welfare Conference said that as per Lokur Committee tribal’s enjoying ST status fulfils Lokur Committee’s all criteria that define a tribal. BJP is trying to change this set definition by crushing the identity of tribal’s and dilating the group by introducing the elite class into it. He said the Paharis are already enjoying RBS, ALC, OBC, and other reservations. “But even if the Paharis are given ST status, they cannot be given political reservation because the present delimitation was done on the basis of the 2011 census under which Paharis aren’t listed as ST.”
STs and OBSc
By amending the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order, 1956, the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023 proposes to add Valmiki as a synonym for the Chura, Bhangi, Balmiki, and Mehtar communities in the Scheduled Castes list.
Pahari delegation from Jammu Kashmir with Home Minister Amit Shah in Delhi on August 6, 2022. They said they were assured of reservations ahead of the assembly elections.
MHA’s Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023 partially redefines “Socially and Educationally Backward Classes” (SEBC) as “Other Backward Classes” (OBC), with the government saying this would also enable the implementation of the 105th Constitutional Amendment “in letter and spirit”. The 105th Amendment affirms the right of governments of States and Union Territories to declare their own subsets of SEBCs
Now, it remains to be seen if at all there is a debate on these bills or if the majority will eventually prevail.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/XudiVIC
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Home Affairs announced on Monday that Basant Rath, an IPS officer of the AGMUT cadre, will remain suspended for an additional 180 days beyond , July 31, 2023.
In an official order, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the Central Review Committee thoroughly considered the facts and circumstances of the case and recommended extending Basant Rath’s suspension tenure for an additional 180 days until January 27, 2024, beyond the initial suspension period ending on July 31, 2023.
The order issued by the MHA stated, “And now, therefore, the President orders that Shri Basant Kumar Rath, IPS (AGMUT: 2000), shall continue under the period of suspension for a further 180 days beyond 31.07.2023, i.e., until 27.01.2024, in terms of Rule 3 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969.”
The IPS officer was initially placed under suspension on July 8, 2020, as disciplinary proceedings were contemplated against him.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/Thdc1jE
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A suspicious object was found on the Srinagar-Baramulla Highway near the Zangam flyover, prompting authorities to suspend traffic on the thoroughfare.
Quoting official sources, Kashmir Scroll reported that some suspicious object, suspected to carry an IED, was found at the Zangam flyover in the Pattan area. Soon police and Army’s 29 RR, CRPF rushed to the spot and subsequently called Bomb Disposal Squad. Traffic from both sides has been halted.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/Hc3fSg2
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: In a significant development the Jammu and Kashmir Pahari Culture and Welfare Forum (JKPCWF) held a meeting on Saturday via video conference under the guidance of Forum Patron-in-Chief, Muzaffar Hussain Baig. During the meeting, the forum expressed profound gratitude to the Government of India for introducing the Constitutional Schedule Tribe Amendment Bill in Parliament, fulfilling a long-pending and justified demand of the Pahari Tribe.
Pahari leaders with Jammu Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha
Describing the move as a landmark in the community’s four-decade-long struggle, the forum credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for their unwavering commitment to this cause. Pahari leader, Syd Mushtaq Ahmad Bukhari, presided over the meeting, reinforcing the promises made during a significant meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi on December 25, 2019. During that meeting, the delegation assured the Home Minister of Jammu and Kashmir’s reciprocation of kindness with kindness if the longstanding demand of the Pahari community was fulfilled.
With overwhelming gratitude towards the Government of India, the participants in the meeting vowed that the entire Pahari tribe would forever cherish and remember the momentous decision taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
The meeting also addressed the restructuring and activation of the forum, with important decisions taken to enhance its role in representing and advocating for the Pahari community. The participants conveyed their heartfelt appreciation to Muzaffar Hussain Baig, the patron of the forum, for his active and constructive efforts in championing the cause of the Pahari community.
Speaking at the meeting, Muzaffar Hussain Baig commended the collective and individual efforts that culminated in this historic achievement. He urged the participants to ensure that the promises made to the central leadership were upheld with utmost sincerity and dedication. Baig emphasised the need for a disciplined organisational setup, making everyone accountable for their roles within the forum.
Highlighting the non-political nature of the forum, Baig underscored that the ‘Jammu Kashmir Pahari Culture and Welfare Forum’ represents the Pahari community, irrespective of political affiliations, and has been working diligently for the past four decades.
During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on the restructuring of the forum, and it was decided that the process would be finalised in the upcoming sessions, considering all pertinent factors. To mobilise the Forum effectively, Muhammad Naseem Malik was appointed as its Organising Secretary, with the approval of Patron-in-Chief Muzaffar Hussain Baig.
The gathering witnessed the presence of Ex-Deputy Chairman Legislative Council Jahangir Hussain Mir, Ex-MLC and Senior Forum Leader Murtaza Khan, Senior Forum Leader and Ex-MLC MR Qureshi, Ex-MLA Ashok Kumar Sharma, former judge and advocate Muzaffar Iqbal Khan, Syed Iqbal Kazmi, Advocate Zahid Sarfaraz Malik, Advocate Altaf Hussain Janjua, and former bureaucrat Muhammad Naseem Malik.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/v5uDbAH
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Amidst promises that seem more like illusions and hollowness that echoes loud, the poor and downtrodden in far-flung and backward regions of Jammu and Kashmir feel let down by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). As the Congress Party’s Vikar Rasool Wani addressed a spirited gathering in Machil, North Kashmir, he minced no words in calling out the BJP Government at the Centre for its betrayal and failure on multiple fronts, leaving the neglected areas yearning for development, opportunities, and their due privileges.
In the heart of this picturesque yet forsaken landscape, Wani shed light on the hardships faced by the people in the absence of a democratic setup. The once-promising vision of a better future now seems overshadowed by the reality of bureaucratic control, depriving the masses of their democratic rights and leaving them unheard.
Surrounded by senior party leaders GN Monga (Ex MLC), Mohammad Anwar Bhat, Nazir Ahmad Lone, Mir Ruvais, Abdul Wahab, Dr Ghulam Nabi Lone, Gulsher Khan, Bashir Ahmad Khan, Firdous Wani, Arshid Ahmad Tantray, Showket Ahmad, and other prominent figures from Kupwara district, Vikar sounded the alarm on BJP’s divisive tactics. He cautioned the people, especially those belonging to Scheduled Tribes (STs), Pahari communities, Scheduled Castes (SCs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), about falling into the trap of political exploitation. While the BJP plays the cards of regionalism, identity, and religious polarisation, the masses must stand vigilant against being used as mere pawns in the political chessboard.
Wani’s address accused the Modi Government of orchestrating an assault on the very fabric of J&K since it took the reins of power at the Centre. He made a heartfelt appeal to the people of border and far-flung areas to see through the deceitful policies and false assurances of the ruling party. While the BJP keeps peddling their grand visions of progress, the ground reality reveals a different tale altogether.
Expressing shock over the claims of development, Wani did not mince words in calling them hollow and baseless. The hard work put in by the previous UPA Governments, aimed at uplifting the region, has suffered severe setbacks under the current administration. Mere inauguration of already sanctioned projects doesn’t hide the harsh truth – J&K has been pushed to the brink, grappling with economic distress, rampant unemployment, and a lack of progress.
Reassuring the people of Machil and other marginalized areas, JKPCC Chief Vikar Rasool Wani affirmed that the Congress Party will continue to fight for their rights and deliver justice. With a staunch belief in the values of service and equality, the party pledges to be the voice of the voiceless and the hope of the neglected.
Monga, a seasoned Congress leader, questioned the delay in holding elections in J&K, where the absence of an elected Government has left the masses feeling isolated and unheard. The restoration of democracy stands as the key to bridging the divide between the people and administration.
In a passionate appeal, Senior Congress Leader Anwar Bhat urged the people to join hands with the Congress Party for a brighter future. With the spirit of unity, the Congress stands resolute in its mission to bring forth inclusive development and empower the neglected to rise above the shadows of negligence.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/XJ6rZ4f
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Daleep Singh, 35, hailing from Rathian village, was declared dead at a hospital in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district early Sunday, shortly after complaining of chest pain inside a police lockup, according to officials.
The relatives of the victim Daleep Singh, a resident of Rathian village, blocked the main Dhar road for over three hours, demanding an impartial inquiry into the circumstances leading to his death.
“Singh was overpowered by security guards posted at Udhampur district hospital after he along with two others created a scene and allegedly assaulted an admitted patient Sharda Devi who was purportedly having a dispute with her husband,” officials said.
They said while the husband of the patient and another person fled the hospital, Singh was caught and handed over to police personnel who shifted him to the women police station shortly after midnight.
“Singh complained of chest pain inside the lockup over two hours later and was immediately shifted to the hospital where he was declared brought dead by doctors,” the officials said, adding that the news of his death triggered protests by his relatives who blocked the main road outside the hospital.
A senior police officer said a magisterial inquiry headed by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Udhampur Joginder Singh Jasrotia was underway to ascertain the facts.
“Singh was taken into preventive custody and later complained of chest pain before being declared dead on arrival at the hospital. He was not subjected to torture inside the lockup,” the officer said.
He said a post-mortem of the deceased would be conducted to ascertain the cause of his death.
Jasrotia, who visited the protesters and persuaded them to disperse, said the high-level magisterial inquiry has already been ordered, and strict action would be taken in case anyone was found guilty of negligence.
He requested people knowing about the incident to share their information or material evidence with him so that the inquiry is taken to its logical conclusion.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/S7TyHaQ
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A pedestrian was killed after being hit by a vehicle in the Thatri area of Doda on Sunday.
A police official informed the news agency KS that a vehicle with the registration number JK06B 1153 was on its way from Malnoo towards Kahara when it reached Charwah Kahara, near a stone crusher, and hit a pedestrian identified as Baber Ahmed, son of Mohd Rafiq, from Chabba Kahara.
As a result of the incident, Baber suffered serious injuries and was immediately taken to PHC Thathri for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries, he added.
Meanwhile, the police have taken cognizance of the incident and started an investigation. (KS)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/BcJ5DH0
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A study conducted by geologists has revealed that there are chances of the formation of three new glacial lakes with an average depth ranging between 34 and 84 metres due to the accelerated melting of the Himalayan Parkachik Glacier in Ladakh.
The study attributed the accelerated glacial retreat to ongoing climate warming, which also causes surface morphological or geological changes to glaciers. The study was conducted by the scientists of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, headed by Dr Manish Mehta.
Parkachik Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in the Suru River valley, which is a part of the Southern Zanskar Ranges, western Himalaya, in the union territory of Ladakh.
The findings of the study were published in the journal, ‘Annals of Glaciology’. The morphological and dynamic changes of the Parkachik Glacier in the Suru river, have been described by the scientists by procuring the data for the study from satellite imagery from year 1971 to 2021 and field surveys conducted between 2015 and 2021.
The study states that between the years 1971 to 1999 the average rate of retreat was approximately 2 meters per year and it went up to 12 meters per year between the years 1999 to 2021. It also revealed that between 2015 to 2021, the rate increased up to 20.5 meters, “Both the field and satellite-based observations indicate that the calving nature of the glacier margin and the development of a proglacial lake may have enhanced the retreat of the Parckachik Glacier,” a statement by Ministry of Science and Technology reads.
Keeping in view the results, the study mentions that the if the retreating continues three lakes can be formed.
Himalayan glaciers due to their vulnerability have been a subject of various studies like field-based investigations and remote sensing approach. “In contrast, understanding the ice thickness and distribution is foremost required for the Himalayan glaciers. However, existing approaches, like remote sensing, cannot directly estimate the glacier thickness. Based on ground penetrating radar, very few studies have been carried out on glacier thickness in the Indian Himalaya,” the statement further reads.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/Xds856V
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: An army soldier has gone missing from the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir since Saturday evening, while efforts are on to trace his whereabouts, officials said.
Quoting official sources, KNO reported that the solider Javid Ahmad Wani son of Muhammad Ayoub Wani, a resident of the Asthal area of Kulgam went missing since last evening. He was posted in Ladakh, and was on leave since Eid-Ul-Azha.
“Last evening, he went to the Chawalgam area for purchasing some food items in his Alto vehicle bearing registration number (JK-18B 7201). Since then he has not reported back to home his home,” they said
The mother of the missing soldier in a video message has appealed for the safe return of her son. “My son is innocent and he is too young. I am seeking forgiveness if my son has committed any wrong. I appeal one and all to allow my son to return home, “She said.
Meanwhile, a senior police official said that Soldier a massive manhunt has been launched to trace the soldier—(KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/jbmHVy3
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The government has paid a compensation of Rs 85 crore to the families of 40 CRPF personnel who were killed in the car bomb explosion at Lethpora on February 14, 2009, MoS Home Rai told the parliament. He was responding to the question of Congress leader Digvijay Singh in Rajya Sabha on July 26.
Put together, the detailed response tabled in the house said a total of Rs 84,95,85,764 has been given as compensation to the families of the paramilitary men who fell in the line of duty. The compensation included the amount given or donated by either the Central or State government or individuals and corporate donors.
Besides the amount, the minister stated that other compensations in the form of jobs were also provided to the families.
While in some cases the wife of the deceased received the compensation, in others they showed their unwillingness and wanted their children to be given jobs as and when they reach the age when they become eligible for government jobs. The information indicated that all these slain paramilitary men were young and their children are still being schooled.
In 20 cases, the next of kin has been provided jobs and in at least two cases the slain were bachelors whose parents are not eligible for any jobs. In all other cases, the families have requested that the jobs be reserved for the orphans which they will claim once they reach the age when they can join the government.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/0GqBrop
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Senior BJP leader Devender Singh Rana on Friday said that peacefully transforming and progressing Jammu and Kashmir has unnerved those who have been playing politics over graves.
Rana said that the politicians of deceit and deception have played their innings cunningly for over four decades by bullying New Delhi on the one hand and instigating people against the mainstream on the other hand to have the best of both worlds.
“They are dumbstruck as their fake narratives are working no more now. While understanding the changing mood, they are not giving up on the character of wolves who lose teeth but not their nature. This has been their formula to remain leeched to the chair, no matter how much the people suffer. But, the game is over now as the people have started reading between the lines and relishing the dividends of peace and normalcy,” Rana said.
Rana said that mega efforts are being taken to ensure the political empowerment of all sections of society, especially the marginalized and neglected segments. He hailed the proposed amendment in the reservation by including Paharis of various communities in the Scheduled Tribe list without diluting even an iota of the share of Gujjars and Bakarwals much to the discomfort of those who wanted to create dissension and division among communities.
“The inclusion of Valmikis in the reserved category and OBC status to OSC is also a welcome step. This is the inspiring example of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayas, Sabka Vishwas, he said and exhorted the cadre to intensify the public outreach programme to educate the people about path-breaking initiatives to change the destiny of the nation,” he said.
Adding further he said the economic emancipation of the people in recent years, especially after focusing on investments to build world-class infrastructure, holds promise for better days to come, not only in terms of growth but also job generation.
“The successful G-20 conclave has further bolstered the efforts of the Centre and the UT Administration to take Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of progress and development. This is something the frustrated politicians are not comfortable with as peoples’ prosperity means their political doom. The height of their dejection and desperation is ironically so deep that those getting just two to three percent votes are now hobnobbing with their counterparts across the country in the mistaken belief of changing the political structure of the country, he said.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/yS1qOUx
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The Mughal road, connecting Kashmir Valley’s Shopian district with the twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, has been closed due to landslide on Saturday, officials said.
“The thoroughfare has been blocked near Poshana in this mountainous district due to landslide amid rains. Men and machinery have been pressed into service to clear the road,” they said.
A traffic department official confirmed the closure of the road and said that the efforts are underway to reopen it. (GNS)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/6CDSHGe
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday ordered the transfer of Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Tourism Development Authority, Gulmarg, while assigning the additional charge of the post to Director Tourism Kashmir in addition to his own duties.
“Ghulam Jeelani Zargar, Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Gulmarg, holding additional charge of the post of Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, is transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Lolab-Bungus Drangyari, with immediate effect, relieving Ghulam Nabi Bhat, JKAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara of the additional charge of the post,” read an order issued by Commissioner Secretary GAD Sanjeev Verma.
It further states that Raja Yaqoob Farooq, Director, Tourism, Kashmir, shall hold the charge of the posts of Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Gulmarg, and Managing Director, J&K Cable Car Corporation, in addition to his own duties, till further orders.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/YTcrSds
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: All Gurudwara Prabandhak Sikh committees of Kashmir on Friday demanded for the reservation of two seats for the community in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.
Addressing a press conference, United Kashmiri Sikh Progressive Forum, said that the community welcomes the move to reserve two seats for Kashmiri Pandits but the minority Sikh community of Jammu and Kashmir should not be discriminated. “We have been left out in the process which is an injustice to the community.”
“We have met the Home Minister four times and he gave us assurances, but now we have been ignored,” the forum said. “Kashmiri Sikh community has always been at the forefront in extending all kinds of help and assistance, but we fail to understand why we are not being recognised.”
“The government should think about Kashmiri non-migrant Sikhs and should give us a reservation,” the UKSPF said, adding, “We demand two seats for Sikh community in the J&K Assembly.”—(KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/oyR16Xa
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: As the gleaming Sun of last Islamic month Dhul Hijjah dips below in the Kashmir valley on its last evening, the devoted Shia Muslim community somberly waits to get the first glance of Muharram Moon, which marks the beginning of new Islamic calendar and a time that reflects the martyrdom of Hazrat Hussain ibn Ali (R.A), the grandson of Prophet of Islam.
A mourner holding a banner scripted with Message of Karbala at M.A Road Srinagar on July 27, 2023. (KLImage Zubair Hameed)
As the sun rises over the majestic mountains on the first day of Muharram, the ambiance is full of anticipation and wholehearted. Men, women and children dressed in traditional black attire start gathering at local mosques and Imambaras in order to pay tribute to the martyrs of Karbala.
The procession starts with the reverberating Persian elegies Abad Wallah Ya Zahra Ma Ninsa Hussainah (By God, O Zahra, we don’t forget Hussain). These elegies attract thousands of devotees from all corners of Kashmir, and enforces them to cross boundaries, ethnic differences and join up the masses.
The Kashmir streets with full of mournful chants and poetic rhythms drumming’s gains different neighborhood coverage in a single gathering, with participants engulfed with mourn full desires and beholding the inscription of Labaik Ya Hussain flags express their grief on the tragedy of Karbala.
Mourners picking refreshment drinks from the service van in Srinagar (KLImage Zubair Hameed)
The ambiance is somber as well as momentous, which in deep sense reflect the gravity of the occasion. The traditional mourn ritual known as Matamm is a potential symbol of devotion which narrates the tragic and heart-fell events of Karbala, more than 1340 years ago.
Kashmir had faced numerous challenges regarding the Muharram procession in the last three decades, testing the faith and strength of its devoted peoples. However, the light of devotion and the spirit of brotherhood remains unwavering and untouched among the local Shia Muslim community, who have been organising the processions from centuries.
One such organiser, Syed Yousuf Razvi, a local scholar, has been coordinating the Muharram procession over the last two decades. Speaking to this reporter he acknowledges the difficulties that lies in the essence of Muharram commemoration, and that it brings solace to those who participate.
“The Muharram procession is not just a religious event; it’s an integral part of our cultural identity,” Yousuf Rizvi explains. “It symbolises unity, compassion, and empathy. We mourn the tragedy of Karbala not just for the sake of it but to understand the sacrifice Imam Hussein made for justice and righteousness.”
Shia Muslims in Muharram mourning on August 8, 2022 during a boat rally in Dal lake Srinagar. KL Image: Bilal Bahadur
In the recent times, security challenges have added their own concerns to the Muharram processions. Kashmir had witnessed unrest, which had come up with the tough challenges between both the organisers as well as to the officials. Despite these challenges, the organisers are with-stand and resolute, as they believe their faith cannot be colonized.
Despite the challenges, the procession of Muharram continues with resilience and hope. It conveys religious narrative, by giving people a sense of mutual identity as well as purpose. By reason of these solidarity people from other religious communities like Sikhs also join the processions, by illustrating the spirit of communal harmony and centuries old brotherhood.
“As I hold this flag, I feel a sense of unity with the entire Muslim community commemorating by Muharram,” Syed Zaffar, 15, holding the Labaika Ya Hussain flag said “The Muharram flag signifies hope amidst dark, it reminds us to stand strong in the face of adversity.”
The significance of Muharram is derived from the Battle of Karbala, which according to Shia Muslim scholars was basically a one-sided contest in which Hazrat Hussain ibn e Ali (RA), the grandson of the Prophet, along with his family companions were martyred by a much larger force sent by the Governor of the Kufa, Iraq Ubaid-Ullah-Ibni-Ziyad on the order of Umayyad Ruler Yazid.
Hazrat Hussain’s tomb is located in the city of Karbala, the tomb was built two centuries after the tragic event of Karbala. Shia Muslims consider pilgrimage to the tomb as a divine source of blessing.
A cluster of mourners holding black flags as a sign of grief for Karbala at Srinagar on July 27,2023. KLImage: Zubair Hameed
Most of the mourning rituals take place in the first ten days of Muharram, and reaches to end on the tenth day, however Majalis related to it continues till full month.
Although the Muharram processions in Kashmir don’t pass without any challenges. The officials always implement constraints to measure and to tackle any kind of security breach. Street closure are always first-hand practice of officials in order to manage crowd control and any unfavorable incident.
As the sun sets in the evening, the procession concludes at various Imambaras across Kashmir, where meals are also served which reflects a sign of brotherhood. In Kashmir where generations have witnessed turmoil Muharram stands tall by flagging faith and unity among the natives of the valley.
(The author is a Srinagar based multimedia journalist, currently interning with Kashmir Life)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/BHXzqSc
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A link road connecting Rajouri, Reasi and Ramban district was on Friday closed due to a massive landslide following heavy rainfall in the area.
An official told the news agency KNO that the landslide took place near Zero Morh in Chassana area of Reasi today morning.
He said that following the incident major road link called as Budhal-Mahore-Gool road was blocked, while an advisory was also issued asking people not to travel on the road till it is restored.
The road connects Rajouri with Reasi and Ramban districts via Mahore and Gool areas.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/ByWPYXO
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Three Amarnath pilgrims were injured on Friday morning in a road accident at Ramsoo in Ramban district, an official said.
Quoting an official, KNO reported that a yatra vehicle bearing registration number (JK02BU-4095) skidded off the road at Gangroo, Ramsoo resulting injuries to three pilgrims.
They have been identified as Adarsh Kumar, Manju Sharma and Ankush Sharma all from Jammu district. All the injured have been shifted to Primary Health Centre Ramsoo for treatment.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/4cbLrCd
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A day after the demise of a 26-year-old youth due to burn injuries near his girlfriend’s home in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, his family on Thursday alleged foul play, raising concerns and giving rise to doubts of a possible murder conspiracy.
On last Tuesday night, the victim Musaib Mir, a resident of Bandipora town was taken to district hospital Bandipora with burn injuries and subsequently shifted to Srinagar Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries Wednesday morning.
The sudden death has shocked everyone, including his family, relatives, and friends, leaving them in sorrow and disbelief.
The family members of the deceased youth, while speaking to the news agency KNO, alleged that the girl whom he was in a relationship with for the last six years had lured him to her home on that night, where he was allegedly burned not once but twice by her family.
In a plea for justice, the mother recounted the tale of her lone son, who was the only brother among two sisters.
She revealed how her son’s life was taken away by the hands of his girlfriend’s family.
She shared the details of how her innocent son was called to his girlfriend’s house, only to face a cruel and merciless fate. “They took his life and callously burned him showing no mercy for the young soul they extinguished,” she said.
The mother implored for justice to be served, seeking solace in the hope that those responsible for her son’s demise would be brought to account for their actions.
“He was burnt alive by them. Even with 90 percent burn injuries, he tried to say something when I visited him at the hospital, but the pain silenced his words,” Kulsooma added, tears welling up in her eyes.
“No matter his relationship, my innocent son should never have been killed,” the victim’s mother exclaimed.
“My brother faced daily harassment from them. The girl’s message, ‘You are gone now, fulfil all your passions,’ indicated a sinister plan to kill him,” the victim’s sister, Sahiba Bano said.
Demanding a thorough investigation into what she believes is a murder conspiracy, she seeks justice for her beloved brother.
According to Sharik Ahmad Mir, Musaib’s cousin, Musaib was recently detained by the Police. The reason behind his detention was being caught following a girl, to which he fully acknowledged and accepted, resulting in his subsequent release.
“However,” Sharik continued, “the girl later reached out to Musaib, inviting him to her house to apologise and resolve their issues.” Tragically, Sharik revealed, “After this meeting, we discovered his lifeless, burned body at the hospital.”
Meanwhile, the family members and relatives of the deceased youth also staged a protest and demanded strict action against those involved in the alleged murder.
An official stated that the police have initiated formal investigations into the mysterious death, and the inquiry is underway. (KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/rh5eDZ4
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: In a landmark move to protect the well-being and mental health of students, the Directorate of School Education Kashmir has issued a circular imposing a blanket ban on corporal punishment and other forms of child abuse in all educational institutions within its jurisdiction.
The decision comes after distressing complaints regarding corporal punishment were reported, linking it to mental health issues among school-going children. The reports received from IMHANS-K raised serious concerns about the negative consequences of corporal punishment, which not only hinder the learning and development of affected children but also create an environment of fear and hostility within the educational institutions.
According to an order, Director of School Education Kashmir states that the negative consequences of corporal punishment not only hinder the learning and development of the affected children but also create an environment of fear and hostility within the Educational Institutions. “Corporal punishment has an ill effect on the mental health of the child which is the cause of concern for the parents and the department.”
It added that whenever a child is assaulted, abused, exposed or neglected in a manner to cause physical or mental suffering by any person employed by or managing an organisation, which is entrusted with the care and protection of the child, the punishment would be rigorous imprisonment up to three years and fine up to Rs five lakh.
“On account of the cruelty, if the child is physically incapacitated or develops a mental illness or is rendered mentally unfit to perform regular tasks or has risk to life or limb, then imprisonment may extend up to ten years,” it reads. (KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/0fqBQZt
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A youth died, while his uncle was injured, after their bulldozer came into contact with a live transmission line in the Padgampora area of Pulwama district on Thursday.
An official told the news agency KNO that the duo was on the bulldozer when it came in contact with the live transmission wire.
He further stated that they sustained critical injuries and were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital, where the youth succumbed to his injuries.
The deceased has been identified as Sehran Ahmad (18), while his injured uncle has been identified as Abdul Rashid Dar from Larkipora Padgampora.
Meanwhile, the police have taken cognizance of the incident. (KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/rcyzAkU
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A 18 year old boy allegedly committed suicide in Banyari village of Hajin in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Wednesday evening.
Officials told news agency KNO, that the deceased was identified as Mudasir Ahmad Dar son of Bilal Ahmad Dar, a resident of Banayari.
They said that his body was found hanging in an open field outside his home. After completing legal formalities, the body was handed over to his family for the last rites.
Police has taken cognizance of the case and started investigation in the matter. (KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/uMbZvjl
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A youth in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district allegedly ended his life by self-immolation on Tuesday evening near the house of a girl with whom he was allegedly in love.
An official, as per media reports said that the duo had been in an affair which ended due to unknown reasons. However, the youth, the official said, began harassing her to come back into the relationship.
“For this, he was detained, and even an FIR was registered by the girl against the youth,” he added.
Estranged youth on Tuesday, the official said went to the girl’s house and set himself ablaze. He received severe burn injuries and was rushed to SKIMS Soura where he succumbed on Wednesday morning.
“After conducting legal medical formalities the body was handed over to his family members for last rites,” the official added.
Friends, as per reports in the media said he was in a relationship with the girl for over six years that ended on a bad note leading to ugly turn of events that included a complaint of harassment by the girl. Apparently, not able to bear it all, the friends said he tried to end his life.
However, they also allege that no one came to rescue and save him from the fire until he had sustained 90 percent burn injuries.
Police have started an investigation in the matter.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/LTwQqEh
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The weather department on Wednesday forecast partly to generally cloudy weather during the daytime with the possibility of light to moderate thundershowers at many places till July 28.
A meteorological departmental official said that “isolated heavy rainfall” was expected over the Jammu region, especially during the late night and early morning period. From July 29-31, he said, partly to generally cloudy is expected. “There is a risk of flash flood, mudslides, landslides during the period,” he warned.
He advised people to remain cautious and stay away from streams, rivers, and other vulnerable spots during the period. (GNS)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/kBROdjb
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Union Government is all set to introduce four key bills on quota and electoral reservation in Jammu & Kashmir in the Parliament today.
As per Lok Sabha’s revised list of business, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce a bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. The bill is meant to reserve three seats—two for Kashmiri Pandits and one for refugees from Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir—in J&K Assembly.
The Union Home Minister will also introduce a bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004. The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004 is a state law. It is being amended in the Parliament to rechristen “Other Social Castes” as “Other Backward Classes”
According to the schedule, Union Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda will introduce a bill further to amend the Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order, 1989.
The Constitution (Jammu & Kashmir) Scheduled Tribes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, seeks the inclusion of the Paharis, Paddaris, Gadda Braman, and Koli tribes.
Union Minister for Social Justice Dr. Virendra Kumar will introduce The Constitution (Jammu and Kashmir) Scheduled Castes Order (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which seeks inclusion of the Valmiki community in the list of Scheduled Castes of Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/NvO1VbK
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Aadil Manzoor Peer, hailing from Halmatpora Kupwara, has made headlines for his exceptional achievements in sports. Already a talented athlete in martial arts and rugby, it was his unexpected entry into the world of Ice Stock that propelled the 26-year-old to stardom, ultimately leading him to become the captain of the Indian national team.
Aadil Peer appointed captain of India’s national Ice Stock team
Aadil’s journey in Ice Stock began as a stroke of luck back in 2012 when the sport was newly introduced in the Kashmir region. Little did he know that this unplanned encounter would pave the way for him to rise as the top player in India.
The young athlete’s prowess was put to the test on the international stage when he made his debut in the International Ice Stock World Championship held in Austria in 2018. Despite being a newcomer, Aadil showcased his skills and determination, securing an impressive 10th position.
Building on this early success, Aadil continued to leave his mark on the global Ice Stock circuit. In 2019, he participated in a championship held in China, and his dedication and hard work paid off with a commendable seventh rank in the highly competitive World Ice Stock Championship 2022.
However, Aadil’s most cherished achievement came when he was appointed as the captain of the Indian Ice Stock team. Leading the nation’s best players, he has shown remarkable leadership and camaraderie, making him a role model for aspiring athletes across the country.
With his sights set on the Winter Olympics 2026, this young sportsman is determined to make his village proud on the grandest stage of all. Preparing rigorously and with unwavering focus, Aadil Manzoor Peer is ready to compete with the world’s best in the Winter Olympics.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/Km7oxvg
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Police on Tuesday arrested two militant associates affiliated with Lashkar-i-Toiba outfit in the Kreeri area of North Kashmir’s Baramulla, officials said.
In a statement, a Police spokesperson said that on specific information regarding the movement of militants in Village Chak Tapper Kreeri, Joint forces of Baramulla Police & 29 RR placed a MVCP at Bus Stop Chak Tapper Kreeri.
The police spokesman further stated that two suspect persons who were coming from Chak Tapper towards Main Road Kreeri tried to flee while noticing joint naka party but was apprehended tactfully.
“During their personal search 2 Chinese Pistols, 2 Pistol Magazines, 14 live Pistol rounds, 1 ID Card & 1 Xerox copy of Aadhar Card were recovered* from them and were taken into custody immediately. Who were later identified as Dayem Majeed Khan S/O Ab Majeed Khan R/O Check Panjigam Bandipora & Ubair Tariq S/O Tariq Ahmad Khan R/O Watrina Phalwanpora Panjigam Bandipora,” he said.
During preliminary investigation both the militant associates confessed that they are affiliated with banned militant organisation of LeT outfit and had collected the arms & ammunition for target killing in District Baramulla, he said.
Case under Indian Arms Act & UA (P) Act was registered in Police Station Kreeri and investigations was taken up, reads the statement. (GNS)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/V6qpIhU
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) is all set to commence the trial run of e-buses in Srinagar within the next two days, and over a dozen such vehicles are expected to be operational on the roads here after 15 days.
Pertinently, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has procured 200 e-buses; 100 for each of the twin cities of Jammu and Srinagar.
A total of 200 e-buses with AC, heating facility, and CCTV are being procured under the Smart City project.
The e-buses will also have digital on-boarding facility and live tracking, enabling people to be aware of the buses’ arrival timings.
Chief Engineer of SSCL, Iftikhar Kakroo, stated that the trial run of the e-buses will begin in the next two days, and necessary processes such as registration and obtaining a certificate from the pollution control board are currently underway.
He added that a fleet of 15 e-buses will be operational on the roads after the next 15-20 days.
“As 100 e-buses have been procured for Srinagar, the rest of the vehicles will be seen plying on the roads by October-November,” Kakroo said. (KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/LtmelgW
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A low-intensity mysterious explosion triggered panic in the old city area of Jammu, and the police have commenced their investigation.
Eyewitnesses told the news agency KNO that the blast took place at around 10:00-10:30 pm late Sunday night in the city’s Kachi Chawani area, which is part of the city heart and just a few meters away from several vital installations, including the civil secretariat, Raj Bhawan, All India Radio, and the Inspector General of Police office.
The explosion occurred outside the residence of the political activist associated with the right-wing Shiv Sena, Pandit Rajesh Kesari.
Kesari informed that soon after the blast, everyone in the locality came out, and the police were called in to investigate the matter.
“The police reached the spot within 10 minutes and carried out a massive search. Multiple police teams have been here since last night, along with the Bomb Disposal Squad. They have collected the evidence, mostly iron nails, with them,” Kesari said.
Sources confirmed that the explosion has been recorded in multiple CCTV cameras installed in a nearby building.
The explosion took place at around 10:51 PM late last night, and the police were informed 7 minutes after the blast. Police teams reached the spot within 10 minutes after being informed about the incident.
However, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Jammu, Chandan Kohli, in a statement, said, “In Jammu, an incident came to the fore wherein a blast-like sound was reportedly heard from Kachi Chawni area. The police and forensics, along with technical experts, visited the place. The matter is being probed.” (KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/4IihZkQ
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference on Monday accused BJP of using the reservation bill as a walking stick to reap election dividends in Jammu & Kashmir.
Lamenting the proposal, party’s chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said the proposed bill is blind to the ground realities. “I have no problem with representation to underrepresented communities. That was also the logic behind having an upper house which was scrapped under the J&K Reorganisation Act,” he said.
Tanvir expressed his party’s opposition to the proposal of LG nominating individuals. “This should be the prerogative of the elected government and not an un-elected representative of Delhi.”
Tanvir believes that the authorisation of LG to nominate any person is an admission that the BJP expects to lose the next election in J&K and is using the nomination route to gain a few members in the house. “The fact that the LG is being authorized to nominate any person is another admission that the BJP are convinced they will lose the next election in J&K and are using the nomination route to try to get a handful of members in the house. That said, two or three seats will make no difference to the future of the BJP.”
Tanvir said that the party has already rejected the J&K Reorganisation Act of 2019, and that the entire process is currently under judicial scrutiny in the highest court of the country.
“It raises concerns about how the government can proceed with a decision while its parent Act is still being debated in the Supreme Court. Such decisions go against the constitutional propriety as it preempts the SC decision. Ideally such a decision should have been left to a democratically elected government,” he said.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/ztfhrFb
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: A CRPF trooper, who was injured after being hit by a moving train in Chidhama area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday, succumbed to his injuries.
Quoting an official, KNO reported that CRPF trooper was hit by train near Chidhama area resulting injuries the trooper. He said that he was shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his injuries.
He has been identified as Ravinder Kumar of C-96 Battalion. Meanwhile, police have taken cognizance of the incident—(KNO)
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/6w9dv0m
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
During his recent Paris visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted a hand-knitted Kashmiri silk carpet to Yaël Braun-Pivet, President of the French National Assembly. Kashmir’s silk carpets are famous across the world. Newspaper reports said this has led the local stakeholders to heap praises on the prime minister hoping it will improve carpet sales across the world. “You have seen him donning shawl and Kani specimens,” Mehmood Shah, Director of Handicrafts Kashmir was quoted as having said. “During his last visit to Sweden, he gifted a GI-certified shawl in a papier mache box to the President of Sweden. In his recent visit to the US too, he gifted papier mache boxes. And this time he gifted the silk carpet from Kashmir.” These acts, he said, are a great encouragement for the artisans.
Of 19 ambulances in Mendhar block, 15 vehicles do not have a driver.
RAJOURI
Authorities are contemplating investigating the service records of the employees, especially those who lack a formal appointment order. In anticipation of this, the Jammu and Kashmir Police Crimes Branch, now called the Economic Offences Wing, has filed charge sheets in two cases in which the “employees” had managed their appointments through fake documents. In Rajouri, a 489-page charge sheet was filed against nine individuals including eight Physical Education Teachers (PETs) – three of them women – and their agent. They had secured jobs on the basis of a fake certificate issued from the Global Open University Nagaland. Earlier, the Wing filed a charge sheet against 19 persons who got police jobs on fake and forged appointment letters.
In nearly 75 days, Kaman Post (Uri) recorded a footfall of more than 16,000 visitors.
SRINAGAR
Agha Shahid Ali, world famous Kashmir poet who was Agha Ashraf Ali’s eldest son died in 2001.
Kashmir’s globally known English poet, Agha Shahid Ali has moved out of the recommended books from the MA English curriculum of the University of Kashmir and Central University of Kashmir. Agha is the poet who introduced Ghazal to English literature and translated Faiz Ahmad Faiz. His poetic collection was part of the MA English course. Reports appearing in the media said the administration directed the two varsities to immediately delete two books – Basharat Peer’s memoir The Curfewed Night and Agha’s poetic collection from the MA English curriculum. KU VC has confirmed the decision saying it was done under the new education policy. Agha, who eventually became a US citizen and died there, earlier failed to get a teaching job at the University of Kashmir.
A meeting was told that Jammu and Kashmir has 4000 persons of the third gender.
CHRAR-E-SHARIEF
Imran Yousuf, 22, killed in a militant attack in Pulwama on July 19, 2023
Suspected militants fired upon two young forest officials when they were on a routine patrol in the Sangerwani forests. He had received a thigh injury but by the time he reached the hospital, he had lost a lot of blood. A day later, one of them died. Identified as Imran Yusuf, 25, a resident of Moonu (Chrari Sharief), he was the lone bread earner of his BPL family. He was not a regular employee but a casual worker. The 1999-born man was hired by Forest Department in 2014 against a paltry sum of Rs 8000. His paltry earnings were the source of income to his ailing parents – his father is bedridden because of a spine injury, and his sister, who is unmarried. His father told reporters his son went to the forests during late hours after he got reports of timber smugglers getting into the woods. “We don’t know who killed him or why but his death has robbed us of our only support in old age,” Mohammad Yusuf, his father has told reporters. The attack took place near the Bangender Bridge.
Recent days, witnessed multiple attacks. Prior to the forest firing, two migrant workers were shot at. Akshay, 20, and Saurav, 20, are from Maharashtra’s Sangli area. Earlier on July 13, three migrant workers from Bihar were shot and injured at Gagren (Shopian). After the Gagren attack, the Station House Officer of Shopian police station, Ghulam Jeelani Bhat was shifted and an inquiry was ordered.
The process has been initiated to implement Gas Authority of India Limited (GAIL)’s 175-km Bathinda-Jammu Tawi Gas Pipeline Project by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB).
DELHI
Allegedly kidnapped on June 30, a 19-year-old Kashmir girl was recovered by Jammu and Kashmir Police from New Delhi. They have arrested two persons. A case was formally registered at Palhalan police station. Police said they tracked their digital footprints and traced the trio in Delhi. The accused were identified as Ashiq Ali Mangral, a resident of Reasi and Deepak Kumar of Kathua (Jammu). The girl has now been handed over to her family.
Jammu and Kashmir government has said the land bank of nearly 25,000 kanals for industrial investments has nearly exhausted.
JAMMU KASHMIR
Jammu and Kashmir’s power sector is running a vacancy of more than 721 engineers, which is slightly less than half of the total engineers required by four corporations – JPDCL, KPDCL, JKPTCL and JKSPTCL. Interestingly, most of the top positions are held by senior most engineers who are yet to be confirmed against the positions they are holding. This has impact ted the career prospects of engineers at various levels. Some of the senior engineers are still working as junior engineers or AEEs. Now the Jammu and Kashmir Electrical Engineering Graduates Association (JKEEGA) has written a letter to Lt Governor Manoj Sinha seeking an earlier implementation of the decisions he has already taken. The vacant positions include two Managing Directors, four Executive Directors, five Chief Engineers, 14 Superintending Engineers, 62 Executive Engineers, 134 Assistant Executive Engineers, 167 Assistant Engineers and 333 Junior Engineers. Interestingly at least three top engineers will retire as JEs or AEEs within the next few months.
NITI Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index has fallen from 12.56 per cent (NFHS4) to 4.80 per cent (NFHS5). The government said it means 1044860 people were brought out of poverty between the two surveys.
SIACHEN GLACIER
Snow avalanche in Siachen, a file KL Image.
A blaze that damaged a high-altitude bunker over the Siachen Glacier has killed a Captain rank officer. Siachen in Ladakh is the world’s coldest and highest battlefield where troops from India and Pakistan are stationed since 1984. Army’s Regimental Medical Officer, Captain Anshuman Singh went into a bunker to help the four soldiers who were injured. They were flown out and survived but Singh lost his life. There was no loss of ammunition. Interestingly, neither of the two armies have used a bullet against each other for years.
JAMMU
Massive rains that lashed Jammu triggered flash bloods, and landslides and subsided after killing eight people, including five children. Five of them were killed when two homes were buried under a landslide, annihilating the family of Bani’s SurjanMorah hamlet. The dead included Zareena Begum, 40, her two sons Shahbaz, 14, and Arbaz 2, Nazia Tabassum, 14 and her brother Asif, 12.
At Sitti village, 13-year-old Ajay Singh came under a landslide near his house, while the body of Naseema Begum, 55, was died under a landslide near her house at Drangal-Mandote. Sham Lal, 50, died after coming under the debris of a landslide at Bhuldi Nallah near Daggar. Various areas in the region were inundated as the rivers started overflowing for some time. Katra witnessed record rains forcing officials to close the yatra to Vaishno Devi.
KATHUA
Rohingyas refugees settlement camp in Jammu. KL Image by Pallavi Sareen
Myanmar refugees lodged at the Holding Centre within Hiranagar jail for the last two years have clashed with the police and many injuries were reported. Police sources said a clash broke out when they had gone to rescue the centre in-charge and two other staff members who were allegedly held captive by the detainees. Almost half a dozen cops and a dozen refuges were injured in stone pelting, according to police. Later police and CROF reinforcements went in, burst tear smoke shells and resorted to cane-charge and brought the situation under control. As many as 271 Rohingya, including 74 women and 70 children (some of whom were born inside the jail) are lodged in the centre since March 6, 2021. The detainees have been demanding their immediate release so that they can rejoin their family members, including children, who have been staying at Rohingya settlements outside the centre. Hiranagar police have registered a case and the investigations in the incident are going on. The inmates were on hunger strike in May for many days.
SRINAGAR
At Kashmir Art Emporium, last week, Kashmir’s only bone carving artist, Aziz-ul-Rehman, 22, displayed his talent and work. Using animal bones, he crafts jewellery, decorative items and artworks. A Fisheries student at SKUAST-K, Aziz developed an interest in bone carving as a child. Given the widespread consumption of mutton, he found a lot of bone waste and decided to repurpose some of it for his artworks. He has designed bone earrings, pendants, candles, jewellery stands, pen holders, brush holders, key chains, ornate flower vases, and even decorative paper machie works on skulls. At his Gulabbagh home in Srinagar, Aziz has established a gallery of bone creations. “I have started an account on Instagram and am getting orders from people both from within J&K and outside the state. The response from people has been good and is increasing,” he told reporters.
SHAHR-E-KHAS
Ishfaq Ahmad, head coach of Indian football under 16 men’s team
Not in so distant past, three friends – Irfan Shahmiri, Mushtaq Bashir and Kaiser Bhat, decided to have a football club so that youth stay away from drugs. In 2023, Downtown Heroes FC is leading the Jammu and Kashmir Football Association (JKFA) Professional League after it finished second in I-League 2. In August, they will be participating in the Durand Cup in Guwahati. The community-driven club has three engineers, seven undergraduate students and 10 school-goers as its players. After Real Kashmir FC and Lonestar Kashmir FC, Downtown Heroes FC is the third football club to emerge from Kashmir. Unlike Real Kashmir FC, however, most of its players are natives and not rented. For the Durand Cup, 9 out of the 11 players in the starting line-up are from Downtown. Interestingly, its coach, Ishfaq Ahmad was appointed as the Head Coach of the Indian Football Under 16 Men’s Team.
SRINAGAR
Jammu and Kashmir administration has sacked three more employees under Article 311 of the Constitution of India taking the overall dismissals to 52. The trio include erstwhile reporter Faheem Aslam, a Public Relations Officer at the University of Kashmir, Arshid Ahmad Thoker, a cop from Shopian and Murawath Hussain Mir, a native of Pulwama who worked as Wasil Baqi Navees in the Revenue Department. The dismissals are taking place “in the interest of the security of the State”. All but six employees dismissed so far are from Kashmir. The government is firing employees by invoking Article 311 (2) (c) of the constitution, which allows the termination of employees in the interest of the security of the state without any proper inquiry and without giving them a chance to be heard.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/kG2QnNl
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: Police arrested two people for being cruel and brutally killing a stray dog near Badamwari Rainawari on Friday afternoon.
2 persons arrested for cruelty & brutally killing a stray dog near Badamwari Rainawari on 21- 07-2023. FIR No 29/2023 U/S 429 IPC & sec 11 (1) of PCA Act registered in PS Rainawari.
Arrestees: 1) Gulzar Ahmad Beigh of Rehmaniya colony, Lal Bazar 2) Adnan Shah of Hawal Badamwari. pic.twitter.com/5CCUUwZoH0
Srinagar police in a tweet said, “2 persons arrested for cruelty & brutally killing a stray dog near Badamwari Rainawari on 21-07-2023. FIR No 29/2023 U/S 429 IPC & sec 11 (1) of PCA Act registered in PS Rainawari. Arrestees: 1) Gulzar Ahmad Beigh of Rahmaniya colony, Lal Bazar 2) Adnan Shah of Hawal Badamwari. Srinagar Police tweeted.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/wrQnXOU
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: The Central Government is set to bring a significant amendment to the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act 2019, and make three berths in the Jammu and Kashmir reserved. While two berths would be reserved for “migrants”, one berth will be made exclusive for displaced persons, the people who migrated from parts of Jammu and Kashmir in 1947, now on the other side of the LoC, reports appearing in the media said.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, is being presented in the Lok Sabha for approval. The reservations are being made to “preserve their political rights as well as for their overall social and economic development”.
Under the new amendments, the Bill specifies that two seats will be reserved for ‘Kashmiri Migrants,’ and one seat will be allotted to displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These members will be nominated by the Lt Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The Jammu and Kashmir assembly, post delimitation, has 114 berths including 24 seats set aside for areas that fall under Pakistan Administered Kashmir. This leaves 90 seats for the contest – 47 in Kashmir and 43 in Jammu. Of these nine seats stand reserved for Scheduled Tribes where no candidates other than from STs will run for elections. Similarly, seven berths are reserved for the Schedule Caste population.
Now, there will be reservations within the assembly post-election. One proposed amendment suggests the LG may nominate not more than two members including a woman “from the community of Kashmiri Migrants”. Besides, he will also nominate “one member from displaced persons from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir” to the Assembly.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/UNXDcG3
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
SRINAGAR: In a disturbing development, a vehicle JK16-2015, carrying four passengers and a driver, rolled down into the swollen river Shingo, approximately 22 kilometres from Kargil, Friday night. So far the driver’s body was recovered from the mangled car fished out of the fast-flowing river.
The Mahindra Marizo vehicle was moving from Drass to Kargil when the it met with an accident near Kaksar Bridge. The vehicle had been hired by a local contractor who had hired three labourers from Doda and Drass. One of the labourers fell seriously ill, prompting the contractor to head towards Kargil for medical treatment.
As they approached the river Shingo, the force of the monsoon-fed river proved to be too much, causing the vehicle to lose control and plunge into the raging waters. The swift and powerful currents made rescue efforts challenging.
Early Saturday morning, a search operation was launched at the site where the victims’ mobile telephones were last active. Later, rescue teams found a tire of the ill-fated vehicle, further confirming the location of the accident. Tragically, the lifeless body of the driver, identified as Mushtaq Ahmed from Kangan in Ganderbal district, was discovered inside the submerged vehicle.
All four are declared dead though their bodies are yet to be recovered. They have been identified as Shabir Ahmed, hailing from Holiyal, Drass; the contractor; Irshad Ahmed; and two labourers, Abdul Qayoom and Ajaz Qazi, all residents of Doda.
Authorities, including the police, State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and other agencies, have continued their efforts in search and rescue operations to locate the missing individuals. However, the difficult weather conditions and powerful river currents have hampered their progress.
The search operation was launched after the contractor’s family approached authorities claiming their man is missing. It was later that police located the car tyre in the river near Kharmu village. The only body recovered so far has been kept at the district hospital in Kargil.
from Kashmir Life https://ift.tt/CjxfqZB
via IFTTThttps://kashmirlife.net
Jammu and Kashmir administration has sacked three more employees under Article 311 of the Constitution of India taking the overall dismissals to 52. The trio include erstwhile reporter Faheem Aslam, a Public Relations Officer at the University of Kashmir, Arshid Ahmad Thoker, a cop from Shopian and Murawath Hussain Mir, a native of Pulwama who worked as Wasil Baqi Navees in the Revenue Department. The dismissals are taking place “in the interest of the security of the State”. All but six employees dismissed so far are from Kashmir. The government is firing employees by invoking Article 311 (2) (c) of the constitution, which allows the termination of employees in the interest of the security of the state without any proper inquiry and without giving them a chance to be heard.