February 2022

In order to promote the dying handicraft art in Jammu and Kashmir, a Kashmiri artist has made a portrait of Bollywood actor Salman Khan on carpet.

Mohammad Hussian Bhat (50) a resident of Malik Angan Fateh Kadal Srinagar has worked for six months to make this carpet piece and gift it to Salman Khan so that he will talk about handicrafts for its promotion.

Hussian while talking with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that due to Covid-19, the handicraft sector in J&K has suffered huge losses in J&K and he was trying to promote it in a unique style.

“I got an idea to make a portrait of Salman Khan as he is a bodybuilder and very famous for helping the poor,” he said, adding that his aim behind it is just that somehow poor Kashmiri artisans will get support so that they can earn their livelihood.

“I worked for about six months continuously to make this piece of 2.5×2.5 ft and I want to give it to Salman Khan. I am hopeful that once it reaches him, he will definitely talk and support poor Kashmiri artisans,” he said.

He said that this art is dying day by day and hardly any youth is interested in handicrafts because people associated with it are hardly meeting their ends.

He said that since the last 4 decades he has been associated with this craft and earlier they were earning their livelihood very well but now we are hardly earning Rs 60 to 70 on weaving carpets on a daily basis. “Nobody wants to engage their children in this craft,” he said.

“I am hopeful that through the media, Salman Khan will come to know about it and he will contact us so that we can give him this piece,” Wani said—(KNO)

Jammu and Kashmir Tuesday reported 137 fresh cases pushing the number of active cases to 1,448 while no death was reported in the last 24 hours in the UT.

With no more death, the death toll in J&K stands at 4,747 and 137 fresh positive cases reported on Tuesday have pushed the tally of positive cases to 452,547.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that among 137 new cases, 37 belong to Kashmir division while as 100 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division have reached to 286,911 including 283,825 recoveries and 2,423 deaths while as total number of positive cases in Jammu division have reached to 165,636 including 162,527 recoveries and 2,324 deaths.

The officials said that the total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir are 1,448 including 663 from Kashmir division and 785 from Jammu division.

With 381 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached 446,352 which is 98.63 percent of the total cases.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 22 from Srinagar, 03 from Baramulla, 07 from Budgam, 00 from Pulwama, 00 from Kupwara, 01 from Anantnag, 03 from Bandipora, 00 from Ganderbal, 01 from Kulgam and 00 Shopian in Kashmir division while as 100 from Jammu division include 30 from Jammu district, 22 from Udhampur, 03 from Rajouri, 25 from Doda, 06 from Kathua, 02 from Samba, 00 from Kishtwar, 03 from Poonch, 08 from Ramban and 01 from Reasi,” officials disclosed.

Meanwhile, authorities said that no fresh cases of Mucormycosis popularly known as black fungus was reported in the UT and the tally stands at 51.

As per officials figures, 102,137 positive cases including 907 deaths and 100,834 recoveries are from Srinagar, 37,563 including 304 deaths and 37,172 recoveries are from Baramulla, 34,783 including 34,514 recoveries and 237 deaths are from Budgam, 18,416 including 18,209 recoveries and 201 deaths are from Pulwama, 21,698 including 174 deaths and 21,489 recoveries are from Kupwara, 22,415 including 22,158 recoveries and 219 deaths are from Anantnag, 13,664 cases including 13,524 and 118 deaths are from Bandipora, 13,626 including 13,530 recoveries and 84 deaths are from Ganderbal, 16,305 including 16,165 recoveries and 119 deaths are from Kulgam and 6,304 including 6,230 recoveries and 60 deaths are from Shopian.

In Jammu division, 75,829 including 74,290 recoveries and 1,222 deaths are from Jammu district, 14,743 including 14,563 recoveries and 147 deaths are from Udhampur, 12,794 including 12,529 recoveries and 248 deaths are from Rajouri, 11,403 including 11,047 recoveries and 144 deaths are from Doda, 11,379 including 11,174 recoveries and 166 deaths are from Kathua, 9,076 including 8,929 recoveries and 125 deaths are from Samba, 5,871 including 5,791 recoveries and 45 deaths are from Kishtwar, 7,732 including 7,599 recoveries and 110 deaths are from Poonch, 8,111 including 7,966 recoveries and 69 deaths are from Ramban and 8,698 including 8,639 recoveries and 48 deaths are from Reasi.

As per the daily information bulletin 6,068,932 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 33,671 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 1,448 persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 5,582,141 persons have completed the surveillance period and 446,925 persons are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 22,939,306 samples are available. Out of 22,939,306 the number of samples tested negative stands at 22,486,559 while as 452,747 have tested positive, among them 1,448 persons are active, 446,352 persons have recovered and 4,747 persons have died—(KNO)

Jammu and Kashmir police Tuesday filed a 1000 page chargehseet against the three accused including a juvenile into the Srinagar acid attack case and stated that “there is enough proof to prove the role of accused and that early justice was expected in the case.”

Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) exclusively, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Rakesh Balwal said that police have filed a 1000 page chargesheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar and also before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) as one of the three accused is a minor.

“We have enough evidence in this case. Maximum punishment in this case can be life imprisonment,” the SSP said as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “We have recorded at least ten statements. Forensic evidence has collaborated with our probe. We have also recovered acid bottle from the house of the accused. Fingerprints of the accused have matched with those on the acid.”

He said that the movement of the accused on a scooty while moving towards the incident site has also been recorded in the CCTV. “This is a water tight case and I hope justice will be done early,” the SSP Srinagar said. “We have enough technical and physical evidence.”

A police spokesman in a statement issued here said that, a special investigation team of Srinagar Police, produced about 1000 page chargesheet in the recent acid attack case of a 24-year-old woman in Srinagar.

“The SIT was headed by SP North Raja Zuhaib, with Yasir Parrey SDPO Khanyar, SHO PS Safakadal, SHO PS Nowhatta, SHO PS Women as its members, have completed the investigation of the case (registered at PS Nowhatta, FIR No 08/2022 U/S 326-A and 120-B IPC)within the shortest possible time after arresting three accused persons identified as Sajid Altaf Sheikh(Rather) (A-1) S/o Mohamad Altaf Sheikh R/o Buchwara Dalgate, Srinagar, Muhamad Saleem Kumar (A-2) S/o Ab Gani Kumar R/o Dalgate (AP Padshhi Bagh), Srinagar, and third accused (Juvenile).

“Based on oral testimonies, statement of relevant witnesses in front of judicial and executive magistrates, Scientific evidences, a strong chargesheet against accused persons (A-1 & A-2) was produced in CJM Court, while chargesheet against the juvenile in conflict with law namely Moomin has been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board,” the statement said.

Police said that it has been also prayed before the JJB court that the juvenile may be tried as an adult as per the provisions of section 15 of the Juvenile Justice Act as he falls in range of more than 16 years and less than 18 years and he has committed a heinous crime.

“The sections invoked in the chargesheet call for a punishment ranging from ten years to Life imprisonment. We are hopeful of a maximum punishment as per extreme heinous nature of this crime,” the statement said. “Srinagar police have deputed a dedicated Pairavi officer for this case for day to day hearing. Legal Procedure for having a dedicated special Public prosecutor for this case has also been started.”

Srinagar police assure all the citizens that they will remain associated with this case by coordinating with prosecution till the speedy and exemplary judgement in this case comes. “SSP Srinagar and all ranks of district police assure the general public that crime against women will be dealt with very strictly,” the statement said.

On February 1, three youth threw acid on a 24-year-old woman in old city Srinagar leaving her face completely damaged. The victim has also lost here eyesight and is under treatment at a hospital out of J&K. Talking to KNO, victim’s father Nisar Ahmed Chaloo said that they have received the chargesheet through their lawyer. “We are satisfied with the chargsheet, what we demand is that there should be an exemplary punishment to all accused so that no other daughter suffers,” he said—(KNO)

Jammu, Feb 22 : Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (J&K KVIB) has released a whopping amount of Rs. 348.48 crore as margin money (subsidy) in favour of entrepreneurs who had applied loan from the board since 2019.

These details were given in a presser held today by Vice Chairperson KVIB, Dr Hina Shafi Bhat at Press Club, Jammu.

VC informed that the board has released this amount to 15,459 unit holders under JK Rural Employment Generation Programme (JKREGP) and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) directly benefitting 118,188 individuals of the UT in these 3 years.

Dr Bhat said that KVIB has no cap on extending assistance to local youth and can provide handholding to any number of youth willing to start their enterprises in the UT. She said that the board has created employment avenues for lakhs of educated unemployed, poor, down-trodden and marginal sections of the society.

She also revealed that KVIB under the mission ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is ensuring its reach to all segments of the society. She stated that 5338 women entrepreneurs have been assisted by the board under its various programmes including providing subsidy of Rs. 1.58 crore to 49 ex-servicemen and war widows.

Besides, J&K KVIB is establishing eight clusters under handloom, handicrafts and beekeeping sectors under Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of traditional Industries (SFURTI) of Union Ministry of MSME, she informed. She added that the scheme aims at protecting the interests of traditional artists and craftsmen who have adopted the traditional trades for earning their livelihoods. She informed that the clusters are being established with an approved assistance of Rs 20 crore from the Union Ministry of MSME involving 10000 artisans/beekeepers, directly and indirectly, in line with the promises made by PM Modi.

Under National Scheduled Caste Scheduled Tribe Hub (NSSH) scheme the board has conducted 23 awareness camps, 10 workshops, 10 vendor development programmes and 06 exhibitions besides imparting training to 922 SC and ST candidates under Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Development Programme (EDP).

Dr Bhat said that she encourages the youth of J&K to apply for the relevant schemes being implemented by the board. She said that it could be done online by following few simple steps before submitting their applications for availing the benefits on offer.

Regarding the role of board during the ensuing pandemic, VC highlighted that KVIB has worked hard in fighting Covid-19 by manufacturing more than 11 lakh mask through its Khadi institutions and PMEGP/JKREGP unit holders thereby creating approximately 10,500 man days of work. The masks were supplied to district administrations, government organizations, police and military forces.

VC also announced that a major chunk of youth resides in urban areas and the board is contemplating to start the J&K Urban Employment Generation Programme (JKUEGP) to reach out to them so that these educated, unemployed youth get employment for earning their livelihoods respectfully.

Srinagar, Feb 22 : Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan today inaugurated the sale of seedlings of different vegetable crops produced purely on scientific lines in High Tech Polygreen Houses at Lal Mandi here.

The sale witnessed tremendous enthusiasm of people with overwhelming participation, not only from Srinagar but also from far-flung areas of the Valley.

While distributing the seedlings among the beneficiaries, the Advisor said that the department is committed to promote Kitchen Garden and backyard vegetable culture in the urban areas of Kashmir and a number of steps have already been taken in this regard.

Advisor Khan said that seedlings of different crops produced on scientific lines are more disease resistant and productive, which ultimately makes venture of vegetable production economically viable.

He asked the Kitchen Garden lovers to avail this opportunity and take maximum benefit of all such initiatives offered by the department.

The seedlings are produced in Hi-Tech Poly house which is a method of precision farming where plants are grown under protected cultivation. The crops grown in the open fields are exposed to vivid environmental conditions, attack of insects and pests, whereas the Poly House provides a more stable environment. Seedlings are raised four to five times a year or as per the demand from Kitchen Garden Lovers.

Director Agriculture Kashmir, Chowdhary Mohammad Iqbal, informed the Advisor about the various steps being taken up by the department for promotion of Vegetable Production and kitchen garden culture in urban areas.

He said that the department is expecting that more than 5 lakh hybrid seedlings of different types will be distributed among the growers in the first phase. He said that it is a campaign launched across all the districts to provide seedlings to the growers at an earliest. He further informed that the production is sufficient and efforts are on marketing phase to earn better dividends and at the same time to provide livelihood opportunities to people.

He also said that the Hi Tech Poly House production allows us to exploit agro climatic conditions and provide a great potential to take it on commercial lines.

Later Advisor Khan also flagged off a batch of 35 farmers to SKUAST-K for training in organic vegetable cultivation in which the vegetable crops are raised by the use of organic waste such as animal wastes, plant wastes, crop wastes, farm wastes, and biological materials.

Committed to ensure adequate and timely availability of credit to industrial and different productive sectors of the economy to finance growth: LG

We are enhancing people’s access to financial products, promotion of ‘One District One Product’, institutional credit to women, youth, SMEs, handicrafts, horticulture and various other priority sectors for effective contribution to growth processes of UT: Lt Governor

Enabling ecosystem will bridge the gap between government schemes & people living in geographically difficult terrain, says the LG

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today reviewed the progress towards financial inclusion by banks in J&K with Sh. MK Jain, Deputy Governor RBI, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary and other officials.

The Lt Governor shared the vision of the UT Government for extending the banking and financial services to the doorsteps of the people of J&K.

Efforts are being made to enable far-flung areas of rural interiors to become fully connected with financial sector, said the Lt Governor.

To broaden the social base of development, we are enhancing people’s access to financial products, promotion of ‘One District One Product’, institutional credit to women, youth, SMEs, handicrafts, horticulture and various other priority sectors for effective contribution to growth processes of the UT, the Lt Governor added.

J&K has become one of the preferred destinations for Industrial investment, Tourism, Film industry and real estate sector. The government is committed to ensure adequate and timely availability of credit to industrial and different productive sectors of the economy to finance growth, said the Lt Governor.

In the last two years, various reforms have been executed to provide opportunities to scheduled commercial banks to expand operations in J&K, observed the Lt Governor.

We will also work together to make our credit lending system more sensitive to the needs of women & youth entrepreneurs, farmers and artisans, the Lt Governor said.

There is a need for additional banking outlets in rural areas to bring excluded households into the fold of institutional credit and financial services in a structured and sustainable manner, added the Lt Governor.

The enabling ecosystem will also bridge the gap between government schemes and people living in geographically difficult terrain, he further added.

The Lt Governor asked the concerned officers to explore all possibilities for extending financial handholding to the eligible beneficiaries through various government schemes and interventions.

Sh. MK Jain, Deputy Governor Reserve Bank of India highlighted the importance of increasing the presence of banks for greater financial inclusion. He informed that the implementation of Government Sponsored Schemes is monitored through the UT level Bankers’ Committee at periodic intervals.

Discussions were also held regarding creation of banking infrastructure, streamlining the working of District cooperatives and other banking cooperative societies, effective utilization of funds under NABARD schemes, concerns of the Industries & Commerce sector, availability of banking services, Micro Finance Institutions and NBFCs, and other important issues.

Sh. Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Sh. Baldev Prakash, Managing Director & CEO, J&K Bank; Sh. Kamal P. Patnaik, Regional Director, RBI; Sh. Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Sh. Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Principal Secretary to Government, Industries & Commerce Department ( through virtual mode) and other senior officers attended the meeting at Raj Bhawan.

A youth set himself ablaze on Tuesday during a demolition drive in Gundrahman in Ganderbal district.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that during the demolition of complex at Gundrahman a youth identified as Amir Ahmad Shah, son of Abul Hameed Shah of Harran sustained burn injuries after he set himself ablaze.

He said that the injured youth was reffered to SKIMS Soura for treatment.

Officials said that the person burnt himself when a demolition drive was being conducted and the officials tried to demolish his newly constructed complex constructed on government land.

Pertinently, Tehsildar Ganderbal along with Municipal Council has launched a demolition campaign against illegal encroachments at Gundrahman.

During the demolition owner of Complex Abul Hamid Shah, son of Ghulam Ahmad of Harran tried to stoping demolition along with family members and relatives by pelting stones towards the party, officials said.

The officials said that the son of owner Aamir Ahmad Shah tried to burn himself with kerosene or petrol and got injured following which he was shifted to Srinagar hospital for treatment.

The officials said that the demolition drive has been stopped as of now

Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Dr. Farooq Jan when contacted didn’t divulge anything with regard to the health condition of the injured youth.

Meanwhile, a police spokesman in a statement to KNO said that during a demolition drive undertaken by Irrigation and Flood Control department over the banks of Nalla Sindh, one person identified as Amir Hamid Shah, son of Nazir Ahmad Shah of Haran Ganderbal suddenly appeared from behind the illegal structure and self immolated on its roof in protest against demolition of illegal structure raised on the banks of Nalla Sindh.

“The said person was however, rescued by SHO Ganderbal and locals on spot, however, he received burn injuries before flames were doused and was shifted to hospital.”

He said that a deep trench was dug by the owners of structure to prevent any ingress into the premises which prevented a prompt rescue.

Meanwhile, police has rendered all help and support in the hospitalisation and assured family members for best medical treatment.

“One police team is already there in hospital and facilitating his treatment.”

Moreover, Police appealed to media fraternity and general public not to circulate the video of unfortunate incident which is too graphic for the common people—(KNO)

Will enable affected youth to settle in careers through proper hand holding under self-employment schemes: DC Srinagar.

Concerned over the rising incidence of drug abuse among the youth in the District, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Monday chaired a meeting here at Meeting Hall of DC Office Complex convened to review the drug abuse scenario and measures to be taken to curb the menace.

Senior Superintendent of Police, Rakesh Balwal was also present on the occasion.

While, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Faz-lul Hasseb, Dr Syed Haneef Balkhi, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chief Planning officer Deputy Director Employment, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education officer, District Coordinator, Nehru Yuva Kendra, Assistant Director Drug Controller, Nodal Officer Skill Development, HoD Department of Psychiatry/Incharge Drug De-addiction Centre, SMHS, Hospital also attended the meeting.

The meeting held threadbare deliberations on the rising trend of drug abuse-a reason behind many other crimes. The the challenges like cracking on the peddlers, local drug supply hubs, consumption hotspots, rehabilitation, etc. were discussed in detail and strategies to tackle them were highlighted.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner stressed upon the prevention and curability aspects of drug de-addiction so that youth would remain far away from the consumption of narcotic substances and simultaneously they are guided and rehabilitated by different self-employment schemes.

The DC emphasised for better coordination among all the line Departments, Stakeholders and Drug law enforcement agencies to keep a check on drug trafficking and related issues and ensure prompt sharing of inputs within all enforcement units so that timely action is taken against the drug peddlers.

He further stressed on the need to make joint efforts to break the supply chain and demand for drugs in the District.

The DC said that District Administration Srinagar is launching “Mission Waapsi” aimed at full fledged war against drug abuse. Rehabilitation of victims of Drug addiction shall be the key to provide them dignified livelihood through proper handholding and guidance under Government self-employment schemes.

The DC also directed the CEO and other concerned to ensure proper vigil in and around the schools to keep check on supply and use of drugs across the District. He was also asked to ensure effective implementation of COTPA Act around the educational institutions so that students do not resort to Tobacco based products.

SSP Srinagar Rakesh Balwal also spoke on the occasion and said that a dedicated anti-drug unit of Police is working to track the drug trafficking modules besides tracing their source. He also stressed upon the need for close coordination between the Civil Administration, Police and all other stakeholders to save the youth of the District from the menace of the drugs.

Earlier, HoD Department of Psychiatry/Incharge Drug De-addiction Centre, SMHS, Hospital Dr Yassir shared his clinical experience in handling victims of substance abuse. Mr Shabbir of Rahat centre also gave valuable inputs to the forum. They also suggested several preventive measures to combat the drug menace and monitoring of Drug Trafficking. They said taking vigilant efforts to check drug trafficking will help in creating deterrence.

Meanwhile DC also sought cooperation from the family particularly from parents to overcome the menace among the youth which also leads to other social evils and crimes. He said parents have an important role to keep the youngsters away from the use of drugs and also the family support for the affected people could lead them towards normal life once again.

Police Monday detained a BJP Corporator from Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) for questioning after he was found driving a stolen vehicle in Udhampur.

Officials told news agency—Kashmir New Observer (KNO) Nazir Ahmad Gilkar was on his way to Srinagar along with two personnel security officers in a sports utility vehicle (SUV) when he was stopped by the traffic police led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Himmat Singh for checking of documents.

“During the verification of documents and number plates of a Haryana registered vehicle, it was found that credentials of vehicles were not matching with the documents,” a police officer said.

“We stopped the vehicle after it was found that high security registration plate (HSRP) were not installed in it. The vehicle was challaned for the same but during e-challaning it was found that credentials of vehicles like chassis number and engine number were not matching with the documents,” said DySP Himmat Singh.

The vehicle, whose number plates were pasted on said SUV were shown active somewhere. “On further enquiry it was fond that the said person (BJP leader) was travelling in a stolen vehicle,” the DySP added. “Upon this the person was taken to the Udhampur police station,” he added.

He said that the chassis and the registration numbers of the vehicle were not matching and on scrutiny, they came to know that it was a stolen vehicle. “The number plate of the vehicle resembled like but it was not HSRP,” he maintained. He said the case was handed over to the Udhampur police for a through investigation—(KNO)

As part of International Mothers Tongue Day being celebrated today across the world, Chief Education Office Baramulla today organised a day long function at Govt Girls Higher Secondary School Baramulla to mark it’s celebration.

President Municipal Council Baramulla, Touseef Raina, Chief Education Officer Baramulla G.M. Lone, District Information Officer, Jahangeer Akhoon, Principals of various educational heads, ZEOs, teachers and students showed their enthusiastic participation in the function.

It is worth here to mention that, 21st February of each year is commemorated as International Mother Language Day. The day is celebrated to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism around the world.

Speaking on the occasion, President Municipal Council Baramulla said that mother tongue is the identity of a person and everyone should work for its preservation. He said that for the promotion of mother tongue, parents can play a vital role in this regard.

CEO Baramulla also spoke on the occasion and said that mother tongue is a symbol of love, peace and brotherhood. He said that as mother tongue is the legacy of our parents, it is the duty of all to preserve it and work for its promotion.

Elaborating the further importance of mother tongue, District Information Officer Baramulla said that the mother tongue is the easiest way to communicate with our surroundings and is instrumental in the learning process of a child. He said, understanding the role and importance of mother tongue as the building block of learning process, the government has already introduced the Kashmir language as a compulsory subject up to Class 10th.

On the occasion students from different schools also participated in a various debates highlighting the importance of mother tongue.

A colourful cultural program was also presented by the students of different schools depicting the importance of mother tongue which enthralled the audience.

Later, the best prformers were awarded medals and trophies who performed their best on the occassion.