December 2022

Srinagar, Dec 30 : Kashmir division witnessed 93 successful encounters in year 2022 in which 172 militants were killed while 37 percent less militant recruitment was reported besides 360 weapons were recovered.

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kashmir Vijay Kumar in a tweet as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that during year 2022, total 93 successful encounters took place in Kashmir in which 172 militants including 42 foreign militants got neutralised.

Maximum militants neutralised were from LeT/TRF (108) outfit followed by JeM (35), HM (22), Al-Badr (4) and AGuH(3) outfits, he said.

“During year 2022, total 93 successful encounters took place in Kashmir in which 172 terrorists including 42 foreign terrorists got neutralised. Maximum terrorists neutralised from LeT/TRF (108) outfit followed by JeM (35), HM (22), Al-Badr (4) and AGuH(3) outfits: ADGP Kashmir.” Kashmir Zone police tweeted.

He said that year 2022 witnessed 100 fresh militant recruitments which is 37 percent less than last year and among 100 fresh recruited militants 65 were killed, 17 were arrested while 18 are still active.

“This year, 100 fresh recruitments into terrorist ranks were reported showing a decline of 37% compared to last year. Maximum (74) joined LeT. Out of total recruitment, 65 terrorists neutralised in encounters, 17 terrorists arrested and 18 terrorists are still active.” Kashmir Police Zone tweeted while quoting ADGP Kashmir.

“The Life span of newly recruited terrorists declined drastically. Out of total 65 newly recruited terrorists killed this year, 58 (89%) were neutralised within first month of their joining.” Vijay Kumar said.

Kumar said that 360 weapons besides IEDs, sticky bombs and grenades were recovered which averted major tragedies.

“This year huge quantities of weapons (360) were recovered during encounters and modules’ busting which include 121 AK series rifles, 08 M4 Carbine & 231 pistols. Besides, timely seizure of IEDs, Sticky Bombs and Grenades averted major terror incidents,” ADGP Kashmir tweeted.

ADGP said that 29 civilians were killed by militants in year 2022 and all militants except two involved in killing of civilians have been neutralized.

“During year, total 29 civilians killed by terrorists include 21 locals (6 Hindu including 3 KPs & 15 Muslim) and 08 from other states. All terrorists involved in these terror crimes have been neutralised except Basit Dar & Adil Wani who will be neutralised soon: ADGP Kashmir.” Police tweeted.

He said that 26 security personnel including 14 JKP personnel were killed in attacks and militants involved have been neutralized.

The ADGP Kumar said that during the year 2022, total 26 Security Forces personnel including 14 JKP personnel attained martyrdom during terror attacks/encounters. “Majority of terrorists involved in these terror crimes have been neutralised,” he said.

“Two remarkable changes observed in society; House owners started denying shelter to terrorists and Parents don’t feel proud if their wards join terrorism. Rather they appeal them to return back, curse terrorists openly & work with JKP for the return of their wards.” Kumar said.

He also tweeted that on Law & Order front, police achieved 100% success in peace & stability. “From 2897 cases of L&O incidents in 2016 to 26 minor cases in 2022. No civilian lost life in firing while handling L&O problems in the last more than 3 years,” he said.

Anti-Militancy Ops: The ADGP said that there was a major gain on the front of anti-terrorist operations. “Total number of active terrorists brought down to double digits. All Chiefs & Top Commanders of terror outfits neutralised except HM’s Chief Farooq Nalli & LeT Commander Reyaz Sethri and both would be neutralised soon,” he said.

Identifying potential militants: “We are continuously identifying potential terrorists through technical surveillance and Human-Int. Besides, effective parents cooperate with JKP in this process. So far more than two dozen boys have been brought back and are living happily with families,” the ADGP said.

On Terror Eco-System: The ADGP said that they are focusing on effective actions on drug menace. “Total 946 cases registered this year and 1560 persons were arrested. Besides 132 drug peddlers booked under PIT Act. Huge quantities of contraband seized including 11.8Kg Brown Sugar, 46Kgs Heroine & 200Kgs charas,” he said.

No Hartal/protests at Encounter sites: The ADGP said that no hartal, no street violence, no stone pelting incident especially at the encounter sites, no internet shutdown, no funeral procession of killed terrorists, no glamourization of terrorists, have benefited all the sections of society.

On continuous action against terror ecosystems, he said process of identification, taking cognizance of each threat by registering FIR, making arrests, and also booking them under PSA going on and properties were attached in 49 terror-related cases during this year.

On cyber crimes, ADGP Kashmir said that Cyber Police station Kashmir received hundreds of complaints regarding online crimes like financial fraud, social media crimes, mobile missing, cyber bullying, sextortion, etc. in 2022.

He said that timely action recovered Rs. 3 Crores of the gullible public who were trapped in different financial scams. Approx 500 mobiles worth lakhs of rupees were also recovered.

He said that total 55 FIRs were registered against cyber criminals and 16 chargesheeted in the court of law and several awareness programmes were held under Cyber Jagrookta Diwas.

“Pak sponsored online terrorism is a challenge now like spreading fake news/propaganda & targeting journalists/civilians through Pak-based news agency KMS, Telegram channels, and online portal (Kashmirfight). All law enforcement agencies jointly working to counter it.” ADGP said—(KNO)

Srinagar, Dec 31: At least 19 people and five cattle have been crushed to death in the last two years on 137-kilometer long Baramulla-Banihal railway tracks, said official figures.

The data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) revealed that in 2021, ten people were crushed to death in man-run-over (MRO) accidents on the different rail tracks of Baramulla-Banihal railway line. “Since this year 2022 (March to 31st December), nine people lost their lives in the accidents that took place on the tracks,” it said.

The figures said regarding the cattle-run-over (CRO) accidents on the track, three cattle were killed in the year 2021. “In 2022 (March to till date), two cattle were also crushed to death on the tracks,” the figures added.

“Following the three back-to-back train accidents on railway tracks this year in February month, Northern Railways, Kashmir has issued an advisory in public interest”

“Trespassing across railway tracks is a punishable offence. Under section of 147 of Indian Railways Act, trespassing across railway tracks is punishable offence with a penalty of imprisonment upto 6 months and or fine upto Rs 1000. Cross only by using Foot Over Bridges/Subways” the advisory stated.

Talking to KNO, Chief Area Manager (CAM), Northern Railways, Kashmir, Saqib Yousuf, said people should avoid walking on railway tracks.

“Kindly don’t walk on tracks, cross tracks at proper fobs and underpasses”, he said adding they see many using earphones while crossing railway tracks and requested people to refrain from doing so.

Regarding the measures taken by the railways department, he said their frontline staff, especially trackmen, gang men continuously counsel people about walking or crossing tracks. “People should avoid these illegal activities as crossing and walking on tracks is a crime under the Railway Act”, he added—(KNO)

Sopore, Dec 31, Waris Fayaz: Sopore Police appeal involved to shun the path of drugs and contribute to nation building, says will be harshest against drug dealers/suppliers across the Sopore

With an unprecedented increase in new drug addiction cases, Baramulla’s Sopore police district in North Kashmir alone witnessed 71 NDPS cases with 104 arrests and 13 PSA’s, besides recovery of cash and banned drugs, officials said.

A senior police official told JK Revolution that at least 71 cases of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) have been registered since January this year in North Kashmir’s Sopore.

He said, that 104 drug suppliers/dealers were arrested, besides 13 were booked under the draconian law – PSA and are languishing in different jails, besides 130 persons have been detained under the Preventive Laws across the police district.

The official while sharing further details, said that 78 bottles of Bluerex, Welcyrex, Codien, Apdyl-T, Omerex-T, Codeine Otodril were recovered during the 2022 year, while as 10911 capsules of Spasmoproxvvoan Plus, Spsphen Plus and Spasmo Tranreen Plus, 06 kgs, 779 grams of Charas, 652.17 Grams + 20 Bits of Brown Sugar, 235 grams of Heroin, 25 kgs of Fuki, 2.5 kgs of Charas Straw, 16.100 kgs of Poppy Straw, besides 39800 Rs of cash were recovered.

Senior citizens can play an important role for a fit and healthy society. “Without support from citizens, it is impossible to take the fight to a logical conclusion”, he said.

Seeking public cooperation, the official said that they will act tough against drug peddlers and dealers as police are on a task to eliminate drug addiction across the district.(JK Revolution)

Srinagar, Dec 31: Governor of Kerala, Arif Muhammad Khan on Saturday said India has already faced the brunt of division on religious lines in 1947 and that Kashmir doesn’t need special status from law, but it is special in every aspect.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a function at SKICC, Kerala Governor, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said it is not the time to divide people on religious lines as the world is becoming global village where people belonging to different religions live together.

He said Indians should be concerned about dividing people on religious lines as the country has already faced a division due to it in 1947.

He also added giving special status to Kashmir according to law is not mandatory as the Valley is already blessed with special status in every aspect—(KNO)

Srinagar, Dec 31: The night temperature recorded an improvement at most places of Kashmir while Gulmarg and Pahalgam recorded the coldest night of the season at minus 8.0 degree Celsius and minus 9.0 degree Celsius respectively.

After fresh snowfall in Kashmir, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir and other parts of the Valley recorded an improvement in the minimum temperature.

As per details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the mercury in Srinagar settled at 0.4 degree Celsius.

The mercury settled at 0.5 degree Celsius in Qazigund while Kupwara in northern district recorded a low of minus 1.1 degree Celsius.

Pertinently, the weatherman had predicted further drop in minimum temperature, saying that amid dry weather conditions till January 7, the days will be warmer and the nights will be colder—(KNO)

Baramulla, Dec 29: 26-year-old Syed Adil Zahoor from Hajibal village of Baramulla has become the second Kashmiri in the last three decades to crack the Indian Statistical Service (ISS) exam held by the UPSC.

Adil, currently serving in the Block Development Office Qaziabad as Accounts Assistant, has cracked the prestigious examination in his first attempt.

He told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that he is happy to crack this examination and gave credit for his success to his teachers at University of Kashmir and to his parents who guided and supported him.

“One must learn to overcome challenges and believe in himself besides follow dreams with dedication and hard work as these things are key to success in any field,” he said.

Adil with Master’s degree in statistics from University of Kashmir completed his secondary education at Government Boys Higher Secondary School in Baramulla before pursuing his bachelors in Arts from Government Degree College Boys in Baramulla and later joined boys college Baramulla.

“I qualified Junior Research Fellowship in 2020 followed by Accounts Assistant examination conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board in 2021,” he said.

“I have faced many challenges in my life including the lack of access to mobile network, road connectivity besides financial issues as father is working in the private sector at a meagre salary”, he added.

His father Zahoor Ahmad said that parents must encourage their children and support them to face challenges in their life. “They will definitely shine in their fields,” he added.

The first Kashmiri who passed the ISS examination is Haji Altaf who is now holding the Deputy Director General position and cracked this exam around 3 decades ago—(KNO)

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Bank has thrown up a surprise. At the year’s end, it informed SEBI that it has appointed Ms Shahla Ayoub, an assistant professor in economics, as the bank’s additional independent director on the bank’s Board.

The decision was taken by the bank’s Board of Directors on December 26, 2022. The appointment has been made for three years.

The bank has shared a profile of Ms Shahla Ayoub and identified her as a “young Economist of J&K”, who is presently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Higher Education.

Shahla, the communication said has worked as an Assistant Director in Economics and Statistics, Department of Planning, Government of J&K before joining the Department of Higher Education. “She brings to Board an affluence of Economic expertise and perspicacity,” the communication reads. “She has a yearning and yawning interest in the field of economic research, especially in the areas of conflict economics, financial inclusion and developmental economics.”

To her credit, the profile reads, Ms Shahla has to her credit a number of publications, “out of which following have carried more impact; i. Good Governance: Indian issues and concerns (published in European Academic Research, Vol III, issue X; Jan 2016, ISSN No 2286-4822). ii. Conflict and Economic warfare; Insights from Kashmir, (Golden Research Thoughts, Vol. II, Issue VII, Jan 2013, ISSN No 2231- 5603) Jan 2016, ISSN No 2286-4822). iii. A disparity in the sense of security causes disparity in economic welfare – A case study of conflict-hit households in urban Srinagar (published in European Academic Research, Vol III, issue X, Jan 2016, ISSN NO 2286-4822)”.

Besides, the profile said that she has also presented a paper on Response of Households to conflict: A case study of District Srinagar at an International seminar organized by the Indian Economic Association (IEA), in May 2012, and also on Financial Inclusion of Handicraftsmen in District Srinagar.

Now JK Bank’s Board of Directors comprises Baldev Prakash (MD and CEO), R K Chibber, Vivek Bhardwaj (IAS), Dr Rajiv Lochan Bishnoi, Naba Kishore Sahoo, Umesh Chandra Panday, Anil Kumar Geol, Anand Kumar, Sudhir Gupta and Shahla Ayoub.

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Dec 30 : In a rare case, Grey Langur also called as Hanuman langur or Hanuman monkey have been spotted in Batapora locality of Sopore town in North Kashmir, which triggered panic among the locals, while as the wildlife department finds it difficult to capture the animal.

Amid concerns of safety of their kids, residents while talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), have appealed to the authorities to rehabilitate the rowdy animal in the nearby forests.

Sensing trouble for the locals, the wildlife department issued an advisory asking people to cooperate with the department.

An official from the wildlife department told KNO that they received calls from the locals about Langur roaming in the area, after which the teams rushed to the spot.

He said that though Langur is a leaf eater and won’t harm the humans, it should not be attacked. “The teams are on job to capture the animal, however, the arboreal behaviour of the animal makes it a bit difficult to capture it,” he said.

Meanwhile, amid rising incidents of entry of wild animals into the human spaces, Wildlife Warden North Kashmir, M M Baba said that due the fragmentation of habitat of wild animals, the cases are increasing and at the same time interference into the habitat of animals is another reason that pushes wild animals towards residential areas.

The department issued an advisory asking people not to move alone early morning and evening hours. The advisory also stressed that movement of children and women should be restricted during evening and morning hours and people must move out of homes in groups—(KNO)