Jammu & Kashmir

The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference President, and Member of Parliament from Srinagar Dr Farooq Abdullah and Vice President Omar Abdullah on Sunday visited Banderpora, Pulwama to express condolences and sympathies with senior party leader Muhammad Khalil Bandh on the demise of his brother Ghulam Ahmed Bandh.

They were accompanied by party General Secretary Ali Muhammad Sagar, District President Pulwama Ghulam Mohi Ud Din Mir. Sharing in the grief of bereaved family, particularly Muhammad Khalil Sahib, Dr Farooq, and Omar Abdullah prayed for peace to the departed soul in the highest echelons of Jannat and much needed strength to the bereaved to bear the irreparable loss with fortitude. They also offered Fatiha for the deceased on the occasion.

Meanwhile Party MP Muhammad Akbar Lone has expressed grief over the demise of former block President Khothaar, Bandipora Siraj Ud Din Khan alias Bijli Khan, who breathed his last the other day. Among others Party GS Ali Muhammad Sagar, PP Nasir Aslam Wani, Zonal President Javed Dar have also condoled Khan sahib’s demise, prayed for peace to departed soul, and fortitude to bereaved family to bear the inconsolable loss.

President Janata Dal United for Jammu and Kashmir GM Shaheen Sunday demanded the restoration of statehood without delay.

While addressing party workers in Jammu Shaheen said that people have been suffering on the ground as there is nobody to represent them.

“We urge upon the government of India to conduct elections and restore the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir. He said there is no substitute to an elected assembly in a democratic setup.”

President Janata Dal United for Jammu and Kashmir GM Shaheen added that bureaucratic rule is unfit for the people as common people don’t have access to bureaucrats.

“Elected representatives know the pulse of the people and they leave no stone unturned in mitigating their sufferings,” Shaheen said.

He appealed to the government of India to restore statehood and conduct elections in Jammu and Kashmir so that people don’t suffer anymore.

Associated Chamber of Commerce and Industry Kashmir (CCIK) has welcomed the reopening of the school in Jammu and Kashmir.

In a statement, CCIK President Tariq Rashid Ghani said the decision to open the schools is a welcome step and a big relief to the students and parents together.
CCIK said the schools should put in more focus of sports and other activities and the children were stressed for last few years due to online education.
“Besides, imparting quality education, the schools should lay special emphasis on sports activities as many students were stressed staying at home. The physical activities would help them fee de stressed and also improve their physical strength,” said Ghani.

The CCIK also congratulated young pacer Rasik Salam who was bought for Rs 20 lakh by Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League mega auction.

Ghani said despite minimal sports infrastructure in the Valley, youth have proved their mettle at the bigger stages like IPL which is a dream come true for every cricketer.

He urged LG administration to keep special funds of infrastructure development of sports in the Valley.

Jammu, Feb 12: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha while interacting with the media persons Saturday at Convention Centre made major announcements and shared government’s vision on various developmental and administrative issues.

In a major decision, the Lt Governor announced Rs 25 lakh ex-gratia in favour of Next of Kins of Army Jawans from J&K killed in UT or any other state.

The Lt Governor said that the Jawans of our security forces have laid down their lives while protecting the territorial integrity of the nation and this decision will end the discriminatory policy towards martyrs.

While speaking on the issue of withdrawal of posts referred to PSC/SSB before 31.10.2019, the Lt Governor said that only the posts where selections have not been made and results have not been declared were withdrawn.

In some cases, there are referred posts which have remained stuck since 2004. Now, recruitment rules, reservation laws have been changed. Some posts were also transferred to the Union Territory of Ladakh. Hence withdrawal of these posts was essential to ensure transparent and merit based recruitments.

He assured that these posts shall be put to fresh advertisement within two months for recruitment on fast track basis.

The Lt Governor also announced one-time relaxation to the aspirants who had already applied for the withdrawn posts. This will ensure equal opportunity to all.

We have ensured free, fair, and merit based selections in the recruitment process. The pending 3000 Class-IV posts will be filled within two months on merit basis, he added.

The Lt Governor asked the aspirants to not get misled. We are sensitive to the concerns of our people, our youth. They can reach out to my office, or the office of any senior officers and their issues will be redressed on merit, the Lt Governor said.

Replying to a question of JDA’s action in Roopnagar area to remove encroachments, the Lt Governor said that the action has been taken as per the Rule of Law and as per the directions of Hon’ble High Court.

We are responsible for safeguarding the rights of rightful and legal allottees of any piece of land, but at the same time, the government also has a sympathetic view on those evicted and is considering every aspect for their settlement as well, he said.

The Lt Governor warned against miscreants who tried to give a different colour to the anti- encroachment drive and reiterated UT Government’s commitment to protect the interests of the tribal communities.

The government is dedicatedly working for the welfare of tribal communities, which were neglected for the last seven decades. Implementation of Forest Rights Act, individual and community rights certificates, Transit accommodations, scholarships to tribal students etc have brought new dawn in their lives and we are making every effort to bring the tribal community into the mainstream. We are extending the best education and medical facilities, besides offering sustainable employment opportunities to the youth from tribal communities,” he said.

Rs 73 crore has been allocated for Cluster Tribal Model Village. The salary of seasonal teachers has been increased from Rs 4000 to Rs 10000. Further, 500 tribal youth have been selected for specialized skill development programmes and more such youth will be acquainted with the know-how of the skills required for the modern day industries.

Moreover, 100 smart schools have already been initiated and 100 more will be dedicated to the students of the tribal community soon, he further added.

On the Government’s endeavours to promote industries and business sectors in the UT, the Lt Governor said that the global investors are eager to invest in J&K.

Since Independence, J&K had received a meager Rs 14,000 cr investment, and now the New Industrial Development Scheme aims to bring more than Rs 70,000 cr worth investment in the UT, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor observed that e- tendering and transparency have expedited the project implementation in the UT. Now, we are eyeing to complete around 45,000 projects in 2021-22 which is three-times more than the ones completed in previous years.

Around 7 cr 70 lakh revenue records pages are now in public domain through Aapki Zameen Apki Nigrani initiative.

Land Pass Book will be available in three languages- Hindi, Urdu and English so that people can easily get the required information. We have also changed the Land use policy to empower farmers.

180 Services have been made online which are also being connected with a feedback system. We are also laying a mechanism to regularly assess the employees’ performance to ensure good governance, observed the Lt Governor.

Speaking on the tourism sector and other recent initiatives of the government, the Lt Governor said that the J&K UT has emerged as a leader in the tourism sector over the last two and a half years. Rural Home stays with OYO group which were started recently at Pahalgam will help in building a tourist infrastructure of world standards in rural J&K.

Government of J&K has entered into an agreement of Cooperation with New Zealand G2G to improve farmers’ remuneration, transfer of technology in research & development as well as marketing & value addition of sheep products of J&K.

We have also launched the first of its kind QR Code based mechanism for certification & labeling of handmade carpets of J&K. New policies and decisions of the government will also take J&K’s Carpet export to Rs 1000cr in 3 years and it will cross Rs 2000 cr in 5 years from now.

For the sportspersons who bring laurels to the UT and for the budding sportspersons, we have rolled out the J&K Sports policy-2022 which focuses on creating world class infrastructure, coaching, and varied opportunities of growth in sports. It also offers government jobs and cash rewards from Rs 10,000 upto Rs One crore for the exceptional achievements of the sports persons, the Lt Governor further added.

Replying to a query on strategy of the government for re-opening of schools and colleges in the UT, the Lt Governor said that the pandemic situation has improved and we are moving ahead for re-opening of schools & colleges while ensuring complete adherence to SoPs.

The Lt Governor lauded doctors, health workers, para medics, health department, District administration and the people of J&K for their efforts in the fight against covid pandemic.

Appreciating the hard work and dedication of ASHA workers during covid pandemic and vaccination drive, the Lt Governor announced Rs 1000 per month incentive for 3 months for all 12,789 ASHA workers.

Answering a query on the Delimitation process, the Lt Governor expressed his full faith in the Election Commission and said that the Commission will do the right thing.

The Lt Governor said we have succeeded in destroying the ecosystem of terrorism. Every citizen has to respect the Indian Constitution and National Flag—(KNO)

Our aim is to wean away youngsters from addiction and bring them into the mainstream of the society, says the LG

We are witnessing worrisome trend of substance abuse: Lt Governor

Drug De-addiction centre will act as an integrated centre where addicts will be treated, counseled, enabled to learn new productive skills & rehabilitated with utmost care & affection: LG

We have intensified our efforts to fight narco-terrorism unleashed by neighboring country: Lt Governor

High-risk districts are being provided special attention to enhance community participation, public cooperation, and youth-led awareness campaign to counter the menace of drug abuse: LG

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today laid the foundation stone for Drug De-addiction Centre at Jammu.

The Lt Governor said, the Drug De-addiction centre will act as an integrated centre where addicts will be treated, counseled, enabled to learn new productive skills, and rehabilitated with utmost care and affection.

We are witnessing worrisome trend of substance abuse. Our aim is to wean away youngsters from addiction and bring them into the mainstream of the society, observed the Lt Governor.

Youth of J&K have immense potential and are achieving great heights in various fields. A conspiracy is being hatched from across the border to push our youth into darkness through drugs, the Lt Governor observed.

J&K Government has intensified its efforts to fight narco-terrorism unleashed by neighbouring country, said the Lt Governor.

We have identified some high-risk districts which are being provided special attention to enhance community participation, public cooperation, and youth-led awareness campaign to counter the menace of drug abuse, the Lt Governor further added.

The Lt Governor lauded the security forces, J&K Police, Anti-Narcotics Task Force, Government departments and volunteers for working with commitment and determination to eliminate drug addiction from society.

I urge the stakeholders, youth, educational institutions and NGOs to work as a team. We should be able to transform the drug de-addiction efforts of various stakeholders into a Jan-Andolan, the Lt Governor said.

The Lt Governor suggested the involvement of youth clubs and women in campaigns to supplement the efforts against drug abuse.

Sh. Dilbag Singh, DGP J&K, while speaking on the occasion, said that the Drug De-addiction centre will be completed at an estimated cost of Rs 4.27 cr under Jammu Smart City through J&K Police, which will play a greater role in rehabilitation of drug addicts in the region.

Every year, more than 6000 addicts are being treated in police Drug De-addiction centres, he added.

It was informed that the establishment of this centre has received funding under Smart City and CSR from Airport Authority of India.

Sh. Chander Mohan Gupta, Mayor, JMC termed drug abuse as one of the biggest challenges for the youth, and a serious threat to humanity. He called upon the people to initiate a change from their homes to address this serious issue.

Sh. Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament appreciated the endeavours of the Lt Governor led UT Government to fight drug menace in J&K. He also underlined the need to spread mass awareness regarding drug de-addiction.

Sh Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu; Dr Raghav Langer, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Ms Purnima Sharma, Deputy Mayor JMC; Sh Devender Singh Rana, Former Legislator; Sh Anshul Garg, DC Jammu representatives of ULB and PRIs, senior officials of Police were present on the occasion.

Police in Ganderbal felicitated students of District Ganderbal who have secured top positions in Higher Secondary part two examination 2021-22.

On the occasion, SSP Ganderbal Shri Nikhil Borkar-IPS was chief guest and DySP Hqrs as well as DySP DAR Ganderbal were also present.

SSP Ganderbal felicitated Shah Ribka and Mehvish Mushtaq for achieving 3rd and 4th Positions respectively in Kashmir Valley. Both the position holders were presented with cash reward and certificate of excellence.

SSP Ganderbal while interacting with the meritorious students congratulated them for their brilliant performance in studies which resulted to their remarkable success. He also said that they would inspire other students to excel in their studies and academics. He also appreciated the efforts of the teachers, guardians and parents in their achievement.

The objective of the event was to encourage meritorious girl students in the field of academics to boost their courage for further studies to crack National Level Exams.

Editor JK Revolution Condoles the Demise of Khera Begum Mother of Gh Mohd Wani of Wagoora

Editor JK Revolution Expresses Shock and Sorrow Shows Solidarity with Wani Family on the death of Khera Begum of Wagoora Baramulla after brief illness at Wagoora, Baramulla on 12 February 2022.

A statement of JK Revolution issued here quoted Editor, JK Revolution in a condolence message as saying that the deceased was a noble Soul known for her pious and hospitable nature.

Editor JK Revolution prayed for the eternal peace to the departed soul and forbearance to the bereaved family.

“We pray that Almighty Allah grants peace to the deceased and courage to the bereaved family to bear this huge loss,” the Editor JK Revolution said.

Bereaved:- Gh Mohd Wani, Mohd Amin Wani, Gh Nabi Wani and Wani Family of Wagoora, Baramulla 193103.

As an encouragement to the meritorious students and to boost their morale, the District Administration Srinagar, Saturday felicitated Aroosa Parvaiz of Ellahibagh, Srinagar, who has bagged first position in Science stream in recently declared results of 12th class Board examination by securing 499 or 99.80% marks.

Aroosa Parvaiz was felicitated by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad during a felicitation ceremony held in his Office chamber wherein she was honoured with certificate of excellence, Trophy and a cheque of Rs 10000 as a mark of encouragement for her future endeavours.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Syed Hanief Balkhi, besides father of the student Parvaiz Ahmad was also present on the occasion.

While interacting with the meritorious student, the DC congratulated her for a brilliant performance which resulted in her remarkable success. The DC hoped that she would inspire other students also to work hard to excel in their studies and academic careers.

Further, the role of the teachers, parents and guardians in her achievement was also appreciated.

The DC also advised her to stay focused in the resolve towards excellence and continue to be an inspiration for other girl students leading to women empowerment in the society—(KNO)

Stating that a major tragedy has been avetred, security forces Saturday said that four Al Badar militants and three Over Ground Workers (OGWs) have been attested along with warlike store, days ahead of their planned to attack on security forces

Addressing a press conference at Rafiabad here, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) North Kashmir Udaya Bhaskar who was flanked by SSP Sopore and security officials said that the module was planning to attack in coming days.

The DIG as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that in two different operations four militants and three Over Ground Workers (OGWs) were arrested in a joint operation by Army, Police, and CRPF.

He said that a huge quantity of war—like stores have been recovered from their possession and the operation was launched on specific information. “First three arrests were made and on their sustainable interrogation, more arrests were made by the joint team of security forces in two operations,” the DIG said.

The DIG also said that so far during the investigation it was been revealed that they were in touch with a Pakistan—based handler Yusuf Balochi aka Khursheed Ahmad a resident of South Kashmirs Anantnag who is presently living in Pakistan.

About their plans, the police officer said that the group was planning to carry out an attack on the security forces in the coming days, and with their timely arrest a major attack has been averted.

He said that apart from warlike stores, cash of three lakh and eighty thousand has been recovered from their profession.

Regarding the militancy—related situation in north Kashmir, he said that so far the situation is good and under control.

Asked about narco militancy cases, the DIG said that in the recent past heroine—like substances have been recovered and the work on narco militancy is ongoing. “In recent past, at least five cases have been registered in narco militancy cases,” he said.

On more arrests in this specific case, he said that right now security forces are working on it and this was what they want to say at present—(KNO)

Two residential houses were damaged in a fire incident at City Colony Ellahibagh area of Srinagar on Friday evening.

Witnesses told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that fire broke out from the residential house belonging to Sajad Ahmad Mir, son of Ghulam Rasool Mir and within no time spread to nearby house belonging to Riyaz Ahmad Najar, son of Mohammad Sultan in City Colony area of Ellahibagh.

Soon after noticing the flames, locals and police reached to the spot and informed the Fire and Emergency Services department following which the fire tenders reached the spot and doused the flames.

In the incident, two residential houses got damaged completely, the witnesses said—(KNO)