Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar, Feb 02: In a major relief to shopkeepers at Srinagar’s Aftab Market in Lal Chowk, the authorities on Thursday unsealed all 25 shops following the directions from higher authorities, day after they were sealed.

Shiraz Ahmad Mir, General Secretary of the local trade association, told KNO- Kashmir News Observer that they were called by the tehsildar on Thursday morning and were told that their shops would be unsealed.

“We are thankful to authorities for unsealing our shops. We are also thankful to the Lieutenant Governor who intervened in the matter,” Mir said. “Now we are heaving a sigh of relief as a few hours ago we were asked to evict our shops.”

Another shopkeeper, Altaf Ahmad, said after being called to the tehsildar’s office at the DC Office here they were informed that they can continue with their shops.

“It was a misconception between the Srinagar Municipal Committee (SMC) and the revenue department,” Altaf said, adding, “We have been time and again saying that we are the tenants of the SMC and paying rent.”

Without the interference of LG Manoj Sinha, the unsealing of shops would not have been possible, he said. “We are thankful to all those who supported us.”

Meanwhile, an official privy to the development told KNO that the decision was taken keeping in view the livelihood of the shopkeepers and the directions from the higher-ups.

“As of now, we got directions to unseal all 25 shops. I don’t have any further information about the issue,” the official said.

The district administration Srinagar on Wednesday evening sealed 25 shops in Aftab Market and said the land was illegally occupied.

The move was followed by shopkeepers staging a protest outside their sealed shops. They claimed they have been paying rent to the SMC for decades.

During the protest, the shopkeepers had said the move will render them and their families to starvation.(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Feb 01 : Following the snowfall in Kashmir, the water logging in Sopore areas here have irked the local populace, who demanded immediate dewatering of the roads.

The commercial areas like Super Bazar, Downtown and College road are the worst hit as the pedestrians and vehicles were seen navigating through the waters.

Whenever it rains, a massive water logging due to the improper drainage system in the town always push the locals to the wall, the residents told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

They said that despite repeated pleas to the administration for making a proper mechanism, the authorities failed to take necessary measures in this regard, leaving the people to lurch at large.

“The roads and streets have turned into small ponds,” a local resident, Tahir Ahmed said.

“The issue of persistent water logging can only be solved with the construction of a proper drainage system here,” Bilal Ahmed, a local resident said.

The residents have appealed district administration as well as to the concerned department to dewater the roads so that the people could heave a sigh of relief—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Baramulla, Feb 01 : Two skiers from Poland died while 21 others were rescued after a massive snow avalanche hit Afarwat peak at ski-resort in Gulmarg on Wednesday.

Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Baramulla, Amod Ashok Nagpure confirmed to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that an avalanche struck near Afarwat Peak in the afternoon in which bodies of two foreign tourists were recovered.

But 21 others who were trapped were rescued.

The deceased were identified as Krzysltof, 43, and Adam Grzech, 45, both from Poland.

Nagpure said that the avalanche warning was already issued by the authorities and investigations are underway to see how tourists were allowed towards the site.

A police spokesperson said that 19 foreign nationals of Russia and Poland along with two local guides were rescued by the Police along with the tourism department after they got trapped when a massive avalanche hit Hapatkhud Kongdori in Gulmarg.

On receiving the information, police said they mobilised joint rescue teams of police, Army and tourism department for rescue operation using all available equipment.

It said 19 foreign nationals and two local guides were safely rescued including Ekaterina, Maxim, Vladimir, Vasiliy, Engine, Leo, Nikita Mastryukov, Anna Chornyak, residents of Russia and Rafat Kaqmaren, Narcin Wieklux, Eukasz Potaczewck, Tukasz Pasek, Katarzyna Filip, Marcin Raczyk, Barteomie Szkop, Bartosz Domagata, Adrian Anirowsu, Macie Kowalczyk of Poland, a foreign guide Bartos from Poland and local guides namely Fayaz Ahmad Sheikh and Mushtaq Ahmad Mir from Tangmarg.

Meanwhile, LG Manoj Sinah in a tweet said: “Saddened by the loss of lives due to an avalanche in Gulmarg. My thoughts are with the families of those who have lost their loved ones in this mishap. DC and Divisional Commissioner Office is providing all possible assistance to those affected.”—(KNO)

Srinagar, Feb 01 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday alleged that the encroachment drive launched by the government is another UAPA for the people in Jammu & Kashmir, terming the step a part of corruption practice as under the influence of this drive, the government wants money from rich and vote from the poor.

Addressing a news conference here, the former chief minister said that the drive to retrieve the land is being used as a weapon against the people of J&K to uproot them, suppress and harass them and also make them homeless. “It is another UAPA for the people, otherwise China has encroached our 20000 sq km land, if the government is serious then let the encroached land be retrieved from China first,” she said.

As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), she said that there are some people who possess the land since Maharajas rule and their land properties are also being demolished, adding that first the government created rift between the religious communities and now it is making attempts to create a rift between poor and rich class through this drive.

However, she said that such measures cannot be stopped until and unless the people from J&K and Ladakh are not united. “The people here in Kashmir are not being allowed to hit the streets. The people were even trying to participate in Bharat Jodo Yatra in large number, but they were not allowed. The government has created a situation where the people are not being allowed to come out. The people of Ladakh have united, but until and unless Jammu’s Dogra and Kashmiri people don’t get united, these measures cannot be stopped,” she said.

“Jammu people reacted yesterday, but people in Kashmir can’t do so as there is NIA, ED and other agencies behind Kashmir. How would it be possible that the people will come out to react over the issue,” she said, adding that these drives are part of a massive corruption here as they want to get money from the rich and vote from the poor. “The poor are being asked to vote against their land and the rich are being asked to meet some officials in this regard,” she said.

Mehbooba also said that if the government is serious in retrieving the land; let it start from Governor House, B B Cant here.

Asked about the budget presented today in parliament, Mehbooba said that there was nothing new in today’s budget as the financial plan by the incumbent government is being made for the benefits of some capitals and businessmen. “The taxes being collected should have been used for the welfare of people, but the budget is being made for some businessmen only. The situation is such that the poor are getting poorer, the free ration quantity has been reduced to four kilograms,” she added—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Baramulla, Feb 01 : The first month of this year has witnessed 12 NDPS cases with arrest of 16 drug peddlers and seizure of cash and banned drugs in Baramulla in north Kashmir, an official said.

A senior police official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that at least 10 cases under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substance (NDPS) have been filed in January this year in Baramulla alone.

He said that 13 drug suppliers/peddlers were arrested and a haul of narcotics approximately worth 20.25 lakhs were recovered in the district.

Sharing police station wise details, the official said that five cases under NDPS were filed in Pattan police station, two each in Uri and Sheeri police stations and one in Kreeri.

It said that 117 grams of Heroin, 25 grams of Brown Sugar, 664 grams of cannabis, 3 kg poppy straw and 23 kg and 700 grams of cannabis powder were seized.

Three drug peddlers were arrested along with contraband substances in 2 NDPS cases at Police station Tarzoo in Sopore.

The official asked senior citizens to play their role for a healthy society saying without public support and cooperation, the fight against drug menace is impossible.

“Our aim is to make Baramulla a drug-free district. We need your support. Reach out to us and share inputs on drug peddlers. Your identity will be kept confidential,” the official added—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Feb 01 : The authorities in Sopore town of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Wednesday sealed at least 25 shops for non-payment of rent.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that, at least 25 shops were sealed over non-payment of rent towards Municplal Council for the last several years.

He said that the shops are situated near Iqbal Park.

“They were already informed through notices from time to time, however, they failed to pay the rent, which led to sealing of these shops,” he said—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Baramulla, Feb 01 : Two foreign tourists died while 21 others were rescued after a massive snow avalanche hit Afarwat peak at famous ski-resort in Gulmarg in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Wednesday.

Sub-divisional officer Tangmarg, Javid Ahmad told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that an avalanche struck near Afarwat Peak this afternoon.

He said following the incident a rescue operation was launched, during which two bodies of a foreign tourists were recovered.

He also said 21 others, who were trapped there, have been rescued, while operation has been closed.

SDPO said the tourists were from Poland and further medical and legal formalities were being conducted—(KNO)

Srinagar Jan 31:- 2 Hotels constructed illegally on Govt land sealed. The District Administration Srinagar Tuesday launched massive scale anti-encroachment operations in all Tehsils of District to evict Government Land from the illegal occupants and retrieved over 494 kanals of prime land worth ₹ 509 crores from land grabbers. Besides 2 hotels were also sealed.

Special Anti-encroachment squads constituted by District Administration Srinagar were headed by Tehsildars who conducted mass scale anti encroachment drives while taking assistance of Police and other departments.

A team of Revenue and Police Officers/Officials headed by Tehsildar Eidgah, Ishfaq Ahamd Khan launched a massive anti-encroachment drive in Palpora area and retrieved over 50 kanals of State land from the land grabbers.

Similarly, in a major anti-encroachment drive launched at Balhama and Khonmoh under the supervision of Tehsildar Pantha Chowk, Rakib Ahmad as many as 25 kanals of Kacharie land was retrieved. In addition, 27 kanals and 12 marlas of State land was also evicted from the encroachment.

Likewise, in Tehsil North, 36 kanals of Kacharie land was retrieved in Rakh e Zakura and 26 kanals of State land in Ahal area respectively. Similarly, in Khimber 5 kanal 10 marla Kachraie land and 10 marlas of State land was also retrieved by a Revenue Team headed by Tehsildar North, Kaiser Mehmood.

In South Tehsil of the District, a team headed by Tehsildar, Moean Azhar conducted a massive anti-encroachment drive and retrieved over 40 kanals of State land in Maisuma 8 kanals in Nursing Garh areas from the encroachers.

The team also evicted 4 kanals of prime land in Tashwan halqa of the Tehsil.

Similarly, in Khushipora area of Central Shalteng Tehsil over 12 kanals of Kahcharie land and 6 kanals of State land has been evicted in Rakh eGund Aksha areas.

In Chanapora Tehsil over 250 kanals of Kahcharie land was also evicted from land grabbers in Estate Nowgam area under the supervision of Tehsildar Chanpora, Saqib Saleem.

In Khanyar Tehsil 2 hotels namely Hotel In and Hotel Goodwill Commercial cum residential Hotel constructed illegally over 1 Kanals and 11 marlas of land in Brari Nambal were sealed and taken in possession under the supervision of Tehsildar Khanyar Aailya Tabasum.

Pertinent to mention that LG Administration has clearly said that common masses and poor people wouldn’t be touched during the ongoing encroachment drive launched to retrieve state land from encroachers. It has been also said in the statement that the government is concerned to safeguard the interests of poor people and only those who have illegally occupied the Government land by using their positions will be dealt strictly. Accordingly District Administrations have been stressed to launch anti encroachment drives to retrieve land from encroacher so that all Government land is evicted from the illegal occupants.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has lauded the efforts of the concerned Tehsildars and their teams, the Deputy Commissioner asked them to continue the anti-encroachment drives in their respective jurisdictions as per standing instructions with added zeal and dedication so that all State/Kahcharie land is retrieved.(GNS)

Srinagar, Jan 31 : Jammu and Kashmir administration led by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha is likely to come up with a formal order in a week’s time ensuring protection for the poor and common masses during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive aimed at retrieving the land grabbed by the influential people in the past.

Sources in the LG administration, told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), senior BJP leaders of J&K unit of the party, have made personal requests about protecting the poor and common masses during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive going on across J&K.

“I met LG sahib in person and requested him to spare the people having grabbed or constructed homes on State land measuring 8 to 10 malras. I requested him to fix a nominal registration fee for them so that they are not rendered homeless,” BJP General Secretary and party’s Kashmir affairs incharge Sunil Sharma told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said that during his conversation with the LG it was decided that “influential won’t be spared and the land grabbed by them in the past will be retrieved at any cost.” “The LG told me that even though he has reiterated time and again that the poor won’t be touched and the influential won’t be spared, he would think on issuing a formal order in this regard,” he said.

Sharma said that he was hopeful that the LG administration may issue a formal order in this regard within a week’s time. “The order may have a mention about the registration fee for the poor having possession of State land up to 10 malras,” he said.

Another BJP leader, wishing not to be named, said that on behalf of the party, he too has urged the LG administration to spare the poor during the ongoing anti-encroachment drive. “Though it is up to the government to finalise whether they would keep 10 malras as the limit for having the State land for the poor lot who have constructed their homes or bring the number down to 5 malras or so. This is a matter of discussion and is being currently discussed by the Revenue officials and other officials of the LG led administration seriously,” the leader said, adding that “we expect a formal order shortly in this regard.”

J&K BJP spokesman Altaf Thakur said several delegations of farmers and poor people from Srinagar and other parts of Kashmir came to BJP office in Srinagar with a request that they have constructed homes on just 5,8 and 10 malars of State land and if they would be evicted, where would they go.

“We have requested the LG Sir not to touch the poor but go hard against the politicians especially all 34 former ministers whose names have surfaced in the list of land grabbers,” he said.

Congress party’s J&K unit too had vociferously opposed the eviction drive of the LG led administration and sought a formal order mentioning protection for the poor and farmers. Congress leader and MP Rahul Gandhi also expressed his displeasure over the J&K administration’s anti-eviction drive. In his press conference at Srinagar during Bharat Jodo Yatra (BJY), Rahul said that “poor are being left homeless and farmer’s land is being snatched during the eviction drive of the J&K administration.” In the J&K’s anti-encroachment drive, action has been taken against former ministers and officers. “The list of land grabbers is so long that it will take years to retrieve the land. The drive is on as per the directions from the LG office,” an official said, wishing not to be named—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 31 : After the moderate to heavy snowfall in Kashmir, the tourist destination in Sopore, Rampora Rajpora continued to remain cut off from the rest parts of the Valley on Tuesday as the roads leading to the place have not been cleared yet by the administration, causing immense hardship to the local populace.

Reports reaching the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the area has received at least 3 feet of snow, blocking the 14 km road stretch from Sangri Top to Rampora Rajpora.

The local residents said that the administration here has failed to clear the snow from the Rampora – Rajpora road, which is some 25 kilometers away from the Sub divisional headquarter Sopore, causing inconveniences to them.

“The main road that connects Rampora-Rajpora village with the sub district headquarter is yet to be cleared of snow, causing hardships to the local populace,” they said.

“The snowfall of around 3 feet has accumulated and there is no road connectivity at all,” said Khazir Mohammad, a local Sarpanch.

The residents, however, demanded that the administration should take swift action with regard to the clearance of snow bound roads in the outskirts of Sopore town—(KNO)