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A high level Delegation of jammu and kashmir teachers forum district Baramulla led by its district President Javaid Ahmad Bhat met worthy Chief education officer baramulla Gh.Mohd Lone in his office chamber. A threadbare discussion regarding some burning issues took place in this regard. DP JKTF baramulla while representing the aspirations of teachers and students assured worthy Chief Education officer that JKTF cadre is committed to work in a cooperative way with the administration for the betterment of educational system in the district.Child is our priority and we will move forward as a team for compensating the losses incurred due to Covid 19 Bhat added.He appreciated the role of teachers during such tough situations and lauded the efforts of the students and teachers for their extraordinary performances in recent board exams. Mr.bhat said that a false narrative is being build up by some media houses against teaching community which will never be tolerated . Our teachers have shown extraordinary performances in results and unfortunately inspite of highlighting these remarkable achievements some persons are hellbent to tornish the image of teachers.

Our society, media houses and social activists should go through the actual facts before issuing any statement about teachers …Worthy CEO Baramulla gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured for smooth academic environment in the district.He sought support from JKTF in taking the district to new heights. CEO Baramulla appreciated the role of teachers throughout the Pandemic. Teachers have shown dedication, determination and sense of belongingness in tough situations and proved their mettle he said . Worthy CEO listened to issues with patience and assured their timely redressal. Worthy CEO appealed entire teaching community of the district for putting in their strenuous efforts in shaping the future of our students. The delegation was told that the meeting for TBP would be held on 5th March. The main issues that were discussed are. Reopening of schools and preparations.

Rationalisation of teaching staff.
TBP meeting for pending time bound cases

Establishment of sub centres for diet trainings viz
Baramulla, URI , Pattan and Tangmarg
Fixation issues of some teachers appointed with 10+2 and having improved their qualifications
Appreciation of teachers and students who have shown some extraordinary performances.
TBP of reduced Rets, The meeting ended with a positive note and the delegation thanked the incumbent officer for his teacher friendly approach.
The others who were part of the delegation are Provincial Member Abdul Qayoom Mir, Senior vice president Zahoor Ahmad Malla, vice president shabir Ahmad Shah , General secretary Khalid Altaf, Chief spokesperson Reyaz Rabbani, publicity secretary Syed Masood Geelani , District Advisor Fayaz Ahmad fafoo, Finance secretary Nisar Ahmad Bhat, district Media secretary Mohammad Ashraf sofi, district member Syed Gulzar Ahmad, District member Nisar Ahmad Sheikh, ZP Singhpora Kalan Mr Bilal Ahmad dar and others

Sofi Ashraf
Media Secretary JKTF BLA

Jammu, Feb 27: Fed—up by infighting in Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and ignorant attitude towards party stalwart Ghulam Nabi Azad, his nephew Mubashar Azad, joined Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with his supporters at BJP headquarter, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Sources told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Mubashar Azad, who was a youth Congress leader from Doda district, was closely associated with former working president Rahul Gandhi.

Azad was welcomed by J&K BJP President Ravinder Raina and former MLA Dalip Parihar into the party fold.

Speaking on the occasion, Mubashar Azad, said that he was deeply hurt over the disrespect of his uncle, former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad by the present Congress leadership in Jammu and Kashmir and the Centre. He said that the way Congress party treated Ghulam Nabi Azad, one of the charismatic leaders of Congress party, has hurt the sentiments of the common masses and stressed that PM Modi has given recognition to the efforts of the former CM.

He added that while there is total selfish infighting within the Congress party, Modi has gained the trust of common masses and thus we pledge to stand with Modi and BJP in the interest of the society and the Nation.

On the occasion, Ravinder Raina added that these new entrants led by Mubashar Azad will not only strengthen the party in Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban and other areas but will encourage the youths from the whole region of Jammu and Kashmir to work for the Nation and the society.

He appreciated the efforts of senior BJP leaders Sunil Sharma and Shakti Parihar along with Dalip Parihar, for their efforts in strengthening the party with these young and energetic faces—(KNO)

Ramban, Feb 27: The 270-km Jammu—Srinagar national highway was once again closed for vehicular movement on Sunday after fresh landslides occurred at Magarkoot area of Ramban along the highway.

“The Jammu—Srinagar national highway is closed for vehicular movement due to landslides stones at Magarkoot,” SSP, traffic, national highway, Shabir Malik told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)

He said restoration work is going on as men and machinery have been already been pressed to clear the of debris.

The highway was today open for the both way traffic, official said—(KNO)

Srinagar, February 26: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Saturday reviewed security at Navyug tunnel for this year’s Amarnath Yatra.

Official sources told GNS that IGP Kashmir along with IG CRPF, DIG Police, DIG CRPF, Army officers, SSP Anantnag and Kulgam visited Navyug tunnel and held security meeting.

They said the SSP Anantnag and SSP Kulgam briefed the IGP in detail regarding the security measures.

An Expert from the private firm also demonstrated his IT interventions especially use of RFID for management of Yatries convey before all officers, they added.(GNS)

Srinagar, Feb 26: A pedestrian was killed in a road accident in Panzinara area of Srinagar outskirts on Saturday.

Official sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a pedestrian identified as Bashir Ahmad Mir, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Mir of Dangerpora Panzinara was hit by Wagon-R vehicle at Panzinara area.

They said he was taken to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead on arrival.

Meanwhile, local police has registered a case in this regard and started investigations—(KNO)

Poonch, Feb 26: Police and army have recovered 15 packets carrying ‘heroin-like substance’ near Balakote area of Mendhàr in Poonch district, official said.

A police officer told GNS that police party led by SDPO Mendhàr Sheezen Bhat under the Supervision of SSP Poonch Rohit Baskotra and on the direction of DIG Rajouri Poonch Range Vivek Gupta recovered the fifteen packets along with army. He said that a case has been registered and further investigations taken up. (GNS)

Srinagar, Feb 26: Director Health Services Kashmir Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather Saturday said that schools will reopen as announced already and the government was prepared for it at all levels.

“We are ready for the opening of the schools following the decision by the LG administration. SOPs are to be followed from moving for home to reaching school,” he said while talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event organised by Zadibal PHC to facilitate the covid warriors.

“SOPs are to be followed in the bus or matador to be boarded by the student. At the school entrance, there would be thermal scanning. It will be seen if the student has put up a mask and that too properly,” he said according to the GNS correspondent, adding, “If it is seen that any student is febrile (having or showing the symptoms of a fever), he or she will be sent back home.”

He said there are already directions regarding social distancing and if there are 80 students in a classroom and social distancing cannot be maintained, then there have to be 40 students at a time. “Use of sanitizers and cleanness will be there,” he said, adding, “There would be random testing and if any student comes out to be positive, he or she will be properly isolated.” He said schools will reopen and “we are ready. Government is ready. The Directorate of Education is ready.”

He also thanked the media for its role in busting myths about the vaccination. “There has been a good response to vaccination in the 15-17 age-group. Vaccination in the age group of more than 60-year-age with co-morbidities stands completed,” he said, adding, “Vaccination is important and it is with it that the third wave will soon come to an end.”

He said that in every district, a pediatric ICU is being set up along with pediatric wards. “Every district has a facility of oxygen and there will be tertiary-level treatment now available at the doorstep. People of Kupwara will have it there, Kulgam will get it in their own district,” he said, adding, “Within two months, the entire system will get started and this is a big change happening.”

He also urged people not to lower their guard and continue to maintain covid-19 appropriate behavior. “We have seen there was complacency after the drop in the second wave. Vaccination remains the key and if there is someone who has not taken the same, he or she should take it.” (GNS)

Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir valley with the outside world, was closed for vehicular movement due to landslides, shooting stones at many places en route the thoroughfare and snow accumulation around the NAVYUG Tunnel.

Official sources told GNS massive landslide has occurred at Cafeteria Morh, Ramban while there is rock slide at Samroli.

“Jammu-Srinagar highway closed for vehicular movement due to landslides, shooting stones at many places on highway and snow accumulation around the NAVYUG Tunnel,” a traffic department official said. Sources said that one person sitting in a truck (JK05F-1003) was injured after hit by shooting stone at Nihar Ramban around 4 a.m. He was shifted to hospital in an ambulance, they said.

Also, Chatroo-Kishtwar road has been blocked near Gagamar, sources said.
Meanwhile, Mughal Road, connecting Shopian with Poonch and Rajouri districts, remained closed for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation at Peer Ki Gali.

Also,Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road remained shut for vehicular movement in view of snow accumulation on Zoji la axis and has been closed till further orders. Kishtwar-Sinthan road also remained closed in view of snow accumulation, the traffic department official said. (GNS)

In connection with the forthcoming observance of Mehraj-un-Nabi (SAW), the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Friday visited Dargah Hazratbal to review the arrangements being made at the Shrine.

Besides, CEO, Wakaf Board, Mufti Fareed ud Din and Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Syed Haneef Balkhi Haneef Balkhi other officers including Chief Planning Officer, CMO, Srinagar Tehsilsar North, senior officers of PHE,  R&B, PDD, SMC and other line departments accompanied the DC during the visit.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner directed the officers of all line Departments to put in place special arrangements for smooth observance of the pious day of Mehraj-un-Nabi (SAW) at the Shrine for the Devotees.

The DC asked the PHE authorities to ensure adequate water supply at the Shrine so that visitors do not face any inconvenience. He instructed them to keep sufficient number of  water tankers at the premises to cater to the demand.

Similarly, the PDD Officers were asked to ensure uninterrupted power supply at the Shrine during the auspicious days of night prayers as well as on the day of display of Holy Relic and keep proper power backup to tackle any power breakdown.

With regard to clearance of snow, the DC asked the concerned to ensure snow accumulated in premises and approach road of the Shrine is cleared well before the observance of Mehraj-un-Nabi (SAW).

The DC also directed the SMC officials to deploy sufficient men an machinery at the venue to ensure proper cleanliness in and around the Shrine.

The DC also directed for setting up of Medical camp with adequate number of Doctors and paramedics, besides an ambulance service and other first aid facilities in the premises of Hazratbal Shrine.

Earlier, the DC was appraised by the CEO, Wakf Board about the arrangements being made by the Wakf Board for smooth observance of the holy religious occasion during which thousands of people are exepected to visit to take a glimpse of the holy Relic and offer special Prayers.

The members of the management of the Shrine also urged the Deputy  Commissioner for augmentation of other facilities at the Shrine.

The DC issued on the spot directions to the  concerned for taking immediate augumentation measures for the same.

Later,  the Deputy Commissioner  offered special prayers at the Shrine and prayed for prosperity and holistic wellbeing of the people.

Srinagar Mayor Mr Junaid Azim Mattu along with Commissioner SMC Mr Athar Amir Khan visited Dargah Hazratbal Shrine to review variuos arrangements for Mehraj Alam Urs.

He was accompanied by various senior officers of Corporation including Joint Conmissioner Work, Tejinder Singh, Secretary SMC Mudasir Hussain Famda, Executive Engineers, officials from line departments including Health, Water works, PDD.

Mr Mattu directed the concerned officials to ensure quality sanitation so that no garbage is to be seen anywhere in the lanes, bye-lanes, main roads in and around the Shrine.

Chief sanitation officer apprised Mayor that additional facility of Hopper vehicles and sweeping machines has been deputed for the URS days..

Besides this an an electric team has also been deputed for restoration of all the defunct lights in the area.

Mattu further more directed SMC officials to depute additional facility of Hoper vehicles as well as Roberts and Sweeping machines in the Hazratbal ward round the clock.

Besides deputing Electric team for restoration of all the defunct lights in the respective areas SMC has also installed additional lights as required.

The ward officers has been directed to keep Liaison with the Urs Officers for arrangements of any conservancy item / transport facility / Fumigation machine, etc

Mayor also interacted with the URS management committee and ensured them full assistance.

He directed the concerned staff to maintain A Class sanitation and provide necessary arrangements so that devotees do not face any inconvenience during the URS days.

The concerned on the occassion were directed to ensure availability of electricity with the proper backup available on the spot.

It was also directed to the concerned to ensure adequate water supply for the devotees on Mehraj Ul Alam .

Mayor directed to keep the drinking water tankers available at Hazratbal where a large number of devotees assemble for prayer.

Similarly a special team of Dog catching squad was directed to be deputed for curbing dog menace to avoid any inconvenience to the people on the occassion.