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Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 30 : People from several areas in Sopore on Monday complained that authorities didn’t clear roads, causing inconvenience to them.

In Zaingeer and other areas, people alleged that their roads were not cleared of snow.

“We apprised the local authorities via social media about the difficulties we are facing but unfortunately no major step has been taken to address our problem,” a resident of Zainageer said..

An official from the mechanical engineering department told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the continuous snowfall is hampering the clearance process.

He said that they have strict orders to clear the roads once snowfall stops. “Though it’s snowing so, it’s not possible to clear the roads as of now”, he said.

The locals urged authorities to clear snow from roads so that people will have hassle-free commutes on roads.

President Municipal Council Sopore Masarrat Kar told KNO that almost every vital road in the town has been cleared of snow.

She said till afternoon at least three snow cutter machines were on the job and in the evening another machine from Baramulla was sought. “Our main roads stand cleared while inner links will be completed till evening”, Kar said.

She added that they would be pressing men on the job to clear interiors too.

Meanwhile, police issued helpline numbers for the information of the general public requiring assistance in view of the prevalent weather situation and to facilitate the movement of the public.

The general public have been asked to contact the following numbers in case of eventualities;

Police Control Room Sopore (PCR): 9596773024, 9596773025, 01954- 222312, 01954- 225333, Police Station Tarzoo: 9596773011, 01954-223355, Police Station Sopore: 9596773010, 01954-222271, SDPO Sopore: 01954-222422, 9596773004, SHO Bomai: 9596773012, SHO Dangiwacha: 9596773014 and SHO Panzla: 9596773013—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 30 : The government Monday renamed 52 public schools and five other infrastructures after those cops and security forces who lost their lives on line of duty.

Besides, the government also renamed one infrastructure in the name of Makhan Lal Bindroo—a pharmacist who was shot dead at his establishment in Srinagar.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Secretary to Government Piyush Singla said, “Sanction is accorded to the naming of 57 infrastructure and assets after martyrs and eminent personalities.”

Previously, the government had renamed scores of educational establishments and roads after some eminent personalities and the security forces who lost their lives on the line of duty.

Besides, the government had ordered necessary steps to be taken for amending the records for effecting the changes.

According to the order, the School Education Department has been asked to take immediate necessary steps including amending records for effecting the changes.

“Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and Jammu shall personally monitor the naming of infrastructure assets in their respective divisions while the Deputy Commissioners shall ensure that appropriate events are held in connection with the naming of these infrastructures and assets,” it reads—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 30 : Donning the Kashmiri traditional gown (pheran), Congress leader and Member Parliament (MP) Rahul Gandhi Monday said he deliberately wore a white T-shirt to give chance to his enemies to change its colour but he received endless love instead of grenades. He said the message Bharat Jodo Yatra(BJY) was to see the end of phone calls giving the message of deaths in the Valley.

Addressing a rally on the last day of BJY at SK Stadium, Sonwar, Srinagar, amid heavy snowfall, Rahul, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that much was talked about his T-Shirt. “I wore (white) T-Shirt to give chance to my enemies to change its colour, but instead I received lots of love and warm wishes instead of grenades,” Rahul thundered from the stage amid slogans from the participants: “Jodo, Jodo Bharat Jodo”

Rahul said he can well understand the pain and agony of Kashmiris. “Every Kashmiri I met during my Yatra had tears in his/her eyes. The main message of BJY is to see the end of phone calls giving messages of deaths. What would be the fate of the families including soldiers, CRPF men and Kashmiris when they get phone calls with messages of deaths/killings of their loved ones? Who else can understand that other than me? I have received phone calls about my father’s death and even my grandmother’s death and thus I could realize the pain of families of those killed in Pulwama,” he said as snowflakes filled the air.

Rahul dared Home Minister Amit Shah and other BJP leaders to conduct or hold Padyatra in the Valley like the one he did. “I am sure they can’t do it as they are afraid and have fear in their hearts,” he said and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of “instigating violence”.

Rahul said that Kashmiriyat was a thought and Kashmir was a home for him. “In fact, the thought Kashmiriyat presents is a home for me. For me, the home is not just four-walls but the thought Kashmiriyat gives and presents,” he said.

While speaking on the occasion, Rahul said that he has not carried out this yatra for himself or for the party, but for the people of the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Rahul’s sister, Priyanka Gandhi said that the main message of BJY was to spread love and call for the end of hatred by bringing the hearts together. “Finally, we have succeeded,” he said.

Former J&K chief ministers including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti while speaking on the occasion said that they see a ray of hope in Rahul Gandhi.

Earlier in the day, Rahul unfurled the national flag at the yatra’s campsite at Cheshma Shahi in Srinagar. He later hoisted the national flag at PCC office here following which the main culmination event was held in which the former chief minister’s of J&K including Omar Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti also participated—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 30 : As the 40-day harshest winter period, Chila-i-Kalan, ended, the normal life was disrupted on Monday after fresh snowfall in J&K led to the closure of Srinagar-Jammu highway as well as the cancellation of all the flights scheduled for today at Srinagar international Airport while as the weatherman here has predicted more snow till tomorrow in J&K parts.

Director Srinagar Airport, Kuldeep Singh told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that all the 68 flights including 34 arrivals and 34 departures were cancelled today due to the low visibility and continuous snowfall here in Srinagar.

The fresh snowfall occurred on the culmination of the 40-day harshest winter, Chila-i-Kalan, which began on December 21, 2023. Chila-i-Kalan is followed by a 20-day long Chila-i-Khurd (small cold) that occurs between January 30 and February 18 and a 10-day-long Chillai Bachha (baby cold) which is from February 19 to February 28.

Director Meteorological department, Sonum Lotus told KNO that the weather would remain cloudy with possibility of light snow and rain at isolated to scattered places on January 31.

He further said that on February 01, the weather would remain partly cloudy and advised people not to venture out in avalanche prone areas, unless emergency during the next two days as the possibility of avalanches has increased due to heavy snowfall.

It is pertinent to mention here that some areas received moderate to heavy snowfall today, which include Gurez, Machil, Sadhna Top, Karnah, Kupwara, Pahalgam, Srinagar and other areas.

Moreover, the Jammu & Kashmir State Disaster Management Authority (JKSDMA) has issued a fresh avalanche warning for 10 J&K districts.

Avalanche with high danger level is likely to occur above 2500 metres above sea level over Doda, Kishtwar & Poonch districts in next 24 hours, the advisory said, adding that avalanche with medium danger level is likely to occur above 1500 to 2500 metres over Bandipore, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Kupwara, Kulgam & Ramban districts in next 24 hours.

Avalanche with low danger level is likely to occur above 1500 metres over Anantnag district in next 24 hours, it added.

The snowfall also affected the electricity supply in Kashmir parts with officials saying that the majority of the under fault feeders and tap lines have been restored.

The officials in KPDCL said that 14 feeders of 33 KV, 215 11 KV feeders and some tap lines were under fault due to heavy snowfall. They said that the men and machinery was pressed amid the inclement weather conditions and majority of the feeders have been restored and by this evening the four 33 KV feeders that are under fault at present will also be charged.

The official document available with KNO revealed that 1298 km of road length has been cleared today. Of a total 13101.005 road length to be cleared as per action plan, the authorities have cleared 1298.28 km road length till 4:00 PM today.

The officials in Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) informed that the men and machinery of the corporation has been on the snow clearance job since early morning to ensure hassle free movement of general public and vehicular movement and all the major roads, link-roads, streets and alleys have been cleared of snow—both through machines as well as manually.

However, the Srinagar-Jammu highway remained closed for vehicular movement today amid continuous snowfall. Officials informed KNO that the shooting stones have occurred at multiple places from Banihal sector to Ramban amid heavy snowfall, forcing closure of the highway as precautionary measure.

The Srinagar-Leh highway and Mughal Road continued to remain closed since the first week of this month.

The train service from Banihal to Baramulla was also suspended with officials saying that it will remain suspended till snow on the railway track is removed.

Besides, the authorities here also postponed the examinations, skated to be held till January 31.

The University of Kashmir (KU) and Cluster University Srinagar (CUS) postponed all exams that were slated till January 31, saying that they will issue the next date of examination separately.

Controller of Examination of CUS said, “All the examinations of Cluster University Srinagar scheduled till January-31 have been postponed due to inclement weather.”

He said that fresh dates for postponed papers shall be notified separately.

In the meantime, KU’s Controller of Examinations, Dr Majid Zaman in a statement said, “In view of continuous snowfall reported across Kashmir, all examinations of the University of Kashmir, scheduled to be held till January-31 are postponed.”

Zaman said fresh dates for the deferred examinations will be notified separately—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 30 : The residents of Sopore town in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday alleged that administration was yet to clear snow from the roads even as authorities said men and machinery have been pressed into service.

Talking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the residents said roads were not cleared properly and main roads and link roads in many areas of the town were still under snow, causing them inconvenience.

“Road leading to SDH is still covered with snow and slippery conditions are causing traffic jams. Officials are making high claims on Twitter, but on ground, the situation is pathetic”, they added.

Meanwhile, officials from R&B department and local Municipal Council told KNO that they have pressed men and machinery into service since morning—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 30 : A 29-Year-old man was found dead in Warpora area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Monday even as police have launched the probe.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the man was found dead mysteriously inside a house in Badshah Mohallah of Warpora.

He said the body was subsequently taken to sub-district hospital Sopore, while the cause of death was being ascertained and further investigation has been taken up.

The man was identified as Shahzad Ahmed Malik of Bunpora Warpora—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 30 : Due to fresh snowfall in Kashmir and parts of Jammu, Srinagar-Jammu national highway has been closed, while all flights have also been delayed at the Srinagar International Airport and train service from Banihal to Baramulla was also suspended.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that train service will remain suspended till snow on the railway track is removed.

The fresh snowfall also disrupted flight operations at the Srinagar International Airport as all morning flights have been delayed.

Director Srinagar International Airport Kuldeep Singh said the visibility was only 200 M and there is continuous snowfall.

“Wr are simultaneously clearing the snow. All flights are delayed,” he said.

He also advised air passengers to check the status of their flights from respective airlines before coming to the airport to avoid inconvenience and congestion

Meanwhile, Srinagar-Jammu national highway was also shut for vehicular movement due to mudslides and shooting stones at many places between Chanderkot and Banihal and fresh snowfall in Qazigund area.

“Due to shooting stones and slide in various stretches, NH closed for traffic,” SSP Ramban, Mohita Sharma tweeted—(KNO)

Baramulla, Jan 28 (GNS): Police on Saturday rescued a Norwegian tourist who lost his track on return from skiing in Gulmarg and got stuck in Khar Nallah forests Drung, police said.

“Acting upon the information, two police rescue teams of police station Gulmarg and Tourism Department were formed who followed two tracks around the forest area and finally reached at the location of the foreign skier,” a police official told GNS, adding, “He was rescued from the forest area of Drung by the rescue teams and was brought back to Gulmarg safely.”

The foreign tourist, Oeyvind Aamot of Norway, who arrived in morning at Gulmarg and went for skiing, expressed his gratitude towards Baramulla police for timely help.

Meanwhile, SSP Baramulla Amod Ashok Nagpure (IPS) has appreciated the rescue teams and announced a cash reward in their favour, the official added. (GNS)

Waris Fayaz

Sopore, Jan 28 : Inhabitants of Ganaie Mohalla Amargrah in Sopore said they are reeling under dark from the last month due to frequent technical snags in an electric transformer.

The residents assembled in front of the PDD SE office in Sopore and staged a protest against the department.

“The installed 100 KV transformer for at least 50 households develops technical snags frequently, sometimes 5 times a month. We have been spending thousands of rupees on it every month especially during winter periods”, said a local Shakeel Ahmed told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

The residents said the upgradation of the transformer has been a long pending demand.

The concerned official from PDD could not be contacted for comments—(KNO)

Anantnag, Jan 27: Congress leader and Member Parliament Rahul Gandhi Friday accused the Jammu and Kashmir administration of a big security lapse at Jawahar Tunnel stating that police were missing to control the crowd that had come to his reception.

“When we crossed from Navyug Tunnel at Qazigund, there was a huge crowd for my reception. But there was not a single police man to manage or control the crowd. My security guards advised me not to go ahead,” Rahul said addressing a press conference at Khanabal, Anantnag, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “It is very difficult for me to go against what my security guards advise me.”

He said that he was hopeful that security arrangements would be elaborate for his future programs that includes his culmination rally at Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) office in Srinagar where he is supposed to unfurl the tri-colour on January 30 and address a mega rally.

He said Yatra will continue and will conclude in Srinagar as per Schedule. Speaking on the occasion, senior Congress leader Jai Ram Ramesh said that Rahul was supposed to walk 16 kms today but he could walk only 4 kms due to breach of security. He said that administration must ensure proper security for the Bharat Jodo Yatra in the days ahead, especially when it reaches Srinagar.

He said due to the wrong policies of BJP and RSS, India as a nation is falling apart and the Yatra is an effort to bring the folks together. Ramesh said that BJY has nothing to do with the election politics as of now. “We keep on stating that there are two ways: one that of BJP and RSS and another that of Congress which is the Gandhian way.”

Meanwhile, several Congress leaders have also alleged security lapse in Banihal and Qazigund during Bharat Jodo Yatra on Friday.

J&K UT administration failed to provide security to Bharat Jodo Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi. Security lapses indicate unfair & unprepared attitude of UT administration,” tweets Rajani Patil, Congress incharge J&K and Ladakh.

“The sudden withdrawal of security personnel from the D-area has caused a serious security breach at the #BharatJodoYatra at Banihal, Kashmir.

Who ordered this? The authorities responsible must answer for this lapse & take appropriate steps to prevent such incidents in future,” tweeted another congress leader K C Venugopal.

“J&K UT Administration failed to provide security to #BharatJodoYatra led by Shri @RahulGandhi Security lapses indicate unfair & unprepared attitude of UT administration,” J&K congress tweeted.

Notably, the Yatra resumed after two days from Banihal, the home town of JKPCC president where hundreds of people were present to welcome Congress leaders. He was joined by former CM of J&K and NC Vice Omar Abdullah in Banihal.

Omar while reacting to the security lapse said that he witnessed that outer layer of security vanished suddenly.

“I’m witness to this. The outer ring of the cordon which was maintained by J&K police simply vanished within minutes of @RahulGandhi starting to walk. We had just crossed into Kashmir from Jammu & were looking forward to the 11 KM walk but unfortunately it had to be cancelled,” he tweeted.

Rahul was welcomed by several party leaders including former JKPCC president G A Mir at the entrance of the tunnel from Qazigund side along with hundreds of workers.

He was joined by PDP leaders and workers led by PDP spokesperson Suhail Bhukhari as well.

POLICE DENIES SECURITY LAPSE: Jammu and Kashmir police said there was no security lapse at all in the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

In a statement, issued to the KNO, a police spokesman said police was not consulted before taking any decision on discontinuing the Yatra after conducting 1 Km Yatra by the organisers.

Police also said only authorised persons as identified by organisers & frisked crowd was allowed inside towards the route of Yatra.

“Organisers & managers of BJY did not intimate about large gathering from Banihal joining the Yatra, which thronged near the starting point?,” it said. It further said full security arrangements were in place including 15 Coys of CAPFs and 10 Coys of JKP, comprising ROPs and QRTs, route domination, lateral deployment and SFs were deployed for high-ridge and other deployments.

“JKP was not consulted before taking any decision on discontinuation of Yatra after conducting 1 km Yatra by organizers. Rest of the Yatra continued peacefully. There was no security lapse at all. We will provide fool-proof security,” the police said—(KNO)