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Bandipora, Jan 06 : Braving the sub-zero temperature, a south Indian film crew has started shooting for their film around the picturesque Wular lake, Asia’s second largest freshwater lake, located in the Bandipora district of Kashmir.

This will be the first movie to be shot in the lake after the new film policy was implemented in Kashmir.

The film which is being directed by Aditya Suhas is based in Kashmir whose principal photography will be done in Baramulla and some of the scenes will be shot here in Zurimanz, a village on the brim of Wular lake.

Aditya, while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “This lake is so beautiful. I am in awe of the beauty and calmness of this lake. I feel honored to shoot some parts of this movie here. I believe it is the first time that a south Indian film is being shot in Wular. I would really love to see more filmmakers explore this place.”

While thanking the locals, Aditya said, “The locals have been so helpful. It would have been a bit difficult for us to work in this freezing temperature but we were made comfortable by them. They have accommodated our small crew in their hearts, and are so enthusiastic about the shooting. It is so heartwarming to see their excitement.”

Locals of Zurimanz and Bangladesh are delighted by this new development in their area and are hopeful that it will put their otherwise discreet area in the spotlight.

“I am so thankful for this crew to come here. I expect that other filmmakers will follow suit and shoot their films here. This will provide our local unemployed youth with an opportunity to earn their livelihood,” Ashfaq Ahmad Bhat, a local resident said.

With the film being shot in the area, locals are also hopeful that this will help in pushing the development projects in the area.

“If this area is developed to its full potential, then it will automatically attract filmmakers and tourists. There should be better roads built connecting this area to the main town. I hope that the administration takes cognizance of this and help this lake get international fame,” Aashiq Bhat, another local said—(KNO)

Ganderbal, Jan 06 : The authorities on Friday decided to close the Zojilla Pass for vehicular movement from tomorrow.

Chief Engineer Border Roads Organization (BRO) Brig Saket Singh told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that for the first time, the Zojila Pass has remained open till January 06.

The Zojila Pass is a mountain pass located at an altitude of 11,649 feet in the NH1 region. It serves as a crucial connector between Leh and the Srinagar district and is maintained by the Border Road Organization. However, the pass can be difficult to keep open during the winter months due to slippery roads and heavy snowfall at low temperatures.

In recent years, there has been a need to keep the Zojila Pass open for longer periods of time. According to official records, the pass was open till December 13 in 2020; and last year, it was open till January 5. This year, it was open till January 6.

The Army yesterday said that its BRO ‘Karmyogis’, with their relentless effort under ‘Project Beacon’, facilitated connectivity to the Ladakh region by ensuring that the Zojila pass remained open despite heavy snowfall.

Today marks the final opening day for the Zojila Pass, as strong western disturbances are expected to bring heavy snowfall starting Saturday. This may be the last chance for travelers to use the pass until the weather improves.

However, he said that in view of the forecast of inclement weather, it shall be officially closed for vehicular movement from Saturday—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 06 : A day after School Education Department clarified that the Postgraduate degrees in science stream obtained via distance mode won’t be considered valid, IGNOU regional center Srinagar Friday defied it saying that all the Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates are duly recognized by UGC.

Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Regional Director Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar said, “All the programs offered by IGNOU including the MSCENV are duly recognized by UGC and in terms of the decision taken by UGC in its 550th meeting.”

Dar said, “The UGC has exempted IGNOU from applicability of UGC (Open and Distance Learning programs and Online Programs) Regulations, 2020 from academic session 2020-2021 and onwards.”

“Further, all the Degrees, Diplomas, and Certificates awarded by IGNOU are recognized by all the member institutions of the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) and are at par with the corresponding Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates issued by all Indian or Deemed Universities or Institutions,” he said.

The regional director further said that IGNOU offers two programs in Environmental studies viz Masters of Science in Environmental and Master of Arts in Environmental Studies.

“The Masters of Science program is having lab course of 4-credits in first three semesters and dissertation or project of 8-credit course in fourth semester as compulsory courses to complete the degree,” he said.

Dar said, “The news regarding questioning the validity of Degree obtained in Masters of Science from IGNOU by some newspapers is factually wrong, incorrect and misleading.”

A day before the School Education Department said that Post Graduate degrees obtained through distance mode in Science Stream would not be considered valid for seniority and promotion purposes—(KNO)

January 06: Piping ceremony of recently promoted Assistant Sub-Inspector & Sub-Inspectors was held during an impressive ceremonial function at District Police Lines Sopore.

The promoted officers were decorated with their new ranks by SSP Sopore Shri Shabir Nawab-JKPS, besides SDPO Sopore, SDPO Rafiabad, DySP DAR Sopore, DySP PC Sopore, DySP SIU Sopore and other Police officers were present on the occasion. The promoted officers include Muhammad Shafi, Bilal Ahmad, Veer Kumar, Abdul Majeed, Mehraj-u-din, Bashir Ahmad, Ghulam Nabi, Gulzar Ahmad, Youdhvir Singh, Muhammad Hafeez and Ferooz Ahmad. ASI Ferooz Ahmad was also decorated with DGP Medal, which was recently awarded to him.

On the occasion, SSP Sopore congratulated the promoted officers. He said that each elevation comes with more responsibility and challenges to the working assignments and hoped that the officers would continue to work with zeal and zest in the future as well. He wished him good luck for the future.

During the colourful ceremony, the newly promoted officers expressed their gratitude towards police department for conferring their next rank. They also pledged to work with same zeal and enthusiasm.“`

Srinagar, Jan 06: Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday ordered transfers and postings of 59 police officers in the Union Territory with immediate effect.

An order issued in this regard, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the transfers and postings have been ordered in the interest of administration.

Abhishek Mahajan, IPS (AGMUT: 2013), SSP Samba, is transferred and posted as AIG (Welfare), Police Headquarters, J&K, vice Rajinder Kumar Gupta. Nagpure Amod Ashok, IPS (AGMUT: 2013), SSP CID SB Kashmir, is transferred and posted as SSP Baramulla, vice Rayees Mohammad Bhat, IPS.

Dr. G.V. Sandeep Chakravarthy, IPS (AGMUT: 2014), SP Kulgam, is transferred and posted as AIG (CIV), Police Headquarters, J&K, vice Rajesh Bali. Shobhit Saksena, IPS (AGMUT: 2015), awaiting posting on deputation to Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, is posted as SP CID, Jammu at CID Headquarters, against the overall available posts at the level of Superintendent of Police.

Lakshay Sharma, IPS (AGMUT: 2016), SP South Srinagar, is transferred and posted as SP Bandipora, vice Mohd. Zaid.

Sahil Sarangal, IPS (AGMUT: 2017), SP (East), Srinagar, is transferred and posted as SP Kulgam, vice Dr. G.V. Sandeep Chakravarthy, IPS.

Shiv Kumar Sharma, SSP CID CI Jammu, is transferred and posted as Principal PTTI, Vijaypur, vice Khalil Ahmad Poswal.

Dr. Koshal Kumar Sharma, SSP Traffic City Jammu, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-19th Bn., vice Benam Tosh.

Showkat Ahmed Dar, Principal STC Sheeri, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-4th Bn., vice Abrar Ahmad Choudhary.

Bakar Hussain Samoon, Commandant IR-20th Bn., is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-23rd Bn., vice Atul Sharma.

Rajinder Kumar Gupta, AIG (Welfare), Police Headquarters, is transferred and posted as Assistant Director, SKPA, Udhmapur, vice Shri Mohan Lal.

Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Commandant IR-22nd Bn., is transferred and posted as OSD with Advisor (B) to the Lieutenant Governor. One post of Superintendent of Police from the overall cadre strength of JKPS is transferred for purpose of drawl of salary of the officer.

Sanjeev Kumar Khajoria, Commandant IR-5th Bn., is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-24th Bn., against an available vacancy. Rajesh Bali, AIG (CIV) Police Headquarters, is transferred and posted as Assistant Director, SKPA, Udhampur, against an available vacancy.

Ramesh Kumar Angral, AIG (Personnel), Police Headquarters, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-22nd Bn., vice Rajesh Kumar Sharma. Benam Tosh, Commandant IR-19th Bn., is transferred and posted as SSP Samba, vice Abhishek Mahajan, IPS.

Mohan Lal, Assistant Director SKPA Udhampur, is transferred and posted as Staff Officer to ADGP, Railways, J&K, vice Umesh Kumar, IPS. 18. Shabir Ahmed Malik, SSP, attached with Police Headquarters, is posted as Commandant IR-21″ Bn., against an available vacancy.

Mohd. Zaid, SP Bandipora, is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP-11th Bn. (Security), vice Wasim Qadri, who shall await orders of posting in Police Headquarters, J&K.

Atul Sharma, Commandant IR-23 Bn., is transferred and posted as Staff Officer to Commandant General HG/CD/SDRF, J&K, vice Randhir Singh.

Shiv Deep Singh Jamwal, Commandant IR-1″ Bn., is transferred and posted as SP Kathua, vice Ramesh Chander Kotwal.

Randhir Singh, Staff Officer to Commandant General HG/CD/SDRF, J&K, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR- 20th Bn., vice Bakar Hussain Samoon.

Virinder Singh, SP, awaiting posting in Police Headquarters, is posted as AIG (Personnel), Police Headquarters, J&K, vice Ramesh Kumar Angral. Mohd. Majid Malik, Addl. SP Qazigund, is transferred and posted as Principal STC Sheeri, vice Shri Showkat Ahmed Dar.

Tahir Saleem Khan, SP Budgam, is transferred and posted as Commandant JKAP-9th Bn., against an available vacancy.

Khalil Ahmad Poswal, Principal PTTI Vijapur, is transferred and posted as SP Kishtwar, vice Shafqat Hussain.

Ramesh Chander Kotwal, SP Kathua, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-15 Bn., vice Shiv Deep Singh Jamwal.

Abrar Ahmad Choudhary, Commandant IR-4th Bn., is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-5th Bn., vice Sanjeev Kumar Khajoria.

Shafqat Hussain, SP Kishtwar, is transferred and posted as Commandant IR-6 Bn., against an available vacancy.

Manoj Kumar Pandit, AIG (Communication) Police Headquarters, is transferred and posted as AIG (Tech), Police Headquarters, vice Shridhar Patil, IPS, with additional charge of Director Police Telecommunication, J&K.

Sanjay Sharma, SP Rural, Jammu, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commandant IR-14th Bn., against an available vacancy.

Al-Tahir Geelani, SP West, Srinagar, is transferred and posted as SP Budgam, vice Tahir Saleem Khan.

Mohd Aftab Mir, Addl. SP, Bhaderwah, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commandant IR-22nd Bn., against an available vacancy.

Master Popsy, Addl.SP Doda, is transferred and posted as Addl. SP, Reasi, vice Shri Surjeet Kumar Bhagat.

Surjeet Kumar Bhagat, Addl. SP, Reasi, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commandant IR-15th Bn., against an available vacancy.

P.K. Modi, SP, awaiting posting in Police Headquarters, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-1″ Border Bn., Jammu, against an available vacancy.

Rahul Charak, ADC to Lieutenant Governor, is transferred and posted as Addl. SP Rural, Jammu, vice Sanjay Sharma. Mohd. Rafi Giri, SP, awaiting posting in Police Headquarters, is posted as Addl.SP, Nowshera, against an available vacancy.

Rajni Sharma, Addl. SP Ramban, is transferred and posted as Deputy Commandant IR-1″ Bn., against an available vacancy. Kameshwar Puri, SP, awaiting posting in Police Headquarters, is posted as Addl. SP, Bhaderwah, vice Mohd Aftab Mir. Gourav Mahajan, SP, awaiting posting in Police Headquarters, is posted as Addl SP, Ramban, vice Rajni Sharma. Jeetan Ji Matoo, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant 15 Border Bn., Jammu, against an available vacancy.

Mushtaq Ahmad, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-23 Bn., against an available vacancy.

Gurmeet Singh, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-5th Bn., against an available vacancy.

Mohd Shafi, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-21st Bn., against an available vacancy.

Jagdev Singh, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-15th Bn., against an available vacancy.

Rajinder Kumar (4028), SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant 1″ Women Bn., Jammu, against an available vacancy.

Rajesh Sandal, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-12th Bn., against an available vacancy.

Mohd Ayoub Zargar, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-5th Bn., against an available vacancy.

Farahat Jeelani, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Addl. SP, Kupwara, against an available vacancy.

Shabir Ahmad, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Addl. SP Kulgam, against an available vacancy. Altaf Hussain, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-11th Bn., against an available vacancy. Mohd. Farooq Khan, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant IR-2nd Bn., against an available vacancy.

Mohammad Aslam, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant 1st Women Bn., Jammu, against an available vacancy.

Naeem Ahmad Wani, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant 2nd Border Bn., Srinagar, against an available vacancy.

Syed Yasir Qadri, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Addl. SP, PCR, Srinagar, against an available vacancy.

Furqaan Qadir, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant 2nd Women Bn., Kashmir, against an available vacancy.

Sandeep Bhat, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant 1st Women Bn., Jammu, against an available vacancy.

Sachin Gupta, SP, awaiting orders of adjustment, is posted as Deputy Commandant 1st Border Bn, Jammu, against an available vacancy—(KNO)

In order to assess the present security situation and to work in a coordinated and synergized manner by all security/intelligence agencies in the District in view of forthcoming Republic Day celebration and other events, SSP Doda, Abdul Qayoom held SMAC-Cum-Security review meeting at District Hqrs which was attended by officers of Police, Army, CAPF and other sister intelligence agencies

In the meeting, all the officers of Army/CAPF and other intelligence agencies shared their views, suggestions and assessment on the present security scenario of the District.

A threadbare discussion on the present security scenario was held in the meeting and various suggestions, security measures were also deliberated upon to put in place a joint and effective mechanism for efficient monitoring and security surveillance on ground.

SSP Doda while addressing the officers informed that there is need to exercise vigil and alertness of highest order by all security agencies in the District besides working in coordinated and synergized manner so that all the security agencies in the District are on same page.

Among other officers of Army/CAPF and intelligence agencies, Sh. Mohd Aftab Mir Addl SP Bhaderwah, Master Popsy Addl.SP Hqrs Doda, Sh. Jaswant Singh, Dy.SP Hqrs Doda, Sh. Shoket Ali, Dy.SP DAR Doda Sh. Abdul Ghafoor SDPO Bhaderwah and Sh Shahzada Kabir Mattoo SDPO Gandoh were also present in the meeting.

Srinagar, Jan 06: The Jammu and Kashmir government has suspended tehsildar Bijbehara over non-compliance of orders, while additional commissioner Kashmir has been appointed as enquiry officer to enquire the matter.

According to an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), tehsildar Bijbehara Ghulam Rasool Bhat has been suspended over non-compliance of orders conveyed to him.

“Pending enquiry into the complaint lodged by Shri. Ghulam Rasool (Chairman Auqaf Committee Nowshera Tehsil Srigufwara, Anantnag) and consequent upon non-compliance of orders conveyed to him vide this office letter No. DivCom/PS/Misc/2022-23/2418-20 Dated 20-12-2022, Shri. Ghulam Rasool Bhat Tehsildar Bijbehara (Additional Charge Tehsil Srigufwara), District Anantnag is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect and attached in the office of Deputy Commissioner Anantnag,” reads the order.

It reads accordingly additional Commissioner Kashmir (A) is appointed as an enquiry officer to enquire into the matter.

“He shall submit his findings, report and recommendations within a week’s time,” it reads—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 06: At least 17 leaders, who had resigned from the basic membership of the Congress and had joined former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad led party, Friday rejoined the party in New Delhi.

The leaders had resigned to support former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, who later formed his own party—Democratic Azad Party, which has now been renamed as Democratic Progressive Azad Party.

In a press conference held at New Delhi, the former deputy chief minister Tara Chand and former minister Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed were among the 17 leaders, who rejoined Congress today.

The leaders include Tara Chand, Peerzada Muhammad Sayeed, Balwan Singh, Advocate Muzaffar Paray, Advocate Mohinder Bhardwaj, Bhushan Dogra, Virodh Sharma, Narendra Sharma, Naresh Sharma, Amresh Mangotra, Subhash Baghat, Santosh Manhas, Badrinath Sharma, Varun Mangotra, Anuradha Sharma and Vijay Sargotra.

MP Rajya Sabha and AICC General Secretary (Organization), K C Venugopal, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the leaders have joined the party again.

He said these leaders and people from across the country including Jammu & Kashmir have also extended their support to the Bharat Jodo Yatra.

He said that former Congress leaders have also observed that they should also extend their support to their own party and thus decided to join back.

Tara Chand while talking to reporters during the presser said that it is time for secular forces to join hands to defeat the ill designs on the ground.

“The secular minded people should join hands to protect the country,” he said—(KNO)

Srinagar, Jan 05 : Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Central Kashmir Range (CKR) Sujit Kumar Thursday visited district Budgam where he chaired a review meeting regarding security scenario, anti-militancy operations, law & order, anti-drug drive and other issues related to day-to-day policing at the conference hall of DPO Budgam. Besides, the newly promoted 23 SIs with ranks.

A police spokesman said in a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the meeting was attended by DIG CRPF Mathew. A. John, SSP Budgam Tahir Saleem, ASP Budgam Gowhar Ahmed DySP DAR DPL, SDPO Charar Shareef, SDPO Khansahib, DySP PC Budgam, DySP PC Chadoora and other senior officers of Police & CRPF.

During the meeting, DIG CKR Sujit Kumar appreciated the efforts of Budgam Police for maintaining law & order in the district.

During the meeting, he took stock of the overall security situation & counter insurgency operations. He emphasised upon the officers to adopt a professional approach while dealing with counter insurgency operations. He directed the officers to complete investigation of pending cases on priority.

He also laid stress on strengthening the police-public relations, service-oriented policing which will help in gaining the confidence and trust of the general public. DIG CKR also briefed about the security measures/preparations to be adopted in connection with upcoming Republic Day-2023 celebrations. He briefed the officers to make all necessary and required arrangements for peaceful celebrations of the Republic Day event.

Meanwhile, a piping ceremony was also held at the lawns of District Police Headquarters Budgam in which DIG (CKR), DIG CRPF, SSP Budgam and other senior officers of Police/CRPF decorated 23 newly promoted Sub Inspectors.

The promoted officers include Naseer Ahmad Shah, Khursheed Ahmad Lone, Gh Rasool Mir, Gh. Nabi Khan, Mohd Maqbool, Ab Rehman Malik, Gh Hassan Yatoo, Gh. Rasool Wani, Bashir Ahmad Lone, Zahoor Ahmad Malik, Bashir Ahmad Dar, Gh Mohd Mir, Gh Mohd Malik, Gh Mohd Mir, Mohd Naseem, Abdul Salam Kumar, Mohd Amin Bhat, Gh. Mohidin Dar, Gh. Mohd Bhat, Karan Singh, Gh. Mustafa Malik, Quam ud din Shah & Ghulam Mohammad Dar.

On the occasion, DIG CKR, DIG CRPF and SSP Budgam congratulated the promoted officers and their families. While addressing the promoted officers, DIG CKR said that the promotion adds more responsibilities and challenges to the working assignments and hoped that the officers would continue to work with zeal and zest in the future as well. He wished them good luck for the future.

During the colourful ceremony, the newly promoted officers expressed their gratitude towards the Police Department for conferring their next rank. They also pledged to work with same zeal and enthusiasm—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Srinagar, Jan 05 : Transporters of all three three districts of north Kashmir districts have decided to go for strike on Monday and Tuesday, demanding authorities to permit them to move ahead of Parimpora stand in Srinagar.

Transporters told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that SRTC buses are being allowed to move ahead to Batamaloo stand but they are not, which makes them as well as passengers suffer a lot.

They said at least 8 SRTC buses are running on the same route which has become a problem for them.

Chairman All Kashmir Transport Confederation, Mohammad Shafi told KNO that they have called for a strike on Monday and Tuesday over allowing of SRTC busses to move ahead of Parimpora stand.

“We fail to understand why we aren’t allowed to move ahead of Parimpora stand even when we have the same permit from the authorities,” he said.

He said government must look into the issue at an earliest which would benefit them and the passengers at the large—(KNO)