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Srinagar/Ganderbal, Dec 20: Police on Tuesday said that three militants including a wanted Lashkar-e-Toiba militant were killed in an encounter at Munjh Marg area of Southern district of Shopian. Police said that one of the slain was a new recruit from old town Baramulla.

Kashmir Zone Police in a tweet while quoting ADGP Kashmir, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that among three killed militants two are local including Lateef Lone from Shopian and Umer Nazir from Anantnag.

He said that Lateef was killed in killing of Kashmiri Pandit Purana Krishan Bhat of Chowdrigund while Umer Nazir was involved in killing of Nepali Labourer Till Bahadur Thapa at Bon Dialgam Anantnag.

He added that 01 Ak 47 rifle and two pistols were recovered from the encounter spot.

“Among 03 neutralised local #terrorists, 02 identified as Lateef Lone of #Shopian, involved in #killing of a Kashmiri Pandit Shri Purana Krishna Bhat & Umer Nazir of Anantnag, involved in killing of Till Bahadur Thapa of Nepal. 01 AK 47 rifle & 2 pistols recovered: ADGP Kashmir”, Kashmir Police zone tweeted.

Talking to reporters at Ganderbal, ADGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar, as per KNO said that the third slain is a new recruit from old town Baramulla. “All the militants involved in the killing of minorities have been neutralised and only one is surviving whose name is Adil Wani, who is being tracked down,” he said.

Present on the occasion, DGP Dilbagh Singh said that the security situation was most peaceful in Kashmir at present. “Dal Lake is looking more beautiful and tourists are coming despite the fall in the temperatures. Some militant modules are active to sustain militancy while outfits have been by and large wiped out,” he said.

The DGP said that the security situation was improving with each passing day. “In next three to four months, the situation will be more peaceful,” he said. To a query about threats being issued by TRF, the DGP said that these are tactics to keep the fear of militancy alive and this all is being done by the ISI. “These people are targeting non-locals, minorities and innocents. Pakistan can’t decide who will live in Kashmir. It is the J&K government that will decide who has to stay in Kashmir to work here,” he said.

The DGP said that militant figures are in double digits vis-à-vis locals and foreigners. “Anti-militancy operations are going on every week. Remaining elements of militancy will be cleaned very soon,” he said, adding that people need not to fear. He said that there is a possibility that some remaining hiding militants may change their base and shift to residential areas given the fall in temperatures. “We are ready to face militants in orchards as well as in forests as well,” he said—(KNO)

Srinagar, Dec 20: Major General Mohit Seth Tuesday took over as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of Army’s Kilo Force in the Kashmir Valley.

According to a statement, issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Major General Sanjiv Singh Salaria on relinquishing the command moved to Headquarter Northern Command, Udhampur.

The statement reads Major General Sanjiv Singh Salaria’s tenure saw the Kilo Force take distinctive steps towards peace and stability in North Kashmir.

“Major General Mohit Seth took over as General Officer Commanding today. He was commissioned into 3 Madras Regiment in December 1991. An alumnus of National Defence Academy, he has attended the prestigious NDC at New Delhi,” it reads.

It further reads in his distinguished military career spanning over three decades, he has held various prestigious staff and command appointments in J&K, North East and at Army Headquarter.

“He has also served as Indian Army Liaison Officer, High Commission of India, United Kingdom,” it reads—(KNO)

Bandipora, Dec 20: In a shocking incident, an elderly man died while waiting in a queue to submit old age pension form in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district on Tuesday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the man suddenly collapsed while he was waiting in queue to submit old age pension form at Tehsil Social Welfare Office Bandipora.

He said soon after he was rushed to district hospital Bandipora, where he was declared dead on arrival due to cardiopulmonary arrest as the suspected cause of death.

The official identified him as Sonaullah Bhat (62) son Ghulam Hassan Bhat of Malangam.

Meanwhile, a police official while confirming the incident said the man died of natural death and his body has been handed over to police after legal formalities—(KNO)

Jammu, Dec 19: Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh Monday said any property or institution used to “support terrorism” will be sealed, seized and even demolished as per the law and the drive against “terror ecosystem” will be intensified in days to come.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of Police martyr’s memorial cricket tournament Jammu, DGP Singh as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that many people have used “terrorism to raise their properties and institutions to support terror activities.” “A drive is going on to identify such properties and institutions across J&K. Strict action is being taken as per the law. We can seal, seize and even demolish the institutions and properties used to support terrorism and terror activities,” the J&K police chief said while replying to a query.

He said in the days ahead drive to identity such properties will be intensified. To a query about drugs and narcotics infiltration, the DGP said that huge quantities of drugs are being pushed into this side but at the same time, large quantities are being seized as well. “Drugs don’t reach to its suppliers in the country. At the same time, these drugs don’t reach youth as well the way its suppliers want to,” he said, adding that police are working to break the drug chain and dismantle the infrastructure used to push in the drugs and supply the same among youth.

The DGP said that police have a great and committed team working hard to counsel the youth who have fallen prey to drugs. “We have a series of drug de-addiction centres across J&K and there is a demand for opening more,” he said.

About TRF and its threat, DGP Singh said that “TRF is an offshoot of a militant outfit that works at the behest of Pakistan’s ISI.” He said that police and other security agencies have identified the people associated with TRF who have issued threats and strict action will be taken against them.

On training camps active across, he said that there are a number of camps active across the LoC. “In fact, they were never closed and efforts are always on to push militants into this side. But our counter infiltration grid is active and maintaining the highest alert to foil all bids of infiltration,” the DGP said.

He said that the police were organizing a series of events throughout the year. “In Kashmir, a mega football event will be held shortly and youth will be engaged with various sports activities. This way, we are remembering the martyrs of police and other security agencies, who sacrificed their lives for the nation,” the DGP said—(KNO)

Jammu, December 19: “I am proud of the fact that Jammu and Kashmir Police by the dint of its selfless services and sacrifices has made a name for itself and its history is written in golden letters”. This was stated by the Director General of Police, J&K Shri Dilbag Singh while addressing a Darbar of trainees at PTS Kathua today.

ADGP Jammu Zone Shri Mukesh Singh, DIG Admin PHQ Ms Sara Rizvi, SSP Kathua Shri RC Kotwal, AIG Training & Policy Shri JS Johar, Principal PTS Kathua Shri Roop Raj Bhagat, Vice Principal PTS Kathua Shri Ranjit Singh and all the staff of PTS attended the Darbar.

Addressing the trainees, the DGP said that it is a happy moment for him to be among the trainees as they are getting ready to shoulder the responsibilities with J&K Police Pariwar. He said that the trainees must have gained good training inputs and knowledge by now. The batch is comprised of both young and experienced personnel and have come from both the regions of JK UT and also from UT Ladakh including women recruits. He directed for preparing the list of the trainees as per their qualification and special skills so that their posting is planned accordingly. He wished them good luck and advised them to prepare for the final exams.

The DGP said that with the committed efforts of J&K Police and CAPFs and the cooperation of the people we have a much better security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and added that we have to continue our resolve to strengthen it further. He said that Pakistan and its agencies are continuously making conspiracies to create disturbance in J&K by way of sending drugs and arms here adding that like the past their evil attempts would be foiled with fortitude.

He said that People in J&K have understood the designs of anti-peace elements and are firmly responding to thwart every sponsored conspiracy. The DGP said erstwhile confrontation between Police /CAPFs and misguided youth which used to follow every Friday prayers at many places has ended and youth are supporting the policing and are taking part in constructive activities. He said that Police friendly approach is being ensured at all levels so that people don’t face any inconvenience during their day to day activities.

Paying glowing tributes to the J&K Police martyrs, the DGP said that it is our responsibility to remember our fallen heroes and take care of their families. He informed that PHQ is re-building the data of NOKs of martyrs aimed to give them training in skills so that they would be able to earn their livelihood besides would be helpful in providing the necessary help and assistance. “I am proud of the fact that Jammu and Kashmir Police by the dint of its selfless services and sacrifices has made a name for itself and its history is being written in golden letters”, he added.

The Principal PTS Kathua, Shri Roop Raj Bhagat in his welcome address thanked the DGP for visiting the training centre which he said would boost the morale of the trainees. He also briefed about the working of the training centre.

Baramulla, December 19: In connection with the celebration of Good Governance Week being observed today across the district titled “Prashasan Gaon Ki Aur” under the theme ‘Sarkar Har Shehri Kay Dawar’ to ensure prompt & efficient public grievances disposal and improved service delivery to people, the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar today inaugurated a workshop at Dak Bungalow Baramulla here.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Baramulla, Zahoor Ahmad Raina, Joint Director Planning, Mohammad Yousuf Rather, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Officers of Education, Rural Development Department, other concerned functionaries besides beneficiaries at large were present in the innagural workshop.

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner Baramulla inspected stalls that were installed by various departments to sensitize people with regard to the service and schemes being provided by the government.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner handed over Golden Cards among various beneficiaries under PMJAY-Sehat.

After Inspection of stalls, the DC while addressing the gathering said that “Good Governance Week” provides us an opportunity to march rapidly to create a transparent and efficient Public Delivery System and to further improve governance.

She said that district administration has chalked out detailed plans of the activities to be held during celebration of Good Governance week to redress public grievances and improve service delivery mechanisms so that people are benefited at grass roots level.

Dr Sehrish Asgar further said that during the week long celebration, campaigns against various initiatives including Corruption, Drug Abuse will be intensified across the district besides various activities will be carried out for improving the digital services in the district.

Meanwhile, Dr Sehrish Asgar directed officers for saturation of Self Employment Schemes for around 6000 beneficiaries identified in Back to Village Programme 4 by 25th of this month.

While appreciating the innovative initiatives taken by various departments in different sectors to streamline and improvise the Governance to benefit the common people, the DC lauded the efforts of Education, Health and other such departments which worked tirelessly in the public service.

She further emphasised upon all district officers to set examples by focusing on what good can be done for the welfare and benefit of people at grass root level.

Today, on 19 Dec- 2022: A high level delegation of ST Employees Association Baramulla accorded a warm welcome to new Chief Education Officer Shri Chaman Lal Sharma ji on assuming charge as Chief Education Officer Baramulla.

On the occasion, the delegation welcomed Worthy Chief Education Officer Baramulla and introduced the delegates, members present there to the chair. It’s pertinent to mention here that many other ZEO’s , Lectures, Staff members staff from Rajori who came along with the newly inducted Chief Education Officer also graced the occasion.

The delegation of ST employees while welcoming the Officer, assured cooperation and support from the ST Gujjar Bakerwal Employees Association and added that child has always been our top most priority.

Highlighting the role of ST Employees Association in the, the delegation presented a brief introduction of ST Employees Association Baramulla, it’s aims and objectives and assured the officer for every sort of effort for the betterment of the education system, schemes and initiatives for the holistic development of the students especially the students of tribal community.

The members of the delegation said that from day first we worked as eyes and ears of the department besides being a significant cog on the educational wheel.

He said Teachers irrespective of position and cadre have always tried their best to keep the candle of education enlightened and added that they will continue to perform their best to benefit the society as a whole.

Referring to the chair the delegation members said since much is heard of your dynamism, honesty and hoped that district Baramula will touch its new heights under your dynamic control and will progress on desired lines.

Meanwhile, All the other delegates in one voice welcomed Shri Chaman Lal Sharma ji and hoped that the officer will add to the grace of the district and will solve all the genuine issues of the teachers, students especially of downtrodden students of the schedule tribe community. The members extended their full cooperation and support from the association to their new officer.

Worthy Chief Education Officer in his maiden speech said that he is overwhelmed for the love and honour extended by the ST Employees association and added that child should be the priority of every conscience citizen and teaching community has more responsibility to share.

He said the leadership of the ST Employees association will be taken on the board in major decisions concerning the education sector of the district and the students of ST community and added that each and every genuine issues of the teachers community belonging to Tribal community shall be looked into.

Assuring leadership of ST Employees Association his support worthy Chief Education Officer sought cooperation from the entire leadership of ST Employees Association in future as well so that the joint venture is carried forward for the betterment of society.

Srinagar, Dec 19: All local Auqaf Committees will have now no legal effect or standing in Jammu and Kashmir.

Chief Executive Officer JK Wakaf Board has issued an order informing that the Board has taken overall control of all shrines and other properties in Jammu and Kashmir and all the local Waqf or Auqaf Committees shall be deemed as void ab-initio throughout J&K.

“In Pursuance to Waqf Act, 1995 extended to Jammu & Kashmir (UT) with the constitution of new J&K Waqf Board has taken overall control of all the Shrines including other Assets / Properties under the Muslim Specified Waqf in whole UT of Jammu & Kashmir.

The order as per the news agency Kashmir News Trust reads that no Association / Self-styled Local Auqaf Committee / Management have any legal standing under the provisions of the Central Wadf Act, 1995 & no such Committee has any kind of registration of validation from J&K Wagf Board.

“It is hereby notified that all the local Wagqf / Auqaf Committees shall be deemed as void ab-initio throughout J&K & any kind of interference by such local Waqf Committees be reckoned illegal & to invite action under Law on all the Waqf Units managed by J&K Wadf Board.”

“Therefore all Government Departments & the general public is informed that any communication of any such local committee at any Wagf Unit may not be entertained. This order is issued to ensure a smooth, systematic, transparent & legally viable management system, at all the Waqf Units throughout Jammu and Kashmir.” [KNT]

Srinagar, Dec 19: Sub-zero temperatures continued in Kashmir Valley with Pahalgam recording a low of minus 4.8°C on Monday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that Srinagar recorded a low of minus 3.1°C against the previous night’s minus 3.2°C. While the mercury was 1.6°C below normal during this time of the year, it was five notches less that than this season’s lowest of minus 3.6°C recorded on Friday last, the official said.

Qazigund recorded a low of minus 3.2°C against minus 2.8°C on the previous night. The temperature was 1.6°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

He said that Pahalgam recorded a low of minus 4.8°C against minus 4.5°C on previous night and it was 0.4°C below normal for the famous tourist resort in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Kokernag recorded a low of minus 1.8°C against minus 0.7°C as on the previous night and it was 0.1°C below normal for the place, he said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of minus 2.5°C against minus 1.5°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 2.3°C above normal for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the official told GNS.

In Kupwara town, the mercury settled at minus 3.5°C against minus 3.7°C on the previous night, the official said. It was 1.1°C below normal for the north Kashmir place, he said.

Jammu recorded a low of 7.4°C against 7.2°C on the previous night. It was 1.5°C below normal for J&K’s winter capital, he said. Banihal recorded a low of minus 0.4°C (below normal by 1.9°C), Batote 3.3°C (0.1°C below normal), Katra 7.8°C (0.2°C above normal) and Bhadarwah 1.2°C (0.8°C above normal).

Ladakh, Leh recorded minus 10.8°C while details regarding Kargil were not immediately available, the official said.

The MeT department has forecast mainly dry weather for now and said that there was no major weather activity expected till December 25. (GNS)