Category: Union Territory

Local producers hail Govt’s initiative for streamlining, facilitating process

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 14: With the launch of the Jammu and Kashmir Film Policy 2021, a new ray of hope has come up for the Film makers and people associated with it.

The policy was launched a week before after through consultations with all the stake holders and people associated with the industry with special focus on involving the locals associated with it. The comprehensive document has also been uploaded on the portal with address http://jkfilm.jk.gov.in making it more accessible at National and International level.

The effectiveness of the policy can be gauged by the fact that the permission was granted to one production house First Line Productions within one day thereby enabling them to carry on their shooting in a hassle free manner.

“It is astonishing that the speed with which we were granted permission for shoot within one day which was unheard of before and we used to chase different departments for weeks together, which was a cumbersome process and acted as a deterrent for so many production houses who were willing to shoot their movies”, says Saima Khan of First Line Productions. The new Film Policy 2021 is a game changer in this regard and we are expecting more film makers to explore their picturesque landscapes of the union territory, she maintained.

“We are hopeful that the policy would infuse a new direction and effectively act as necessary catalyst for the filmmakers to shoot their movies here which would contribute in providing the local talent of the UT new avenues, besides also contribute in the economy”, maintain some of the veterans associated with the field of Art, Culture and Film making.

A ray of hope has beaconed among the young filmmakers who are hopeful of availing subsidies and other related facilities which are being offered for catalyzing the film scenario in the Union Territory.

Pertinently Jammu and Kashmir used to be hub of these types of activities from 1960’s to 1989.

The Policy provides comprehensive guidance to the aspiring to shoot in Jammu and Kashmir with special focus on providing single window clearance thereby saving their time and energy to make their movies. Besides, it has also been taken care of making appropriate security and safety arrangements for the film makers which would be free of cost enabling them to have a hassle free shoot in the locations of their choice.

The concept of providing subsidy has also been introduced for Films, TV shows, Web Series / original show of OTT which according to the people associated with the industry can be a game changer especially for the young and upcoming film makers.

Srinagar, Aug 13: India and Pakistan armies on Saturday exchanged sweets along the Line of Control in Kupwara and Baramulla district on latter’s Independence Day.

“Indian Army as a warm gesture, presented sweets to Pakistan Army at Chilehana Tithwal Crossing Point to extend best wishes to Pakistan on their Independence Day, displaying the will to maintain peace along the Line of Control,” an army officer told GNS. “Over years, India has continuously endeavoured to sweeten and strengthen the bilateral relations with Pakistan through goodwill gestures like this one across the spectrum to ensure peace and tranquility in the region.”

Post the ceasefire agreement in February this year, he said, there has been a prolonged peace along the Line of Control. “The people have appreciated the efforts of the Indian Army to maintain peace in the villages along Line of Control. This gesture is one of the many such efforts made towards achieving peace and development in J&K, he said, adding, “These positive endeavours by the Indian Army will further the cause towards prolonged peace along the Line of Control.”

Also, the Indian Army and Pakistan counterparts exchanged sweets at Kaman post in Uri Baramulla, official sources said.

Tral: Reacting on social media reports about his ‘resignation’ and ‘warning of termination from services’ Principal Govt Girls Hr. Sec. School Tral Muzaffar Wani held a press conference and called all the reports baseless.

He said that orders to unfurl flag on 15th August have been issued to all the educational institutions of valley, with no particular order, or warning issued to him by anyone, as circulated on social media.

Wani added that recent posts on social media claim that he has resigned from sevices, “which are totally wrong, as i am present on duty as per schedule.”

It’s pertinent to mention here that Muzaffar Wani, is the father of former militant commander Burhan Wani, who has been delivering his duties as the Principal in Govt girls higher secondary Tral.

Srinagar : Er Nazir ah yatoo ex vc and poltical activist termed Mufti Mohammad Sayeed as a statesman of the Century and Ambassador of Peace ,

a leader is born, a politician is also born but a statesman is born in Centuries and Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was a statesman whose demise has created void in the state’s political arena.

I want to appeal India and Pakistan to come closer and strengthen friendship”, yatoo said adding that relation of India and Pakistan is directly affecting the atmosphere in Jammu & Kashmir especially along the borders and LoC.

“Leaders of India and Pakistan must address the issues amicably so that the people of the state do not suffer anymore due to escalation of tension on borders and LoC”, he added.

Terming Mufti Sayeed as Ambassador of Peace, er yatoo said that Mufti played a significant role not only on international level by creating an atmosphere in which India and Pakistan become friends, he also proved his mettle as first and only Muslim Home Minister of India.

He reminded the people of the wanning of days of torture, frisking, harassments and mental frustration among youth and said that Mufti gave an atmosphere in which every citizen started living in peace with dignity.

Mufti Sayeed gave a dignified life to the people of this state, he said.

Yatoo said it was visionary approach of Mufti Sayeed to raise voice for peace and friendship of India and Pakistan as he knew that relations between these two neighbors directly affect people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said Mufti invited then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to Kashmir where he extended hands of friendship to Pakistan which was great breakthrough in the process of peace and stability in the sub-continent.

He added that Mufti wanted borders irrelevant and it was why he raised voice for opening of routes like Poonch Rawalakote and Uri Muzaffarabad.

Er yatoo said that Mufti’s decision of forming government with BJP was historic as the same was the respect to the mandate of the people of all the three regions of the state.

He added that Mufti combined north and south pole only for a common agenda of development and peace for the state and Mufti was very much right to form this coalition government.

‘I this opportunity will change my life’

Anantnag, Aug 13: A Kashmiri specially abled youth is all set to play cricket at the international level after getting selected for disabled cricket team of India.

Feroz Ahmad Ganaie (30) a resident of Check Panjpora village in Sangam Bijbehara hamlet of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district has been selected to play ODI series against Bangladesh.

Ganaie while talking with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that till 2014 he was playing cricket with normal people including famous Kashmiri cricket players like Aabid Nabi and all, however, in 2014, he met with an accident and was bed ridden for about two years as his right leg received several injuries.

He said that in 2016, he slowly and steadily started playing cricket again and because of his passion for the game, he registered himself with the Board of Disabled Cricket Association.

“After that I got the opportunity to play in Jharkhand, Kolkata, Bangalore Hyderabad and other places, where I was able to showcase my talent,” he said, adding that recently he was called up for a trial camp which was held from August 04 to August 08 where he performed well.

“A day or two day after coming from the trail camp, I received a call as well as a letter informing me about my selection for the Bangladesh series which is scheduled to be held from September 12,” he said.

Ganaie said that it was very difficult for me to restart cricket after the accident, “however, there were some good people around me who encouraged me to make my career in this sport”.

Ganaie said that he struggled hard for more than four years at the national level to get an opportunity to play internationally and finally his dreams have come true.

“I believe that this opportunity will change my life,” he said, adding that since the day he got selected festivities have started at his home.

He said that he has already started preparations for the tour and is hopeful that he will be able to perform well in both the batting and bowling department.

Ganaie parents, friends as well as relatives and neighbors are very much excited about his selection.

“Your disability shouldn’t become a barrier in achieving your dreams and you should try again and again to achieve your goals till you achieve it,” Ganaie said—(KNO)

Shutdown observed in Rajouri town, people carry out protest rally

Rajouri, Aug 13: A two and half years-old-boy, who was killed in a grenade attack on the house of Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) Mandal President in Rajouri town, was on Friday laid to rest while six others, who were injured in the incident are undergoing treatment.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that two of the injured have been airlifted to Army hospital for specialized treatment.

Pertinently, a grenade blast took place on Thursday evening at around 09:30 PM. Officials said that some unidentified men hurled a grenade on the house of BJP Mandal President Rajouri, Jasbir Singh in which seven persons of the family received injuries following which a minor boy identified as old Veer Singh, son of Balbir Singh, succumbed to his injuries.

The other six injured have been identified as BJP Mandal President Rajouri Jasbir Singh, his brother Balbir Singh, father Romesh Singh, mother Sia Devi and nephews Arjun Singh and Karan Singh.

Two of the injured identified as BJP leader Jasbir Singh and his mother Sia Devi were referred to Army hospital from Rajouri hospital and the duo were airlifted, they said.

Meanwhile, on Friday, a shutdown was observed in Rajouri town with the majority of business establishments remaining closed while people also took out a protest rally against the incident.

A large number of people assembled at Khandli bridge of Rajouri town and started a protest march—(KNO)

Nayeem to play in ODI series against Bangladesh

The recoveries indicates how big strike the militants were upto: IGP Kashmir

Srinagar, Aug 13: Police and army used rocket launcher during a gunfight with militants along Srinagar-Jammu highway near Malpora crossing Kulgam last night, officials said on Friday. Two drones also were destroyed by militants during the gunfight, they said.

“Security forces were fully prepared. When BSF convoy passed (around 1430 hours), militants started indiscriminate firing from a huge building, there were no injuries. Security forces completely encircled the militants. Encounter ensued. I along with GOC Victor Force reached there. We used rocket launchers and neutralized the militant during the night,” Inspector General of Police Vijay Kumar said on the sidelines of a function here, as per GNS correspondent.

Police in a statement issued later said the decision to use rocket launcher was taken as target building was a huge and concrete structure. “Drones were used to keep updating situation inside building. During this process two drones were destroyed by the (militant). All precautions were followed to stop collateral damages.”

Meanwhile, the IGP said that it was difficult to carryout search during the night and in the morning, body of Usman Bhai, “a Pakistan (militant) who was active from last 6 months.” He said huge quantity of arms and ammunition including Ak-47 along with three magazines, RPG launcher and two grenades were recovered from his possession. “The recoveries indicates how big strike the militants were upto,” he said, adding, “After a long time RPG was used by militants.”

The top police officer of Kashmir said Police and security forces averted a major tragedy from happening. “I am proud of police and security forces,” he said.
Police said two security forces personnel received injuries during the encounter whereas two civilians were injured “far away from the site by stray projectiles.”

22 civilians including shopkeepers, elderly, women and children were also evacuated to safety by the security forces, police said.

“The preliminary investigations, recoveries and the manner of engagement by the (militant) suggest that attack was a pre-planned one and intended to inflict considerable damage to the security forces to disrupt schedules functions of 15th August and spread fear amongst general public,” police said, adding, “Joint teams of SFs were successful in averting a major tragedy before the Independence Day.”

IGP Kashmir and GoC Victor Force jointly termed it a “big success, appreciated the alertness and appreciate action which led to killing of hardcore Pakistani (militant) without collateral damage to our men and civilians.”

Earlier, the IGP while responding to a question said there were general input from last one that militants were planning to carry out attack on highway, whether on Baramulla-Srinagar road, or between Pathachowk and Qazigund.

“As such security forces were very much alert. See the response, the militants fired, it was retaliated and militants were not allowed to flee.”
He said security has been increased everywhere in view of the August 15 function. “People are being searched and frisked.

Surveillance is done through drones. We are doing technical surveillance,” he said, adding, “There will be incident-free functions on August 15 and people are requested that there is nothing to fear. Pakistan continues instigating militants as in the past and now to carry militant incident. People need not to fear and participate in functions.” (GNS)

Says slain was planning a major strike on security forces; Had inputs about possible militant attack on highway ahead of I-Day, stringent security measures in place to foil attempts by militants to disrupt Aug 15 functions, traffic to resume shortly on highway

Jammu, Aug 12: 4-year-old nephew of a BJP leader was killed while he along with seven other members of his family including 7-year-old baby suffered injuries in an explosion in Rajouri district on Thursday night.

Reports reaching GNS that there was explosion at the house of the BJP leader Jasbir Singh near Khandli Bridge area in the district.

Eight members of the family were injured in the blast and were removed to hospital where Veer Singh(4) son of Balbir Singh succumbed to the injuries.

Meanwhile soon after the explosion, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range Vivek Gupta and SSP Rajouri Sheema Nabi Qasba reached the spot. There was no official word as yet regarding the nature of explosion or causalities when this report was filed. (GNS)