Category: Union Territory

To complete 20 months under house detention on March 5; May lead Meraj-e-Aalam gathering at historic Jamia Masjid, to address Ulema Council meet over phone tomorrow

Srinagar, Mar 02: Chairman Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq is likely to be released from 20-month long house detention this week, official sources said Tuesday.

Official sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that Mirwaiz, who will complete 20 months under house detention at his Nigeen residence in Srinagar is likely to walk free this week and more like ahead of Friday.

“There is every possibility that Mirwaiz may be released from his house detention ahead of coming Friday,” said an official source, adding that he may be allowed to address a religious gathering at the historic Jamia Masjid on the occasion of auspicious occasion of Mehraj-e-Aalam (Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) journey towards skies and back).

Mirwaiz was placed under house arrest on August 4, 2019 a day before the GoI announced scrapping of Article 370 and sliced the erstwhile state of J&K into two Union Territories—J&K and Ladakh.

Pertinently, Mirwaiz is scheduled to address the Ulema Council meet at Mirwaiz Manzil Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar tomorrow (Wednesday) on the issue of growing drug abuse in Kashmir, Meanwhile, top security officials remained tightlipped about Mirwaiz’s release when asked whether the Kashmir’s head priest is being set free from 20 month long house detention—(KNO)

London: The Pfizer and Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines for COVID-19 are highly effective in reducing severe coronavirus infection among people aged 70 years and above, according to a study.
The research, posted as a pre-print and yet to be peer-reviewed, estimated the effect of both the COVID-19 vaccines on laboratory confirmed symptomatic disease in individuals aged 70 years or older in England.
The researchers, including those from Public Health England (PHE), compared the rate of hospitalisation and deaths in confirmed COVID-19 patients aged over 80 who were vaccinated more than 14 days before testing positive, with unvaccinated cases.
Data suggests that in the over 80s, a single dose of either vaccine is more than 80 per cent effective at preventing hospitalisation, around 3 to 4 weeks after the jab, PHE said in a statement.
Evidence for the Pfizer vaccine suggests that it leads to 83 per cent reduction in deaths from COVID-19, it said.
The data also shows symptomatic infections in over 70s decreased from around three weeks after one dose of both vaccines.
“Vaccination with either a single dose of Pfizer or Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a significant reduction in symptomatic SARS-CoV2 positive cases in older adults with even greater protection against severe disease,” said the authors of the study, adding both the vaccines show similar effects.
They said the protection was maintained for the duration of over six weeks of follow-up, and there is a clear effect of both the vaccines against the UK variant of concern.
Experts say the new analysis adds to growing evidence that the vaccines are working, and are highly effective in protecting people against severe illness, hospitalisation and death.
“This adds to growing evidence showing that the vaccines are working to reduce infections and save lives,” Mary Ramsay, PHE Head of Immunisation, said in the statement.
“While there remains much more data to follow, this is encouraging and we are increasingly confident that vaccines are making a real difference,” Ramsay said.
However, she cautioned that the protection is not complete and it is not known yet how much these vaccines will reduce the risk of someone passing the coronavirus onto others.
“Even if you have been vaccinated, it is really important that you continue to act like you have the virus, practise good hand hygiene and stay at home,” Ramsay added. PTI

‘GoI has to return with interest what was snatched from us’

Anantnag March 02 : Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti Tuesday stated that gun was not a solution to any problem, saying Kashmiris should learn from the “peaceful” farmers’ protest to garner support from across the world.
Addressing a party convention at Dak Bunglow in South Kashmir’s Anantnag, Mehbooba said gun was no solution to any problem.
“I appeal our children don’t pick up the gun. It is no solution to any problem. It is giving a bad name to our struggle as Kashmiris are being labeled as terrorists. This is the reason the world is not advocating our cause and our children are getting killed. We should learn from farmers how they are holding peaceful protests without holding stones and guns in their hands. World is supporting them,” she said, according to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
She asked her party workers to raise their voice peacefully. “We don’t have any war with India and its people. We are fighting against the BJP government,” Mehbooba said.
“We are seeking from India what was snatched from us on August 5, 2019 by the Parliament. Will we seek this from Pakistan or China? No. We are seeking from the Indian Parliament. Why BJP gets angry when I say they have to return with interest what was snatched from us,” she asked.
She said the Kashmir issue was lingering for the last 70 years. “It was Mufti Mohammad Saeed’s dream to bring peace in J&K. He even joined hands with the BJP when we formed government in 2015. My father believed dialogue was the only solution to any problem. In 2003, when we formed the government, New Delhi held talks with Pakistan and Hurriyat and peace returned here. New routes were opened. New schools and colleges were established. Mufti Sahab told Vajpayee to make borders irrelevant and wanted a peaceful solution to Kashmir problem,” she added. (KINS)

No conclusion yet, Mutton dealers say Admin must consider reports submitted by officials: KEA

Srinagar, Mar 01: A crucial meeting between the government and the mutton dealers of Kashmir failed to break the ice as the two sides couldn’t find out a solution to end the stalemate.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the government held a meeting with the mutton dealers and other traders regarding the rates of mutton in the Valley on February 27. “The reports compiled by the Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA) and the government itself were not considered for fixing the fresh rates,” the mutton dealers said.

They said that the reports submitted by the government officials and the traders should have been considered. “It seems that the government is thrusting its decision on us despite going through the facts,” they said.

President Mutton Dealers Association, Mehraj-ud-din told KNO the government officials have submitted a report to the department in which they have stated that the Valley is receiving mutton at the cost of Rs 497 in wholesale while KEA has mentioned the amount as Rs 518. “There are different wholesale rates coming to the fore and the government is sticking to its rigid policy and is trying to thrust its decision on them,” he said.

He said the government in a meeting although increased the rate from Rs 480 to Rs 515, adding that the new rates too are not favorable for the mutton dealers and thus simultaneously rejected it as well.

“We want that the reports submitted before the government should be considered to bring a lasting solution in this regard,” he said, adding that the next meeting has not been fixed yet—(KNO)

Srinagar: The Uttrakhand tragedy has raised a fear among people with experts predicting the possibility of bursting of dams in Jammu and Kashmir.

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The flash floods in Uttrakhand last month left scores of people dead and many missing.
As Jammu and Kashmir are also mountains regions, experts believe that there is a possibility of Uttrakhand like tragedy here.
There are a large number of dams in Jammu and Kashmir where electricity is generated and being supplied to various parts of the country.
J&K has a hydro-electricity potential of 20,000 megawatts while over 3,500 megawatts are generated at present.
In North Kashmir’s Bandipora, people living near 330 megawatts Kishenganga hydroelectric project, fear that flash floods could occur in the area any time.
Similarly in Chenab belt of Jammu region, experts said there is an imminent threat of bursting of water bodies due to frequent earthquakes as rocks have loosened.
A geologist Professor R K Ganjoo of Jammu University said snow avalanches are a common feature in higher Himalayas including in Uttrakhand and Jammu and Kashmir.
He said climatologists have always opposed construction of dams on higher reaches. “When we construct any dam, we dump steel, iron, and these things retain heat resulting an increase in temperature and disturb the environment leading to Uttrakhand like incidents. The Chenab valley in Jammu and Kashmir is vulnerable for Uttrakhand like incidents as rocks have developed cracks there due to frequent earthquakes and blasting. The dams have been constructed on a narrow valley in Chenab and there is a possibility of massive devastation at any time,” he told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
Professor Ganjoo suggests construction of small dams and also on broad valleys. “All projects in Chenab are in narrow valley and create an imbalance in releasing of heat. Similarly, Kashmir has witnessed huge damage to the environment due to ill-planned constructions,” he said.
Noted geologist of Kashmir Professor G M Bhat said Chenab valley was vulnerable to cloud bursts. “Major dams have been constructed on upper reaches. If there is a cloud burst, there will be a huge devastation due to flash floods. Earthquakes are also creating cracks in dams,” he told news agency KINS.
Similarly, he said the government should not allow constructions near rivers. “But still government allows them to construct houses near water bodies. Those who have built their houses need to be rehabilitated,” he said.
He said earthquakes are also a concern considering the high seismicity in J&K.
“Only solution to avoid major catastrophe is that instead building huge dams, the government should build small hydroelectric projects with small reservoirs, the water of which can be easily controlled,” Professor Bhat said.
A 2018 study conducted by seismologists from the Bangalore-based Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research forecast that an earthquake of magnitude of 8.5 or more is overdue in these parts of the Himalayas. (KINS)

Takes detailed review wing wise, directs transparency and efficiency in the system.

Srinagar, March : Today Athar Aamir Khan after taking over charge as new Commissioner SMC held a Joint review meeting with all the senior officers / unit officers of SMC in his office chamber here at central office Karan Nagar.

He took detailed review about each vital functions of SMC including Solid Waste Management, Drainage, works, street lights building permissions, Birth and Death Certification, Revenue assets, Swachh Bharat Mission, Traffic Signals and other allied functions.

He directed the officers to ensure that all activities being executed under their respective wings are done within the specified time-frame and in more efficient and transparent manner, besides giving prompt disposal to the public grievances’ and hassle free services to the citizens.

While taking a detailed review of all the functions wing wise and ongoing works and other projects of SMC at length, Commissioner SMC passed on clear cut instructions to all the concerned to go for timely action and completion of their works, including all the pendecies to be completed in a time bound manner and to clear up all the bottle necks and flaws in the process that must be identified and corrected for smooth functioning of the system.

He further passed on directions that various steps needs to be taken up for improvisation of solid waste management, drainage and sewerage system besides stressing on beautification of Srinagar city.

While reviewing building activities Athar Aamir passed on instructions to the concerned to conduct regular site visits and make sure that all the building activities are taken up as per sanctioned permissions and any deviation and encroachment should be dealt with under the course of law.

Besides this Commissioner took a visit to entire SMC compound and inspected each and every section of SMC wherein he interacted with the employees and took review from them about the work mechanism.

Employee’s Union President Nazir Khan, while welcoming New Commissioner expressed gratitude and all his support on behalf of all the senior Municipal officers present in the meeting.

On the occasion officers including employees union and workers union bid an adieu to the outgoing Commissioner Gazanfar Ali and expressed their gratitude to him for being employee friendly and for settling of various departmental issues including conducting of timely DPC.

Meanwhile Nazir Ahmed Ahanger General Secretary Employees Union, while thanking Gazanfar Ali said that it was such a great and learning experience to work with him as all the genuine demands, departmental issues including DPC were resolved in a time bound manner effortlessly.

Gazanfar Ali on the occasion said that “I take an opportunity to express my gratitude for your support and acknowledge the hard work and dedication that all of you have shown as a team work, especially to fight out Covid 19 pandemic and it was quiet great experience to work with you all”.

He further said to the employees that their hard work and dedication should always be inspiring and wished them to achieve success in their work and life ahead.(KNT)

Srinagar, Mar 1: Twenty-two travellers were among 63 new coronavirus cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir even as one more person succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Monday.

They said that nine among the fresh cases were reported from Jammu Division and 54 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall case tally to 126504.

Giving district-wise details, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 18 cases, Baramulla 7, Budgam 4, Pulwama 6, Kupwara 3, Anantnag 11, Bandipora 1, Ganderbal 2, Kulgam 2, Shopian 0, Jammu 7, Udhampur 1, Rajouri 0, Doda 0, Kathua 1, Samba 0, Kishtwar 0, Poonch 0, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.

Moreover, they said, 56 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals—18 from Jammu Division and 38 from Kashmir. The victim from Valley happens to be that from Kashmir Valley.

Out of total cases, they said, 829 are active cases— 198 in Jammu division and 631 in the Valley. 123717 people have recovered while 1958 have died—725 in Jammu and 1233 in Kashmir. (GNS)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum has demanded the end of house arrest of Mirwaiz -e-Kashmir Moulvi Mohammad Umar Farooq ahead of revered religious festival Mehraj Aalam.
In a statement Chairman JKCSF Abdul Qayoom Wani envisaged the govt to release the top religious leader before the commencement of Mehraj Aalam.
Mirwaiz Kashmir Dr.Maulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq Sahib who has been detained for one and a half years continuously. This is very painful and worrying for us.
The constant detention of Mirwaiz is hurting the feelings of people of all walks of life. Now that the holy and glorious month of Rajab is in vogue and this month has witnessed the great and marvelous miracle of Ascension of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the context of which Mirwaizis of Kashmir for centuries have been enlightehing people of the philosophy. ” Wani said
Wani said JKCSF calls for immediate lifting of the ban on Mirwaiz Kashmir in view of the arrival of the blessed divine Ascension of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) so that he can fulfill his official/ religious duties to spread the message of humanity and teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Srinagar: Sixteen travellers among 58 fresh covid-19 cases reported in Jammu and Kashmir even as one fresh death due to the virus took places in the last 24 hours, officials said on Sunday.

They said 11 of these cases were reported from Jammu Division and 47 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall case count to 126441. Regarding the death, they said, it was reported from Kupwara with the victim being 90-year-old man from Gonipora Haihama Kupwara.

Giving district-wise details, the officials told GNS that 28 cases, Baramulla 5, Budgam 1, Pulwama 2, Kupwara 3, Anantnag 2, Bandipora 2, Ganderbal 2, Kulgam 0, Shopian 2, Jammu 11, Udhampur 0, Rajouri 0, Doda 0, Kathua 0, Samba 0, Kishtwar 0, Poonch 0, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.

A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories at SKIMS Soura, CD hospital and GMC Anantnag.

The SKIMS cases include male (44) from Soibugh Budgam, MALE (52) from Bagi Mehtab Sgr, female (23) from Fatehpora Ganderbal, male (52) from SK colony Anantnag and female (50) from Anantnag.

The CD cases include female (30) (NA) from Kanigam, male (40) from Argichak, female (18) from Tral, female (35) from Narastan, female (30) from Pinglish, female (35) (NA) from Naseem Bagh, male (70) (NA) from Buchpora.

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (65) from Bijbehara, male (35) from S K Colony, male (42) from Shouch, female (28) from Khrewan.

Moreover, they said, 62 more COVID-19 patients recovered and were discharged from various hospitals—nine from Jammu Division and 53 from Kashmir Valley.

Out of total cases, they said, 823 are active cases— 207 in Jammu division and 616 in the Valley. 123661 people have recovered while 1957 have died—725 in Jammu and 1232 in Kashmir. (GNS)

Srinagar/New Delhi: The Jammu and Kashmir Police is carrying out an Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDR) analysis of arrested PDP youth president Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra, officials said, amid allegations that he was in touch with secessionists and terrorists across the border.

PDP’s Waheed Parra was arrested in Delhi, where he was being questioned by probe agency NIA since Monday.

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The IPDR helps track details of a call or message generated by a phone device and includes details like the number from which the call was made, destination port, start and end date and time. This technology works with closer proximity in 2G environment.

Senior police officials said the IPDR and call data records of Parra, who was arrested by Criminal Investigation (Kashmir), a subsidiary of CID of Jammu and Kashmir Police, are being scrutinised.

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During the hearing of Parra’s bail plea on Monday, the police had informed the special NIA court in Srinagar that cell phones and other gadgets seized from his residence had been sent to forensic experts.

“CDR/IPDR in respect of some phones of the accused has been obtained and are being analysed. During preliminary analysis, it has emerged that (Parra) had contacts across the border suspected to be his associates and handlers in Pakistan…

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“During the course of investigation undertaken so far, it has surfaced that the accused (Parra) has been in constant touch with a number of militants,” the court was informed.

The IDPR, according to a research paper by IIT professor Ranjan Bose, Computer Science student at the University of Maryland Adya V Joshi, who did internship with Delhi Police in 2017-18, and senior IPS officer Madan Oberoi, currently executive director with Interpol, correlates the mobile users with other users of encrypted messaging service to make explicit the implicit call graphs in this data.

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“When two suspects are talking to each other on WhatsApp, analysing their GPRS CDRs will reveal that both are connected to WhatsApp. The reverse is of course not true. Just because two people are connected to WhatsApp at the same time does not mean that they are talking to one another,” the research paper stated.

“However, the more two people are on WhatsApp at the same time, the higher the probability that they are talking to one another. This means that by correlating two GPRS CDRs, we can see how often two suspects are using the same service at the same time, and potentially inferring that they are connected to each other,” it said.

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The research paper was submitted by the trio at the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), world’s leading professional organisation having over 4 lakh members from 160 countries during its 4th International Conference on Collaboration and Internet Computing (CIC) in 2018.

Taking a cue from this technology, the police are analysing Parra’s phones and have sought time from the court citing scrutiny of voluminous records made available by FSL experts, the officials said.

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This would serve as corroborative evidence in the case, they said.

In the court, Parra’s counsel had denied all charges and claimed that his client, who won the District Development Council elections last year, was being made a political scapegoat.

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The Criminal Investigation (Kashmir), a branch of CID mandated to probe cases under the Unlawful Activities and Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), had filed a case last year against unknown politicians and others based on “reliable and confidential sources” who said some political functionaries were misusing their power and helping militants.

These politicians, as part of a criminal conspiracy, had established clandestine connections and relations with different Pakistan-supported terrorist and secessionist organisations operating in Jammu and Kashmir for a number of reasons.

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The conspiracy was hatched for furthering their political clout among local populace, countering the influence of rival political parties and their members, protecting their own financial and business interests and with medium-term motives of winning the trust of “the Pakistani establishment, dealing with subversion in Kashmir, including those in the United Jihad Council”.

These politicians have supported the terrorists and secessionists, directly and sometimes through middlemen, by the way of paying money and organising select physical attacks through terrorist elements.

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They also facilitated movements of terrorists and transportation of their arms and ammunition.

In furtherance of the criminal conspiracy, these “unprincipled political parties functionaries” assisted and aided the terrorists and secessionists in intensifying the war against the Union of India with the main objective of ultimately making Jammu and Kashmir cede from the Union.” PTI SKL

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