Category: Union Territory

29.11% decrease in special forces fatalities

Jammu: The Home Union Home Ministry (MHA) in its annual review report termed the recently concluded District Development Council (DDC) elections as the landmark decisions and said the militancy incidents have decreased by 63.93 per cent if compared with 2019 figures.

Also, there is a decrease in fatalities of special forces personnel by 29.11 per cent.

In the annual review report, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the Home Ministry said that “The number of militant incidents in 2020 (up to 15 November) decreased by 63.93 per cent as compared to the corresponding period in 2019.”

“There was also a decrease in fatalities of special forces personnel by 29.11 per cent and a decrease in casualties of civilians by 14.28 per cent in 2020 (up to 15th Nov) as compared to the corresponding period in 2019”, the report reads.

The MHA report said that one-time financial assistance of Rs. 5.5 lakh per family provided to 36,384 displaced families from PoJK and Chhamb under Prime Minister Development package.

It said that a one-time financial assistance at the rate of Rs.5.5 Lakh per family for the 5,764 families of West Pakistan Refugees (WPRs) in Jammu & Kashmir state is also be provided at par with displaced persons of PoJK and Chhamb.

The report said that GoI has taken further steps towards Integration of the new UTs with the Union.

“Adaptation of central laws and state laws in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh. Orders were notified for adaptation of 48 central laws and 167 state laws in respect of UT of J&K. Orders relating to adaptation of 44 central laws and 148 state laws in UT of Ladakh were also notified.” the annual review report said.

The report said that the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Removal of Difficulties) order, 2020 was notified on 31.03.2020.

“It removes difficulties with regard to section 75 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019 for administering oath to new judges appointed to the common High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh”, it said.

“A bench of central administrative tribunal was established at Jammu on 08.06.2020”, it said.

“The Jammu and Kashmir official languages Act, 2020 was notified on 27.09.2020. The Act came into force w.e.f. 29.09.2020. Kashmiri, Dogri, Urdu, Hindi, and English have now become official languages of UT of J&K.”

Date wise orders issued by MHA

6 March: CISF takes over the security of Jammu Airport Security of Srinagar Airport was handed over to the CISF on 26th February, the report said

4 April: MHA issued an order to make domiciles of J&K eligible for all government posts in the UT.

14 October: Union Cabinet approved a Special Package worth Rs 520 crore in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh for a period of five years till FY 2023-24 and ensure funding of DeendayalAntyodayaYojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh on a demand-driven basis without linking allocation with poverty ratio during this extended period.

21 October: Cabinet approved the extension of the Market Intervention Scheme for procurement of apples in J&K for the year 2020-21 on the same terms and condition as was done last season i.e. 2019-20.

26 September: Delegation of Ladakhi veteran leaders met Union Home Minister, Amit Shah in New Delhi.”Union Home Minister assured the delegation that the Government of India was committed to empowering the LAHDC of Leh and Kargil and would safeguard interests of the people of the UT of Ladakh. Following the assurances, the delegation agreed to withdraw its call for the boycott of the ensuing LAHDC, Leh elections,” the report said.

About the District Development Council (DDC) Elections in UT of Jammu & Kashmir MHA said that “The Government of India amended the Jammu & Kashmir Panchayati Raj Act, 1989 on 16.10.2020 to set up District Development Councils (DDCs) in each district of Jammu & Kashmir. In a landmark decision for the first time, West Pakistan’s refugees were entitled to exercise their franchise.”

“The creation of this was the last and final step in establishing a fully functional Panchayati Raj System in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir as mandated under the 73rd Constitutional Amendment, 1992,” the report reads.

For the first time in history, DDC elections were held in the UT of J&K. The elections were held in eight phases from the last week of November to the third week of December.

“2,178 candidates contested for 280 constituencies. Out of a total of 58,34,458 eligible electors, 30,00,185 cast their votes accounting for a net turnout of 51.42 per cent,” the report said, while stating that it reflects the commitment of the Prime Minister of India to strengthen grassroots democracy in Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)

Srinagar Jan 8: With banning entry of poultry into Jammu and Kashmir following the outbreak of bird flu, Kashmir is likely to face deficiency of 70 percent chicken as the region would be dependent on 3000 local farms.
In wake of the bird flu scare spreading like wildfire across the country, many state governments have banned chicken consumption in their states. The Jammu and Kashmir government has banned the entry of poultry into the union territory following the outbreak of bird flu in neighbouring Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.
The ban was announced on Thursday and cane into effect from Friday.
An order issued by Navin K. Choudhary, principal secretary, agriculture and animal husbandry department, said, “In the wake of spread of bird flu in neighbouring states of J&K as a measure of abundant precaution and in view of the declaration of whole J&K as controlled area for bird flu disease, government of UT of J&K imposes complete ban on import of live birds, including poultry and unprocessed poultry meat for any purpose into the union territory of J&K with immediate effect till 14-01-2021.”
Authorities have already said that so far there was no reported incident of bird death due to bird flu in the union territory.
An official told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that there are 3000 poultry farms in Kashmir on which people would be dependent for their consumption during the ban on imports.
“Over 400 lakh birds are imported in Kashmir annually. While over 150 lakh birds are reared locally. With ban on imports, there would be around 70 percent shortage of chicken in the valley as people would be dependent on local production,” the official said.
Kashmir is considered highest meat and chicken consuming region in the country.
Meanwhile, there are reports of scores of crows dying in Rajouri district. The authorities said they have collected samples to ascertain whether these deaths are related to bird flu or not.
Another red herring in this regard is that J&K plays host to thousands of migratory birds each winter and the spread of bird flu is primarily attributed to these migratory birds.
The wildlife department has, however, asserted that so far there were no reports of bird flu in nearly half a dozen bird sanctuaries in the union territory. (KINS)

KU’s UGC-HRDC organises special lecture for refresher course participants

Srinagar: Renowned gastroenterologist Prof. Mohammad Sultan Khuroo said on Thursday that the prime aim of biomedical research should be to save lives and to alleviate human suffering.

Addressing as lead speaker the ongoing two-week refresher course in science, organised by Kashmir University’s UGC-HRDC, he said: “One of the key goals of conducting biomedical research should be to send out messages including uncovering nature’s hidden secrets, saving lives and relieving human suffering and pain.”

Recalling his entire journey leading to his discovery of Hepatitis-E, Prof Khuroo as per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that researchers must have acute vision to identify problems which cause human suffering, death and disease.

“My discovery of Hepatitis E, from the Gulmarg Kashmir Epidemic 1978-79, is a remarkable human interest story involving complexities, missteps, near-misses, and ups and downs as is the case with many similar events in history,” he said, adding that the story focuses on the fact that discoveries do not necessarily require high-tech laboratories or institutions with cutting-edge research facilities but can be accomplished in a very primitive situations.

“What is needed for a researcher is the passion to uncover the truth and the aptitude to conduct oneself with ethics, dignity and respect for the system,” he said.

He said the budding researchers need to do away with all myths surrounding research, and focus on excelling in doing things with innovation and novelty.

Prof Khuroo said institutional basis, funding and other financial support, team support and family support were “optional” for conducting biomedical research.

He also spoke on his discovery of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Ascarasis as well as the Trichuris Dysentery Syndrome.

Later, Prof Khuroo answered many questions from the participants, including about the prevalence of gastric and esophageal cancers in Kashmir.

“Gastric cancers are endemic and most prevalent in Kashmir. For esophageal cancer, we have some clue that it’s possibly related to dietary habits, including high carcinogens in Kashmiri tea,” he said.

He said gastric cancer is related to high prevalence of helicobacter and “if we can eradicate helicobacter in the community, we will be able eradicate nearly 99 percent of gastric cancer. That is important.”

Prof Khuroo said the helicobacter virulent strains are related to pathogenesis of gastric cancer and gastritis.

Earlier, in-charge Director UGC-HRDC Prof Mushtaq A Darzi welcomed Prof Khuroo and said it’s the endeavour of the UGC-HRDC to facilitate interaction of college and university teachers with top-notch scientists and researchers to help them learn from their expertise.

“This sharing of knowledge is one of the key mandates of the UGC-HRDC and we are committed to fulfill it,” he said.

Course Coordinator and Coordinator HRDC Dr Geer Mohammad Ishaq, who conducted proceedings of the session, said: “Today’s lecture was specifically organized to guide and inspire the budding researchers of our colleges and universities to undertake high quality research within the limitations of their available infrastructure and other facilities.”—(KNO)

Srinagar: In an example of official apathy, the Srinagar Municipal Corporation has failed to clear the snow from roads for last four days, bringing huge inconveniences to the people.

Kashmir has witnessed season’s major snow fall which has thrown life out of gear.

However, the slow response from Srinagar Municipal Corporation to clear the snow for last four days has drawn flak from the people.

“Authorities have pulled up the SMC officials for failing to clear snow from the roads,” an official of SMC told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS). The official said Jammu Municipal Corporation has been main focus of the government. “Unlike winter capital where administration is showing very much interest to address issues of people, very less attention is being paid towards SMC. There seems no accountability neither authorities seem bothered about inconveniences of people,” the official added.

People of Srinagar are aghast over SMC as the main roads have not been cleared even after four days.

“Even main road has not been cleared properly don’t talk about interior roads. There is totally mess and failure of the authorities,” Mohammad Sharief, a resident of Lal Bazaar said.

“The interior roads at Karan Nagar are still covered with snow. No one has come here to clear the snow,” said Asma Jan, a college girl student.

She said they are stuck inside their homes as they are not able to take their vehicles out.
Similarly, the roads leading to SKIMS Soura, Bone and Joint Hospital Barzulla, JVC Bemina have not been cleared properly.

In Old City Srinagar, the roads at Khanyar, Nowhatta are full of slush and water. “No one came here to clear snow from interior roads here. It is the first time I am seeing the administration very lackadaisical in its approach,” said Mehak Jan, a house wife.

Locals termed the assurances given by the government regarding the early restoration of electricity and clearing of roads as baseless.

“People have been suffering terribly due to the absence of electricity. Roads have not been cleared yet,” said Mohammad Amin, a resident of Nishat. The non-clearance of snow has also led to disruption in supplies of commodities like vegetables, milk and other essentials. There was also a thin attendance of employees in government and private offices for last four days as they could not reach to their offices due to accumulation of snow. Very less traffic was plying on the roads.

To defend the SMC, its Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu Thursday said they have only 15 JCBs and loaders to clear 15,000 lanes across Srinagar.

He said it was embarrassing to see the SMC men clearing snow with shovels.

He admitted that response by the three departments including Mechanical Engineering department, Roads and Building and SMC could have been better.

“I will also write a letter to Lieutenant Governor to ascertain why it took a long to clear the snow on roads,” he said. (KINS)

Srinagar: After resuming flight operations after four days, there was chaos and confusion at the Srinagar Airport on Thursday.

Flight operations at the Srinagar airport resumed on Thursday morning. However, it was a hectic day for travelers due to mismanagement by the authorities.

Authorities had failed to clear the airport road from snow which led to traffic mess since Thursday morning.

While some preferred to walk with their luggage, others were stuck at airport or in traffic jam for hours.

Insha Jan, one of travelers arrived at Srinagar Airport at 1 pm from Chandigarh. However, still 7 pm she was stuck at airport.

“My brother had come to pick up me at 1 pm but he was stuck in traffic jam outside the airport gate for six hours. There is total mess. I was standing outside airport for six hours,” she told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service. “I can’t walk because I am carrying a big luggage. We are still inside airport premises,” she added. They were yet to come out from outer gate when this report was filed.

Another passenger who returned from Delhi arrived at Srinagar airport at 12:30 pm. “We reached to outer gate at 6:45 pm. Nobody is concerned about us. My 10-year-old son has not eaten anything since morning because we are stuck in traffic jam,” Mohammad Shafi, a businessman said.

He said there were no officials to facilitate the traffic movement on the airport road.

While some people who were waiting hours in the public transports moved out of their cabs and preferred to walk along with their luggage.

An official of Traffic Department said there were massive traffic jams across Srinagar due to non-clearance of snow. “This is for first time that such massive traffic jam was witnessed outside airport,” he added. (KINS)

Srinagar: The authorities on Thursday said that the Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only road link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, shall remain closed for traffic tomorrow as well due to the accumulation of snow around Jawahar Tunnel and landslides at several places en route the thoroughfare.

“Tomorrow no vehicular movement shall be allowed on Jammu-Srinagar highway from Jammu towards Srinagar and vice-versa in view of landslides and shooting stones at Samroli, Cafeteria Morh and slippery road condition from Jawahar Tunnel to Zig (Qazigund)” a traffic department official told GNS. Over 4000 vehicles are still stranded at several places along the highway, reports said.

Mughal road, connecting Shopian and Poonch districts, also remained closed. Srinagar-Leh highway has been officially closed on the orders by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir on December 30. (GNS)

Says her Father took several steps to end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and restore trust among the people

Srinagar: Former Chief Minister and Peoples Democratic Party President Mehbooba Mufti said that people’s voice cannot be suppressed by power. The solution to the Kashmir issue is possible only through dialogue.

After paying tribute to her father and former Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Mufti Mohammad Sayeed on her fifth death anniversary at Dara Shikho Garden in Bijbehara town in Anantnag district, Mehbooba Mufti said that her father was a very visionary who always emphasized more dialogue and peace.

Speaking to media Mehbooba Mufti said that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed took several steps to end terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir and restore trust among the people, he always used to say that Jammu and Kashmir should act as a bridge between India and Pakistan.

Mehbooba Mufti said he believed that every issue could be resolved through dialogue. Peace is possible only through dialogue. The former Chief Minister said that if the Government of India wants peace here, then it is the self. The vision of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed should be implemented.

She added that Mufti Mohammad Sayeed used to insist on India at all times that all the stakeholders of Jammu and Kashmir should be negotiated. India should have better relations with all neighboring countries including Pakistan.

Mehbooba said that despite being a Muslim-majority state, Jammu and Kashmir stood by India. But by removing Article 370 from here last year, we have reduced the people of Jammu and Kashmir from the center.

Mehbooba said that the only solution to establish peace in Jammu and Kashmir is negotiation. The US has even withdrawn its troops from Afghanistan. Now Us is also negotiating with the Taliban.

She said that with power Govt cannot win the hearts and minds of the people. You can imprison people but not their thoughts. On this occasion, several other senior leaders and activists of the PDP also paid tribute to the former Chief Minister on his death anniversary.

At the same time, the party was also organized in the party’s office in Jammu to pay tribute to the former Chief Minister. Many leaders here paid tribute to him and remembered his contribution to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and the country. (PTK)

‘Will put every effort to ensure facts are made public’

Srinagar: Apni Party President and former minister, Syed Altaf Bukhari on Thursday said that killing of innocents is not acceptable in any civilised society.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the function here, Bukhari as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said “I hope the Prime Minister and the Union Home Minister would have taken strong note of the statements over Lawaypora gunfight, where three youth were killed.”

He said that Apni Party will put every effort to make the facts public over the Lawaypora gunfight like what happened in Amshipora Shopian incident.

“Killing innocents is not acceptable in any civilised society,” he said.

About 4G restoration, Bukhari said how long the government can delay restoration on the name of security reasons—(KNO)

Budgam: Days after reports that a private party in education sector is in the process of procuring land in Central Kashmir’s Budgam area, National Conference leader and former Legislator has asked the private party to desist from grabbing wakf land. The NC leader also asked police to stop harassing those who are raising objections over the land grabbing.

In a series of tweets the NC leader Aga Syed Rahulla Mehdi questioned by saying that why is Budgam police calling people from Zoorigund to police station & harassing them for raising objections over a deal of Waqf property? How can raising objection be a crime & a matter for intimidation by police?

He asked police not to get involved in this case as a forcing agent of the capitalist

“I also advise G D Goenka school administration to withdraw from this deal. You are an education institution and you should not let yourselves be known as land grabbers and bring a bad name to your institution,” Ruhullah Mehdi tweeted.

While referring to G D Goenka school administration, Ruhullah Mehdi tweeted:

“The land you have taken at Zoorigund, Budgam is a Waqf land and people have genuine concerns and objections about this deal. You are advised to respect the objections and withdraw honourably and uphold the integrity of your institution.” (KNT)

J&K’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that there is a committee examining the restoration of 4-G services in the remaining districts of the UT and “there will be good news soon in the coming days.”

“I know 4-G is working in just two districts of J&K UT. There is a committee examining the issue. Hopefully, there will be good news soon in the coming days,” he said in reply to a query during a press conference in Jammu, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO)—(KNO)