Category: Union Territory

Srinagar: A top commander of the army Lt. Gen. BS Raju, the Chief of the Army’s 15th Corps said that there are continued reports of 200-250 militants in launch pads in Pakistan administrated Kashmir (PaK) looking for a chance to infiltrate.

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He said that it is responsible for maintaining surveillance around the core Line of Control and combating terrorism in remote areas. The top commander of the army also spoke about the recently concluded Zilla Vikas Parishad elections and said that he was happy that the elections were held in a peaceful manner and people came out to vote to strengthen democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

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“It is now up to the elected representatives to work for the people and people should also ask them for development,” he said. Regarding infiltration from low altitude areas in the winter on the Line of Control, he said that There are constant reports that 200 to 250 militants in PaK are in infiltration. They will try to use inclement weather for infiltration but the security forces are keeping an eye on infiltration directly from LoC in Kashmir and infiltration from areas south of Pir Panjal,” he said.

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Deployment on LOC is strong and surveillance equipment is in place at many levels. ” “To divert the attention of our people from internal issues, Pakistan can increase the tension on the border even in the winter season by infiltrating militants or violating the ceasefire,” the army commander said. In both the situations we are ready and will give a befitting reply to any such daring. ” (PTK)

A young talented youth who hails from the Vessu area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district has topped the Panchayat Accounts Assistant Examination by scoring 107.25 points out of 120.

Abdul Shakoor Itoo, who lost his father when he was 11 Years old was among that one lac and 64 thousand aspirants from Jammu Kashmir who appeared in the examinations for the Panchayat Accounts Assistant. He belongs to poor family background and said that he worked very hard but was not expecting to top the exams, “The results are overwhelming for me, I am joyous,” he said.

He said the youth of Kashmir should focus on technical education and self study rather than solely banking upon colleges and universities. “We can do innovative work, if we develop our technical knowledge,” he said. He has pursued education from a small school in his in Qazigund and then he studied Class 12th from a Government Higher Secondary. “I have studied from home, i have done my graduation through distance mode,” Shakoor told. He said that due to the frequent internet bans in the Kashmir valley and the reduced internet speed he had to face problems. “I appeal the local administration and the Indian Government to restore the 4G internet services in the region.” Shakoor’s success has brought perils to his family and to the locality where he lives.

Srinagar: India and China, both countries have agreed that the next round of military talks should be held soon for an ‘early and complete’ disengagement of of troops along the Line of Control (LOC) in eastern Ladakh in accordance with the existing bilateral agreements and protocols, the ministry of external affairs said.

Anurag Srivastava, External affairs Ministry spokesperson said in a press conference that a round of talk for the military forces of the both the countries would be conducted soon. He added that the steps would be taken to enhance the conditions of the forces standing on the Line of Actual Control.

“India and China continue to maintain communications through diplomatic and military channels. These discussions have helped both sides to enhance understanding of each other’s positions,” Srivastava said.

Both the countries held a round of diplomatic talks last week under the framework of Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on India-China border affairs.

In a virtual meeting, sides agreed to work towards ensuring better conditions of the military soldiers on the LAC in eastern at the earliest. Efforts are being taken to normalise the conditions even after 7 months from 22nd May, 2020 when disturbances started at the border where 50,000 soldiers are standing on each side. (PTK)

Says, Kashmir will become employment giver in days ahead

Srinagar, Dec 27: BJP senior leader Syed Shahnawaz Hussain Saturday said that those opted the path of militancy in Kashmir are our own people besides citizens of the country and appealed them to shun the path of militancy.
The former Union Minister who was exclusively talking to Kashmir News Service said that those have taken the path of militancy in Kashmir valley are our own people. “Those taken up arms in Kashmir valley are our own people and also citizens of the country”, he said and appealed local militants to shun the path of violence and come forward in the contribution of nation building. He also added that militants natives of Pakistan are however being dealt as per law of the land.
“Pakistan based militants are also being offered to surrender but after their refusal they are being taken into task sternly”, he said.
“I have brought PM Narendra Modi’s pen to local youth and I appeal them to desist from taking up AK-47 as people of J&K are mostly peaceful”, he said and added “handful of people in valley are provoking youth and misinterpreting the message of Islam”.
About the allegation of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti of barring her from campaigning during recently held DDC polls, the BJP leader said “Mehbooba Mufti had created only drama to get the attention of media. I too deferred programs on that day due to security concerns but I didn’t resort to fuss”, he said.
While lashing out at regional mainstream political parties particularly PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, the BJP leader said that they provoked children of poor families to militancy to keep the pot hot but sent their own kith and kin abroad for making their future bright.
About recently concluded DDC elections, he said that this was the first time that any election in Jammu and Kashmir was held in a peaceful manner. “I congratulate State Election Commissioner and local administration for conduct of incident-free elections across J&K”, he said.
He continued that this is not an issue which party bagged more votes. “People voted in large numbers, they came out despite multiple odds. I want to clear here that it is a big-win of democracy”, Shahnawaz Hussain said. He asserted that BJP will change the fate of every citizen of J&K.
To a query, he said the allegations of Congress party are aimed to misled people of the country. “Congress has always leveled allegations on BJP, and this is not their first bid. They stand with People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). They are fond of rest-keeping. They don’t bother to visit grassroots level workers. However BJP from top to bottom are workers party, it is why I’m here for a month to supervise and monitor the party affairs during DDC polls. I visited each and every village of Kashmir and met people there”, he said.
Terming the conduct of DDC polls “historical” achievement, the BJP leader said that if farmers protest were not held, the DDC polls would have been the prime debate on national and international media. He added people of J&K have suffered immensely and tested Abdullah’s, Mufti’s & Congress and now they have reposed their faith on BJP which will not disappoint their hopes.
“I visited all districts of Kashmir. People welcomed me wholeheartedly and I assure them that BJP will change their fate and destiny. The party will ensure good roads, streets and also will bring smile on their disappointed faces”, he said and added that Kashmir is a God-gifted land full of resources and talent and I assure people of J&K that in days to come you wouldn’t be employment seeker but employment giver.
He added that some were saying that no person will hold tricolor in Jammu and Kashmir but during DDC polls it was only tricolor & BJP’s flag which were hosted in every part of Kashmir.
To a query about the delay of Assembly polls in J&K, he said that Home Minister Amit Shah had assured people of Jammu and Kashmir on the floor of house that they would not be left unattended. “Right now process of delimitation is under way and once it will come to an end, hopefully process for conduct of Assembly polls will also be taken up”, Shahnawaz Hussainn said.
When asked why some people broadcast wrong perception about Kashmir on national media and through other means, he said I appeal to those people who carry forward “unfounded” things about Kashmir, to come physically here and don’t propagate any incorrect without visiting this paradise. (KNS)

Ganderbal: The Muslim neighbourhood in Wussan locality of Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal helped perform the last rites of an elderly Kashmiri Pandit on Friday.

Pandit Nath, 92, breathed her last in her home at Wussan in the wee hours on Friday plunging the whole locality in mourning, eyewitnesses told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Soon after the news of her death spread, local Muslims made special arrangements in performing her last rites. They also ferried firewood for helping the family to cremate the deceased.

“It is in our Islam to take care of neighbours irrespective of their religion,” Inayat, a local resident said.

In Wussan locality around a dozen pandit families are residing who did not migrate from Kashmir valley during early1990’s and instead decided to stay put. Since then the two communities have lived in the locality in harmony and have always shown compassion to each other.

After militancy erupted in the Valley in the early 90s, the Pandit community was forced to migrate from Kashmir. A very small percentage of Kashmiri Pandits, however, stayed back and are living in many parts of Kashmir—(KNO)

Srinagar, Dec 25: The government on Friday extended ban on high speed internet services in all but two districts of Jammu and Kashmir, saying that the high voter turnout in recently concluded polls has not gone well with elements inimical to peace.

“The successful conduct of the recently concluded Panchavat elections which witnessed participation by political parties across the spectrum and large scale turnout, has not gone down well with elements inimical to public peace and tranquility as apparent from the multiple incidents of hurling of grenades by the (militants since the conclusion of the elections, targeting the civilians, police personnel/security forces the encounter with the security forces,” reads an order issued by the J&K Home Department, a copy of which lies with GNS. The government said that there are credible inputs have been received about the presence of a large number of militants “who are try to infiltrate from across the border, as also evident from multiple instances of heavy firing shelling on the IB/ LOC to facilitate the same.”

It said the restrictions on high speed mobile internet connectivity have acted as an impediment to such attempts.

Subsequently the government ordered extension in the ban on high speed internet in all but Ganderbal and Udhampur district till January 8.

“The IsGP, Kashmir/Jammu shall communicate these directions to the service providers forthwith and ensure their implementation in letter and spirit.”

Srinagar: A 40 year old lady and mother to 3 kids, Pooja became the first lady driver of Jammu. Belonging to Tehsil Basoli, District Kathua, she said that her journey to become a driver was obstructed by her family but did what had dreamt of always. She also said that the decision which was once opposed by everyone had made them feel proud of her today.

“It’s been 5-6 years since I’m driving. I used to drive a small car, then bought my own Eeco and then switched to a taxi. I always wished to drive that’s why was quick enough to learn it. Few days back, I was passing through the bus stand near ware house and told them to keep me as a driver. The Branch Manager, Yashpal Ji trusted me and gave me this opportunity due to my learnings and licence. I thank him. I value the trust and help of Rajinder Ji, belonging to Shani Chadwal who taught me truck driving.”
“I have 2 sons and a daughter. My husband usually stops me from working as a driver. He believes there are a lot of other ways of earning but I feel we only enjoy working what like. If I would have started some other work, my life wouldn’t be as cheerful as it is now.” She added.
Pooja said that she doesn’t fear driving a bus instead trusts God in saving her life every time she starts any vehicle.
“We all have to die one day. I’m a part of Nirankari Mission and take God’s name whenever I’m about drive. I believe he’ll save me from all mishaps. My daughter is in 10th standard, son is in 7th and the youngest one is in 2nd. Many of my relatives tell me to keep my son with them during my working hours but I don’t trust anyone. So, he’s always with me in the bus.”
She further added “Whole J&K (many people) are running after me, calling me and appreciating me for a step I took against my family’s decision. They stopped me from being a driver and now they are proud of me for the same thing. I never thought I would experience success so early in my life.”
“My message to all the people out there is that we aren’t born to be slaves. Many ladies aren’t able to pursue their dream of driving due to their families or husbands so it’s my request to support these ladies. They are initiating a good work. If I was wrong, everybody would’ve been against me till now but see each one of you is appreciating me and I’m grateful for that. 

Srinagar, Dec 25: People’s Conference (PC) General Secretary Imran Raza Ansari Friday said that New Delhi should open eyes and adress the genuine concerns of people of J&K as they reposed their faith on democracy during recently concluded DDC polls.

Speaking exclusively to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Ansari said that people of Jammu and Kashmir came out in large numbers during DDC elections and reposed their faith again in the democratic set up of the country. He appealed Government of India to reciprocate and address the genuine concern of people of the territory.

The PC leader said that New Delhi shouldn’t waste time now and come up with a tangible policy to erase the disillusionment dominated on the faces of people of Jammu and Kashmir after August 5, 2019.

He added that it was a good omen that DDC polls were conducted after a long spell and in a free and fair manner. “Prior to polls it was rounding that elections would be rigged to reap the benefit for a particular party. But I think the elections were conducted in a free and fair atmosphere which should be lauded”, he said.

Ansari alleged that there was a “babu culture” in J&K where few political leaders had created obstacles in developmental activities and looted state’s exchequer by both hands but after DDC polls people gave a clear message and handed over their trust to new faces.

“During DDC polls people made succeed new faces instead of traditional ones and I hope these newly elected people will serve the community with zeal and passion”, the PC leader added.

He further added that no body can separate Jammu from Kashmir and vice-versa. “We should not get which party got more votes, rather it is a win of democracy and India as well as people came out in bulk to cast their ballots”, he added.

Ansari while continuing said that whosoever voted during DDC polls wishes for a “dignified” and “peaceful” life. “I visited many places for campaigning and I met people there who wanted their life should be dignified and peaceful”, he said.

“People at grassroots level are stuck in a quagmire of uncertainty and want to come out of this political limbo. They voted for peace, prosperity and for the survival of a dignified life. I hope elected ones will address their concerns in their respective domains”, he added.

When asked about PAGD, he said that the spirit of alliance seems missing. “Amidst polls, a particular party in the alliance enlisted their candidates which created fissures in the alliance. Days were taken to make the list public. So I think the spirit which should be there, is missing”, he said. (KNS)

Srinagar, Dec 25: Owner of the house in which two militants including a top JeM commander and a local young ace footballer were killed in a gunfight with a joint team of police, army and CRPF has been missing, his family said on Friday.

They said that the owner, Mehraj-ud-Din Qazi son of Ghulam Nabi Qazi of Wanigam Baramulla, has been missing from last two days.

“He is missing from last two days. We searched him everywhere but to no avail. We are now filing a missing report with the police,” Syed Aijaz Ahmad Bukhari, brother-n-law of the missing person, told GNS over phone.

He said that Qazi is a 40-year-old businessman who deals with fruits and has two children besides wife.

At the time filing this report, the family was on way to the police station to file the missing report. Developing story, more details awaited. (GNS)

Srinagar: There was slight improvement in cold conditions in Kashmir as the minimum temperature rose across the valley on Thursday, even as the MET Office forecast the possibility of light snow over two days from Saturday.
The night temperature marked an improvement but continued to settle below the freezing point, MET officials said.
The weather has remained dry and cold across Kashmir since the snowfall on December 12, with the night temperature staying several degrees below the freezing point, they said.
The officials said Srinagar the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir recorded a low of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius up from the previous night’s minus 5 degrees Celsius.
They said the mercury in Pahalgam tourist resort in south Kashmir went up from the previous night’s low of minus 6.6 degrees Celsius to settle at a low of minus 5.2 degrees Celsius.
They said the famous ski-resort of Gulmarg, in north Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 5.6 degrees Celsius slightly up from Wednesday’s minus 6 degrees Celsius.
Gulmarg was the coldest recorded place in the valley.
Qazigund the gateway town to the valley recorded the minimum of minus 3.4 degrees Celsius, while Kupwara, in the north, registered a low of minus 3.8 degrees Celsius and Kokernag, in the south, minus 3 degrees Celsius, the officials said.
Kashmir is currently under the grip of ‘Chillai-Kalan’ — the 40-day harshest winter period when the chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum.
‘Chillai-Kalan’, which began on December 21, is considered the harshest winter period in Kashmir as a cold wave grips the region and the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of water bodies including the famous Dal Lake here as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the valley.
The chances of snowfall are most frequent and maximum during this period and most areas, especially in the higher reaches, receive heavy snowfall, the officials said.
While ‘Chillai-Kalan’ will end on January 31, the cold wave continues even after that in Kashmir with a 20-day-long ‘Chillai-Khurd’ (small cold) and a 10-day-long ‘Chillai-Bachha’ (baby cold).
The MET Office has said the weather is likely to remain mainly dry till December 25, but there is a possibility of light in the valley for two days from Saturday.
There is no forecast of any major snowfall activity till the end of this month, it added. PTI