Category: Union Territory

Kupwara: A 19-year-old youth made his family and relatives proud by becoming one of the only candidate from border district of Kupwara to qualify JEE-Advance despite lockdown and internet shutdown in the valley for months together.

According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Anzar Nazir after qualifying JEE mains, have now qualified JEE advance and got selected, in India’s one of the top IIT Roorke to study BTech, in civil engineering.

“Anzar scored +22 and he is lone candidate from district Kupwara with a rank of 188. He is one among 200 selected candidates by IIT Roorke. Living in border district with different life style, Anzar is unknown to mobile, internet and games as people in his surroundings are fond of these things”, says his brother.

Anzar who comes from poor family, his father Nazir Ahmad Dar is working as a labour and feeding his family in tough times. He describes his son, “obedient” and “very hardworking”.

Anzar hails from Sahipora village of Langate. Hepassed his 12th from Government Higher Secondary School, Langate in Medical Science with 60% marks.

While talking to Kashmir News Service, Anzar said since my secondary education I have thought of doing something challenging. “I worked hard, I used to study 8 hours everyday. No doubt I belong to a poor family but my family never let me feel any hardship. I thank my teachers especially to a local academy where I used to go for coaching”, he said.

In his message to other students, Anzar said “I would recommend every student who wants to qualify these professional exams, to work hard and well focused on your studies without wasting time”.

“Neither I have any smartphone nor I was on social media. I was just committed to my goal which I have achieved now”, he said.

Faculty member of Qaziabad institute of Excellence(QIE) Sajad Ahmad Mir, told to KNS, that Anzer Nazir is quite different from other students, very hardworking and down to earth. He is very punctual, he used to come separately for doubt clearing, and we congratulate him. Anzar is an open example to other students who want to do something in their life. I feel that students living in villages don’t need to go miles for coaching classes, we have here now qualified faculty and fertile coaching academies in rural areas, he added.

“His life is very much simple and religious. He remains often away from sports and only concentrates on studies. We supported him at every moment”, Abdul Rashid, Anzar’s uncle told KNS.

The results for the Joint Entrance Examination, (JEE) Advanced 2020 were declared by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi on October 05, 2020. More than 40,000 students have passed the engineering entrance examination. (KNS)

Srinagar: Awami National Conference (ANC) vice-president Muzaffar Shah on Saturday said the confession of UP chief minister Yogi Adityanat that with the abrogationof Article 370 every Indian can buy land in J&K has unambigously cleared the air that New Delhi is only after our land.

Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), Shah said that Yogi Adityanath’s remarks have failed BJPs own argument that Article 370 was the reason of growing militancy in the region besides an impediment to the comprehensive development in J&K.

“Earlier Yogi Adityanath and his coterie fanned passions of countrymen about Article 370 that it impedes development and pampers militancy. Now what he confessed in Bihar poll rally exposesd the intention behind that New Delhi has no sympathy with the people of Jammu and Kashmir as they need only our land”, he asserted.

“BJP cheated people at grass root level as its eyes are only after our land”, Shah added.

Alleging BJP of playing communal and divisive politics, the ANC leader said that BJPs stomach has not filled yet as it is still playing Kashmir card across the country.

“Article 370 card is being played in Bihar. Earlier it was played in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Haryana where BJP was shown door by electorates”, he said.

He continued that these were India’s top leaders including Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, B R Ambedkar, Shama Prasad Mukherjee and others who accorded separate constitution and flag to Jammu and Kashmir, adding “so any comment in support of Article 370 or States flag can’t be termed as seditious”.

Terming the outcry by few BJP leaders over united fight against the decisions taken on August 5, 2019 “unacceptable”, the ANC leader said our rights were snatched arbitrary and unconstitutionally, however the matter is sub-judice so nobody has a right to speak against it.

“How can you speak against Article 370 as the matter is under the consideration of Supreme Court. You are not above the law. It will be brought back to J&K soon”, Shah said. (KNS)

Srinagar: While terming the Jammu and Kashmir government’s decision to acquires powers to retire employees at 48 years of age or after completing 22 years of service as an anti-employee and assault on the rights of lakhs of government employees, J&K Pradesh Congress Committee (J&KPCC) Vice-President and former MLC G N Monga Friday demanded the its immediate roll back of this arbitrary decision.

In a statement issued to news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) he said by such order a lot of uncertainty has been created among the employees which ultimately will affect their performance. “A sword of uncertainty has been kept on the heads of employees which can also be exploited by their superiors,” Monga said.

The Congress leader said that when there were already provisions in service rules to retire non-performing employees prematurely, what was the need to take such a decision.

“Already lot of arbitrary decisions have been taken by the BJP government at the Center regarding Jammu and Kashmir and now the latest decision will demoralize the government employees,” he said.

Demanding the immediate roll back of this order, Monga said, “This process has not been given a thought before passing. It should be revoked immediately.” (KINS)

Srinagar: Leaders of maintain parties who recently formed People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration are likely to give it a formal structure which is likely to be headed by National Conference president Farooq Abdullah.

Last week six mainstream parties held a meeting and formed an alliance for restoration of the special status of the erstwhile state as it existed before August 5 last year.

The meeting was held at the residence of National Conference president Farooq Abdullah and attended by PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, Peoples Conference chairman Sajad Lone, Peoples Movement leader Javaid Mir, CPIM leader Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami and Awami National Conference vice-president Muzaffar Shah.

“We have decided that the Gupkar Declaration will be renamed as People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration. Ours is a constitutional battle. We shall struggle for restoration of what was snatched from J&K and Ladakh,” Farooq told reporters after the two-hour meeting.
Now leaders of these parties have decided to give it a formal structure.

“We are working on it and giving it a formal structure. Farooq Abdullah is likely to be its head, while it will have general secretaries, vice-chairperson, coordinators and also a chief spokesperson who can issue statement and talk to the media on behalf of the alliance,” a National Conference leader told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).

However, leaders of these parties remain silent whether their alliance will continue for other issues in J&K.

Senior National Conference leader and Member Parliament Retd Justice Hasnian Masoodi said six-parties have united seeking restoration of Article 370.

“This alliance will continue unless we get August 4, 2019 position. We will continue to strive for it,” Masoodi told KINS.

Asked whether these parties will also continue their alliance for any elections to be held in J&K, he replied, “We will decide that time. Presently our prime focus is on restoration of the special position of J&K.”

“There are some differences between these parties. But we are united to fight for restoration of Article 370,” he said.

Senior CPI-M leader M Y Tarigami said it was premature to say whether these parties will fight jointly any election in the future.

“This alliance is on certain objectives so that special status of J&K is restored. Rest time will decide on which other issues these parties will fight jointly,” Tarigami told news agency KINS.

A senior PDP leader said, “Nothing has been decided about other issues. We have met only once. It is premature to comment on what other issues this alliance will fight for.” (KINS)

Srinagar: There is no change in retirement age of employees of J&K, however, to streamline government department, performance of employees can be reviewed after 22 years of service and at the age of 48.

BJP President J&K Ravinder Raina claimed that step gas been taken only so that no performing and corrupted officials can be shown way.

If non performing and corrupt employees will be asked to retire, others will work well for the welfare of general public, he said.

Pertinently Jammu and Kashmir’s civil service regulation rules were amended on Thursday to allow the administration to retire government employees at any time after completing 22 years of service or attaining the age of 48 years, an official said.

The employees can be retired after being given three months notice or three months of pay and allowance in lieu of the notice, the official said.

On the orders of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the administration has introduced certain substitutes in 226(2) Article of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations, the official said.

He said a notification was issued by Finance Department in this regard.

The notification states that in exercise of powers conferred under provision to Article 309 of Indian Constitution, Lieutenant Governor has directed that Article 226(2) of Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations may be substituted as “226 (2): (a) Notwithstanding anything contained in these Regulations, government may, if it is of the opinion that in the public interest to do so, require any government employee other than one working on a post which is included in Schedule II of these rules, to retire at any time after he/she has completed 22 years of qualifying service or on attained 48 years of age. (PTK)

Says, J&K is incompatible with today’s India

Srinagar: People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti Friday put forth a clear cut message to New Delhi, saying till our flag is not restored and decisions taken by New Delhi on August 5, 2019 are not revoked, New Delhi will found no shoulder to carry its flag in Jammu and Kashmir. She added youth of J&K has sacrificed immensely for the resolution of Kashmir issue and now it is the time for leadership to give blood for lasting peace in the region if need arises.

Addressing a maiden press conference at her Gupkar residence in Srinagar after Central Government abolished Article 370 and 35(A) on August 5, 2019, Mehbooba vehemently condemned the abrogation of Article 370 by Modi led BJP Government. “August 5 decisions were dacoit by BJP in J&K which were taken illegally and without consultations with real stakeholders. BJP committed a big blunder on that day. They violated its own constitution.

They have no right to snatch special status of Jammu and Kashmir”, she said.

While issuing a clear warning to New Delhi, the PDP chief said that BJP should come out of this thought that J&K will remain without Article 370 for ever. “People of J&K are shell-shocked. They look disappointed. But I want to clear myself here that till our flag is not restored and decisions taken by New Delhi on August 5 are not revoked, there will no shoulder in J&K to carry tri-color”, Mehbooba said.

She thanked mainstream political leaders including Dr Farooq, Omar Abdullah, Mohammad Yusuf Tarigami, Sajad Gani Lone and others besides party workers for enquiring her after her release from 14-months long detention.

“I met workers of my party soon after my release. They are by heart with Late Mufti’s vision. I marked the disappointment on their faces. They are shell-shocked”, she said.

About People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration, PDP chief said that all political parties sat and deliberated upon the nefarious designs of New Delhi. “We formed Gupkar Declaration headed by Dr Farooq Abdullah and resolved that all rights will be brought back snatched by New Delhi on August 5, 2019”.

At the occasion, Mehbooba sought full cooperation from media and general public in the struggle taken up for the restoration of Article 370. “The way media raked up public concern on abrogation of Article 370 was praiseworthy. Few media personnel were summoned to Cargo for questioned and harassment, even FIRs were lodged against few for taking up people’s voice. We need to unite so that we will contest challenges of New Delhi”, She said.

Lashing out on few national media outlets, the PDP chief alleged that some media institutions of New Delhi have started “fake TRP” actions aimed to denigrate the image of Jammu and Kashmir and its people who have been suppressed forcibly by BJP Government.

She alleged that BJP has destroyed the constitution of its own country by replacing it from party’s anti-people agenda. “They passed Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), acted against farmers and minorities and are trying to replace the constitution of the country by party’s anti-people agenda”, She said.
Without naming UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, the PDP chief said that BJP has nothing to show in their progress card and is playing Kashmir card for divisive politics.

Giving hint to New Delhi to shun its muscular approached in Kashmir, Mehbooba said that I want to convey New Delhi this fact that Kashmir is an issue. “If BJP will keep its eyes closed, it can’t change reality”, She, according to KNS added.

Mehbooba said that nobody is safe in India especially Muslims and Dalits who have been harassed and subjugated. “We are incompatible with today’s India as nobody is feeling safe within. Muslims and Dalits especially are being harassed continuously”, she said.

When asked whether she will contest polls in future, the PDP chief said “I have no interest in elections. Till our constitution is not restored, I will not go for elections”.

When asked why PDP paved way to BJP in Jammu and Kashmir that led to abrogation of Article 370, Mehbooba said that it was not the alliance with BJP that led to the abrogation of Article 370 as everything was done from the Parliament.

“It was the Parliament that was misused. Parliament has no right to do this. We stood like a wall for Article 370”, she added.

Asked whether she has any regret of forging an alliance with BJP, Mehbooba said she regrets for posing a faith on the leader from the party who have demolished the constitution of the country.

When asked about Indo-China border conflict, she said that China has reportedly grabbed 1000 square kilometer of in Ladakh because abrogation of Article 370 pushed them to do so, adding “Decisions taken on August 5, 2019 internationalized Kashmir issue”.

To a query about Geelani’s refusal to talk with All Party Delegation few years back, Mehbooba said the refusal to meet the delegation led to the huge losses, adding that the delegation was not from the BJP leaders.

“Geelani refusal brought bad name to J&K across the country. If he was not willing to talk, he should have at least allowed them to enter into house”, PDP chief said. (KNS)

Srinagar: According to the Power Controller, Kashmir Province, Srinagar, in order to carry out stabilization and repairs 132KV D/C Mir Bazar Mattan Transmission Line shall observe shutdown on October 26 and November 01, from 9 am to 5 pm.

The power supply to the area fed from the said Transmission line shall remain affected.(KINS)

Srinagar: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Thursday said that flu vaccine would protect you from severe Covid-19 disease.

“Flu shot would reduce your risk of dying from Covid-19 infection,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

“A study on the elderly population in the United States found that a 10 percent increase in the flu vaccine coverage in an area can reduce Covid mortality in the area by 28 percent,” he said.

DAK President said at least two other studies have indicated that flu shots provide protection against severe Covid-19 infection.

“One of these studies conducted in Italy indicated that areas in which more people took flu vaccine had a lower death rate from Covid-19 infection,” he said.

“In another study, researchers in Brazil found that a flu shot can reduce mortality by 20 percent when taken before the onset of Covid-19 and about 27 percent when the vaccine was given after the onset of Covid-19,” he added.

Dr Nisar said flu vaccine trains the immune system of a person to quickly recognize and clear away any harmful organism including those not targeted by the vaccine.

Also, vaccine produces protective neutralizing antibodies and specific T-cell response that could provide cross-protection against Covid-19 infection.

“We could be facing a confluence this winter of a flu pandemic and a still raging Covid-19 pandemic,” he said.

“People can catch flu and Covid at the same time and that increases their risk of ending up in ICU or on a ventilator.”

“That makes this year’s flu vaccine vitally important,” Dr Nisar said adding “flu vaccine will reduce the risk of simultaneous infection and reduce the burden on health care system that is currently struggling from the Covid pandemic.”

“While flu vaccination is recommended for all, it is especially needed in young children, elderly, pregnant women and people with underlying medical conditions,” he said.

“Ideally, people should get the vaccine by the end of October. However, getting vaccinated later can still be beneficial and vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season even into January or later,” said Dr Nisar.(KINS)

Srinagar: BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina on Thursday said that party will celebrate the ‘Accession Day’ of Jammu & Kashmir with the union of India on October 27.

Raina, who was addressing party meeting in Jammu said Oct 27 holds a great significance before hardcore patriotics. He said the party will celebrate the day with full zeal which would possible with the abrogation of Article 370.

“This is the day they have longed for and the land of brave have got what it deserved for decades together”, Raina has said.

He said that the entire Jammu and Kashmir is set to celebrate the occasion like 15th August and every BJP leader and activist will make his or her more than maximum efforts for the same.

BJP leader said that most likely senior union minister will also address the occasion which is so “special” for the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh as this marks the day when with the pious efforts of all the hardcore patriots the whole territory incorporated into the union of India.

“BJP will organise a grand rally, which will be of both physical as well as virtual in nature and the programmes will be held in every district and mandal level”, Raina continued.

Former Deputy Cheif Minister Dr Nirmal Singh while addressing the meeting said that there were numerous attempts made by individual forces to alienate the gullible masses and overshadow the importance of the day with their malicious campaigns and they are even doing this to this day but their evil efforts will never go succeed. (KINS)

Srinagar: In a rare incident, two militants surrendered after their families were brought to the encounter site in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, said IGP Kashmir Vijay Kumar on Thursday.

After the newly recruited militants were encircled by security forces in Tujjar area of Sopore town, they surrendered.

The Al-Badr militants have been identified as Abid and Mehraj. A joint operation was launched by the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army after receiving a tip-off.

The Jammu and Kashmir Police said, “Newly recruited militants Abid and Mehraj of Al-Badr were encircled by forces on a tip-off surrendered before the Jammu and Kashmir Police and the Indian Army.”

The Jammu and Kashmir Police brought their families to the encounter site to persuade them to surrender and eventually they surrendered before the security forces.(KINS)