Category: Union Territory

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has evacuated about 5,62,345 JK residents, stranded in other parts of the country due to COVID lockdown, via Lakhanpur and through special trains and buses till date amid strict observance of all necessary guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures.

As per the official data received in this regard, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has received 155 special trains at Jammu and Udhampur railway stations from different states and UTs, so far, with about 1,40,292 passengers while about 4,22,053 persons from other states and UTs including 934 from abroad have been evacuated by the government through Lakhanpur till date.

As per the detailed breakup of the figures, about 6377 stranded passengers have entered through Lakhanpur from October 06 to October 07 mornings while 134 trains have reached Jammu with a total of 124,596 stranded passengers belonging to different districts so far while 15,696 passengers have reached Udhampur in 21 special trains, so far. Also, no train arrived at Jammu today.(KINS)

B2V3 golden opportunity to seek redressal of grievances: MD

Srinagar: As part of phase third of ambitious ‘Back to Village’ programme, Mission Director Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), Shabnam Kamili today visited Chattergam in Budgam where she presided over the B2V3 proceedings and interacted with scores of public delegations.

While speaking on the occasion, MD ICPS said that B2V3 is a golden opportunity for the public to seek redressal of their issues and grievances. She interacted with the local Panchs and Sarpanchs of the Panchayat who raised the developmental issues of their respective areas. She also directed the concerned officers that the Mahila Sabhas should be held at every panchayat on regular basis.

The locals on the occasion registered their issues and grievances before the Visiting authority pertaining to several departments like RDD, PHE, PDD, CAPD and other departments. While listening to the grievances of the locals she assured that all their genuine grievances and issues will be looked into for timely redressal.

Later on the Mission Director took a detailed inspection of various developmental works taken by the executing agencies and ascertained their pace and progress.

During the visit to the villages, MD ICPS also launched awareness campaign related to Child rights and child protection schemes. She said that the aim and objective of the various schemes related to child rights is to keep children away from delinquency and in this regard Justice Jevenile Board has a significant role to play.

MD ICPS was accompanied by the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Budgam, Dr. Syed Farhana Asgar who also heads DCPU, JJB and CWC of District Budgam.

MD ICPS along with DSWO visited Panchayat Block Chatergam and supervised several activities being held under this unique initiative.

On the occasion, the officers highlighted various schemes and projects being undertaken by the department for the upliftment of weaker sections of society and rural populace and listened to the grievances of the locals.

The officers also took a whirl wind tour of the village to take first hand appraisal of the ground level problems faced by the locals. They also sensitized the people about the works being conducted by JJB, DCPU and CWC.

The locals appreciated the visiting team for their keen interest in listening and resolving their issues and demands put forth by them.(KINS)

Srinagar: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, KK Sharma will not be covenening the public hearing at banquet hall Jammu on Thursday due to certain unavoidable circumstances.

The date of the next hearing would be communicated separately.(KINS)

Srinagar: Principal Secretary Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department, Navin Kumar Choudhary, today said that government has established 18 procurement centres in the current kharief marketing season to facilitate procurement of paddy at the minimum support price in districts of Jammu, Kathua and Samba respectively.

He was speaking at a meeting convened by him here at Civil Secretariat Jammu.

Deputy Commissioners of Samba and Kathua districts attended the meeting through Virtual Mode along with their Chief Agriculture Officers while ADC Jammu Gansham Singh, Deputy General Manager Food Corporation of India (FCI) Sidhart along with representatives participated in the meeting from here.

While assuring full support to Food Corporation of India, Navin said that timely operationalization of procurement centres will ensure that the farmers are not compelled to sell their produce below the minimum support price fixed during current season. He laid emphasis on FCI officials to make sure that payments are released immediately after procurement of Paddy from the farmers preferably within 72 hours through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT) mode.

The centres have been established at Bishnah/ RS Pura, Sohanjana, Gajansoo, Channu Chak, Pargwal, Gurha Manasa, Marh, Bhadrore and Jourian-1 (Jammu District), Bajwal, Jakhbar, Marheen, Sanjhi Morh-11, Chann Arorian, Palli Morh, Nagri Parole and Dungara/Mandli (Kathua District), Kesso Manasan ( Samba District) respectively. The provision of requisite infrastructure like winnowing fan, weighing machines, hand stitching machine, tarpaulins, at these locations has also been made.

Among others Joint Director Agriculture Jammu, B K Chandan, Chief Agriculture Officer Jammu, A S Reen, Agri Economist, KK Sharma and Technical Officer, Vijay Upadhay were present in the meeting.(KINS)

Visits Border Village Garkote; Inaugurates development assets worth Rs 53.08 lakh

Srinagar: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Baseer Ahmad Khan today affirmed that various initiatives are afoot to develop rural areas adding that administration is committed to ensure holistic and equitable development of all regions.

“Present dispensation led by Lieutenant Governor is keen to create employment opportunities for all with special focus on remote and far flung areas”, Advisor maintained.

Advisor was speaking at a mega function organized in border village Garkote of Uri area in connection with the 3rd phase of ambitious ‘Back to Village’ programme.

Appreciating huge public participation in the event, Advisor said that present administration has initiated renewed measures to achieve saturation in individual beneficiary schemes. He reiterated that the ambitious campaign has been launched with an aim to reach at the people’s doorsteps to resolve their issues adding that LG himself conducted several outreach programmes and visited several remote areas of J&K to monitors all these endeavors of the government.

Highlighting the objectives of B2V, Advisor said that such an initiative provides an appropriate platform to evaluate government schemes and urged upon various stakeholders to come forward and avail benefits of schemes and programmes launched by the government. He maintained that bridging gap between people and administration has been our top most priority adding that strengthening democracy at grass root level is the best way forward to percolate the fruits of development at ground level.

Advisor also made some announcements for overall welfare of the village which included initiation of Mini-bus service, development of playfield, conducting of special recruitment drive among other minor works. These announcements were made keeping in view the persistent demands of the people. He also announced full set of musical instruments among the cultural artists who performed efficiently at the outset of the event.

Meanwhile, Advisor inaugurated several development assets worth Rs 53.08 lakh in Uri block that have been completed under 14th FC, MGNREGA and other flagship programmes.

Advisor also distributed several equipments/kits/certificates sponsored by horticulture, agriculture, education, revenue, youth services and sports departments besides presenting cheques worth Rs 10.42 lakh as financial assistance to registered labour beneficiaries.

BDC Chairperson Uri Mohammad Rafiq Balot highlighted some issues and demands meant for overall development of the area including upgradation of infrastructure in power sector, development of border tourism in the area, establishment of community as well as individual bunkers, conducting of special recruitment drive in the area among some other demands.

Advisor assured that all the genuine demands and grievances raised during the event shall be fulfilled as early as possible.(KINS)

Pays tribute to the PSO killed in attack

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha has expressed anguish over the militant attack on a Political leader in Ganderbal area of Kashmir.

He also paid tributes to the PSO who was killed during the attack.

The Gunmen attacked BJP Leader Ghulam Qadir in Ganderbal. During the attack, his personal Security Guard, Ct. Mohammad Altaf sustained injuries, but later succumbed to injuries at SKIMS.

Strongly condemning the attack, the Lt Governor said that those involved in this act will be brought to justice.

“I extend my solidarity with the family of the martyr PSO. All possible help will be extended to the family of the deceased”, he added.(KINS)

Empowering, Engaging and Enabling PRI’s for holistic rural development prime resolve of LG Administration: Advisor Bhatnagar

Srinagar: Union Health Ministry Tuesday released Standard Operating Procedures on preventive measures to contain spread of COVID-19 during festivities.

According to news agency KINS the Ministry said that the months of October to December are time for festivities that witness gatherings of a large number of people in specific locations for religious worship, fairs, rallies, exhibitions and cultural functions.

“To prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection, it is important that necessary preventive measures are followed for such events. Persons above 65 years of age, persons with comorbidities, pregnant women and children below the age of 10 years are advised to stay at home” it said.

The Ministry has asked the administration to identify spatial boundaries and prepare a detailed site plan which would facilitate compliance with thermal screening, physical distancing and sanitization.

In case of rallies and immersion processions, the number of people should not exceed the prescribed limit and proper physical distancing and wearing of masks must be ensured. In any case, the number of such rallies and the distance covered by them may be kept within manageable limits.

Events planned to last for many days or weeks such as exhibitions, fairs, puja pandals, ramlila pandals or concerts and plays should have adequate measures to ensure a cap on physical numbers. Staggered timings and restricted entry may be considered. Festive events will be permitted only outside the Containment Zones. People residing inside Containment Zones should be encouraged to observe all festivals inside their homes and not move out.

Close circuit cameras may be considered to monitor compliance of physical distance norms and wearing of masks at each venue. Individuals must maintain a minimum distance of six feet in public places as far as feasible. In religious places, touching statues, idols and holy books will not be allowed, the ministry added.(KINS)

Srinagar: The Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh on Wednesday said that the slain militant killed in Nunar area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district was “a close aide” of slain Hizb commander Riyaz Naikoo and was appointed for “specific target killings”.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of the wreath laying ceremony of slain cop Altaf Hussain in Srinagar, DGP said the slain militant had been working as an Over Ground Worker (OGW) before joining the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit actively a few months ago.

“Yesterday evening, militants targeted the BJP vice-president Ghulam Qadir in Nuner area of Ganderbal district. Qadir is a protected person with two Personal Security Officers (PSOs). One of his PSOs Altaf Hussain retaliated and killed one militant on the spot during which he sustained bullet wounds”, DGP said, adding the brave cop later on lost his life while saving the protected person.

He said the slain militant killed in retaliation by the PSO Altaf Hussain was the close aide of slain Hizb chief operational commander Riyaz Naikoo. “The killed militant was identified as Shabir Ahmad of Awantipora, Pulwama who was the close aide of Naikoo and was working as OGW for Hizb outfit for a long time”, DGP said.

While explaining the joining of slain militants, DGP said the killed militant had joined active militancy just a few months ago and was associated with the Hizb-ul-Mujahideen outfit from a long time. He said Shabir was tasked to carry out the target hitting of BJP leaders in Ganderbal.

When asked how militants managed to reach here from south Kashmir, the DGP said that it is not a “big deal” for a militant to travel from one district to another. “For a militant, the entire area is open. He can move from any place. He works on the dictation of Pakistan”, DGP said. The top police officer also referred to TRP which he called as “mouthpiece of Pakistan and ISI”.

“Recently 39 journalists were threatened by the TRF. They are the people who are doing their job honestly,” he said, adding, “They (militants) target people who are working for peace and development, on the directions from Pakistan. Pakistan is the big collaborator of the killings. They damage our Kashmiri people. TRF is Pakistan’s and ISI’s mouthpiece. They do not let people do their routine work. We have given befitting replies in the past and continue to do so in future”, DGP according to KNS told reporters.

To a query about the readiness of security forces while stopping attacks on highways, the Police chief said that drones and other technical support is being used to monitor the militant movement on highways. “Besides drones, other technical support has been put in place to monitor the movement of militants on the highways. In several attempts, security forces achieved success in neutralizing militants during counter attacks”, DGP Dilbagh Singh told reporters.

At the occasion DGP expressed sympathies with the family of slain cop. “The way he responded to militant firing, we feel proud of him. We express our sympathies to the bereaved family at this juncture”, DGP has said. (KINS)

Srinagar: The Police Wednesday said that three local militants were killed in an overnight encounter in Sugan area of south Kashmir’s Shopian district on Wednesday.

“Three militants have been killed in an overnight encounter that broke out between militants and government forces yesterday in Sugan village of Shopian after forces received credible inputs about the presence of militants in the area. However due to darkness, the anti-militancy operation was halted on Tuesday evening which was resumed on Wednesday wee hours,” the police said.

An official said that a joint team of army’s 44 RR, CRPF and SOG of Jammu and Kashmir Police launched Cordon & Search Operation (CASO) in the area following the presence of militants in the area.

Soon after the joint search party, according to officials, surrounded the suspected spot militants hiding in the area fired upon indiscriminately which was retaliated, triggering an encounter.

He added during the encounter three militants were killed with the culmination of encounter in the area who were identified as Sajad Ahmad Malla of Shopian, Junaid Rashid of Tumlahal Pulwama and Mehraj-ud-Din of Arigam Pulwama.

A police officer told KINS that two among the slain militants were associated with Hizb-ul-Mujahideen while another was part of Al-Badr.

He said during exchange of fire, militants were given multiple chances to surrender which they refused and were killed in a retaliatory fire.

Soon after the encounter ended, several youth took to streets and pelted stones upon forces personnel who fired several tear smoke canisters to disperse them.

Local reports said that at least three pellet injured youth have been shifted to District Hospital Anantnag for specialized treatment.

Authorities also snapped 2G mobile internet connectivity in the area as a “precautionary measure” to maintain law and order.(KINS)

Srinagar: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has extended the tenure of Jammu and Kashmir Bank Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) R. K. Chhibber by another six months.

Earlier in July this year, RBI extended the tenure of Chhibber as interim CMD of J&K Bank till the appointment of a new MD & CEO.

In its regulatory filing on Wednesday, the bank said: “The Reserve Bank of India has extended the term of R. K. Chhibber, Chairman and Managing Director of the Bank by a further period of six months with effect from 10th October 2020 or till the appointment of MD & CEO, whichever is earlier.”

Last year in June, RBI had appointed Chhibber as the interim CMD on the removal of Parvez Ahmed from his post due to alleged charges of corruption, nepotism and favouritism by the state government. RBI that time appointed Parvez Ahmed as interim CMD for a term of three months.

However, the tenure was further extended in September 2019, followed by another six-month extension in October 2019 and further in April 2020 and July 2020.