Category: Union Territory

‘Not against restoration of Article 370: Altaf Bukhari

Srinagar: Jammu Kashmir Apni party President Altaf Bukhari Saturday said that they are not against the restoration of Article 370. “We will be happy if this article gets revoked but at the same time we believe that only Supreme Court can do it and that is why we like other parties don’t want to sell dreams,” he said on the sidelines of a political function held at his Srinagar based residence.

Accepting the reality of scrapping Article 370 by the Central Government, Bukhari said that those political parties which claim that they will get the Article revoked are playing politics and befooling people. “As I said that only Supreme Court can do it. Yes, Parliament can do it as well but for that reason we need majority that we don’t have,” Bukhari told news agency KNT adding that Apni Party will be happy if Article 370 is restored and they are not against its revocation.

In response to a question, Bukhari said that protection of domicile rights of job and land is the core agenda of his party. “We won’t give an inch of land to any outsiders. People both in Kashmir and Jammu are on same page and there is no confrontation at all. People in both Kashmir and Jammu want protection of jobs and land,” he said.

While responding to another question, Bukhari said that “One builds a new house once older one damages in fire. We have to move ahead and address the problems of people. We want elections should take place at an earliest,” he said adding that it is up to Government of India.

“We’re not here to sell dreams and fantasies but are honest and fair in our approach. We are serving people who are facing multiple problems,” he said. (KNT)

Says restoration of Article 370 will never happen by political parties

Srinagar: Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president and former minister Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Saturday said that no political party can bring back the lost glory of J&K under Article 370, saying only Parliament or Supreme Court (SC) can restore the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking with Kashmir News Service (KNS), Bukhari said no political party can restore Article 370 or 35(A) but it is only Parliament or Supreme Court (SC) who can take a call.
He said the core agenda of our party is to bring statehood back to J&K and there should be no doubt in it. “Our core agenda is to bring back statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. We want to protect domicile rights on land and jobs and we are clear in it”, he said.

He said few political parties are claiming that they will bring Article 370 and 35(A) back but I want to make it clear “it will never happen as it is not in the domain of political outfits. Only Parliament or SC can restore the special status of J&K”.

Expressing surprise, Bukhari said those who were beating drums for protecting Article 370 before August 5, 2019 are still in Parliament after its abrogation.

“Those promised to protect special status of J&K before August 5, 2019 are still occupant in Parliament”, JKAP President said.

Suggesting political parties to stand for the development and prosperity of J&K, Bukhari said that we should not keep ourselves in weeping mode now but to stand for rebuilding our broken house.

Commenting on Shopian fake encounter, he said no one dared to speak over the issue but JKAP courageously came forward and raked up the voice for its own people which compelled security forces to accept what was perpetrated in Shopian?

About elections in J&K, Bukhari said that people of J&K want early election so that their day to day problems will be solved. “People of J&K wills early election and an elected Government in order to address their problems”, he said adding political parties across J&K have kept grave silence and are not speaking for conduct of elections. He said JKAP is ready if elections to be conducted tomorrow. (KNS)

Srinagar: Peoples Conference (PC) Chairman Sajad Gani Lone on Saturday commented over the exhumation of three Rajouri youth killed in a fake encounter in Shopian district on July 18 said those trek to Shopian in search of livelihood were returned dead few months later to their homes.

Taking to micro-blogging site Twitter Lone said, “Spare a thought for the parents of three young men whose bodies have been exhumed today. Three able bodied athletic men trek 80 kms in search of livelihood. And a few months later the parents take their violently ravaged bodies back. Imagine the plight of the parents”.

Pertinently authorities on Friday late hours exhumed the bodies of trio namely Imtiyaz (20), Mohammad Ibrar (16) and Abrar Ahmad (25) who were killed in a fake encounter on July 18 this year in Amshipora village of south Kashmir’s Shopian district.

The trio whose bodies were secretly buried in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district were exhumed in presence of senior police and civil officials and were handed over to their families who took the bodies to their native district Rajouri.

However authorities beefed up security in Rajouri district to avert any major law and order problem. (KNS)

The book marks the daring rise of Atif in the literary empyrean of Kashmir

Hailing from Shangus area of Anantnag, a young Kashmiri writer, Atif Khurshid Wani, has published his debut poetry book titled “The Shattered She”. Atif has been part of more than 40 national and international poetry anthologies besides being a well-known book reviewer and a columnist.

Atif has artistically penned the women ordeal in tear jerking verses that are lavishly painful and generously delicate. To write a book that brings light to a real yet uncomfortable epiphany takes tenacity and valour taking into account that men these days don’t like to be labelled as feminists. Amidst the abyss of patriarchy Wani impeccably touches the core of his readers with persuasive odyssey in “The Shattered She”.

Talking about the central idea of the book Atif voiced that “The book is tremendously painful, revolving around a grief-stricken and exhausted women’s struggle in a male-dominated society. The book deeply touches the diverse facets of women’s varied shades of grey, black and bleak driven by enmity, aspiration and anxiety in her lifetime. It is a fascinating amalgamation of the obvious yet hidden candour that deeply touches the diverse facets of women’s life.

Atif, who is a research scholar at Lovely Professional University, along with his publishing company The Indian wordsmith believes that this book will win the interest of larger audience and greatly meet up the expectations of quality literature. It will surely compel the hungry reader to resemble the poet’s work with many famous bards. For all those who feel the plight of women irrespective of the gender, this poetry collection is just the right tonic for them.

Handwara: Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh on Saturday said that J&K Police is committed to promote sports activities across Jammu and Kashmir so that youth are aspiring to take part into will represent UT outside J&K.

According to Kashmir News Service, DGP was addressing a mammoth gathering present at the inaugural match of Handwara Premier League (HPL). The league is organized by Handwara police.

The inaugural match which was played between Handwara Reds and Bakiaker at Sports Ground Bakiaker in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district persuaded manifold teams with great zeal and enthusiasm.

DGP who was chief guest at the occasion, said that three teams, one each from north, south and central parts of Kashmir will be selected who will represent Jammu and Kashmir throughout the country and abroad.

He said after the efforts taken by J&K Police to promote sports activities, youth across the valley have started to participate with great passion.

Besides DGP, senior officers of civil and police administration, international cricketer Parvaiz Rasool, Manzoor Pandov were also present at the occasion. (KNS)

Says Legal formalities being completed to handover bodies of slain Rajouri trio to their families

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh Friday said that militancy related incidents have gone down in the Union Territory and the overall law and order has considerably improved compared to past few years.

“The improvement in situation is because of the fact that youth of Kashmir understood the futility of violence and violent actions. Today, our youth are shining in civil services at both UT and All India levels. Our youth are taking part in sports activities at J&K, national and international levels,” DGP told reporters, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), at Police Headquarters here. He spoke to the media men on the occasion of Gandhijayanti, the birth anniversary of Mahatama Gandhi, celebrated every year on October 2.

To a query about the use of artilleries on the LoC in Poonch and Kupwara, he said that “our neighbour is victim of violence itself but it still continues to promote violence.” “Unfortunately, we lost three soldiers yesterday in CFVs at Poonch and Jammu. Our forces are giving a befitting a reply.”

To a query, when would the bodies of slain trio from Rajouri be handed over to their families, the DGP Singh said that legal formalities are being followed and “very soon, bodies will be handed over to the family members. Legal formalities are being completed and once all formalities are done, bodies of slain will be handed over to their families.”—(KNO)

This group was operating in Gonikhan, LD hospital, Maharajbazar areas: SSP Srinagar, Blind Murder case solved in 72 hours, accused arrested

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police today busted a gang of women burglars in Srinagar by arresting five women thieves who were involved in pick pocketing and other theft incidents in busy markets like Gonikhan and other adjoining areas of the city.

Speaking to the media men in Srinagar, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar Dr Haseeb Mughal said that a group of eight thieves has been arrested of which five are women. “So far, Rs 90,000 stolen cash has been recovered from the arrested group besides huge quantity of stolen purses, keys, LCD TVs, furnishing items etc,” Dr Mughal said while addressing press conference in Srinagar, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

He said these women would get closer to the women in busy markets like Gonikhan and other busy markets and take away purses with cash and later buy goods for their own houses from the stolen cash. “Some of these women were clad in women and wearing pheran and they would operate in Gonikhan, Maharajabazar, LD hospital, Hari Singh High Street areas of Srinagar. This group would target rural women, who come from various districts for marriage related shopping to Srinagar,” he said. The SSP said first one woman pickpocket was arrested who revealed names of other members of her group. Meanwhile, in the second case, the SSP Mughal said that  September  26, one person namely Muhammad Taj Awan S/o Mohd Younis Awan R/o Badwan Rajouri A/P Danihama near Chandpora Bridge Harwan Srinagar lodged a complaint at P/S Harwan alleging that his mother namely Subza Begum W/O Mohammed Younis Awan R/O Badwan Rajouri, aged around 65 years, had left for grazing their goats at around 05.00 pm on the same day and some unknown person had hit her on the head causing  injuries which subsequently led to her death on the same day.

“Based on this, FIR No. 74/2020 U/S 302 IPC was registered at P/S Harwan and investigation taken up.  A team headed by SHO Harwan Insp Mohd Ayoub Rather under the supervision of SDPO Nehrupark Dr. Sachit Sharma (JKPS) immediately swung into action and started rounding up suspects and questioning witnesses in the instant case,” the SSP said. “Based on statements of witnesses, questioning of suspects as well as technical evidence, one person namely

Gh Jeelani Bhat S/o Gh Mohd Bhat R/o Danihama Harwan was questioned. On questioning, he disclosed that on 26/09/2020 in the evening hours he was infuriated by the presence of the deceased lady in his agricultural field grazing her goats there. In provocation he had hit the deceased lady with a Lathi (Stick) in her head. Based on his disclosure, the weapon of offence (“Lathi”) was recovered near the  scene of occurrence. “

Accordingly, the said accused was arrested and a test identification parade was carried out in presence of the Magistrate and independent witnesses. “The test identification parade further corroborated with the disclosure made by the accused,” the SSP said. It is noteworthy to mention that the team led by SP East has done a commendable job by solving the case and arresting the murderer within 72 hours. After completion of other legal formalities, the case will be concluded on merits—(KNO)

Total cases 77,253, 1,212 deaths; 1,400 more recover in UT

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Friday recorded 14 fresh deaths taking the total death toll to 1212 while as 1090 cases tested positive for the deadly virus pushing the tally up to 77253 in the Union Territory.

Of the total 77,253 cases, 46,687 are from Kashmir and 30,566 from Jammu division. Officials told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that among 1,090 new cases, 487 belong to Kashmir division while as 603 are from Jammu division, adding that the total number of positive cases in Kashmir division have reached to 46,687 including 38,904 recoveries and 847 deaths while as total number of positive cases in Jammu division have reached to 30,566 including 21,048 recoveries and 365 deaths.

The officials said that total number of active cases in Jammu and Kashmir are 16,089  including 6,936 from Kashmir division and 9,153 from Jammu division.

With 1,409 more recoveries, the tally of total recoveries in Jammu and Kashmir has reached to 59,952 which is 77.60 percent of the total cases.

“Cases tested positive in J&K include 181 from Srinagar, 54 from Budgam, 64 from Baramulla, 29 from Pulwama, 32 from Anantnag, 58 from Bandipora, 25 from Kupwara, 28 from Ganderbal, 06 from Kulgam and 10 from Shopian in Kashmir division while as 603 from Jammu division include 354 from Jammu, 33 from Rajouri, 30 from Udhampur, 21 from Kathua, 27 from Doda, 20 from Samba, 22 from Poonch, 25 from Ramban, 46 from Reasi and 25 from Kishtiwar,” officials disclosed.

Notably, in the last 24 hours, 14 persons who were tested positive for COVID-19 have died which include 04 from Kashmir division and 10 from Jammu division.

As per media bulletin, patients who have died include three from Srinagar and one from Budgam in Kashmir division while as 10 from Jammu division include four from Jammu district, two each from Udhampur and Kuthua and one each from Doda and Samba.

As per officials figures, 15,226 positive cases including 295 deaths and 12,696 recoveries are from Srinagar, 4,980 including 85 deaths and 3,970 recoveries are from Budgam, 4,491 including 2,993 recoveries and 124 deaths are from Baramulla, 3,996 including 3,524 recoveries and 69 deaths are from Pulwama, 3,567 including 66 deaths and 3,060 recoveries are from Anantnag, 3,492 including 3,024 recoveries and 37 deaths are from Bandipora, 3,665 cases including 2,861 and 67 deaths are from Kupwara, 2,946 including 2,584 recoveries and 29 deaths are from Ganderbal, 2,285 including 2,131 recoveries and 43 deaths are from Kulgam and 2,039 including 1,850 recoveries and 32 deaths are from Shopian.

In Jammu division, 13,859 including 1,0110 recoveries and 196 deaths are from Jammu district, 2,725 including 1,634 recoveries and 32 deaths are from Rajouri, 2,303 including 1,869 recoveries and 20 deaths are from Udhampur, 2,100 including 1,593 recoveries and 24 deaths are from Kathua, 2,260 including 1,297 recoveries and 32 deaths are from Doda, 1,802 including 1,135 recoveries and 22 deaths are from Samba, 1,810 including 886 recoveries and 16 deaths are from Poonch, 1,382 including  1,120 recoveries and 10 deaths are from Ramban, 1,010 including 685 recoveries and 06 deaths are from Reasi and 1,315 including 719 recoveries and 07 deaths are from Kishtwar.

As per the daily information bulletin, 581,282 persons in Jammu and Kashmir are under observation while 15,129 persons have been kept under home quarantine besides that 16,089 persons are in isolation.

According to the bulletin, 499,404 persons have completed surveillance period and 49,448 persons are under home surveillance besides that so far results of 1,667,587 samples are available.

Out of 1,667,587 the number of samples tested negative stands at 1,590,334 while 77,253 have tested positive, among them 16,089 are active, 59,952 persons have recovered and 1,212 persons have died—(KNO)

Citing delays in finalisation of contracts, delay in procurement of medicines, equipment, auditor says its purpose of setting up has been defeated

Srinagar: The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has made scathing remarks on functioning of the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation, saying the purpose of setting up it has been defeated.

“There were delays in finalisation of rate contracts and consequent delay/ non-procurement of medicines/drugs, instruments, machinery, equipment; thereby defeating the purpose of creation of the Company,” reads the CAG report  on functioning of Public Sector Undertakings in Jammu and Kashmir, a copy of which is with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

In May 2013, J&K cabinet cleared a proposal for setting up Jammu and Kashmir Medical Supplies Corporation Limited (Company) for procurement of medicines and equipment for government hospitals in the State.

It was incorporated on 5th March 2014 under the Companies Act, 1956 and functions under the administrative control of the Health and Medical Education (HME) Department.

The CAG report reveals that 59 percent procurement of drugs, machinery, equipment and were done by heads of department in Health and Medical Education and only 41 purchases were made by the Corporation.

“Out of total expenditure of Rs 573.63 crore incurred by the 113 Heads of Department in HME Department for procurement of drugs/medicines, machinery/ equipment, furniture etc. during 2014-15 to 2017-18, only Rs 236.07 crore (41 per cent) were transferred to the Company and procurements worth Rs 337.56 crore (59 per cent) were made by these HoDs themselves, which indicated that the objective of relieving the service providers of the extra burden of purchase/ distribution was not served,” reads the report.

The PSU was set to relieve the service providers (head of the departments/Doctors) of the additional burden of procurement and distribution process.

The audit also observed that there had been delay in finalisation of Annual Rate Contract (ARC) leading to delay in procurement of drugs/ medicines/machinery/ equipments.

“In first phase, the Company invited tender for the procurement of drugs/ medicines/ fluids comprising 870 items (increased to 9404) in June 2015,  January 2016 and July 2016, out of which the Company finalised ARCs for only  592 items (63 per cent) in three instances during November 2015 and June 2017 by taking time ranging between 87 days and 320 days after issue of NIT (Notice Inviting Tender). Similarly, out of 723 items advertised (February 2017) in second phase, the ARCs for only 362 items were finalised during November 2017 and March 2018 by taking time ranging between 273 days and 403 days. Delay and non-finalisation of ARCs in respect of 348 drugs and medicines in first phase and 361 drugs and medicines in second phase implied that these items could not be procured by the Company for the indenting Department, thereby defeating the purpose of creation of the Company,” reads the report.

The audit reveals that JKMSCL had not prescribed anytime-line for finalisation of technical/ financial evaluation, meeting of the State Level Purchase Committee (SLPC) and issuance of ARC in its Standard Procurement Procedures (SPP)—(KNO)

‘Committed to make J&K model of peace and prosperity’

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday reached out to militants and asked them to shun violence as J&K government was ready to help them with jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), speaking at a gathering at Shirmal, Shopian in southern Kashmir on the eve of Back to Village 3, the J&K LG said: “The occasion of 151st Birth Anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, also celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence is an opportunity for the people of India to reflect upon his commitment to the principle of non-violence and I urge the misguided youth to shun violence and return to the mainstream.”

He said: “The government is ready to help all with Jobs and Entrepreneurial opportunities’ remarked the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha while launching the J&K Government’s ambitious- Back to Village-3 programme from Shirmal, Shopian.”

The Lt Governor Sinha added that the people of J&K, especially the Youth wants to tread the path of progress & development and the government is committed to making J&K a role model of development and prosperity. ‘We will empower youth and strengthen PRI’s’, Lt Governor maintained.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), while addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor remembered the bond that Mahatma Gandhi shared with villages and said that Back to Village 3 is a tribute to his bond and aspirations with respect to villages. Village development will add to the nation’s development, he said.

The Lt Governor termed villages as the lifeline of India and stressed on the need for their development. ‘Just as striking two rocks produces fire and helps produce light, similarly people’s participation shall help bring about drastic changes in our villages’, said the Lt Governor.

Speaking on Back to Village-3, which starts from today, the Lt Governor called it a bridge between the public and the administration. Sharing his dream of making villages equally developed as the cities, he said that the government is persistently delivering services and helping them join the mainstream. ‘Efforts are being made to make villages Atmanirbhar’, he added.

Reiterating the government’s commitment for overall development of villages, the Lt Governor said that nobody would need to leave one’s village to seek education or livelihood in the near future. He said that the action-based execution of administrative changes being brought in Jammu & Kashmir would not only pave way for unprecedented development in J&K but also show a new path of development to the entire nation.

“I have been personally witnessing equitable change at village as well as sub-division level during my last 12 districts tours, and have conducted review meetings to gear up slow paced incomplete works. After inspecting ground implementation of governmental initiatives, directions have been passed with respect to all essential services like power, cooking gas and ration etc. Raj Bhavan helicopter has also been delegated for emergency cases, if needed. People’s cooperation is vital for development, peace and prosperity in the region,” the Lt Governor maintained.

The Lt Governor also called upon the youth to take advantage of a new wave of educational and business reforms being incorporated by the J&K administration. He informed that two candidates from every panchayat are to be identified and assisted by the Special Desk of Jammu & Kashmir Bank. With sufficient handholding, 8500 of such youth would be turned into entrepreneurs. Similarly, sports kits are also being provided to every panchayat under B2V3, informed the Lt Governor.

A robust Industrial policy is in offing, which will be among one of the best in the country and will prove to be a new model of development, besides providing immense opportunity to youth with special focus on girl empowerment, the Lt Governor said.

He also urged to maintain highest sanitation standards and to install at least two dustbins in every Panchayat for solid and liquid waste management.

Counting achievements under the ongoing activities, the Lt Governor highlighted that during the past two Block Diwas, impressive results have been achieved. Around one lakh students have been provided scholarships, more than 25,000 beneficiaries have been provided pensions under Integrated Social Security Scheme, more than 17,000 Kisan Credit Cards delivered, around 4600 beneficiaries, which include widows, senior citizens and specially-abled persons, added under National Social Assistance Scheme and 14,000 works started under 14th FC and MNREGA.

In these two days, more than 1.5 lakh people participated, 1.43 lakh provided various certificates, revenue papers issued to more than 15 thousand, around 22,000 Ration Cards seeded with Aadhar, more than 8,000 families provided benefits of Ayushman Bharat and around 4,000 Universal Health Cards were issued. During Awami Muhim, 11,000 grievances, out of 24,000 received, were resolved on spot. Similar results would be achieved in the future due to the government’s doorstep delivery of governance.

There is no dearth of funds as Rs 2.5 crore has already been issued to districts in addition to Rs 10 lakh per panchayat. Total 54 schemes of the government are giving direction to progress, and prosperity of J&K. Special focus is being laid on 100% saturation of all social security and beneficiary oriented schemes.

The UT Government will not just make announcements, but would genuinely and rationally try to address the problems being faced by the people.

“In a major step towards the overall welfare of residents of J&K and facilitating affordable healthcare facilities, the UT Government has recently announced the Jammu and Kashmir Health Scheme in order to provide universal health Insurance coverage to all the residents of the Union Territory,” the LG said.

In the coming days, said the Lt Governor, attention is to be given to Animal Husbandry and Sheep Husbandry which shall help generate around 50 thousand self-employments. Other areas of focus shall be Dairy, Poultry, Fisheries, Agriculture and allied sectors, he said.

Efforts are on to introduce micro-irrigation in J&K. Economic clusters are going to be made to promote village industries. Similarly, local Self-Help Groups, playgrounds and redundant government buildings are also going to be put to use. It shall be my endeavour to rejuvenate the lagging sectors and underdeveloped sections of the society.

“On my list, completion of languishing projects, road connectivity, delivery of basic amenities is at the top priority. On spot delivery is starting to become a new normal in the UT,” said the Lt Governor. He asked the Panchayat people to own B2V programme and appeal to the people to come forward and participate in large numbers to make B2V3 a grand success.

The Lt Governor asked all stakeholders and the public to observe social distancing and other preventive measures against COVID-19 while participating in the Back to Village 3. He sought their cooperation in bringing education, health and livelihood opportunities to earlier relegated sections of the society. He also called upon the public to interact and give thorough feedback to visiting officers during B2V3.

The Lt Governor assured the public that Back to Village 3 is not a one-time event, but a part of regular grievance redressal mechanism under which senior officers are to address grievances at subdivision level every Wednesday on rotational basis. He also called upon the government officials and functionaries to generate awareness about all these initiatives of the government.

“Small initiatives can bring immense change. We should all take a pledge to realize the dream of Mahatma Gandhi of village development. Welfare and prosperity of common mass, especially the youth is the top priority of the J&K Government,” the Lt Governor maintained.

He stressed on better road connectivity of all major roads with special focus on connectivity of Regional Head Quarters to District Head Quarters. Instructions have been passed for replacing damaged Transformers within 24 hours. He announced that winter preparedness stock will be ready by October 15. Playground in every panchayat will be established to motive the youth to indulge in sports activities. Genuine demands and grievances shall be addressed on merit, he continued.

For the welfare of the rural population, works are being done in Panchayats and many more would be done in the coming days that will open the window of employment opportunities and education avenues for the people. The results of the Government’s efforts to give a fillip to the socio-economic conditions of the rural J&K will soon be visible on the ground, the Lt Governor said.  Rohit Kansal, Principal Secretary, Power Development Department and Information Department;  Pandurang K. Pole Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Vijay Kumar, IG Kashmir;  Choudhary Mohammad Yasin, Deputy Commissioner, Shopian and other senior officers were present on the occasion—(KNO)