Blog

  • APHC Expresses Pain & Sorrow at the kiling of a former police officer




    File Photo


    Srinagar: All Parties Hurriyat Conference(APHC) in a statement expressed pain and sorrow at the kiling of a former police officer Mohammad Shafi Mir in Baramulla and expressed sympathy and condolences with the bereaved family. APHC said that such killings are a blot on humanity and only bring disgrace to the people and place where they are committed. They are no solution to resolve conflicts and only cause grief and suffering.

    In principle APHC condemns them as it condemns all state and non state acts of force,violence, killing and disempowerment.

    In the statement APHC said that each day blood is spilled in J&K, yet claims of normalcy are made. We have always believed that unless the basic issue of Kashmir is not addressed, unfortunately we will keep witnessing bloodshed.



  • Muslims help perform last rites of Kashmiri Pandit in Ganderbal





    Ganderbal, Dec 24: Muslim in Batpora Tulmulla locality of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal om Sunday helped perform last rites of an elderly Kashmiri Pandit.

    Locals told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that Bansi Lal Pandit (60) alias Kaka Ji breathed his last at his home im Batpora Tulmulla yesterday.

    They said that soon after the news of his death spread, locals visited his home and helped arrange made arrangements to perform his last rites.

    They said that being his neighbour it was their duty to help family to perform the last rites.

    Remembering the moments spent with him, locals said that Bansi Lal was a generous and kind man and was always willing to lend a helping hand, no matter what time of day or night it was.

    Meanwhile, family of Bansi Lal also expressed gratitude to their Muslim neighbours and said that they have always been by their side even during the toughest of times—(KNO)



  • Retired SP shot dead by Militants during Azan in Baramulla: Police





    Srinagar, Dec 24: Militants on Sunday morning shot dead a retired police officer in Gantmulla area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police said.

    In a post on X, Kashmir zone police, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the retired superintendent of police was shot dead while giving a prayer call (Azan) in a mosque. Police said that area has been cordoned off, while further details are awaited.

    “Terrorists fired upon Shri Mohd Shafi, a retired police officer at Gantmulla, Sheeri #Baramulla, while praying Azan in the mosque and succumbed to injuries. Area has been #cordoned off. Further details awaited,” police said.

    The slain was 72 -years- old and is survived by his wife, two sons and a daughter. A pall of gloom descended on entire Gantumulla village when the news of killing of Shafi spread on the area with people thronging his house to mourn the killing—(KNO)



  • Kashmir’s ‘Newton’ introduces all-weather-resistant Kang’er with advanced features

    Innovator Mohammad Ismail Mir laments lack of appreciation by govt despite recognition from Harvard Medical School

    Srinagar, Dec 23: A renowned Kashmiri innovator, often hailed as the “Newton” of the valley for his numerous inventions, has now introduced an all-weather-resistant Kang’er by incorporating advanced features in the traditional firepot.

    Mohammad Ismail Mir, hailing from Watapora village of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, has already showcased his inventive prowess with creations like an automatic ventilator, automatic disinfectant spray, and more.

    In an interview with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Ismail said he had a passion for innovation since childhood. In 1976, I started a radio station with a range of approximately three kilometres.

    Though he completed his education up to the 12th grade, Ismail has always cherished his enthusiasm for technological inventions.

    In 1983, after reading a booklet explaining the theory and parts required for innovation, I crafted a remote-controlled car, he said.

    Discussing his latest innovation, Mir said that the modified Kang’er can be powered by water, electricity and charcoal, which serves the dual purpose of heating in winter and cooling in summer.

    He said the idea was presented to the authorities of science and technology in 2022, and after 4-5 months of dedicated work, the enhanced Kang’er was ready.

    This Kang’er, despite its metallic structure, is unbreakable and has safety measures to prevent skin burns, he said, adding that it also functions as a water bottle and has additional features such as electricity generation and fire alerts in the vicinity.

    “I can work on any idea if provided with the necessary materials,” Ismail said. He claimed that many of the innovations by present-day innovators in Kashmir were already accomplished by him decades ago.

    When asked about his goals, Mir said his primary aim is to support the people in any way possible. His favourite creation to date is the oxygen concentrator developed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

    Highlighting the significance of the Kang’er in Kashmiri culture, Ismail said that by introducing such innovative Kang’ers, he aims to preserve this cultural element. He has urged the government to involve registered potters and artisans to produce these Kang’ers on a large scale for the benefit of the public.

    Despite his notable inventions, including the oxygen concentrator and automatic disinfectant spray that garnered recognition from the Harvard Medical School last year, Ismail lamented the lack of appreciation from the government at any level so far—(KNO)

  • Legal action initiated, compensation to families announced: J&K Govt on Poonch civilian deaths





    Srinagar, Dec 22: A day after three civilians were allegedly killed in an Amry camp Baffliaz area of Poonch District, the government on Saturday said that medico-legal formalities were promptly conducted, and the appropriate authority has initiated legal proceedings to investigate the circumstances surrounding their deaths.

    The Government also said it has announced compensation for each of the deceased, besides also announced compassionate appointments to the next of kin of each deceased.

    “The death of three civilians was reported yesterday in Baffliaz of Poonch District. The medico legal formalities were conducted and legal action in this matter has been initiated by the appropriate authority. Government has announced compensation for each of the deceased.deceased Further Government has also announced compassionate appointments to the next of kin of each deceased,” the Information & PR, J&K informed in a statement.



  • SKIMS Performs First Land mark Swap Kidney Transplant, Creates New Hope for Helpless Patients





    Srinagar 22 , 2023: In its continuous efforts to enhance advances in patient care, the Department of Urology & Kidney Transplant SKIMS achieved a major milestone by performing Swap Kidney Transplant today. This is the first swap kidney transplant done in UT of J&K.
    Director SKIMS / EOSG complimented Prof. Saleem Wani HOD Urology & KTU and associate departments for this significant achievement. He said patient care is top priority at SKIMS & the swap transplant done by the Department of Urology & KTU is a major breakthrough in kidney transplant and our commitment towards new advances in patient care.
    HOD, Urology & KTU Prof. Saleem Wani while giving details said that “this is landmark surgery done by the SKIMS and is a major milestone set in the kidney transplantation”.He said one patient aged 59 years from South Kashmir suffering from diabetes and ESRD on dialysis since November 2022 had wife as his only kidney donor. However they had positive CDC cross match due to which kidney transplant was not possible.Whileas another patient from Bandipora aged 33 years with CKD stage 5 had mother as his only kidney donor whose Blood group did not match which precluded kidney transplant. On swap (donor exchange) both patients received blood group matched and immunologically compatible kidney donation.

    Prof. Wani Stressed that “Swap Transplant is one of the ways to counter organ shortage as organ shortage is a main hurdle in kidney transplant”,he added. He said that with successful conduct of first swap kidney transplant SKIMS has set the ball rolling for enhancing the donor pool.He said it requires a lot of logistics and expertise as two transplants are performed in a single day, which is burdensome but SKIMS with all capabilities performed the surgery successfully and created a ray of hope for the helpless patients.
    He said SKIMS is a major contributor to the organ transplant program of the country filling a major gap as one lac eighty thousand kidney failure patients need kidney transplant in India in a year and only 6000 kidney transplants are done. He said SKIMS has so far done more than 550 kidney transplants successfully. Organ shortage being a limiting factor,he underscored the importance of Cadaver Transplant, Swap Transplant and ABO incompatible Transplant which he said is a way forward to give new lease of life to patients suffering from kidney failure . He said the Department of Urology & KTU is taking serious measures to work out Cadaver Transplant and in this direction various awareness programs are being conducted in coordination with SOTTO ( State Organ & Tissue Transplant Organization). He also said that the departments of urology & KTU,nephrology, and immunology are working in close coordination to set another milestone by starting ABO incompatible kidney transplant in near future.
    Prof. Wani lauded Department of Nephrology, Department of Anaesthesia, Department of Immunology for their constant support & close coordination. He thanked and complimented entire team of KTU ,urology OT and all members including Prof. Arif, Hamid, Dr Rouf Khawaja, Dr. Sajad malik, Dr sajad Para, Dr Saqib( urology), prof Ashraf Bhat, prof Imtiyaz wani, Prof Muzaffar Wani, Dr Manzoor, Dr Rais( nephrology),Prof Showkat Gurcoo,Dr. Khalid (Anesthesiology) and Prof. Zaffar Amin Shah(Immunology). He also appreciated the role of Kidney Transplant Coordinators Ms. Yasmin and Ms. Ishrat for their efforts of counselling the families.
    Issued through PR Office SKIMS



  • J&K Bank bags ‘Development Leadership Award – 2023’

    It is a testament as well as a tribute to the dedication of our staff on ground: Baldev Prakash

    Srinagar, Dec 21: In a major recognition for its leading role in the development of agricultural economy and its allied infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, J&K Bank has been bestowed with ‘Development Leadership Award 2023’.

    The Bank’s MD & CEO Baldev Prakash today received the award at the hands of Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Arjun Munda – who was also the Chief Guest – in presence of Minister of Animal Husbandry (Uttarakhand) Saurabh Bahugana, EX-CJI and former Governor of Kerala Justice P Sathasivam, Ex-Agriculture Minister (Haryana) O P Dhankar and Chairman (ICFA) Dr M J Khan on the second day of 14th Agriculture Leadership Conclave 2023 organized by Agriculture Today Group in New Delhi. Zonal Head (Delhi) Rakesh Magotra also accompanied the MD & CEO at the award function.

    Notably, the citation read on the occasion recognized the Bank’s leading role in farmer empowerment besides development of sustainable agricultural and allied practices in J&K. “The prestigious Development Leadership Award 2023 to J&K Bank rightfully recognizes the Bank’s efforts, under Mr. Baldev Prakash’s visionary leadership, in reaching the unreached through innovative programs. His commitment to farmers’ empowerment through exercise of their choice has enhanced J&K Bank’s role as a leader in Agri-financial sector scripting not only tales of personal accomplishments but the very development of sustainable agricultural and allied practices in J&K”, said the citation.

    While thanking the honourable dignitaries and organizers for the prestigious award that acknowledges the Bank’s avowed commitment to empowerment of communities at the award-giving ceremony, MD Baldev Prakash said, “This award is a testament as well as a tribute to the dedication and missionary zeal of our staff on ground that translates not only in the welfare of communities across our operational geographies especially J&K but serves best the interests of the institution also.”

    Earlier in the day, MD & CEO Baldev Prakash also addressed the inaugural function of the Agriculture Leadership Conclave 2023, wherein he highlighted the Bank’s pivotal role in bringing about positive changes in the lives of millions of people especially those engaged in the agricultural and allied activities in J&K and other parts of the country.

    He said, “Currently, our total exposure in the agriculture sector stands at an impressive Rs 8,921 Crores with a commendable contribution of 80% of total agricultural lending in the UT (As on September 30, 2023). While figures are vital indicators of our credit outreach, we remain focused on the financial empowerment of farmers. Our goal is to boost their sense of ownership and autonomous decision-making by providing end-to-end financial solutions.”

    “Looking ahead, with Union Government’s ambitious goals for enhancing the farmers’ incomes, we are ready to contribute our part pro-actively, for, our journey in transforming the agro-economy is also a testament to our unwavering commitment towards the welfare of our communities”, he added.

  • BJP fully prepared for J&K polls, will win over 50 seats: Ashok Koul

    To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.

    The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.

    The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.

    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.
    The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.

    The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.

  • On MHA directive, NIA takes Kokernag encounter case

    Anantnag, Dec 20: The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has taken over the investigation of the Kokernag, Anantnag encounter case, on the directions of the Ministry of Home Affairs, sources revealed Wednesday.

    Sources told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that following the Ministry of Home Affairs notification, the NIA took charge of the case and registered it with FIR number RC-04/2023/NIA/JMU at the Jammu Police Station of the agency. “The agency will initiate a detailed investigation into the encounter case,” they said.

    The Kokernag encounter that took place on September 13 this year claimed the lives of three senior officials from the Army and J&K Police. In the seven-day-long encounter, Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) commander Uzair Khan was also killed along with another terrorist—(KNO)

  • Madrasa teacher arrested for sexual assault on minors in Sopore

    Jammu and Kashmir Police have apprehended a madrassa teacher for alleged sexual assault on minors in Sopore area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

    According to reports, the minors, accompanied by their parents, approached the local police station in Dangiwacha area of Rafiabad in Sopore, filing a complaint against the accused madrasa teacher for sexual assault on minors.

    On receipt of this complaint, a case vide FIR number 93/2023 under POCSO Act was lodged at Police Station Dangiwacha Sopore.

    We are collecting further details regarding the case and will bring it fore on appropriate time, the official was quoted as saying by local news agency.