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Srinagar Dec 31: A big snowfall and rains are likely to occur across Jammu & Kashmir starting January 2, Wednesday morning.

A large Western Disturbance is likely to result in snowfall almost simultaneously Wednesday morning spanning from Tajikistan, northern Afghanistan, Northern Pakistan, Gilgit Baltistan, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttrakhand, according to varied weather data analysed by Ziraat Times.

During this spell, snowfall is likely across Kashmir valley, Kargil, Zanaskar valley and mountainous parts of Ladakh, and mountains of Jammu province, according to Ziraat Times analysis. Parts of Jammu plains would experience rainfall.

While precipitation-bearing clouds look to recede from most parts of J&K on Thursday, a much larger cloud cover is likely to engulf Jammu & Kashmir and its north-western region starting Friday, causing snowfall across Kashmir valley plains, Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Doda, Ramban, Reasi and Udhampur mountains and most of the Ladakh region, Ziraat Times forecast suggests.

Heavy snowfall is likely across Pirpanjal and the entire Upper and Middle Himalayas, with significant drop in daytime temperates.

During this period snowfall is also likely across Himachal Pradesh.

© Ziraat Times Weather Monitoring

Srinagar: Every nation at the end of the year proudly announces its achievements in various fields, sets new targets for the coming year and compares their previous short comings to ensure better quality of life in future, but our oppressed nation is forced to keep the count of our dead ones, keep the record of death and destruction around us, this was stated by Joint Resistance Leadership (JRL) comprising Syed Ali Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik in a meeting held today at Hyderpora.

Leaders once again condemned the unfortunate incident of desecration of pulpit of Jamia Masjid Srinagar and said that these mischievous actions cannot be tolerated and people should be cautious and conscious about such disrespectful events. Leaders announced January 4, 2019 as “Youm-ul-Taqadus” and are jointly to offer Friday prayers on this date.

Describing the horrifying situation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and labeling the year 2018 as “Red-18”, JRL said that human blood is spilled all over the state. Every street, every slope, busy markets, open fields or even long and torturous borders– everywhere there is blood of humans, be it of armed youth, common people, government informers, political workers, freedom lovers, policemen or even Indian armed forces, everybody’s blood is red and whenever it is spilled, humanity ceases to exist.

Giving details of the bloody events of 2018, Pro-freedom Leaders said that more than 587 violent incidents have cost 240 armed youth, 37 civilians, 86 armed forces in addition to thousands of bullet and pallet injuries. Scores of residential houses have been raised to ground by the dynamite. They said that elderly people, kids and women have been made to shiver in bone chilling temperature of -80, setting new records of cruelty and inhumanness and South Kashmir is the worst hit. Dozens of our budding youth are massacred daily and shameless forces are celebrating this bloodshed, because they have been licensed to kill us to get the perks and privileges on every life lost to their trigger.

JRL said that our oppressed nation is fighting a military might for the last 7 decades. A few youth with minimal weaponry have engaged more than a million forces with latest armory– now time has come for our nation to be united to safeguard their own collective sacrifices. They should stop becoming tools by the greedy stooges who always strengthen the grip of occupying forces only for their personnel gains.

Leadership said that these self-centered, multi-faced pro-Indian politicians every now and then pop up with latest slogans—nowadays their belly is again aching with colic of “Autonomy”, sometimes they yell to Hurriyat to “go ahead” just to encash the public sentiment, they roar with the slogan of “Bharat Mata Ki Jail” to appease their masters. Divergent stooges come together to share the power, they can cross any limit, even the blood bath to retain their chair.

They said that every pro-Indian group competes with their rivals in killings, maiming, blinding and destruction. If one killed hundreds of school going children like Tufail Matoo and Wamiq Farooq, other in her tenure sarcastically commenting “milk and toffee” remarks to justify ruthless killings. They said that now the fresh entrants, masters in the art of deceit and appeasement, groomed and nourished in the lap of saffron brigade have been assigned the job of collaborators. Political vultures from every filth and dampness are attracted to this new power source.

Taking a pledge not to surrender before the Indian military might used in full swing to suppress the resistance sentiments of the people, the leader reiterated its commitment to continue the struggle for achieving right to self-determination despite all odds.

JRL in their statement urged United Nations and International Human Rights Organizations to take cognizance of recent report by UNHRC about the deteriorating human values and prevailing bloodshed in occupied state and urged them to use their good offices and to take steps for its peaceful resolution and for putting an end to this bloodshed by the Indian forces.

Police says militant recruitment coming down alarmingly

Srinagar: Youth including MBA to PHD Scholars were among the hundreds of militants killed in Kashmir this year. Dr. Manan wani, Dr. Mohammad Rafi and Dr. Sabzar were among the highly educated.

This year saw the highest number of encounters and militant killings since last decade with over 250 militants dead.

Despite the killing of such huge number of militants in counter insurgency operations this year, the annual recruitment numbers are the highest in over a decade. As many as 164 youth have joined the militant ranks till October this year. Last year the number was 126, highest since 2010. Although, according to police officials, militant recruitment is experiencing a massive dip since last couple of months.

Militants A and A++ category top commanders who were killed this year included Abu Dujana, Abdullah Ghaznavi, Bashir Lashkari, Junaid Ahmed Qayoom Najar, Mehmood Bhai, Umar Khatab from Pakistan, killed at Hartar Sopore, Muzafar Ahmed Naiko alias Muza Molvi of Sopore killed at Gulzarpora Mohchu in Budgam, Abu Surag of Pakistan, Adil Ahmad Reshi of Bijbehara, Abid Ahmad Sheikh of Saktipora and Masood Ahmad Shah of Bewoora village killed in Awora Pahalgam, Abu Musaib of Pakistan killed at Parr Mohalla Hajin, Qari Anas and Abu Ali killed in Hadoora Ganderbal, Azaharuddin alias Ghazi Umar and Sajad Ahmed alias Babar killed in Amargarh Sopore, Mudasir Ahmad Tantray alias Asim of Redwani, Wakeel Ahmad Thokar of Harigam Kulgam, Farooq Ahmad Bhat of Chak Dasand and Younus Lone of Hawoora-Mishpora killed in Nagbal Frisal Kulgam, Mushtaq Ahmed Seer killed at Bandipora, Muhammad Shafi Sherguri and Jahangir Ahmed Ganaie killed at Padgampora, Ayoub Lelhari killed in Pulwama, Sabzar Ahmed killed at Saimou Tral and others.

Talking to Valley Media Service, a top police official said that the trademarks of new age militant recruitment like use of social media for recruiting youth have stopped working now. Also, the number of youth recruited per month has come down to single digits now.

“The militant recruitment is at its low right now and the militancy will start waning in the coming year. Moreover, the killing of top commanders in 2018 cut off the links between militant sympathizers and the recruiting youth,” he said.

There has been a steady rise in the number of youth taking up arms in the valley since 2014 onwards as compared to 2011, 2012 and 2013. In 2010, 54 youth had joined the militancy while in 2011; the number came down to 23 and further dipped to 21 in 2012 and 6 in 2013. In 2014, the number shot up to 53 and in 2015, it reached 66 before touching the mark of 88 in 2016. (VMS)

Srinagar: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president and former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti on Monday criticized Government of India over Triple Talaq bill that was passed recently in Lok Sabha, saying that Gandhi’s India should not be turned into Zia-ul-Haq’s Pakistan.

Addressing a presser here at her Gupkar residence, Mehbooba said that “by brining Triple Talaq bill, the BJP has entered into our houses.”

According to KNO correspondent, she said that this bill will disturb the men and women of Muslim community economically, saying that Marriage is a contract and whosoever don’t want to be in the relationship, they can part ways personally after thorough deliberations.

Mehbooba said that democracy is not run through brute majority. “Muslims accept the decisions of Supreme Court on invalidate of Triple Talaq unlike the Sabari mala verdict. Best is to empower Muslim women to be able to face the world independently in case of a breakup,” she said while saying that “I have gone through a broke marriage and I feel that woman face biggest challenge economically after her marriage is broken.”

She added that the Muslims from India and Jammu and Kashmir have decided to stay with Gandhis’ secular democratic India, saying “let us not convert into Zia-ul-Haq’s nation.”

The former chief minister further added that after creating divisions on religious and sectarian lines, BJP is now resorting to divide Muslim families through Triple Talaq bill. “With economic onslaught on Muslims through curbs on meat and leather, the social crises Triple Talaq bill can cause will impoverish them further,” she added. She also added that the bill was passed despite the support of Muslim Member of Parliaments.(KNO)

Srinagar: Widespread rains and snowfall are likely over the most places in Jammu and Kashmir from January 1 onwards due to back-to-back western disturbances (WDs).
According to a weather reports by Indian Meteorological Department and Sky Met Weather, the present western disturbance lies over Jammu and Kashmir and neighbourhood and another western disturbance is likely to affect western Himalayan region from 1st January 2019.

“Now, as two back to back Western Disturbances are approaching the northern hills, we expect first week of January to experience widespread rain and snowfall activities,” Sky Met Weather forecast.
Also, IMD in its Monday morning forecast said under the new western disturbance influence, the minimum temperatures over parts of northwest and adjoining central India have risen by 0.5°-1.0°C and are likely to further rise by 1-2°C during next 48 hours.
However, with a short break on January 3, another rainy spell will be observed over the hills which is expected to last till January 6.
Thereafter, from January 7, weather over the hills will start clearing up.
Sky Met Weather in its report said by end of November, Jammu and Kashmir was rain surplus by almost 38%.
“However, due to poor rains in the month of December, the state’s surplus got consumed fully and now, the state is 1% rain deficient,” the weather report said.
It said the reason for these poor rains has mainly been attributed to the feeble Western Disturbances. “Although frequency was more but they mostly tracked in higher latitudes i.e. the northern parts of Jammu and Kashmir and lasted for short durations only,” it added.

250 militants, 144 civilians, 86 forces personnel killed

2018 was the bloodiest year in more than a decade in Kashmir as 250 militants, 144 civilians and 86 forces personnel were killed.

Among the deceased militants were 15 top commanders of various militant outfits such as Sadaam Paddar, Sameer Tiger, Altaf Kachroo, Towseef Sheikh and Umar Ganai. But the killing of Lashkar militant Naveed Jatt, who had escaped from police custody at the SMHS Hospital in February after killing two policemen escorting him for health check, was the major success for the forces.

A police officer said the fact that 250 militants were still active by mid November pointed to success of infiltration attempts and “silent recruitment” of local boys.

However, director general of police Dilbagh Singh said no new youth joined militancy since October this year.

“Recruitment has gone down, stone pelting incidents too are down and there is a lot of improvement in law and order situation. We will see a better tomorrow,” he said.

Asked whether militancy would be wiped out from Kashmir given the pace at which forces are killing militants, a police officer said: “As long as infiltration continues, militancy can’t be done away with. Also, killing militants is no solution and ultimately political handle is highly inevitable for the long lasting peace in the region.”

Almost similar statement was echoed by the general officer commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based 15 Corps, Lieutenant General AK Bhat, who stated that the military can only create conditions of normalcy. “Beyond that, the initiatives have to be at levels of good governance, politically talking to people. During the Vajpayee era, it has happened, and similar initiatives the government will take at the right moment. I am sure they will,” Bhat told a newspaper in an interview. He said one of the main things was to find the methods and means to convince the youth that the path of violence will not deliver anything.

“And second, more importantly, is to work in the psychological space with the populace of Kashmir, to tell them that their future is far better in India than in Pakistan… that they are only being used as tools by the Jama’at, by the separatists and Pakistan,” he said. “Army’s role is to ensure that peace is maintained. Of course long-term solutions, the government have to look at them.

© Greater Kashmir

Srinagar: Despite missing regular classes owing to frequent shutdowns in Kashmir, the girls have proved their potential in the Class X examination by excelling and securing most of the top positions.

Haya Javid Kirmani, 15, a student of Harvard Educational Institute, Naseem Bagh, secured 98 per cent by getting 498 marks out of 500. Elated Haya said: “There is no shortcut to hard work.”

Last year, the J&K Board of School Education (JKBOSE) started the grading system and since then it doesn’t declare the list of toppers.

“Consistency in studies is must, but not just for securing marks. The most important factor for a student is to take studies as pleasure and not burden. Students who take studies as burden can’t achieve success in any examination,” said Haya from Srinagar.

The results were declared by the JKBOSE on Saturday, in which 75 per cent students passed. Surprisingly, students from the militancy-hit south Kashmir districts of Pulwama and Shopian have shown the highest pass percentage of 84.50 and 83, respectively.

Though the boys secured a pass percentage of 76, which is 2 per cent more than girls, but most of the top positions have been secured by the girls.

Another student Maleeha Zahoor, 15, from Ganderbal district, secured 497 marks out of 500. Maleeha said despite frequent disturbances, she was able to complete her syllabus on time.

“Hard work is the key to success. I used to dedicate two hours to my studies every day throughout the year. It helped me overcome the pressure near the exams. I am happy for the success and its credit goes to the God, my parents and teachers,” she added.

JKBOSE chairperson Prof Veena Pandita said there had been a huge improvement in the pass percentage of the students this year.

“Cold weather hikes blood pressure which increases the risk of fatal heart Attacks and strokes,”

Srinagar, Dec 30: As Kashmir Valley is reeling under an intense cold wave with temperatures dipping below freezing point, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Sunday warned that chill of winter increases the risk of high blood pressure, also known as hypertension.
“Cold weather hikes blood pressure which increases the risk of fatal heart attacks and strokes,” said DAK President Dr Nisar ul Hassan.
“Various studies have shown falling temperatures to cause rise in blood pressure,” he said.
Quoting a large study from France, Dr Nisar said rates of high blood pressure rose from 23.8 percent in summer to 33.4 percent in winter.
“Blood pressure increases were seen in both the systolic (top) and diastolic (bottom) numbers,” he said adding that “the spike was seen in hypertensive as well as normotensive subjects.”
“One degree centigrade decrease in temperature was associated with rise of 1.3 mm Hg in systolic and 0.6 mm Hg in diastolic blood pressure,” Dr Nisar quoted another study.
He said frigid temperatures constrict blood vessels which increase blood pressure because more pressure is needed to force blood through narrowed vessels.
“Lack of sunlight during winter reduces vitamin D levels which increases blood pressure,” he added.
He further said people are sedentary in winter, staying inside and eating more that causes weight gain which contributes to hypertension.
“While we can’t change the weather, we can take precautions to manage our blood pressure in winter. Keep yourself warm to prevent from cold temperature. If you move out, dress in layers, wear a hat, gloves and scarf. Avoid going in chill for walk and move your workout inside. Reduce your salt intake and take diet rich in vegetables and fruits. And, don’t forget to take your vitamin D,” advised Dr Nisar.
“Far too many people don’t know that their blood pressure is high. We need to make sure that people know their number,” he said.
“Because hypertension is an asymptomatic disease people don’t manage it, they turn up years later with kidneys gone and their eyes are bad,” said Dr Nisar.

Health Advisory – Precautions While Using Heating Devices During Winters