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Srinagar, 18 Sept: Hot conditions remained unabated in parts of Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday, even as the summer capital recorded its 2nd hottest September day in 9 years at 31.8 degrees Celsius.

As per Kashmir Weather, an independent weather forecaster, temperature in Srinagar had previously reached 32.7°C in 2019 and 2012 as well.

The all-time highest temperature in September is 35.0°C recorded on 18 September 1934.

Kupwara in north Kashmir was hottest place in the Valley recording a maximum temperature of 33.0°C.

The ski-resort of Gulmarg, famous for its beauty and heavy snowfall during winters, recorded a maximum temperature of 21.2°C.

The other parts of the Valley also witnessed similar weather conditions.

Qazigund recorded 31.0°C, Pahalgam 27.2°C and Kokernag 29.3°C as the day’s highest temperatures.

Kashmir Weather has forecast similar conditions during the next 24hrs with a slight relief from Monday.

Srinagar, Sep 18: Encounter broke out between security forces and militants at Noorbagh area of Srinagar on Saturday, officials said.

A police official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that on the basis specific input, a search operation was launched in the Noorbagh area of city under the jurisdiction of police station Safa Kadal.

“When forces zeroed in on the suspected spot, the hiding militants opened fire triggering a gun battle,” the official said. Firing was on from both sides when last reports poured in—(KNO)

Srinagar, Sep 17: The Third Additional Munsif Judicial Magistrate Srinagar Thursday granted bail to the international athlete Nighat Bashir in a case filed against her at the police station Shergari stating that “I was not a habitual offender.”

The learned counsel Advocate Tashveeq while pleading for the bail before the Third Additional Munsif Judicial Magistrate in Srinagar stated that the applicant (Nighat Bashir) is innocent and is not involved in any crime or offense and has been arrested without any cause or justification.

The learned counsel pleaded that the applicant has been arrested under FIR number 83/2021 at Police station Shergari for offenses under section 332 of the Indian panel code (IPC).

Filing the objections, the learned APP said that police in the report have stated that investigation has been concluded and nothing further remains for the same in this regard.

“The prosecution has no objection in case the applicant for bail is allowed on the ground and if the accused undertakes to face the trial without remaining absent as and when the charge sheet is filed in the court for judicial determination”, the learned APP said.

According to the order a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer(KNO), the court in response to the bail application said that “Keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case, the discussion made hereinabove and the fact that the offense for the commission of which the applicant / accused has been arrested is neither punishable with a death sentence, nor imprisoned for life, and also accused person herein not being a habitual offender as no such objection has been taken by the prosecution, the court is taking the lenient view and applicant/ accused person is admitted to interim bail up to 25-09-2021 in FIR number 83/2021 of PS Sherigari, Srinagar for offenses U/s 332 of IPC subject to the furnishing personal bonds to the tune of 25,000 from her with one surety of like amount.

The court also said that surety bonds as mentioned above have been furnished, attested, and made part of the instant application. “Accordingly SHO P/s Shergari, Srinagar is directed to release the applicant / accused person in case FIR No. 83/2021 of P/s Shergari Srinagar for offenses U/s 332 of IPC after obtaining personal bonds to the tune of Rs 25,000 from her provided that the applicant / accused is not required to be detained in any other case or FIR put up on 25-09-2021”, the court said—(KNO)

Season starts on positive note, hopeful demand will increase at peak time: Fruit Growers Association

Srinagar, Sep 17: The apple season in Kashmir has started on a positive note after witnessing a good demand as well as fetching good prices in different markets across the valley.

Growers from different areas of Kashmir said that there is good demand of traditional kulu delicious apples and growers are fetching reasonable prices presently.

Mohammed Shafi, a grower from Shopian, said that he has send around 100 boxes of apple to Delhi at the cost of Rs 900 per box.

“Initially there were reports that there is a less demand of Kashmiri apples, but despite that I dispatched my produce outside valley and have got good prices,” Shafi said.

President All Fruit Growers Association Kashmir Bashir Ahmad told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the season has started normally and he is hopeful that the demand will increase as the peak time of the season is yet to come.

Bashir said that initially there was good demand of high density apples and growers fetched good prices, however, at the end of high density apple season there was huge decline of rates in almost all markets.

He said that there was decline in the rates due to bumper crop in Himachal Pradesh this year.

“Rates of some of the varieties of pear and palm were also low this year. However, some of the varieties of pear like Nakh are fetching good prices presently,” Bashir said.

“Government is making efforts to provide every help to the growers,” he said, while requesting them to ensure the hassle free movement of fruit laden trucks so that growers won’t suffer of any losses—(KNO)

BARAMULLA: Asserting that Kashmiri migrants constitute part and parcel of Kashmir’s composite culture, Union Minister of AYUSH and Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal today affirmed that Union government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi is very keen towards the welfare of Kashmiri migrants. He said that several concrete measures have been taken in order to ensure their rehabilitation so that they live in their homeland with peace and harmony.

The Union Minister made these remarks after laying the foundation stone of Transit Accommodation Camp at Khawjabagh Baramulla. The Transit camp, having the accommodation facility for about 337 families, shall be constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4032 lakh with a cost of Rs 12 lakh on each flat. About 50 kanals of land has been acquired for the purpose.

While terming the people of Kashmir having loving and accommodative nature, the Minister said that time has come when the people of different faiths and beliefs live with peace and prosperity. He said that unity in diversity, as envisaged in ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mohatsav” initiative, is the only unifying factor for a strong nation.

Pertinent to mention that the Union Minister, accompanied by top functionaries was on two day’s visit to Baramulla district as part of Union Government’s special public outreach programme which aims to evoke feedbacks of different stakeholders besides listening to their developmental aspirations and other concerns.

On the second leg of his visit, Sonowal met scores of delegations and deputations who apprised him about their demands and grievances.

Representatives of different political parties called on the Minister wherein they highlighted several demands and grievances pertaining to socio-economic development of the society. Those include up gradation of basic infrastructure in AYUSH institutions, development of waterways wherever possible, amongst others.

A delegation of PRIs extended gratitude of the central government for conducting the outreach programme so as to hear the common masses. Sarbananda Sonowal gave a patient hearing and expressed happiness over the meeting held with the delegations. He said that Union Government has a good dream for development of Jammu and Kashmir, adding that the present out-reach programme has been initiated by the Government to know the basic problems of the people at the ground.

He assured that the demands and grievances projected by the delegations have been taken note of and the same would be put up with Government at Union level as well as with Lieutenant Governor for their timely redressal.

Impressed with the positive and cooperative attitude of different cross section of the people, the Union Minister said that everyone has to play its part for boosting the development tempo. He congratulated the PRIs for successful establishment of three tier Panchayati Raj System and said that three tier system of government was available to the people of Jammu and Kashmir first time in the history of independence. Further, the Minister said that Government of India has been already working on various flagship programmes aimed at to develop socio-economic status of the people and number of new schemes are also in pipeline. ( KINS )

Srinagar, Sep 17: Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Friday said flu vaccine in times of Covid crisis is more important than ever.

“As the flu season is just around the corner, addition of another respiratory illness on top of ongoing Covid-19 pandemic could overburden the health care system and compound efforts to stamp out the novel coronavirus,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan.

“Since we are expecting another surge of Covid in this fall and winter, it is important to conserve hospital resources for those with Covid,” he said

“Flu vaccines can take a big burden off our medical infrastructure. And if we can keep people out of hospital with flu, we can better deal with the likely upswing in Covid infections,” he added.

Dr Hassan said you can catch the flu and Covid at the same time and that increases your risk of ending up in ICU or on a ventilator.

“Flu can weaken your immune system, which could make you susceptible to getting Covid and make it harder for you to fight off,” he said.

The DAK President said getting a flu shot will decrease a person’s risk of getting Co-infection of both the flu and Covid-19. It will also limit the confusion over the two viral infections, which have similar symptoms, and free up hospital beds to treat patients with Covid-19.

He said last year flu season was mild due to mitigation measures in place because to Covid-19 pandemic.

However, as we participate in more in-person activities, we expect that influenza could circulate at much higher levels this fall and winter.

“Flu vaccine is the single best way to protect you and people around you from getting flu. It reduces the chances of serious illness, hospitalization and death,” Dr Nisar said.

He said everyone 6 months and older should get the annual flu vaccine before the start of flu season which begins in October and can last as late as May. Since it takes two weeks for flu vaccine to become fully effective, it is best to get the vaccine now. However, vaccination should continue to be offered throughout the flu season.

“While the vaccine is recommended for all, it is especially needed in young children, elderly, pregnant women and people with medical conditions,” he added.

Srinagar: The Wildlife department on Friday morning caught a leopard alive in Arwah village of Beerwah area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, officials said.

An official told news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC) that the leopard was roaming in the residential areas of Beerwah locality and other adjoining areas from the past twenty days posing threat to locals especially to children.

He said that after being informed by the locals, teams of the wildlife department armed with necessary gadgets visited the area and captured the leopard alive this morning.

Mohammad Ghulam Nabi, a local, told news agency Kashmir Dot Com that the leopard was spotted in the area after which they informed the wildlife officials.

“The wild animal was captured without shooting him. The officials kept a baby goat as prey for the leopard and caught him alive,” he said. (KDC)

September 16: Srinagar police arrested four persons for producing fake insurance policies before Honb’le Court of Law .

Police Station Batamallo on receipt of a complaint from Honrable Court of Special Mobile Magistrate Sadder Court Srinagar arrested four persons namely:-

1. Farooq Ahmad Baba S /o Khazir Mohammad Baba

2. Nazir Ahmad kuchay S/o Ab Rehman Kuchay R/O’s Genz khud Nawabazar.

3. Tariq Ahmad Chudisaaz S/o Ab Ahad Chudisaaz R/o Dabtal Nawabazar.

4. Reyaz Ahmad Daga S/o Ab Aziz Daga R/o Rampora Qamarwari for producing fake & forged Insurance policies of Vehicles .Case Fir No 138/21 U/s 420,467,468,471 IPC has been Registered in Police Station Batmaloo . During the course of Investigation it has surfaced that vehicles of said accused persons namely Farooq Ahmad Baba & Nazir Ahmad Kuchay were earlier seized by the Honb’le Court and today During the trial the said accused persons produced fake insurance policies before theHonb’le Court .During investigation it surfaced that the duo managed the fake insurance policies from Reyaz Ahmad Daga through one agent namely Tariq Ahmad Chudisaaz . During the course of Investigation one laptop ,one mobile phone and one printer has been seized . Investigation of the said case is going on and further more arrests are expected.

Jammu, Sept 16: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Thursday that various groups connected at the international level are trying to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory. He stated this while addressing the cops during a passing out the parade of Fire Fighters at Sher-I-Kashmir Police Academy, Udhampur. LG Manoj Sinha said that new generation warfare social media as a potent weapon has got into the hands of some people. Various groups are connected, not at the national level only, but at the international level are trying to disturb peace in Jammu and Kashmir. This needs to be monitored thoroughly. Forces are working on this.

He added, “Force has made a sacrifice; parents lost children which is a grave violation of human rights. We will fight militancy jointly and those involved will be acted upon strictly. Apart from ending militancy , J&K Police’s responsibility is to win the confidence of people; forces are working on this”.

Manoj Sinha further said that there had been several incidents when elements from outside the country tried to provoke people by spreading fake news in Jammu and Kashmir, and police took cognisance of several incidents, including a letter claimed to be issued by Hurriyat leader Syed Ali Shah Geelani in July 2020 calling for the shutdown but turns out to be a plot of Pakistan. As per the family sources of SAS Geelani, the letter is fake and not issued by him. This was published in Pakistan. Police are taking action against those circulating it through different social media platforms to instigate violence and create law and order problems.

On September 14, LG Manoj Sinha guaranteed that all individuals who are qualified beneficiaries under the ‘Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Rights) Act’ (aka Forest Rights Act, 2006) will be provided with their rights. According to an official statement, the Jammu and Kashmir administration gave individual and community rights certificates to qualified recipients of the Gujjar Bakerwal and Gaddi Sippi community members on Monday under the Forest Rights Act, 2006. This decision, authorities informed, was taken with the purpose of moving into a new age of empowerment and economic success for the disadvantaged tribal communities of Jammu and Kashmir.

Srinagar, Sept 16 : Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief and former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday sparked a fresh controversy saying that before her father became the chief minister of Jammu and Kashmir, the armed forces used to hound people in the the Kashmir Valley.

On Tuesday, Mufti had accused the BJP government of making people miserable while asking the Centre to show concern about the problems faced by the country’s citizens rather than deflecting through Afghanistan.

During her visit to Poonch, she said that the Central government is not listening to anyone, including the farmers who have been protesting against its policies for the past several months.

“Taliban are in Afghanistan. Why talk about them? We have a lot of issues here, the biggest being the farmers’ protest. Why do we not talk about farmers, corruption in the country?” Mufti asked.

“They do not talk about the issues of the people of Jammu and Kashmir which was bifurcated, rampant corruption and the lack of development.”

Further, the PDP chief said that she does not see any development in the UT following the abrogation of Article 370.

“They are claiming that Article 370 was removed for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. I cannot see any development. I cannot see any roads being constructed. Even tenders for our minor minerals and jobs are given to outsiders,” she said.

“The BJP has made the condition of the people of our country so miserable that they are not even able to buy ration. Farmers provide food for the people of the country but the BJP government has left them on the roads,” she added. (SOURCE TIMES NOW )