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New Delhi: The number of militancy incidents in Jammu and Kashmir has shown significant decline since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019, the Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
In written response to a question, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai gave data showing that only 206 militancy incidents were reported in Jammu and Kashmir this year till December 5 as against 417 in 2018.
According to the data, 255 incidents were reported in 2019 and 244 in 2020.
The infiltration figures also showed a decline with only 28 incidents being reported till October 31 this year as against 143 in 2018. In 2019 and 2020, the minister said, 138 and 51 such incidents were reported respectively.
“Security grid has been further strengthened and infiltration of terrorists from across the border has also come down significantly,” the minister said.
The central government abrogated Jammu and Kashmir’s special status under Article 370 of the Constitution in August 2019 and bifurcated the state into union territories — Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
The minister said the elections to Block Development Councils (BDC) and District Development Councils (DDCs) in Kashmir were conducted peacefully and successfully in 2019 and 2020 respectively.
“There was an enthusiastic participation of the people, with a turnout of 98.29 per cent in BDC elections and 51.42 per cent in DDC elections,” he said.
Giving details of development in Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said the progress of projects being implemented in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir under the Prime Minister’s Development Package-2015 has been accelerated.
“Fifty-three projects pertaining to 15 ministries are being implemented at a cost of Rs 58,477 crore in various sectors such as Roads, Power, Health, Education, Tourism, Agriculture, Skill Development, etc., out of which 21 projects have been completed/substantially completed and the remaining 32 projects are at advanced stage of progress,” he said.
Rai said a new central sector scheme has been notified on February 19, 2021 for the industrial development of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, with an outlay of Rs 28,400 crore, which is likely to provide employment to over 4.5 lakh people while boosting the industrial development of the UT.
“The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has approved business revival package of Rs 1,352.99 crore on September 25, 2020. Under languishing projects programme, 1,192 projects worth Rs 1983.77 crore were completed, including five projects which were incomplete for more than 20 years, 15 projects for more than 15 years and 165 projects for more than 10 years,” Rai said.
The minister said the UT has been declared Open Defecation Free (ODF) under the Swachh Bharat Mission.
He said 100 per cent saturation has been achieved in 17 individual beneficiary centric schemes, including Saubhagya, Ujala, Ujjwala and Indradhanush.
“During the year 2020-21, 1,289 road construction works were completed at a cost of Rs 1,638 crore. The construction work of 14,500 km of road has been completed so far under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna, which has connected about 2,000 places. Work is under progress on one All India Institute of Medical Sciences each in Jammu and Kashmir Divisions at the cost of Rs 2,000 crore each besides seven other medical colleges in the UT…,” Rai said.
Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu have been made functional, he said.
The minister said power projects are being fast-tracked and generation capacity of 2500 MW is to be added by 2025.
“International flight from Srinagar to Sharjah has been started on October 23, 2021. In addition, night flights from Jammu and Srinagar have also been started. The scope of high density plantation scheme for apple has been expanded to include mango, litchi, cherry, walnut, etc. Kashmiri Saffron has been given the Geographical Indication (GI) tag,” he said.
The minister said 20,323 posts are being filled by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board under fast-track recruitment process and 2,119 selections for gazetted posts have been made by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission in various departments.
“During the current financial year, 1,37,870 persons have been covered under various self-employment schemes of different government departments,” he said. PTI

Srinagar, Dec 14: Kashmir has suffered a loss of around Rs 50,000 crore since 05 August 2019 which includes around Rs 10,000 crore this year while business in Kashmir like the rest of the country is down compared to last year.

Talking with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) President of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI) Sheikh Ashiq said that from August 2019 Kashmir’s economy has suffered a whopping of over Rs 50,000 crore losses while around one lakh youth lost their jobs during the same period.

“Of Rs 50,000 crore loss, around Rs 10,000 crore loss has been incurred in this year due to the lockdown,” Ashiq said.

“Every segment of the economy suffered huge losses and it will take years to revive our business and without government support it isn’t possible,” he said.

Ashiq said that business in Kashmir is going on a very thin line and they aren’t expecting any big things to happen presently.

He said that as there are still travel restrictions in many countries and as per World Economic reports till 2022 there won’t be such investments as were happening before.

“We have wholeheartedly thanked LG Manoj Sinha for announcing an economic package for reviving the ailing business sector which gave us a bit of relief. However, many things which were mentioned in the package haven’t been implemented yet on ground,” he said.

He said that as unemployment rate is increasing which indicates less work in the market and it will take time to take business to normal stage again as it was before August 05.

“However, KCCI is making every effort to promote young and educated entrepreneurs of J&K and create more and more employment opportunities for youth of J&K in the private sector,” Ashiq said.

Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) President Muhammad Yaseen Khan told KNO that business this year is down than last year because of inflation.

“There was good tourist season this year besides that horticulture sector has also fetched good amount but due to very heavy losses in last two years, no positive effects of such things were seen on ground,” Khan said

Khan said that prices of every commodity have increased unexpectedly and common people are facing its burnt.

He said that though unemployment rate is increasing in J&K but around one lakh people lost their jobs last year due to lockdown.

“Around 20 to 30 thousand people have been re-engaged,” he said—(KNO)

Calls for reopening of Jama Masjid, release of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq

· Expressed concern over Saudi Arabia’s ban on Tableeghi Jamat
• Publishers asked to consult Muslim scholars on Islamic issues
• Imams,preachers directed to desist from sectarian sermons
• MMU team will visit orphanages, endeavour for better future for orphans
• Monthly salary to be fixed for certified religious scholars, Qaaris, imams and muezzins

• Express strong resentment against the closure of Jama masjid, Call for reopening of Masjid ,releasing Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir

Srinagar, Dec 14: A meeting of Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema Jammu & Kashmir was held at Mirwaiz Manzil Rajouri Kadal, Srinagar, after authorities disallowed it to be held at the Anjuman Auqaf headquarters at Jama Masjid Srinagar. The meeting was presided over by the leading Islamic scholar of J&K Mufti Nazir Ahmad Qasmi, as MMU president Mirwaiz Umar Farooq continues to be under house detention for the past two and a half years since August 5th 2019.

The meeting was attended by the leaders and representatives of the religious,and social organisations besides well known NGOs which include Anjuman Auqaf Jama Masjid Srinagar, Darul Uloom Raheemiyah Bandipora, Muslim Personal Law Board of Grand Mufti of J&K, Jammu and Kashmir Anjuman Sharia Shiaan, Jamiat Ahle Hadeeth Jammu and Kashmir, Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen Jammu and Kashmir, Anjuman Himaayat-ul-Islam, Dar-ul-Uloom Bilaliya Srinagar, Darul Uloom Sabeel-ul-Huda, Anjuman Ulema Ahnaaf, Bazm-e-Tawheed Ahle Hadeeth Auqaf Trust, Jammu Kashmir Civil Society Forum, J&K Help Foundation, Karwaan Khatam-e-Naboowat Trust, Ahl-e-Sunnat Wal Jamaat Jammu and Kashmir, Markazi Raabta Aima Masaajid Jammu and Kashmir, Anjuman Nusrat-ul-Islam Srinagar, Anjuman Mazhar-ul-Haq, Dr. Sameer Siddiqui Sajjada Nasheen Khanqah Siddiqiyah Aishmuqam, Dariul Uloom Naqashbandia, darul Uloom Sheeri Baramulla and several other representatives of many other religious, and social organisations of Jammu and Kashmir who expressed their opinions and offered various suggestions.

On the occasion, it was proposed to form a sub-committee under the auspices of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema to address some key issues facing the Kashmiri society. The sub-committee will consider all the points of the proposed resolution that was adopted in the meeting , as well as stay in contact with the concerned for their implementation.

As per the resolution presented at the meeting, serious concern was expressed over the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ban on a purely religious and da’wah organisation Tablighi Jamaat; and the government of Saudi Arabia was called upon to reconsider its decision.

The MMU during the meeting expressed strong concern and resentment over the blasphemous content published by a Delhi-based publisher ‘Jay Cee Publications’for the pictorial representation of the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and the Archangel Jibra’eel (PBUH) in the History and Civics books of Class 7th.

MMU said, “From time to time conspiracies have been hatched against the religion of Islam, the Prophet of Islam (PBUH) and the Holy Qur’an, however from time to time, Islamic scholars and the Muslims have registered their strong protest against it.” It has asked Publishers to consult Muslim scholars on Islamic issues before printing any material.it was also decided the sub-committee will be in touch with director school education for the same.

Appealing to scholars , imams , preachers and socio religious organisations of all schools of thought , MMU members in the meeting emphasised that the urgent need of the hour is  to focus on the fundamental teachings and principles of Islam during their sermons and discourses, for the sake of greater unity among the Muslims and in order to resist the nefarious designs of anti-Islamic forces and discourage partial, partisan and centuries-old differences and conflicts among various sects of Islam . Those who still continue with a such a  mindset to promte sectarianism will be exposed in public and held accountable, the Majlis-e-Ulema warned.

The meeting  expressed deep concern and sorrow over the recent scandal of sale and purchase of Covid orphans by some unscrupulous people and strongly condemned , calling it as extremely shameful and inhuman. It observed with regret that running orphanages has become a lucrative business for some and this needs to be stopped.

The MMU has requested the responsible persons of the reputed orphanages in Jammu & Kashmir to take all possible steps for the bright future of the orphans in their respective institutions in view of the seriousness and sensitivity of the issue. In this regard, the MMU has also requested that from time to time, a team of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema will visit the registered orphanages of Jammu and Kashmir, and will give  its inputs and suggestions for the better future of the children there.

The  important meeting underscored that the financial condition of the imams of mosques and madrassas and muezzins is dire , which needs immediate attention. Besides serious effort is needed to create an understanding among people,  and an environment in society that supports talented young people  who are proficient in reciting and understanding the Holy Quran and concerned of their social environment , to become imams .Those young people who have the potential to act as the deputies of the Messenger of Islam (PBUH). To encourage talented young people to take up this noble profession, it has to be economically attractive for them also so they can support themselves and their families. So a mechanism has to be put in place to ensure that the salaries  of the imams are decent and attractive to them .

The participants in the meeting strongly protested against the closure of historic Jama Masjid Srinagar, the largest place of worship in J&K and the spiritual centre of the Muslims of the region, by the authorities for Friday prayers continuously from August 6, 2021. They made it clear to the administration that such dictatorial measures amount to  interference with religious practices which is a violation of fundamental human rights and also severely hurts  the sentiments of Muslims.

The meeting expressed strong resentment over the continuous illegal and arbitrary incarceration of the Muttahida Majlis-e-Ulema chief and J&K’s topmost religious leader Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir Dr Moulvi Muhammad Umar Farooq who continues to be under house arrest since 5 August 2019.

MMU asked the rulers of the state to allow prayers at  Jama Masjid on Fridays  and ensure the immediate release of the Mirwaiz-e-Kashmir so that he can fulfill his centuries-old responsibilities the Institution of Mirwaiz enjoins upon him.

Srinagar, Dec 14: The Meteorological Department on Tuesday predicted light snowfall in Srinagar district and upper reaches of Kashmir valley and Zojila pass from tonight.

Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS), director Met, Sonum Lotus said that there is possibility of light snowfall in Srinagar tonight and upto 1 cm snowfall may occur in the district.

He said that there are chances of light snowfall in upper reaches of north Kashmir particularly Kupwara and Gulmarg and Zojila Pass as well.

He said that light snowfall has already started in Gulmarg and will continue till tomorrow.

Lotus said that weather will remain dry from December 16 onwards. (KNS)

Mostly dry weather conditions are expected till 22 December, even as a weak Western Disturbance is passing over J&K currently which may cause light rain/snow at a few places(otherwise dry weather is expected).

By 16 December, minimum temperatures will again start to drop.
Between 17 and 19 December, severe cold wave conditions are expected in most parts of J&K.
Below -5°C night temperatures are likely at most places in Kashmir.
Minimum temperature in Srinagar during this period can stay in between -5°C to -8°C, while in other plains like Shopian it can drop to -10°C.

3 – 4°C drop is also expected in day temperatures, despite expected sunny days.

Exception to this forecast could only occur if cloud cover persists during the night, however, chances of that are less than 10%.

Not only in J&K, temperatures in Afghanistan, north and central Pakistan, north India plains (extending up-to central India parts) are also likely to witness a significant drop.

After 22 December, it seems a chain of Western Disturbances will arrive in J&K, however accuracy of which can’t be yet accurately predicted.

Regards: Kashmir Weather, an independent weather forecaster Faizan

Jammu, Dec 13 : The Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta today chaired a meeting to review various activities being undertaken by the Tourism Department to highlight and promote new tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir.

Principal Secretary, Public Works (R&B) Department, Administrative Secretary, Tourism Department along with MD, JKTDC, Directors Tourism Jammu and Kashmir, Director, Culture Department, and concerned officers of the Department participated in the meeting.

It was informed that the tourism in Jammu and Kashmir has crossed the mark of highest tourist footfall in November when 1,27,605 tourists visited the Union territory in a single month. Moreover, to attract local and foreign tourists to the UT, the Tourism Department is organizing various road shows across major cities of the country and raising awareness on the tourism-related events, activities, and destinations in Jammu and Kashmir. These cities include Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad, and Lucknow.

It was further informed that as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mohatsav, the Department organized an iconic week celebration in the last week of October 2021, which included performances on Hafiz Nagma, Kalam-e-Khusroo, Kalam-e-Baba Fareed, Qawwali, Baul Sufi folk, Darvish Sufi dance, and Haziri Kathak, besides literary seminar on Sufism and exhibition of local arts, calligraphy, Sufi traditions, and houseboat festival.

To celebrate 75 years of Independence, the Department is organizing 75 tourism festivals to promote 75 off-beat destinations. These destinations will be developed with proper infrastructure and requisite facilities to tap their tourism potential in collaboration with locals, youth clubs, and Panchayati Raj Institutions. The festivals organized so far are- Gurez festival, Monsoon festival, Patnitop & Kashmir, Lolab festival, Wular festival, Aharbal festival, Tosamaidan festival, and Verinag festival.

The Chief Secretary asked the Tourism Department to promote 75 new tourist places by developing comprehensive facilities in an integrated manner having adequate provisions of recreational activities, eateries, and restrooms.

Dr. Mehta asked the Department to preserve, restore, and promote the cultural and architectural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. He advised the Department to raise awareness about these places by organizing dedicated travel, trekking-expeditions, mountain bike adventures, and stays around the identified sites. He advised the Department to promote tourism cooperatives for comprehensive tourism development through collective efforts of locals, youth, PRIs through Department-sponsored training, capacity-building, and handholding.

In the winter months, the Department will further organize the Jammu festival, white water rafting championship, Christmas carnival, Winter Carnival, Gulmarg snow festival, Lohri festival, Mata Vaishno Devi Sangeet Sammelan, and several others, as a part of its calendar of activities under the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.

The Department celebrated International Mountain Day on 11th December under the theme ‘Sustainable Mountain Tourism’ through several activities including a painting competition and exhibition, wall climbing event at Nowgam, Mountain biking expedition, and inauguration of Paragliding season.

The Chief Secretary asked the Department to actively promote wall and rock climbing sport throughout the Union territory, as there exists a huge potential on this account. He impressed upon the Department to strive for observing the most vibrant winter season this year with a special focus on the local and domestic tourists, now that the National Highway to the Kashmir valley has been upgraded

To promote rural tourism, it was informed that specific activities will be organized along the identified rural circuits across Jammu and Kashmir, including Hokersar-Parihaspora-Gohan in Gulmarg, Waderbala, Nowgam Mawar- Lolab in Kupwara,Chari-Sharief-Doodhpathri-Yousmarg in Budgam Saderkoot Payeen- Watlab in Bandipora and, Bani- Basohli-Sarthal and Billawar Duggan in Kathua, among others.

Says BJP pushing youth of J&K to the wall, forcing them to choose violent path

Srinagar, Dec 12 (KNS): People’s Democratic Party president, Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday hit out at the government and said that there is no surrender neither in the DNA of Kashmiris nor her.

Srinagar, Dec 12: People’s Democratic Party president, Mehbooba Mufti on Sunday hit out at the government and said that there is no surrender neither in the DNA of Kashmiris nor her.

Talking to media persons at her Gupkar residence today, she said that by sabotaging the people and carrying out vicious atrocities on them, BJP wont get anything as they will not surrender before this oppression.

She said that the main target has always been the youth of Kashmir and today BJP targeted the youth as it was a youth interaction. “BJP is disempowering our youth by getting them jailed, slapping them with UAPA and PSA, snatching jobs and giving local jobs to outside people,” she said

Mehbooba said that BJP doesn’t want youth to support democratic values of PDP as they only want to disempower them to the extent that they choose the path of violence. “By that it becomes easy for them to kill the youngsters of the Valley just like they did in Hyderpora,” she added.

She said that PDP is not able to understand the reason behind this resentment of government against their party as all other parties including NC, PC, Apni Party and Congress have been allowed to carry put political activities.

She said that even the Prime Minister is also carrying out huge rallies in Uttar Pradesh, where thousands of dead bodies were thrown in the Ganga during the COVID19 emergency but still huge rallies are allowed there. “But here we cannot understand why COVID19 restrictions are only for PDP.”

She said that she wants to ask LG Manoj Sinha that how can his administration be so brazen? “COVID19 excuse is only for PDP and not for other parties. How can the administration justify this excuse?” she questioned.

She also said that the reason behind this move was that PDP always challenges their false narratives of normalcy in Jammu and Kashmir and whosoever challenges it, is being silenced by by force.

Mehbooba said that PDP today wanted to hold a youth convention at her residence as earlier they tried to seek permission from district administration for an outside venue, but they didn’t get any response.

“Thousands of youth had come today to attend the convention but they were not allowed to do so. Not only that but they were thrashed, roughed up, their mobile phones were snatched and some of them were arrested also. Our party leader Arif Laigaroo was also arrested by the police,” she said. (KNS)

Srinagar, Dec 12: A scooty rider was killed in a road accident in Trichal area of South Kashmir’s Pulwama district on Sunday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a dumper bearing registration number JK13G-5369 hit a Scooty rider at Trichal Pulwama, resulting in severe injuries to the scooty rider.

He said that scooty rider was immediately taken to District Hospital Pulwama for treatment where he succumbed to his injuries.

He identified the deceased as Rouf Ahmad Reshi, son of Abdul Hamid Reshi of Gooripora Awantipora.

He said that police have taken cognizance of the issue and further investigation have been taken up—(KNO)