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Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir’s four Rajya Sabha members will complete their six-year term in February next year.

Details available with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveal that incumbent MPs of J&K Union Territory in Upper House of the Parliament will complete their six-year term between February 10 to 15 next year.

While Fayaz Ahmad Mir (PDP) and Shamsher Singh Manhas(BJP) will complete their innings on February 10, the six-year term of leader of opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad (Congress) and Nazir Ahmad Laway( PDP) will end on February 15.

Nearly a month before formation of PDP-BJP government in 2015, Mir, Laway and Manhas managed to win after tacit understanding between the two parties. Azad emerged victorious due to support from National Conference and independent MLAs.

With J&K presently without Legislative Assembly, the UT could remain without representation in Rajya Sabha in absence of electoral college for these seats.

“MLAs of J&K UT Assembly constitute electoral college for these seats. There seems no chance of holding Assembly elections in J&K in near future due to ongoing delimitation process. So these seats could remain vacant for some time,” an official said.

It is worthwhile to mention here that J&K’s representation in Rajya Sabha as well as remaining term of its incumbent MPs was protected by The Jammu & Kashmir Re-Organisation Act enacted by the Parliament in August last year.

In March this year, the Centre had defined Electoral College for J&K’s Rajya Sabha seats by making amendments in the Representation of Peoples Act-1951.

According to the amendments notified in Jammu & Kashmir Re-Organization (adaptation of central laws) Order-2020, MLAs of J&K UT Legislative Assembly will constitute Electoral College for these seats—(KNO)

The semester fee was pending since March, haven’t asked for fee of two semesters: Officials

Srinagar: As the government has directed all private and government institutions not to deprive any student from pursuing the education during COVID-19 crisis, the students of Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Friday alleged that the management of the varsity is compelling them to pay the charges of two semesters simultaneously.

Nadia Rashid Naik, spokesperson CUK students’ federation told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the students of 7th semester and being compelled to pay the semester fee of 8th semester as well.

“I am pursuing law studies at CUK and currently I am in the 7th semester. The CUK authorities are compelling us to pay the registration charges of both semesters,” Naik said.

“This is not the case of only 7th semester students, but of all students,” she said.

She said that there are many students who have no earning hand in their family and in times of Coronavirus pandemic wherein their family members are sitting idle at home, the CUK authorities are asking them to pay the charges of both semesters.

The students’ spokesperson said that the CUK management has set a last date of submitting the fee till July-28.

“This is not possible for most of the students as from past year, the Kashmir valley was reeling under the shutdown following the abrogation of Article-370 and since March it was put under safety lockdown in view of COVID-19,” Naik said.

CUK Registrar Farooq Ahmad Shah told KNO that the fee was pending since the beginning of the semester.

“This semester fee was supposed to be collected in the month of March-April, however, due to the COVID-19 crisis, we couldn’t,” he said.

Shah said, “But now by the end of this month we are supposed to collect it. We are not asking for the fee of two semesters.”—(KNO)

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir College Contractual Lecturers Association (JKCCLA) has sought the intervention of Chief Justice J&K High Court Justice Gita Mital for releasing their salaries.

The JKCCLA has written a letter to the Chief Justice, a copy of which with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), which says, “We the academic arrangement candidates of different colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory would like to draw your kind attention towards the fact that we have been working for the smooth functioning of the System from last two decades. We have always worked at par with the permanent faculty of the department. In making the future of the students academic arrangement lecturers/Teaching Assistants of higher education department have always contributed to their best. We have carried out all our assignments with complete dedication, enthusiasm, honesty and zest. We have devoted the prime of our youth to the department and have always regarded our services as worship. Despite that the department has never paid any attention to address our genuine demands/grievances.”

They claimed that the department is hell-bent to ruin the future of highly qualified lot as most of the candidates working in the system have crossed the upper age limit or are at the verge of becoming highly qualified overage unemployed youth of the developed democracy.

“Every second day the department is using all the means to mentally harass and humiliate the candidates. Witnessing this humiliation and sensing the job insecurity about 1200 Hundred candidates working on academic arrangements moved to the High Court/CAT Bench Jammu of Jammu and Kashmir to secure their job and to their fortune honorable high court Srinagar Wing and CAT bench Jammu after analyzing the petitions issued Status Quo in their favour. The department was going well with the Status Quo of the candidates and was maintaining their position without disturbing them and released their salaries till July 2019 and in some cases till august 2019,” it reads.

The letter says that the High Court from time to time issued directions to the department to release the salaries of the candidates and to the surprise the department never obeyed those orders which highlight the highhandedness of authorities.

“The High Court also asked the department about an affidavit to confirm the stand of the department towards the court cases. In their response the Director Colleges along with all the Principals of the Degree Colleges acknowledged the Court Case and submitted the affidavit mentioning that they have not disturbed the position of the petitioners and are maintaining their Status Quo. But in reality they have made the contempt of the Honorable court and have not released our salaries from August 2019,” it says.
“It is very unfortunate that on one hand the Government of India is issuing advisories on a daily basis that every employee whether permanent or contractual will be paid his due salary but on the other side we have been only paid the salary of one month (in some colleges Two months) out of twelve months. Besides this some of the candidates working on the court orders have not been released the salaries mentioned that they are the surplus staff, whereas honorable high court on 10-03-2020 in its order against a petition filed by the Status Quo candidates clearly mentioned that all the status quo candidates should be considered on duty and no new guideline shall be implemented on them till the final disposal of the case. Most of these candidates are with the department from the last 8 to10 years. In this time of grief we fear our families will die of starvation if not by this virus as we have nothing to feed them. During these tough times we don’t have access to the High Court.”

“In these disturbing times, we request your candid self-please look into the matter seriously and take serious note of it and press to release our salaries at earliest. Hope this representation will get due consideration and timely redress from your authentic office this time,” it reads. (KINS)

Srinagar: As the valley battles spread of the coronavirus outbreak, the authorities here said that it will make the Covid-19 curbs more stringent.

The government has already authorized all Deputy Commissioners to enforce safety measures and impose penalties on violators of Covid protocol.

One of the top officials here in the Divisional administration told Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that authorities have been asked to take legal action against those involved in violation of norms to prevent the spread of the deadly virus. “The authorities have taken these strict measures due to a surge in positive cases as people are not following the Covid protocol and guidelines in most parts,” the official said, wishing not to be named.

The authorities have made it clear that concealment of travel history or circumvention of screening will coerce the authorities to invoke relevant sections of the IPC and stringent action will be initiated as per law.

The administration has warned strict action against violation of any of the government directions and advisories.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole Thursday said that violation of health advisories and guidelines resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases in the valley.

The Divisional Commissioner has stressed upon strictly using masks and adhering other government health guidelines.

“Government is concerned about people neglecting health advisories and guidelines resulting in a surge of COVID-19 cases in the valley,” Divisional Commissioner Kashmir had told KINS.

As per the advisory, early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put the life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice,” the advisory reads.

Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water,” it reads.

Strict restrictions remained in place across Kashmir after the six day lockdown commenced on Thursday.

The lockdown was re-imposed in Kashmir after a spike of COVID19 cases.

Authorities had sealed most of the roads and market places in all Red districts and placed concertina wires and barriers on the roads to stop public movement.

Under the fresh lockdown, construction activities and activities related to agriculture and horticulture are allowed as per Standard Operating Procedure. (KINS)

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) Chief, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday demanded restoration of high-speed Internet and statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), JKAP President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari was addressing a press conference at his Jammu office ahead of first anniversary of abrogation of Article 370 & 35(A). Bukhari said the party will continue its fight for the restoration of statehood which was snatched unilaterally last year by BJP government.

“The special status of Jammu and Kashmir was unilaterally snatched on August 5, 2019 followed by strict curbs for months. We will not give up. JKAP will continue its fight for restoration of statehood”, he said. Referring to the demand for 4G restoration, he said due to non-availability of high-speed internet services in valley all affairs of life have been badly affected. He added that putting illogical reasons for keeping the service shut is violation of fundamental rights of a citizen.

“The militants use satellite phones, not 4G which has not been restored despite repeated pleas. We do not know why people of J&K have been deprived from this right. It is an absolute violation of fundamental rights”, JKAP President said. He asserted that the overall situation in Jammu and Kashmir is much better than other parts of the country. However he maintained that Covid-19 has put the entire world on same page. Refuting the assertions of administration regarding resolution of people’s grievances, Bukhari said that bureaucracy is not listening to the people and the claims about developmental works are absolute lie.

“Since Article-370 was removed from the constitution, there has been no developmental work in J&K, besides pleas of common people are not being listened as they are moving from pillar to post for resolution of day-to-day issues. Taking a dig on divisive politics, JKAP leader said that some elements are trying to create divide among the society while resorting to divisive politics. “Some elements are trying to bisect the society on political and religious lines which is highly deplorable. I appeal to people of both regions to come forward, unite and work together for the overall development of J&K” he said.

Srinagar: The deadly Novel Coronavirus on Friday claimed eight more lives in Jammu and Kashmir, thus taking the toll of deaths due to COVID-19 to 296 in the Union Territory.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that eight patients who died include a 75-year-old man from Saderbal Srinagar, a 65-year-old man from Maharaj Gunj Srinagar, a 65-year-old woman from Malaknag Anantnag, a 58-year-old IRP Sub Inspector from Jammu, a 68-year-old woman from Sopore, a 70-year-old male from Rainawari Srinagar, a 75-year-old Lady from Peerbagh Srinagar and a 60-year-old male patient from Khanyar Srinagar.

An official from SKIMS said that a patient from Saderbal was admitted on July 08 with multiple ailments and he died on Friday morning.

Sources at SMHS said that a 65-year-old patient from Maharaj Gung, presently living at Kraltang Rajouri Kadal who was admitted on July 20 with bilateral Pneumonia and was tested positive on 22 July died on Friday.

They said that a patient from Sopore who was admitted on July 21 with bilateral Pneumonia died at SMHS on Thursday and was tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.

They further added that a 60-year-old man from Khanyar who was admitted on 21 July with community acquired pneumonia died last evening and was tested positive on Friday. 

A health official at GMC Anantnag said that a 65-year-old woman from Malaknag Anantnag who was admitted on July 22 died at GMC Anantnag on Friday morning.

He said the patient was suffering from hypertension, pneumonia and other ailments.

Officials from GMC Jammu told KNO that a 58-year-old IRP Sub Inspector from Gandhi Nagar who was admitted on July 22 and tested positive for the virus, breathed his last at GMC on Friday. 

An official at SKIMS Bemina (JVC) said that a 75-year-old lady from Peerbagh Srinagar who was admitted on July 14 after testing positive for COVID-19 died on Friday.

An official from CD hospital said that a 70-year old man from Rainawari who was tested positive for COVID-19, died hours after he was admitted at CD hospital on Friday.

With eight more deaths, the death toll due to COVID-19 has reached to 296 in J&K including 275 from Kashmir division and 21 from Jammu division—(KNO)

According to officials, work to build community bunkers started recently in Kupwara and Baramulla districts. With cross-border shelling along the Line of Control increasing off late, there has been a demand for bunkers in border villages.

Indian Express

With the villages along the Line of Control in Kashmir witnessing frequent exchange of fire, work is on to construct 125 community bunkers in two North Kashmir districts.

According to officials, work to build community bunkers started recently in Kupwara and Baramulla districts. With cross-border shelling along the Line of Control increasing off late, there has been a demand for bunkers in border villages.

On Thursday, the Army said the Pakistan troops targeted civilian villages in forward areas along the LoC. “Last night, it resulted in bullet injury to a woman of Hajitra village, Tangdhar Sector. The injured lady was rushed to the hospital and is currently stable,” the Army’s Srinagar-based Chinar Corps tweeted on Thursday.

According to officials, about 85 bunkers are coming up in Kupwara district — 60 in Karnah/Tangdhar, 10 in Keran and 15 in Machil.

Sub Divisional Magistrate, Karnah, Dr Bilal Mohiuddin told The Indian Express work on the community bunkers is about to finish and added that the government plans to build more bunkers in Karnah.

In the nearby Baramulla district, 40 bunkers are being built. “These bunkers are coming up in border villages in Uri and Boniyar. We hope to finish the construction soon,” said an official.

Residents of border villages say the bunkers are much needed. “We have been waiting for them for long. We are suffering every day due to the shelling,” said Farooq Ahmad, who lives at a border village in Uri.

With inputs from The Indian Express

Ladakh demand a law be implemented which could bar outsiders from seeking jobs in Ladakh, while people of Ladakh should be allowed to apply for government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh: Kargil and Leh parts of Ladakh Friday observed a complete shutdown against what the locals called ‘grave indiscrimination’ being done to the students in terms of government employment.

The call for shutdown was forwarded by ‘All India Kargil Ladakh Students Union’ and it was supported by all the political and religious both Muslim and Buddhist organizations of the region.

All the shops and business establishments remained shut while life was completely hit due to unprecedented shutdown.

Locals told news agency KNT that shutdown is aimed to convey a message to Government of India that people in the region wants a law that will bar outsiders to seek government jobs. They said people of Ladakh should be allowed to apply for the posts advertised by Jammu and Kashmir Bank and other government departments.

A student leader Muhammad Asif Khan said that recently Jammu Kashmir Bank advertised various posts but aspirants from Ladakh were not allowed to apply for those posts.

“This shutdown is being observed to press for various demands. A law should be implemented which could bar outsiders from seeking jobs in Ladakh. People should be allowed to apply for government jobs in Jammu and Kashmir as well. These demands are genuine and people especially students community is very frustrated due to influx of non-locals in the region,” said a group of students.

They said there is delay in DSSRB results, uncertainty in recruitment procedure, job insecurity and lack of any domicile law. (KNT)

Pulwama: A missing youth in southern Kashmir valley’s Pulwama district has reportedly joined militant ranks.

The young boy, identified as Shoaib Shafi Bhat son of Muhammad Shafi from Charsoo Awantipora, went missing on July 12. After his disappearance, a missing report was lodged at Police Station Awantipora, local sources told news agency KNT.

On Thursday, a picture of Shoaib holding a gun went viral on social media, which announced his joining into militant ranks. Shoaib Shafi is aged 19 years and was studying Paramedical science.

After the report of the disappearance was lodged, his parents appealed to the public through a video to help them find their son.

It is noteworthy to mention that in recent months, many young people from south Kashmir joined militant ranks after went missing from their locality. (KNT)