IGP appeals militants to shun violence, return home

By: Sameer Lone

Srinagar : Top most and longest surviving militant commander of Lashkar-e-Toiba Yousuf Kantroo was among the three militants killed in an encounter in Malwah village of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district on Thursday. During the gunfight, which is still underway, four soldiers including an officer and a cop were also injured, police said.
Police termed it a major success especially the killing of Yousuf Kantroo, who was listed among the top 10 most wanted militants. The identity of another slain militant was not ascertained yet.
Acting on a specific information generated by Budgam police, a special team of Budgam Police along with Army (62RR) launched a joint cordon & search operation in Malwah area of Baramulla, police said.

“During the search operation as the joint search party reached the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired indiscriminately upon them in which four (04) soldiers including one officer received minor injuries. The fire was effectively retaliated, leading to an encounter.”
It added that later on Baramulla Police headed by SSP Baramulla also joined the operation and one policeman from Baramulla district also got injured in the encounter who was later on shifted to Army’s base hospital in Srinagar.

It said that in the ensuing encounter, so far three militants of proscribed outfit LeT including Yousuf Kantroo, one of longest surviving militant, were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the encounter site.

“Yousuf Kantroo earlier joined as an OGW of HM outfit and was arrested in the year 2005. Later on, he was released in the year 2008 but he again joined terrorist ranks in the year 2017 and started killing innocent civilians, policemen and political workers. Later on he switched from HM to LeT,” police added.

According to police, Yousuf Kantroo was involved in dozens of civilian & SFs personnel killings including killing of SPO Mohammad Ishfaq Dar and his brother Umer Ahmad Dar resident of Chatabugh Budgam on 26/03/2022, killing of BDC Chairman Late Sardar Bhupinder Singh on 23/9/20 in his own native place in Khag, killing of NC Block president at Natipora Chanapora Srinagar, killing of Tajamul Mohidin Dar resident of Guttapora Budgam on 21/03/2022, killing of Gulzar Ahmad of Lawaypora at Narbal, killing of Tanveer Zargar of Chewa at Narbal, killing of Nazir Ahmad Dar (an employee of Health department) resident of Warihama at Warihama,  killing of Sarpanch Manzoor Ahmad of Pattan.

It said that besides, he was also involved in grenade throwing incidents, abduction and killing of police and SF personnel including killing of CRPF personnel HC Riyaz Ahmad Rather resident of Nawgam Anantnag at Kanihama by lobbying Grenade on deployment on 23/12/2017, abduction and killing of constable Mohd Ashraf Rather @Ishfaq resident of Archanderhama Magam, abduction and killing of Army Personnel Mohd Sameer Malla resident of Lokipora Khag on 07/03/2022, killing of SPO Mohd Altaf during an encounter at Peth-Zanigam, killing of one Ex-SPO Naseer Ahmad Khan resident of Buchipora Kawoosa Khalisa.

Moreover, he was also involved in snatching 4 AK rifles from the residence of Legislature Muzafar Parray at J-13 Jawahar Nagar Rajbagh.

Furthermore, on his directions Abrar Nadeem (slain militant) carried out an attack on CRPF at Lawaypora Srinagar in which 3 CRPF personnel attained martyrdom on 25/03/2021.”

It further said that in addition to this, the killed militant was also involved in recruiting innocent youth into militant ranks including recruitment of Faisal Hafeez Dar of Aaripanth Magam.

Meanwhile, after a viral video on Social Media, in which the mother of a trapped militant while mourning is heard saying, “come back my son, you are too young and innocent”, the IGP Kashmir appealed to parents of other militants to appeal to their wards to shun the path of violence.

New Delhi: Amid rising communal passions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said India cannot compromise on unity and integrity of the country. He was addressing civil servants after conferring the Prime Minister’s Awards for Excellence in Public Administration on the occasion of Civil Services Day at Vigyan Bhawan. “We should see that all our decisions should strengthen the unity and integrity of the country. We must not compromise on the unity and integrity of the nation…. There can be various ideologies in a democracy. But we should always strengthen unity and integrity of the country,” the Prime Minister said. The Prime Minister emphasised in three goals on Civil Services Day. “Bring Ease of Living to each and every citizen of the country. Common people should not have to struggle in their dealings with the government, benefits and services should be available to them without hassle… We have to draft new governance models with the goal of making India the best country in the world. And maintain the harmony and integrity of the nation with the underling mantra of Nation First,” he said. All our efforts should be aligned to one thing — Nation First, India First. Every decision should be taken keeping in mind the unity of the nation, he stressed. The Prime Minister said every decision taken by a citizen should be taken keeping in mind the unity of the nation. Prime Ministers’ Excellence Awards in Public Administration have been instituted to recognise the extraordinary and innovative work done by Districts/ implementing units and Central/ State organisations for the welfare of common citizens. The awards are also conferred for effective implementation of identified priority programs and innovation. A total of 16 awards for 5 identified Priority Programmes and for innovations in the sphere of public administration or delivery of services etc. have been given this year. “The PM Excellence Awards in Public Administration winners should brief about their good work to civil services trainees virtually. This will not only inspire others but will also give a practical exposure to them,” he said. The Prime Minister asked civil servants to discuss with former officers who served the district they are appointed in. “Take their advices. You will not only honour their services but will also be able to take inspiration from them. When you try to proactively learn from people, you will always find something new to adapt in your life,” he said. Modi said India was not made by any government or dynasty but through Jan Bhagidari and Jan Tapasya by each and every generation that breathed on the sacred soil. He asked civil servants to take leadership role. “Leadership is not just a political role, every civil servant needs to lead India to newer heights,” he said. Cautioning against lackadaisical approach, the Prime Minister stressed upon making behavioral changes and urged officers to proactively work for change. “Life is about challenging yourself at every juncture of life. Computer operator and Sitarist, both use their fingers for living but slowly the computer operator loses the will to experiment, but the Sitarist is still full of life and vigour even after 80 years,” he said. The Prime Minister also spoke on the need to abolish redundant laws and described how he removed such laws when his government came to power. “There were so many laws that were nothing but a burden to people. This is why I decided to not create new laws. First I would eradicate these useless laws. This is why we removed 1500 such laws,” he said. The Prime Minister asked civil servants not to hesitate and convey to the state or central governments if they feel a certain law is needless. He said reforms in governance is a continuous process which should be pursued progressively.

Ø      Launches “Vastu Botanics” at BHU Varanasi

Ø      Despite Covid pandemic, we have approved Rs.52,088 Cr investment proposals

Ø      Security forces have succeeded in breaking backbone of terrorism

Ø      Invites saints and devotees of Kashi for Amarnath Yatra

Ø      Highlights J&K’s immense transformation after August 2019 under PM’s guidance

VARANASI: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched a book titled ‘Vastu Botanics’, authored by Dr. Kunwar Sawhney, founder of Kashi Academy for Holistic Innovation, at the Malaviya Mulya Anushilan Kendra, BHU, Varanasi.

Addressing the august gathering on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that the book will act as a guide and the combined scientific research of astrology, vastu and flora will be immensely helpful in holistic living.

The Lt Governor congratulated Dr Sawhney and the Kashi Academy for the launch of the book, and said that the effort gives a vital message to the world on the significance of Vastu and plants in our lives.

While lauding the efforts of the Kashi Academy in blending traditional knowledge with modern science, the Lt Governor said, “I believe that the first condition for establishing an inclusive society is the assimilation of values and culture with technological advancement. When we are passing through the era of modernity and accelerated development, we should also keep intact the values of our ancient traditions and culture”.

The work that Kashi Academy is doing has the potential to leave a rich legacy for future generations, the Lt Governor observed.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also highlighted the immense transformation that Jammu Kashmir is undergoing after August 2019.

He said that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in August 2019, unchained Jammu and Kashmir from the shackles of regressive laws that deliberately kept it away from the development. The speed with which J&K has progressed in the last one and a half years is unprecedented and unmatched, he added.

The Lt Governor underscored how for decades together, Valmiki, Gorkha, West Pakistani Refugees and tribal communities had been facing discrimination. However, today, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, J&K is touching new heights of equitable development and growth.

He further said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister, “we have approved investment proposals of Rs 52,088 crore in just one year – i.e from March 2021 to April 15, 2022, despite Covid pandemic, creating immense employment opportunities for our youths”.

The Lt Governor said that our security forces have succeeded in breaking the backbone of the eco-system of terrorism and a record number of tourists from across the country are coming to J&K. In the last six months, 80 lakh tourists and pilgrims visited the UT, which in itself is a testimony of changing Jammu Kashmir.

Exuding confidence in the ongoing system of proactive, development oriented governance, the Lt Governor asserted that Aatm Nirbhar Jammu Kashmir would contribute to the progress of the country. It will compete with the developed States/UTs and J&K’s development model would be replicated in other regions of the country, he added.

Along with economic development, we are also committed to the cultural development of Jammu and Kashmir. I would urge the learned people present here to work to further deepen the cultural, spiritual ties between Kashi and Jammu & Kashmir. I am sure that Kashi Academy will take this work forward with its study, research and fieldwork, the Lt Governor said.

“There is a deep connection between Kashi, the age-old city of spirituality and knowledge, the city of Baba Bholenath and the Sharda Peeth of Goddess Saraswati. Both, Kashi and Jammu Kashmir have also been the Land of spiritual salvation for Adi Shankaracharya, the great proponent of the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, the Lt Governor added.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor also extended invitation to the Sant samaj, Seers and devotees for the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra starting from June 30th. He also assured full cooperation of the UT administration to the scholars who want to contribute through research on Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage.

Sudhir Mishra, President, Kashi Academy for Holistic Innovation; Himanshu Rai, Convener, Kashi Academy for Holistic Innovation besides large number of people were present on the occasion.

‘Initiative will ease travelling for all with multiplier effect on hospitality industry’

JAMMU/ SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched the Night Parking Facility at Jammu and Srinagar Airports which will ensure late night and early morning take-offs from the airports.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor said that the significant initiative will ease Air travelling for all with multiplier effect on the hospitality industry.

“I congratulate the Airport authorities, officials and the people of J&K for the operationalisation of new Night Parking facilities of Go First aircraft at Jammu & Srinagar airports.  The new beginning reflects our commitment to strengthen connectivity and fulfill the mobility needs of people”, observed the Lt Governor.

It will greatly ease the travelling for those who are looking for single day travel, he added.

While highlighting the transformation taking place in J&K under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the Lt Governor said, “we are moving ahead to fulfill Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of making J&K a vibrant industrial and tourism hub by developing infrastructure, strengthening enabling environment and ensuring better connectivity.”

Elaborating on the achievements made in terms of Aircraft and passenger movement to J&K, the Lt Governor said that despite the Covid pandemic, new records have been achieved at Jammu and Srinagar airports.

Record 2460 aircraft operations were recorded at Srinagar Airport in October 2021. Moreover, in February 2021, roughly 2.54 lakh passengers traveled by 1597 flights at Srinagar Airport, while in February 2022 this figure had reached 1917 flights and 2.60 lakh passengers. In March 2021, 1030 flights operated at Jammu airport and more than one lakh passengers traveled, while in March 2022 a record 1346 flights operated at Jammu airport and roughly 1.55 lakh passengers traveled, he added.

Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Principal Secretary, Industries & Civil Aviation; Sh Kaushik Khona, CEO, Go First Airlines; Sh Kuldeep Singh, Airport Director, Srinagar; Sh Sanjeev Kumar Garg, Airport Director, Jammu, besides officials of Jammu and Srinagar airports, members of the Go First team were present on the occasion, in person and through virtual mode.

New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has the highest conviction rate of 93.25 per cent among all probe agencies in the country.

Speaking at the 13th NIA Raising Day, Shah added that in a short span of 13 years, the Agency has registered more than 400 cases, filed charge sheets in 349 cases, arrested 2,494 accused, as well as convicted 391 accused.

The Union Home Minister said the NIA must further strive for 100 per cent conviction rate and recognition as a world-class probe agency.

Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a terror-free India, he added that in recent years, the NIA and the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been strengthened after amendments by Parliament.

“Earlier, the NIA had the right to declare any terror outfit as terrorist organisation but now any individual can also be declared as terrorist and so far 36 ultras of different terror outfits have been declared individual terrorist under the amended UAPA,” the Home Minister said, adding that now the NIA has been authorised to probe terror cases related to endangering the interests of the country or Indian nationals abroad as well.

Shah said putting an end to terrorism is necessary for keeping human rights intact.

Referring to investigations conducted by the NIA in Jammu and Kashmir, the Home Minister said the Central probe agency has destroyed the terror funding channels of terrorists in the union territory.

For the first time in 2018-19 the NIA acted on dismantling the terror funding channels in the union territory and choked all pipelines that used to feed the terrorists there, he added.

“Now it is almost impossible to send terror funding in the union territory, for this all credit goes to NIA,” Shah said.

He added that the NIA has registered many cases against overground workers and sleeper cells of terror outfits during 2021-22 and dismantled the supply of weapons and logistics.

A total of 105 cases have been registered by the NIA in left wing extremism regions in which 876 people have been named and 796 have been arrested while in 94 cases, charge sheets have been filed and 100 accused have convicted so far, the Home Minister said.

He added that the police and probe agencies must adopt new investigation techniques based on data and digital evidences and information.

“We need to create database and with the help of digital forensic. Recently, the NIA has been assigned to create a national database on narcotics, fake currencies, terror funding, bomb explosion, and terrorism and the agency has been executing this well.

“Once this national database is created, this will be shared by all the probe agencies, including state police and the data of the states will also be shared by these national agencies which will help in faster investigation which will eventually lead to higher rate of convictions,” the Home Minister said, adding that if the data is stacked separately it is trash.

Reviews Amarnath Yatra arrangements, inspects transit camps

GANDERBAL/ BANDIPORA/ ANANTNAG: In view of the ensuing Shri Amarnath ji Yatra-2022, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, Sh Nitishwar Kumar visited Ganderbal, Bandipora & Anantnag districts and reviewed the yatra arrangements.

The Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, who is also the CEO of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today visited Sumbal Yatra Transit camp, besides various proposed sites for Yatra Transit camps including Transit Camp near Central University Kashmir Tulamulla, Wandhama Transit Accommodation, Manigam Transit camp and the additional proposed site for Yatra camp at Chinner Kangan.

During his visit to Anantnag District yesterday, the Principal Secretary visited Walnut factory Qazigund, FCI Godown Mir Bazar, Nunwan Base Camp, proposed site at Yanner Pahalgam for additional tented accommodation and Frisking Point at Sarbal.

The Principal Secretary took on-spot assessment and received first-hand information on the augmentation of staying capacity for the pilgrims.

The Deputy Commissioners briefed the Principal Secretary about the steps taken for augmentation of stay capacity from the existing one and up-gradation of other facilities for the comfortable stay of devotees during the pilgrimage.

While inspecting the facilities at these sites, the Principal Secretary said, “we are expecting about 8 lakh Yatris to participate in the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2022”. He directed the officials to ensure all facilities are upgraded accordingly for the convenience of the Yatris.

The Principal Secretary directed the District Administrations to prepare a comprehensive plan for augmenting the staying capacity, and directed to make all necessary arrangements including facilities of sanitation, round the clock availability of medical facilities with the presence of doctors, paramedics and essential medicines, drinking water and electricity at Yatra Transit Camps and halting stations en-route.

Explicit directions were passed to the concerned officers to ensure all required arrangements are put in place well before the commencement of the Yatra, besides completion of the construction of prefabricated huts at the earliest. FCS & CA  department was directed to ensure the availability of all essential commodities during the yatra days.

The Principal Secretary also took a detailed review of the security arrangements at yatra transit camps and stressed upgrading the security system.  He urged the officers to work with zeal and in close coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2022.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Sh Pandurang K Pole; Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr. Owais Ahmad; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Ms. Krittika Jyotsna; DIG SKR, Sh Abdul Jabbar, SSP Ganderbal, Sh Nikhil Borkar; SSP Bandipora, Mohd Zahid; SSP Anantnag, Sh Ashish Mishra; Additional CEO SASB, Sh Rahul Singh; ADC Anantnag; ACR Ganderbal; SDM Kangan, SDM Sumbal, besides senior officials of CRPF, SASB and other district officers accompanied the Principal Secretary during the visits.

New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday said unconventional, asymmetric and hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars and armed forces should keep these factors in mind in formulating their strategies. “Unconventional and asymmetric warfare, including hybrid war will be part of the future conventional wars. Cyber, information, communication, trade and finance have all become an inseparable part of future conflicts,” Rajnath said. The minister said that this situation necessitates that armed forces will have to keep all these facets in consideration while planning and formulating strategies. Rajnath Singh was addressing the Army Commanders’ Conference, an apex level biannual event, being held from April 18 to April 22 to comprehensively deliberate upon all aspects of existing security scenarios, situation along the borders, in the hinterland and challenges for the present security apparatus. Commenting on the current situation along the northern borders in Eastern Ladakh, the minister expressed full confidence that “while troops are standing firm, the ongoing talks for peaceful resolution will continue and disengagement and de-escalation, is the way forward.” Singh assured all possible help in ensuring availability of weapons and resources to forces braving the Chinese PLA in the area. “It is our Whole of Government approach to ensure availability of best weapons, equipment and clothing to our troops braving extreme weather and hostile forces to defend our territorial integrity,” he said. Singh complimented the synergized operations taking place in Jammu and Kashmir to root out the menace of terrorism in the region and said that the same “should continue”. “The synergised operations among Army, paramilitary and police in Jammu and Kashmir are contributing to increased stability in the region and the same should continue,” he said. The minister complimented the contributions made by the Army in military diplomacy to further our national security interests by creating sustainable cooperative relationships with foreign Armies. Rajnath said that the formalisation of Integrated Theatre Command is the need of hour and said, “I am happy with the progress being made towards the same. I have full confidence in the senior Military leadership.” During the five day event, the Indian Army also focussed on issues pertaining to organisational restructuring, logistics, administration, human resource management, modernisation through indigenisation, induction of Niche technologies and assessment of impact of the Russia – Ukraine war, Defence Ministry said.