Seoul: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said on Tuesday that he ordered sending troops to offices of the National Election Commission (NEC) during his martial law declaration as he has suspected election fraud allegations. Yoon made the claim while attending the fifth formal hearing of his impeachment trial at the Constitutional Court in Seoul, where he again denied allegations that he ordered military commanders to drag lawmakers out of parliament in an attempt to prevent them from blocking its imposition. “I ordered then Defence Minister Kim Yong-hyun to dispatch troops to NEC offices,” Yoon said. “It was not meant to conduct any criminal investigations, but to check systems and how they are operated.” Yoon added that he issued the order to Kim days before declaring martial law while discussing the matter with Kim. “When I dealt with electoral fraud cases as a prosecutor, I saw many incomprehensible, fake ballots. And I’ve long thought of election fraud problems,” Yoon said. Hundreds of troops were sent to election offices in Seoul, Gwacheon and Suwon in Gyeonggi Province, during the December 3 martial law decree. Yoon has said that he ordered Kim to check the voting system of the election watchdog, raising questions over the NEC’s credibility following alleged cyberattacks by North Korean hackers. The NEC has dismissed election fraud allegations as groundless and called the troop deployment unlawful. The National Assembly voted to impeach Yoon over his shocking, albeit short-lived, imposition of martial law. Yoon was indicted over charges of leading an insurrection and has been under arrest. Yoon is also alleged to have sent military troops to the National Assembly to keep lawmakers from voting down the martial law declaration and to have planned to arrest key political figures. “Looking into the case, noting actually happened. But there is talk of me making an instruction of the sort. I feel like we are chasing the moon’s shadow on a lake,” Yoon said. “You would know the true nature of this case if you saw it based on common sense.” Yoon claimed that dragging lawmakers from parliament could not have been possible as there are thousands of civilians in the National Assembly compound and troops were withdrawn after martial law was lifted. During Tuesday’s session, Lee Jin-woo, former head of the Capital Defence Command, said he had not received orders from Yoon or then Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun to prevent lawmakers from voting to lift martial law. Lee reportedly told prosecutors earlier that Yoon ordered him to instruct troops to carry out lawmakers from inside the National Assembly building on the day martial law was imposed, “firing guns and breaking down doors” if necessary. Lee, who was accused of involvement in the martial law imposition and is currently under arrest, was called as a witness by the National Assembly’s legal team. The parliamentary team has been acting as the prosecutor in the trial on whether to uphold or reject the Assembly’s impeachment of Yoon. Asked if Kim’s order to send troops to parliament was legal, Lee said he still believed it was legitimate in accordance with the Martial Law Act. Lee, however, refused to testify further. “I myself am involved in a criminal case and a process is under way to determine whether to accept or deny the prosecution’s report,” Lee said, referring to his own trial on charges he played a key role in an insurrection. “I am aware it is a serious and important situation, but please understand that I am restricted considerably,” he said, suggesting his answers could work against him, Yonhap news agency reported. Yeo In-hyung, former head of the Defence Counterintelligence Command, also attended the session as a witness but refused to testify. Yeo allegedly received orders from Kim to arrest and detain opposition leader Lee Jae-myung and then ruling party leader Han Dong-hoon, among others. Asked if he received a list of politicians to be arrested when martial law was in force, Yeo said he will make a response later during a criminal trial. Yeo, however, admitted to have listed the names of “specific figures” to then National Police Agency chief Cho Ji-ho and asking to locate them. Yeo also said that he asked Cho to send police officials to form a joint investigative body in line with the decree and operation plans. Hong Jang-won, former first Deputy Director of the National Intelligence Service, also attended the hearing and claimed that he received a phone call from Yoon instructing him to “round them up and get rid of them.” Yoon has defended his actions as a “warning” to the opposition party while denying giving orders to arrest politicians. –IANS int/jk/as
Champions Trophy: Unfit Bumrah will reduce India’s chances of winning to 30-35 percent, says Shastri
New Delhi: With the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 just around the corner, India’s chances of clinching the title have come under scrutiny, as uncertainty looms over the fitness of pace spearhead, and ICC 2024 Men’s Cricketer of the Year, Jasprit Bumrah. Cricket legends Ricky Ponting and Ravi Shastri believe that the potential absence of Bumrah could significantly weaken India’s campaign, reducing their chances of winning by nearly 30-35%. Bumrah, who had a phenomenal 2024, was recently crowned the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year and ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year at the ICC Awards. He was instrumental in India’s victorious Men’s T20 World Cup campaign and had a stellar season across formats. However, a back spasm sustained during the Sydney Test against Australia in January has kept him out of action since. While he has been named in India’s initial Champions Trophy squad, his absence from the upcoming three-match ODI series against England has raised concerns over his fitness. Former India head coach Ravi Shastri, speaking on The ICC Review, strongly advised against rushing Bumrah back into the side, highlighting the risk involved. He stressed that India has a busy international calendar ahead, and risking their premier fast bowler for a single tournament could have long-term consequences. “I think it’s high risk. There’s too much big cricket coming up for India,” Shastri told Sanjana Ganesan on The ICC Review. “At this stage of his career, I think he’s too precious to be just called on for one game out of the blue and asked to deliver. The expectations will be so much. They’ll think that he’ll come in straight away and set the world on fire. It’s never that easy when you come back from injury.” Shastri also emphasised how vital Bumrah is to India’s Champions Trophy aspirations, adding that his absence would be a massive blow to the team’s plans. “Bumrah not fit will reduce India’s chances [of winning the Champions Trophy by 30%, literally by 30-35%,” he said. “With a fully fit Bumrah playing, you are guaranteed those death overs. It would’ve been a different ball game altogether.” Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting echoed Shastri’s concerns, noting that Bumrah’s workload in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy may have contributed to his injury. Ponting believes that the spotlight now shifts to Mohammed Shami, who has returned from his own injury layoff and featured in India’s recent limited-overs series against England. “My biggest concern about India when they came for Australia in the Test series was Bumrah not having Shami there as a backup and him having to burden most of the load,” Ponting said on The ICC Review. “And that’s probably what happened, and might even have something to do with why he [Bumrah] got hurt. He probably ended up having to bowl a bit more in that series with Shami not being there.” However, Ponting believes Shami’s return is a positive sign for India. The veteran pacer has shown glimpses of his best, including an impressive spell of 3/25 in the fourth T20I against England. His performance in the upcoming ODI series will be closely monitored to determine whether he can handle the demands of a full 10-over spell in 50-over cricket. Shastri also weighed in on Shami’s comeback, emphasising that his fitness and endurance will be tested in the upcoming ODIs against England. “It will be interesting to see if India play him out in all three, or they give him the first one and the third one, and then ease him into the Champions Trophy,” Shastri said. “But he’ll be watched very closely because 10 overs is totally different to four overs, and then you’re going to see how he pulls up in the field as well having bowled those 10 overs.” Shami last played an ODI for India in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup final against Australia, where he finished as the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. His ability to stay fit and bowl full spells in the Champions Trophy will be crucial for India, especially if Bumrah is not available. India will begin their ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 campaign against Bangladesh on February 20 in Dubai. With conditions likely to favor fast bowlers early on, a fully fit pace attack featuring Bumrah and Shami would be a major advantage for India. –IANS hs/
Govt committed to help cancer patients: Sakeena
JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, Tuesday remarked that the present Government led by Omar Abdullah is committed to provide all possible assistance to Cancer patients with creation of best advanced facilities in both the State Cancer Institutes at Jammu and Srinagar.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing a day long conference “Mission Cancer – J&K’s Fight Against Cancer in the coming Decade” at Government Medical College here.
The conference was organised by GMC Jammu in collaboration with ‘BCPBF-The Cancer Foundation’ and ‘Friends of GMC Jammu’, to commemorate the World Cancer day.
Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Farooq Abdullah; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganai; Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashotush Gupta; noted Oncologist of J&K, Dr. Sameer Kaul; Director ASCOMS Jammu, Deans of different specialities, HoDs, doctors and researchers besides large number of medical and paramedical students were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the rising incidences of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir. She highlighted the significance of early detection, advanced treatment infrastructure and public awareness, in reducing the burden of cancer.
“Cancer is not just a medical challenge; it is a social and economic crisis that affects thousands of families across J&K. We must work collectively to enhance screening programs, promote preventive healthcare, and ensure equitable access to modern treatment facilities across urban and rural areas for all patients,” Sakeena maintained.
She also lauded the efforts of healthcare professionals, doctors and paramedics, acknowledging their role in changing the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. She called for greater government support, increased funding for cancer research and expansion of palliative care services.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah spoke about the role of medical professionals for the society. He highlighted that the medical is very noble profession which touches numerous lives.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Health and Medical Education, spoke in length about the affect on families going through the burden of cancer. He also called for organising maximum awareness camps in schools and colleges so that people are made abreast about the cancer disease and myths associated with it.
Noted Oncologist, Dr. Sameer Kaul, while speaking on the occasion, spoke about importance of organising such kind of conferences. He highlighted the need for research and development in medical Colleges for the greater good of society.
Principal GMC, in his welcome address, gave a brief about the evolution of GMC Jammu.
The conference saw insightful deliberations on early diagnosis, role of technology in cancer care, government initiatives and J&K’s cancer policy.
Govt all for growers’ welfare: Javed
JAMMU: Minister for Agricultural Production and Rural Development Departments, Javed Ahmad Dar, today reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment towards promotion of the horticulture sector with emphasis on welfare of fruit traders and growers in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting held with the members of Jammu Fruit Traders Association at Fruit Mandi Narwal.
The meeting had detailed discussion on key issues faced by fruit traders besides exploring measures for strengthening the horticulture sector.
The Minister said that the Horticulture sector is and will remain a priory sector for the government as it plays a pivotal role in Jammu and Kashmir’s economy.
He highlighted the significance of the horticulture sector in J&K, stating that around 70 to 80 percent of the region’s population is directly or indirectly associated with this sector. “Thousands of people earn their livelihood through horticulture activities and the government is highly sensitive to the challenges faced by the growers and traders. We are committed towards implementing welfare initiatives that will ensure the sustained growth and prosperity of this vital sector,” emphasised the Minister.
During the meeting, the Minister acknowledged the pressing need for additional storage space for apple produce, especially during the peak season, to support Jammu based traders. Recognizing the genuine concerns of the traders, he directed the concerned authorities to identify a suitable patch of land to address this requirement at the earliest.
A delegation of the Fruit Traders Association, led by its President Parveen Kumar, presented a comprehensive list of issues and demands to the Minister. The issues included extension of existing leases, implementation of stringent quality checks on imported fruits to safeguard the interests of local growers, proper grading facilities for dry fruits particularly walnuts and enhancement of marketing infrastructure to improve the competitiveness of local produce.
The Minister assured the association members that their concerns would be given due consideration, and necessary steps would be taken to address them in a time bound manner.
He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government and stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the horticulture sector to thrive.
During his visit to the Fruit Mandi, Narwal, the Minister took comprehensive stock of arrangements and facilities available to the traders.
The Minister assured all possible support to fruit growers and traders, ensuring their issues are resolved.
Among others the meeting was attended by Director Horticulture Jammu, Director Horticulture Planning and Marketing besides other senior officers from the department.
Tourism players key in promoting places: CS
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 4: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Tuesday chaired a meeting of all the stakeholders including tourism players from Jammu to seek their suggestions for optimal utilisation of tourism potential of this region especially in the wake of nearly one crore pilgrims visiting Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine (SMVDS) in Katra.
Those who attended the meeting included Principal Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, Tourism; Secretary, PWD; CEO, SMVDSB; DC, Jammu; DC, Reasi; MD, JKTDC; Director Tourism, Jammu and other officers of the Department.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary sought suggestions from the representatives of hoteliers, transporters and other tourism players about the ways and means to attract these pilgrims coming to this shrine to other religious or tourism destinations spread across the region.
Dulloo said that the tourism players too had a role to play in promoting places in and around Jammu. He suggested them to come up with concrete suggestions and plans for each of the destination. He advised them to frame two, three or four day packages based upon the potential and intensity of each place.
He further asked them to look into a mix of activities in each package inclusive of spiritual, eco-tourism, leisure, cuisine, culture and adventurous aspects. He enjoined upon them to offer several baskets along with Shri Vaishno Devi Yatra so that people are able to choose as per their choice and inclination.
The Chief Secretary also urged them to look for creation of a lot of promotional content as we have different success stories to guide us. He maintained that the continuous uploading of content over social media besides other promotional campaigns is definitely going to bear fruits over time.
He committed that the government would extend all kind of support to realise the objectives. He added that a plan for each season should be ready for joint promotion of the same with active support of the Tourism Department.
Dulloo also underscored the need for having better infrastructure and amenities at all these sites. He told them that the government would be forthcoming to invest more funds in any of the projects required at these sites. He assured them of better infrastructure, transport and other amenities at all these sites.
Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, highlighted the significance of certain locations found around Katra township. She gave out that the places like Shiv Khori, Baradari, Chenab Rail Bridge, Jammu City, Patnitop, Mantalai, Sanasar and Sudhmahadev are some of the potential sites found in the radius of 100 km and can be offered to the pilgrims on visit to the cave shrine.
She maintained that the Department is organizing several festivals and FAM tours across the tourism destinations of J&K to promote them in national and international markets. She also threw light on the campaigns the department has carried out so far along with the increase in footfall to each of the above locations.
The meeting was also apprised of the tourism infrastructure created at these sites besides the plans for its further augmentation. It was added that with the support and suggestions of local players the department is committed to bring all these sites on the tourism map of India.
KU committed to equip aspirants with best resources: VC
Srinagar, Feb 4: Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir (KU), Prof. Nilofer Khan, chaired a review meeting of the UPSC-Civil Services Examination (CSE) Residential Coaching Program at the varsity’s Centre for Career Planning and Counselling (CCPC) to assess its progress since its launch in October 2024.
Currently, 61 students are enrolled at CCPC, benefiting from expert mentorship and a structured learning environment. The coaching is provided in collaboration with top-tier academies to ensure high-quality preparation.
Prof. Khan lauded the program’s rapid progress, stating, “This initiative has transformed into a model ecosystem for civil services preparation. The University remains committed to equipping aspirants with the best resources, mentorship, and academic support.”
The University’s first-ever dedicated UPSC residential coaching program provides free coaching, accommodation, study materials, and mock tests to selected candidates.
The meeting was attended by Dean Research KU, Prof. Mohd. Sultan Bhat, Joint Registrar Budget and Creation KU, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed Zarri, and Chief Accounts Officer KU Mrs. Zafira Bashir.
Director CCPC KU, Prof. Nazir Ahmed Dar, along with Dr. Yahya Bakhtiyar and Ms. Fatima Ali, faculty at CCPC, presented a detailed report highlighting the program’s achievements and future plans.
The review highlighted the program’s structured mentorship framework, periodic mock tests, and personalized career strategies.
The initiative reflects the varsity’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality coaching to aspiring civil servants.
Environ protection must for future generations: DC Sgr
SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 04: To review the implementation of action plan for management of E-Waste, Biomedical Waste & Plastic Waste in district, a meeting was held under the Chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat here at meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Chief Planning Officer, SDM West, SDM East, Secretary SMC, Chief Medical Officer, Officers of Pollution Control Committee, Deputy Controller Enforcement Legal Metrology, Chief Enforcement Officer, SMC, Divisional Forest Officer, all Tehsildars, all Block Development Officers, Field Inspector and other concerned.
At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner discussed threadbare various matter including implementation of Action plan for E-Waste, Biomedical Waste & Plastic Waste Management, rules, violations, capacity building of officials, members of District Level Committee to oversee the implementation of the E-Waste, Biomedical Waste & Plastic Waste Management.
On the occasion, the DC issued directions to all the members of DLC to submit the action taken report as per the guidelines of National Green Tribunal(NGT).
DC also instructed for conducting inspections of the places to ensure proper management of E-Waste, Biomedical Waste and Plastic Waste in the District.
He also stressed on ensuring no single use plastic below 120 microns is used in the District. He instructed to intensify the enforcement activities and making earnest efforts to check and seize banned polythene, if found to be not in conformity with the existing rules.
DC also asked the officers to ensure proper monitoring of collection and disposal of single use plastic and other kind of Wastes in their respective jurisdictions.
Bhat underscored that environment protection is pivotal in the interest of our future generations, and urged upon all to contribute for better and healthy future for next generations and protect bio diversity.
During the meeting, Chief Medical officer was stressed upon ensuring proper disposal of biomedical waste in all health institutions of the District.
Kupwara: 26 cases approved under SDRF norms
KUPWARA, FEBRUARY 4: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kupwara, Ms. Ayushi Sudan who is also Chairperson, District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Tuesday convened a meeting of concerned officers to review the cases pertaining to property damage in the district.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to ensure submission of joint assessment report of damaged infrastructure in their jurisdiction within a weeks’ time and also ascertain the reason of the incident and duly mention it in the report so that relief is disbursed among the affected families without any delay.
The Deputy Commissioner took a detailed case wise review of all the claims pertaining to property and livestock damages in the district.
During the meeting, a total of 27 cases relating to the landslide/flood, earthquake and fire incidents were put forth for discussion, out of which 26 cases were approved for grant of relief under State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) norms and 1 case was deferred for revisit.
The meeting was attended by ADC Kupwara, ACR, Tehsildars and other concerned officers.
Ensure timely completion of approved cases: Dr Basharat
Pulwama, February 04: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom, led a comprehensive review meeting to assess the progress of various schemes under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in the district.
The meeting held detailed evaluation of key areas, including Agriculture, Horticulture, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, Sericulture and Horticulture, ensuring a thorough and strategic approach to development.
DDC Pulwama emphasized the importance of the Kisan Sampark Abhiyan, a platform designed to connect with farmers. This initiative was highlighted as a crucial avenue for maximizing impact across all sectors.
Dr. Qayoom held detailed review of the accomplishments during the current financial year, focusing on the need for departments to expand their outreach.
The strategic move aims to bring new families under the purview of their schemes, broadening the spectrum of beneficiaries in line with the overarching goal of the HADP.
While reviewing physical and financial progress of each scheme, DDC Pulwama directed officers for ensuring timely completion of approved cases.
During the review, it was reported that 36,998 participants engaged in Phase 1 of the Kisan Sampark Abhiyan (KSA), followed by 14,334 in Phase 2 and 12,751 in Phase 3. Additionally, 2,323 farmers participated under KSA Urban, while 685 took part in the YUVA WANI initiative.
The meeting was also informed that approximately 65% of the total enrolment had been completed. While reviewing these figures, the District Development Commissioner directed officials to ensure that no eligible participant is left behind in these initiatives.
In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of Kisan Khidmat Ghars (KKGs), the District Development Commissioner highlighted the importance of conducting regular awareness and training camps for registered farmers. He also emphasized the need for continuous performance monitoring of KKGs to ensure their optimal functioning .
Dr. Qayoom also emphasized the importance of bank incentives provided under various schemes. He was informed that out of 167 cases, only 17 remain pending and are expected to be sanctioned within a week’s time, reflecting significant progress in the implementation of financial support initiatives.
A noteworthy achievement during the current financial year includes the approval of 12813 cases under HADP , fostering agricultural and allied sector development in Pulwama District.
DDC emphasized the need to clear all pending tasks through rigorous weekly monitoring and appraisal. He also highlighted the importance of ensuring systematic execution and adherence to project timelines.
Streamline HADP implementation: DC Gbl
GANDERBAL, FEBRUARY 04: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore Tuesday convened a meeting of officers from Agriculture and allied sectors here to review the achievements made under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP) in the district.
At the outset, the DC took a thorough review of the physical and financial progress achieved by the agriculture department and allied sectors under the HADP. He also sought details about the baseline survey and registration of eligible farmers on Daksh Kisan Portal, KKG and Kisan Sathi portal.
Each department presented a comprehensive overview of their achievements, detailing aspects such as plan implementation, beneficiary approvals, banking connections, convergence of activities, and processing of applications.
Highlighting the pivotal role of HADP in establishing a robust and profitable agricultural ecosystem, the DC underscored its significance in supporting local farmers to ensure maximum benefits for the farming communities.
The DC directed departmental officers to augment registration of farmers on Daksh Kisan Portal and streamline HADP implementation so that a commitment to optimizing its advantages for sustainable agricultural growth is achieved.
The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Horticulture Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, District Sheep Husbandry Officer, District Officer Sericulture, AD Fisheries, and other concerned officials
