Precious Kashmir

6 persons go missing on way to Warwan via Margan Top

City

24/02/2022

6 persons go missing on way to Warwan via Margan Top

‘No trace about them after 24 hours’

Srinagar: Six persons on their way home to remote Warwan area of Kishtwar via Margan Top in Anantnag district have gone missing and there are no whereabouts about them since they made last call to family members almost 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday evening.

Official sources said that amid fresh snowfall, six persons had started journey by foot through Margan top, a high mountain pass which connects Warwan Valley in Kishtwar district with the Anantnag district.

“It has been around 24 hours since they made their last call from Margan Top but haven’t reached their respective homes till now,” the officials said.

When contacted, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag said that administration was in touch with DC Kishtwar and Army authorities. “As per the information these people belong to Warwan area and were moving on foot from Anantnag towards Kishtwar side,” he said.

Source said that army’s 19 RR Army attempted to search and rescue them but found no whereabouts about them as of now. (GNS)

2 LeT militant sympathizers held in Shopian: Police

City

Precious Kashmir

24/02/2022

Srinagar: Police on Wednesday claimed to have arrested two Overground workers of Lashkar-e-Toiba in South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

In a statement, the police said that today a joint team of Police and security forces arrested two OGWs of LeT.

The police spokesman further said that the arrested OGWs were identified as Aqib Mushtaq Lone son of Mushtaq Ahmed lone resident of Shadcheck and Amir Amin Sofi son of Mohd Amin Sofi resident of Shadcheck.

On disclosure of Aqib Mushtaq Lone, police picked Amir Amin Sofi and on his disclosure one AK-47 rifle, Magazine of AK-47 and 24 live round of AK-47 were recovered, he said.

A case under FIR No.14/2022 U/S 18,39 UAP Act has been registered at Police Zainapora in this regard and further investigation going on, reads the statement.

2 TRF militant associates held in Bla: Police

Jammu & Kashmir

Precious Kashmir

24/02/2022

Srinagar: Police on Wednesday claimed to have arrested two militant associates of TRF an offshoot of LeT in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

In a statement, the police said that Baramulla Police received specific information through reliable sources that unknown militant group from Khachadari Zehanpora are using illegal arms and ammunition against police and other security forces in the main area of Town Baramulla to disturb the peace and law and order.

The police spokesman further said that acting on the information, joint parties of Baramulla Police, Army 46 RR, 2nd Bn SSB and 53 Bn CRPF established many Nakas within the jurisdiction of Police Station Sheeri among them one was established on Zehanpora-Khadniyar link road and during checking one Scooty bearing registration number JK05A- 9328 which was coming from Zehanpora with pillion ride. One seeing the naka party they tried to flee away from naka.

However, alert naka party used application of mind and both persons were detained and during their personal search 40 live rounds of AK 47 were recovered from their possession, he said.

During questioning both persons disclosed their names as Imtiyaz Ahmad Bardal son of Siraj-ud-din Bardal and Muneer Ahmad son of Siraj-ud-din both residents of Khachadari Zehanpora and confessed that they and working for TRF militant group and help to carry illegal arms and ammunition from one place to other to carry attacks on police/ SFs, he said.

A Case under sections of Indian Arms Act and UA (P) Act Stands Registered against them in Police Station Sheeri and investigation set in motion, concludes the statement.

Police, NIA Capacity Building Programme begins at Jammu

Jammu & Kashmir

United News Of India

24/02/2022

Jammu: The three days capacity building programme for Prosecution Officers and Investigation officers of Jammu Zone and State Investigation Agency (SIA) in collaboration with National Investigation agency (NIA) started on Wednesday here at Police Auditorium Gulshan Ground.

The training programme is in sequel to training programmes conducted by NIA earlier. Special DG Crime, J&K A K Choudhary was the chief guest at the inaugural session.

The DIG NIA in his inauguration speech thanked J&K Police for providing NIA with an opportunity to impart training to J&K Police officers and prosecutors. The Special DG Crime, J&K appreciated the efforts made for the conduct of such important training module by NIA for J&K police officers and said, “investigation is the most important part of our job and officers should make optimum use of this opportunity to work on their investigation skills and update them.”

He expressed that this training programme would help in a big way in improving the quality of investigation and improving conviction rates.

The Additional Director General of Police Jammu Zone, Mukesh Singh in his address emphasized upon the importance of site inspection, minute details on the place of occurrence and quoted an instance of recovery of tunnels in the border areas of Kathua district where vital details viz; seizure of sand bags carrying detail were not seized, scrutinized leading to missing of vital evidence.

He threw light as to how speedy and result oriented investigation is conducted in a holistic manner. He said that this programme would help in improving our investigation proficiency.

Singh thanked the officers from NIA who would be imparting the capacity building training to J&K Police IOs being conducted in person.

He stressed upon the officers to make full use of this opportunity so that the purpose of conducting the programme is achieved. SP NIA Vishal Garg gave a brief introduction of NIA and its working and also highlighted some key points which would be focused during the three day programme. Deputy legal advisor, Anand Maan also spoke in the inaugural function and highlighted the need of such programmes. (UNI)

57.83% voter turnout in fourth phase of UP Assembly polls

National

Indo Asian News Service

24/02/2022

57.83% voter turnout in fourth phase of UP Assembly polls

New Delhi: The fourth phase of Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday witnessed a voter turnout of 57.83 per cent, according to the data released by the Election Commission.

Giving a district-wise break-up, the Election Commission said that Banda district registered 57.48 per cent polling, Fatehpur 57.38 per cent, Hardoi 56.51 per cent, Kheri 62.74 per cent, Lucknow 54.98 per cent, Pilibhit 61.42 per cent, Rae Bareli 60.22 per cent, Sitapur 58.30 per cent while Unnao registered a voter turnout of 54.12 per cent.

A total of 2.13 crore voters, including 1.14 crore males, 99.3 lakh females and 966 transgenders, exercised their franchise in the Phase IV of the polling for Uttar Pradesh Assembly across 59 seats spread over nine districts.

There are 624 candidates in the fray in this phase. Elections were held in 24,643 polling booths and 13,817 polling stations with a maximum of 1,250 voters per booth, the Election Commission data said.

Afif, Mehidy power Bangladesh to sensational 4-wicket win over Afghanistan

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

24/02/2022

Afif, Mehidy power Bangladesh to sensational 4-wicket win over Afghanistan

Chattogram:A dreamy and record partnership between Afif Hossain and Mehidy Hasan led Bangladesh to a sensational four-wicket win over Afghanistan in the first ODI of the three-match series, here on Wednesday.

Afghanistan had reduced Bangladesh to 45/6 in 11.2 overs in the run chase, but Afif and Mehidy stitched an unbeaten 174 run partnership to guide their side to a historic victory. It was also the second-highest partnership for the seventh wicket in men’s ODIs cricket.

With this victory, Bangladesh consolidated their second position on the ICC Men’s Cricket World cup Super League standings, sitting comfortably with 90 points, only behind England.

Chasing 216, Bangladesh got off to a shocking start. Fazalhaq Farooqi started the onslaught with a double-wicket over, sending the hosts’ openers Tamim Iqbal (8) and Liton Das (1) back to the hut in the third over.

The Afghanistan pacer repeated the feat in his next over as he sent back two more Bangladesh batters. He trapped the experienced Mushfiqur Rahim in front for 3 on the first ball of the fifth over, and struck again on the last ball of the over with the wicket of Yasir Ali, who walked back without getting off the mark.

Bangladesh were 18/4 in five overs. Nothing was going the hosts’ way as they soon lost the prized scalp of Shakib Al Hasan when Mujeeb Ur Rahman had him bowled for 10. They lost another big wicket, with Rashid Khan claiming his first wicket of the match, sending Mahmud Ullah back for 8.

At 45/6 in just 11.2 overs, Bangladesh were in deep trouble but the two new batters — Afif and Mehidy had other plans. Slowly, steadily and then all at once they took the game away from Afghanistan.

The duo stitched a match-defining century partnership, with Afif making an impressive 93 not out from 115 while Mehidy contributed with a gritty 81 not out from 120 balls.

Earlier, Afghanistan won the toss and opted to bat first. They lost their opener Rahmanullah Gurbaz early in the third over with Mustafizur Rahman drawing the first blood for Bangladesh. In an attempt to go big, the Afghanistan opener skied the ball towards mid-on where Tamim completed the catch comfortably.

Ibrahim Zadran and Rahmat Shah then batted with caution and steadied the innings. After settling in at the crease, Ibrahim struck Taskin Ahmed for a six and a four on back-to-back balls. Shah also struck a couple of fine boundaries off Shakib. Their 45-run partnership came to end when Shoriful Islam struck in the 14th over to remove Ibrahim for 19.

After a few overs Shah also fell for 34 while Afghanistan skipper Hashmatullah Shahidi fell after making 28 from 43. Bangladesh bowlers kept the tourists’ batters in check, with regular wickets. It was Najibullah Zadran who played a crucial knock for Afghanistan. He stayed at the crease till the 48th over, top-scoring for his team with 67 runs from 84 balls.

Mohammad Nabi (20) and Gulbadin Naib (17) were the other two batters to have made runs in double-digits as the rest of the lineup crumbled.

Brief scores: Afghanistan 215 in 49.1 overs (Najibullah Zadran 67; Mustafizur Rahman 3-35) lost to Bangladesh 219/6 in 48.5 overs (Atif Hossain 93 not out, Mehidy Hasan 81 not; Fazalhaq Farooqi 4-54) by four wickets.

Timely Snowfall

Edit
Oped

Precious Kashmir

24/02/2022

The Meteorological department had forecast light rains and snowfall from February 22 and 23 across Kashmir Valley and that too mainly over upper reaches. However, as it turned out to be, it snowed heavily in plains, mainly in central and south Kashmir besides upper reaches including Gulmarg. Even though it was unexpected and brought difficulties, snowfall during winter is always welcome.

More snowfall, the better it is for plant growth. Plants in the alpine meadows including medicinal plants grow better and their biomass production is higher.

It is not the case that Kashmir received deficit rainfall but snowfall had eluded especially Srinagar hitherto.

Between January 1 to February 21, 2022, J&K received normal rainfall. Against a normal rainfall of 186.5mm, J&K witnessed 185.2mm of rainfall which is just 1 per cent below the average.

As per India Meteorological Department criteria, minus 19 percent to plus 19 percent is considered as normal rainfall for a region.

Out of 20 districts, four districts received deficient rainfall (-59% to -20%), 02 large deficient rainfall (-99% to -60%), 06 normal rainfall (-19% to 19%), 03 excess rainfall (20% to 59%) and 05 large excess rainfall (60% plus)

Srinagar and Ganderbal received 120.7mm and 155.0mm of rainfall respectively. For Srinagar, it was 16 per cent below the average while Ganderbal recorded 29 per cent of excess rainfall. The late February spell of snowfall has changed the statistics. It might also have brought hardships to people but it’s always good given the future benefits. The farmers need to clear water channels and drains to ensure complete drainage from the orchards and nurseries, shake trees to remove snow immediately from their branches after snowfall; provide support to trees or limbs which are not strong enough to stand; stake newly planted trees, if fruit trees tilt, reduce the canopy load by pruning; If the trees get partially uprooted, slowly pull back the trees to the original position and take other measures. The administration should also ensure that roads are cleared within reasonable dispatch by pressing men and machinery. Most of the lanes and by-lanes are still snow-clogged and as such extra-effort should be put in to ensure that commuting is made hassle-free. Power department officials have put in great effort to restore the electricity at grid level and now field staff locally must ensure that damaged electric poles and wires need to be replaced or repaired to restore the essential service. Other departments must do their bit to ensure availability of the services under their working domain.

J&K preferred destinations for industrial investment, tourism: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

23/02/2022

J&K preferred destinations for industrial investment, tourism: LG

Reviews progress towards financial inclusion by banks in UT

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday reviewed the progress towards financial inclusion by banks in J&K with MK Jain, Deputy Governor RBI, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary and other officials.

The Lt Governor shared the vision of the UT Government for extending the banking and financial services to the doorsteps of the people of J&K.

Efforts are being made to enable far-flung areas of rural interiors to become fully connected with financial sector, said the Lt Governor.

To broaden the social base of development, we are enhancing people’s access to financial products, promotion of ‘One District One Product’, institutional credit to women, youth, SMEs, handicrafts, horticulture and various other priority sectors for effective contribution to growth processes of the UT, the Lt Governor added.

J&K has become one of the preferred destinations for Industrial investment, Tourism, Film industry and real estate sector. The government is committed to ensure adequate and timely availability of credit to industrial and different productive sectors of the economy to finance growth, said the Lt Governor.

In the last two years, various reforms have been executed to provide opportunities to scheduled commercial banks to expand operations in J&K, observed the Lt Governor.

We will also work together to make our credit lending system more sensitive to the needs of women & youth entrepreneurs, farmers and artisans, the Lt Governor said.

There is a need for additional banking outlets in rural areas to bring excluded households into the fold of institutional credit and financial services in a structured and sustainable manner, added the Lt Governor.

The enabling ecosystem will also bridge the gap between government schemes and people living in geographically difficult terrain, he further added.

The Lt Governor asked the concerned officers to explore all possibilities for extending financial handholding to the eligible beneficiaries through various government schemes and interventions.

MK Jain, Deputy Governor Reserve Bank of India highlighted the importance of increasing the presence of banks for greater financial inclusion. He informed that the implementation of Government Sponsored Schemes is monitored through the UT level Bankers’ Committee at periodic intervals.

Discussions were also held regarding creation of banking infrastructure, streamlining the working of District cooperatives and other banking cooperative societies, effective utilization of funds under NABARD schemes, concerns of the Industries & Commerce sector, availability of banking services, Micro Finance Institutions and NBFCs, and other important issues.

Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Baldev Prakash, Managing Director & CEO, J&K Bank; Kamal P. Patnaik, Regional Director, RBI; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Ranjan Prakash Thakur, Principal Secretary to Government, Industries & Commerce Department ( through virtual mode) and other senior officers attended the meeting at Raj Bhawan.

LG interacts with applicants of JK-IGRAMS

Front

Precious Kashmir

23/02/2022

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Tuesday interacted with applicants of J&K Integrated Grievance Redress and Monitoring System during “LG’s Mulaqaat- Live Public Grievance Hearing” through virtual mode, and took first hand appraisal of people’s issues and grievances.

During the latest edition of the programme, several grievances of the applicants were redressed on the spot by the Lt Governor.

Our aim is to reduce redressal time of a grievance and response to every genuine complaint within a reasonable timeframe. It has been our endeavor to ensure the principles of good governance bring accountability, transparency and better services to citizens, the Lt Governor said.

Quality of resolution of a grievance is crucial to promote social justice, faster development and people’s participation. We must ensure the disposal of every genuine public grievance to make the system more accountable, responsive and efficient, Lt Governor said.

He also lauded the efforts of five best performing Administrative Departments, five best performing HoDs and DCs of best performing Districts in terms of resolving the grievances received on the JK-IGRAMS.

Till now, 1,89,369 applications were taken up for disposal in mission mode approach. Of these, 1,85,123 have been resolved, it was informed.

The Lt Governor directed the Deputy Commissioners to resume public outreach activity for better coverage of government schemes, enhanced interaction with common man and effective monitoring of big-ticket projects.

Mohd Amin Dar of Kulgam would get a Pacca House under PMAY-Grameen, which is closely being taken up by the DC office Shopian, the Lt Governor was informed by the Deputy Commissioner.

Dilawar Ahmad Sheikh of Shopian appreciated the LG led administration for resolving the issue of water scarcity in orchards of his area.

Shiv Kumar expressed his gratitude towards the chair for sanctioning an old age pension in favour of his grandmother Shanti Devi.

On the issue brought forth by the applicant Annayat Fayaz from Pulwama regarding repair work on the steel bridge (Bod-Kadal) over Laar Nallah, the Lt Governor sought details from the concerned officer of the PWD (R&B) department. The Engineer informed the chair that the work has been already tendered and shall be completed by March end.

Anil Kumar from Pounthal, Jammu raised the issue of dilapidated conditions of rooms at Middle School Chunana, on which Deputy Commissioner Jammu apprised the Lt Governor that funds have been sanctioned for renovation work at the said school, and the work would be completed this year with the construction of an additional class room for students.

Najeeb-ur-Rehman from Doda drew the attention of authorities towards augmenting the health facilities at Urban Health Training Centre, Ghat, upon which he was informed that due attention would be given to his request.

On the application of Naseeb Singh represented by his son regarding compensation in lieu of the damages caused to houses during road cutting by NHAI, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur informed the chair that the issue would be resolved within days after due process. The Lt Governor directed the DC to follow the matter personally and ensure that due compensation is provided to the affected families.

Similarly, DC Reasi also briefed the Chair on the issue of providing electricity poles and transformers for better power supply to village Bagankot of Tehsil Chasaana. It was informed that work of augmenting power infrastructure has been started.

Responding to the grievance of Nazir Ahmad Shah of Ramban pertaining to Water Supply Scheme Peerpora, Tethar, Deputy Commissioner Ramban briefed the chair on the measures taken to permanently redress the issue, and immediate measures are being put in place.

Rehana Batul Commissioner/Secretary, Public Grievances moderated the monthly program of LG’s Mulaqaat while informing the chair about the progress and status of grievances received on JK-IGRAMS.

The Lt Governor also sought feedback from the people on the grievance redressal mechanism.

Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Finance; Vivek Bhardwaj, Additional Chief Secretary, Health and Medical Education Department; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, Administrative Secretaries; Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners, Superintendents of Police, Heads of the Departments, and other senior officers were present during the interaction, in person and through virtual mode.

After Arif Khan, 2 Kashmir skiers to represent India in int’l event

Anchor stories

Precious Kashmir

23/02/2022

After Arif Khan, 2 Kashmir skiers to represent India in int’l event

By: Aabid Hamid

Srinagar: Days after a ski-athlete Arif Khan represented India in winter Olympics in Beijing; two more Kashmiri athletes from Baramulla district are going to represent India in 30th Asian Alpine Ski Championship (AASC) in Lebanon.

Two skiers namely Ayan Tariq Zargar from Baramulla and Waseem Ahmad Bhat from Tangmarg Baramulla have reached to Mzaar Ski Resort in Kfardebian in Lebanon where 30th Asian Championship is scheduled to be held from February 23 to 27, 2022.

Relatives of Ayan told Precious Kashmir that this year he has qualified first in junior nationals held in Utrakhand after which he was selected to represent India in Under-21 category in 30th Asian Alpine Championship.

Ayan has been acquainted to skiing since his childhood and being son of senior ski instructor Tariq Ahmad Zargar, they are hopeful that he will perform well and prove his mettle.

Waseem, known as tiger for his skiing skills has represented J&K at many platforms and won several medals and got selected for the Indian Ski team in year 2014.

As per his family members, he was part of three junior national ski championships, six senior national ski championships, eight state ski championships and has won state champion award in ski twice.

Family members, relatives and coaches of both athletes are hopeful that this platform will provide them an opportunity to prove themselves and pave a way to get spot in winter Olympics.

President Winter Games Association of Kashmir Mohammad Abbas Wani told Precious Kashmir that together they are going to take winters sports to new heights and ski is played at Olympics as well.

Arif Khan has recently created history and selection of two youth in Asian Alpine ski championship is matter of pride and our youth can easily secure his future in ski, if they will be dedicated towards it, he said.

He said that Gulmarg is cheapest skiing resort in the world and various departments are getting involved to train more and more youth in skiing.

Recently, ski team of J&K has proved their mettle in skiing in Uttarakhand as J&K won most medals there, he said, adding that if youth are really talented in any field, they can secure their place with their hardwork and dedication.

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