Victim’s father demands exemplary punishment to all accused

By: Abid Bashir

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police Tuesday filed a 1000 page chargehseet against the three accused including a juvenile into the Srinagar acid attack case and stated that “there is enough proof to prove the role of accused and that early justice was expected in the case.”

Talking to a local news gathering agency, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Srinagar, Rakesh Balwal said that police have filed a 1000 page chargesheet before the Chief Judicial Magistrate Srinagar and also before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) as one of the three accused is a minor.

“We have enough evidence in this case. Maximum punishment in this case can be life imprisonment,” the SSP said.

“We have recorded at least ten statements. Forensic evidence has collaborated with our probe. We have also recovered acid bottle from the house of the accused. Fingerprints of the accused have matched with those on the acid.”

He said that the movement of the accused on a scooty while moving towards the incident site has also been recorded in the CCTV. “This is a water tight case and I hope justice will be done early,” the SSP Srinagar said. “We have enough technical and physical evidence.”

A police spokesman in a statement issued here said that,  a special investigation team of Srinagar Police, produced about 1000 page chargesheet in the recent acid attack case of a 24-year-old woman in Srinagar.

“The SIT was headed by SP North Raja Zuhaib, with Yasir Parrey SDPO Khanyar, SHO PS Safakadal, SHO PS Nowhatta, SHO PS Women as its members, have completed the investigation of the case (registered at PS Nowhatta, FIR No 08/2022 U/S 326-A and 120-B IPC)within the shortest possible time after arresting three accused persons identified as Sajid Altaf Sheikh(Rather) (A-1) S/o Mohamad Altaf Sheikh R/o Buchwara Dalgate, Srinagar,  Muhamad Saleem Kumar  (A-2) S/o Ab Gani Kumar R/o Dalgate (AP Padshhi Bagh), Srinagar, and third accused (Juvenile).

“Based on oral testimonies, statement of relevant witnesses in front of judicial and executive magistrates, Scientific evidences, a strong chargesheet against accused persons (A-1 & A-2) was produced in CJM Court, while chargesheet against the juvenile in conflict with law namely Moomin has been produced before the Juvenile Justice Board,” the statement said.

Police said that it has been also prayed before the JJB court that the juvenile may be tried as an adult as per the provisions of section 15 of the Juvenile Justice Act as he falls in range of more than 16 years and less than 18 years and he has committed a heinous crime.

“The sections invoked in the chargesheet call for a punishment ranging from ten years to Life imprisonment. We are hopeful of a maximum punishment as per extreme heinous nature of this crime,” the statement said. “Srinagar police have deputed a dedicated Pairavi officer for this case for day to day hearing. Legal Procedure for having a dedicated special Public prosecutor for this case has also been started.”

Srinagar police assure all the citizens that they will remain associated with this case by coordinating with prosecution till the speedy and exemplary judgement in this case comes. “SSP Srinagar and all ranks of district police assure the general public that crime against women will be dealt with very strictly,” the statement said.

On February 1, three youth threw acid on a 24-year-old woman in old city Srinagar leaving her face completely damaged. The victim has also lost her eyesight and is under treatment at a hospital out of J&K.

Victim’s father Nisar Ahmed Chaloo said that they have received the chargesheet through their lawyer. “We are satisfied with the chargsheet, what we demand is that there should be an exemplary punishment to all accused so that no other daughter suffers,” he said. (KNO)

Bahraich (UP): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that amidst the ongoing turmoil at the global level, it was very important that India remains strong not only for the country, but for the entire humanity.

Addressing an election rally at Payagpur, Modi said, “You can see how much turmoil is going on in the world. Nobody is sure what will happen tomorrow or day after. Under such circumstances it is very important that India remains strong not only for the country, but the entire country. Your one vote will make India stronger. Every vote will strengthen the country.”

He cautioned the people that if ‘mafiavadis’ will get a chance out of vendetta, they will end all the schemes meant for the poor and village as they are looking to take revenge. “They are back again, but remember if ‘mafiavadis’ will get a chance they will end all schemes for the villages and the poor. They will end with the sense of vendetta they are looking to take revenge. Will you give a chance to those seeking revenge. Those involved in crime and grabbing will be back, therefore you have to vote for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in maximum number.”

Modi said, “Between 2014 to 2017, I have watched the working, business and exploits of the dynastic politicians very closely. The path of development, which Uttar Pradesh is treading today, the double engine government is equally important in that.”

He said that before 2017, people have faced lot of discrimination. “Before 2017, even the people of Basti, Gonda and Bahraich have faced a lot of discrimination. Now from the last five years the Yogi government is making every effort to make your life easy, which facilitates your lives and gives respect to the poor,” he said.

Modi said, “Due to the efforts of BJP government, the atmosphere of fear is going away from UP. Now those, who created an atmosphere of fear for decades, are themselves living under fear. Now, new ways are opening up for you to move ahead, new avenues are being created.” He said that understanding the plights of poor, the BJP government launched two insurance schemes.

“You all know that if any untoward incident occurs in the house of a poor, what happens to that family. Lack of money creates double trouble in the line of poor. Understanding the plight of poor, our government started the PM Jeevan Jyoti Yojna and the PM Suraksha Bima Yojna,” he added.

As per the PM, “Through these schemes, we gave security cover of Rs two lakh each to the poor. Today, more than 4.5 crore poor brothers and sisters of UP are covered under these schemes. You will be pleased to know that in the last few years, an assistance of Rs 1,000 crore has been given to the poor families in UP directly in their bank accounts.

“Our government does not leave anyone’s side at the time of crisis, in fact it becomes a support system for the poor family. This sensitivity of the government towards the poor has been seen and felt even during this corona period,” he added.

Modi slammed the opposition parties for misleading the people on corona vaccines. “On the vaccines, they told you that it is BJP’s vaccine, BJP’s lotus vaccine, so don’t take it. So just like you didn’t listen to them on vaccines, don’t listen to them in these elections as well.”

He said the opposition opposed and even mocked when ‘Jan Dhan’ accounts were opened in the banks. “We opened the door of the banks for the poor by opening their accounts. At that time, they said what the poor will do with the bank accounts when they don’t have money.

“But these Jan Dhan accounts became a support system for the poor, farmers and women. It has made possible for the small farmers, cattle breeders and those involved in fish farming to get easy loans for the banks. Besides, the BJP government has also closed the doors for the middlemen, who used to usurp money meant for you,” he said. Modi said that opposition party leaders are making tall claims of employment generation.

“I want to tell you their reality today. Yogi Adityanath has given government jobs to around five lakh youths. Before him, the governments which ruled the state for 10 years, gave jobs only to two lakh people. “Today, dynastic politicians are also talking about farmers and are making big claims for them. They are the people who closed dozens of sugar mills in UP and during whose regime, the farmers were cane charged for urea and fertilizer,” he claimed.

He said the government was seriously taking the problems being faced by the farmers from the stray animals. “I completely understand your concern and have found measures to solve it,” he added.

The PM said that people have seen how dynastic politicians showered affection on those carrying out terror attacks. “They had decided to release terrorists, who were accused of several blasts in UP. They did not want to prosecute the terrorists.

“The Samajwadi Party government was totally against imposing ban of the terror outfits. Therefore, I say that those who cannot think about the country, who compromise with the security of the nation, can never do any good to UP,” he added. (UNI)

By: Nasir Azam

Srinagar: The Government of India on Tuesday granted an extension of two months to the delimitation commission constituted by it in 2020 to redraw J&K’s electoral map.

As per a local news gathering agency, the Union Ministry of Law & Justice today issued a notification to grant an extension of two months to the panel headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice (retd.) Ranjana Desai. The term of the three- member commission was coming to an end on March 5, 2022.

This development has made it clear that the entire exercise would be concluded by or before May 05, 2022.The commission has already shared its draft report with five members of Parliament from Jammu & Kashmir, who are its associate members.

It is expected that the panel would soon put its report in public domain to seek feedback from different stakeholders including political parties.

After the deadline for seeking suggestions/ objections is over, the commission would hold public sittings for their consideration. The public sittings would be followed with publishing of final orders by the panel.

The commission’s final orders, which shall have the force of law and shall not be called in question in any court, would also be laid in the Parliament.

The delimitation in Jammu & Kashmir is being carried out under The Delimitation Acr-2002 and The Jammu & Kashmir Reorganization Act-2019.

It is pertinent to mention that the Union Home Minister on Monday said that elections in Jammu and Kashmir will be held within six to eight months of the delimitation exercise being wrapped up in the Union Territory.

“The delimitation exercise is about to get over. After that, within six-eight months, the elections will be held. There is no confusion,” Amit Shah said in an interview to a New- Delhi based news channel.

According to sources, the election for J&K Legislative Assembly is likely to be held in October- November this year. (KNO)

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board (J&K KVIB) has released an amount of Rs 348.48 crore as margin money or subsidy in favour of entrepreneurs who had applied loan from the board since 2019.

Vice Chairperson KVIB, Hina Shafi Bhat, addressing a press conference on Tuesday, said that the board has released the amount to 15,459 unit holders under JK Rural Employment Generation Programme (JKREGP) and Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) directly benefitting 1,18,188 individuals of the Union Territory in these 3 years.

Bhat said that the KVIB has no cap on extending assistance to local youth and can provide handholding to any number of youth willing to start their enterprises in the UT.

“The board has created employment avenues for lakhs of educated unemployed, poor, down-trodden and marginal sections of the society,” she added.

She also noted that the KVIB under the mission ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’ is ensuring its reach to all segments of the society. “5,338 women entrepreneurs have been assisted by the board under its various programmes including providing subsidy of Rs 1.58 crore to 49 ex-servicemen and war widows.”

Besides, the J&K KVIB is establishing eight clusters under handloom, handicrafts and beekeeping sectors under ‘Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of traditional Industries’ (SFURTI) of Union Ministry of MSME, she said.

The scheme aims at protecting the interests of traditional artists and craftsmen who have adopted the traditional trades for earning their livelihoods, the VC asserted.

“The clusters are being established with an approved assistance of Rs 20 crore from the Union Ministry of MSME involving 10,000 artisans/beekeepers, directly and indirectly, in line with the promises made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Bhat added.

Attari/New Delhi: India on Tuesday sent the first consignment of 2,500 MT of wheat as humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan by road through Pakistan.

In a ceremony held at Amritsar, Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla along with Afghan Ambassador Farid Mamundzay and World Food Program Country Director Bishaw Parajuli, flagged off the first convoy of 50 trucks carrying 2,500 MT of wheat assistance from India to Afghanistan via Pakistan. Each 50 kg wheat bag is stamped with “Gift from the people of India to the people of Afghanistan” in English, Pashto and Dari.

The wheat supply is being effected by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and transported from ICP Attari (India) to Jalalabad (Afghanistan) by Afghan transporters. The shipment is part of the commitment made by the Government of India to supply 50,000 MT of wheat for the people of Afghanistan.

The wheat assistance will be delivered in multiple consignments and will be handed over to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. In this regard, the Government of India signed an agreement with the WFP for the distribution of 50,000 MT of wheat within Afghanistan, an official statement said.

In response to appeals made by the United Nations for humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, the Government of India decided to gift 50,000 MT of wheat to the people of Afghanistan.

India remains committed to its special relationship with the people of Afghanistan. In this endeavour, India has already supplied 500,000 doses of COVAXIN, 13 tons of essential lifesaving medicines and 500 units of winter clothing.

These consignments were handed over to the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Indira Gandhi Hospital, Kabul. The 50,000 MT of Wheat excludes the packing weight.

The Ministry of External Affairs decided to send the wheat following the acute food insecurity being faced by people of Afghanistan. The Food Corporation of India is delivering the Wheat of RMS (Rabi Market Season) 2020-21 in 50 kg jute bags. The sacks are double bagged for preservation of the consignment from moisture and any infection.

The shelf life of the wheat is minimum 1 year from the date of dispatch and necessary information would be clearly mentioned on the bag. Fumigation of the consignment has been undertaken before handing over for transportation in order to cater for long passage time. Guidelines for necessary precautions to preserve the consignment during the journey would be given to the Afghan transport agency.

The packaging is done in double gunny with inner lining being Jute and the outer packing of HDPE/PP (high-density polyethylene, a versatile plastic). The net weight of Wheat in each bag would be 50 Kgs. FCI is providing the necessary phyto-sanitary and fit to consumption certificate before handing over the wheat. India is also getting the wheat quality tested by WFP approved laboratory. (UNI)

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Tribal Affairs Department in coordination with J&K Police, Forest Department and Census Operations Department has finalised the modalities for the ‘Smart Cards’ to be provided to Transhumant tribal families for hassle-free movement during migration and access to various services, officials said on Tuesday.

In a meeting, chaired by Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, a detailed presentation was made about the survey of migratory population and planned interventions in various sectors.

The cards are planned to “replace the multiple permissions regime and offer a unified central database to all the organisations and agencies for smooth and hassle-free movement of Transhumant families during the biannual vertical migration”.

Embedded with chip containing the demographic details, transit routes, originating place, destination and other vital statistics, these cards will end the process of multiple permissions.

The cards will also be utilised for various government services rolled out for the migratory population and will be issued based on the survey conducted by the department last year.

Chief Conservator of Forests, Samuel Chankija said that in view if implementing of The Scheduled Tribes and OTFD (Recognition of Rights) Act, the forest department is endeavouring for a hassle free process and suggested multiple card issuance points. Access will also be provided to the forest department for monitoring the process and also for surveys related to management of rangelands, he added.

The suggestion made by Police department for mapping of respective police stations was also included in the process. Access will also be provided to all the police stations enabling real-time updation of demographic details whenever required by the family.

Android devices and card readers will be provided to all nakas and posts of both police and forest Department for smooth movement of families.

Director, Census Operations J&K discussed coordination with Tribal Affairs Department for coverage of all the Dhoks (high land pastures) in the Census to avoid missing of any families or members.

The first survey of Transhumant population conducted by the Tribal Affairs Department will be referred as a source for planning the census operations.

The Tribal Research Institute, established as an autonomous body by the Tribal Affairs Department, will coordinate for preparedness of various plans in this regards. A pilot project of 10,000 smart cards will be rolled out in March to be followed by steps for coverage of nearly one lakh migratory families.

Aadhar linkage is also being enabled for benefits of various schemes. (IANS)

Srinagar: Police on Tuesday arrested a Lashker-e-Toiba militant in Aloosa area of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district.

“Acting on a specific input about the presence of (militants) in Aloosa area of Bandipora, joint parties of Police Bandipora, 26 Assam Rifles and 3rd battalion CRPF laid a joint naka at Aloosa,” police said in a statement.

“A suspicious individual was seen approaching the naka and on being challenged by the joint parties, the individual tried to flee into the nearby orchards. He was chased by the joint party and tactfully apprehended,” it said.

The individual identified himself as Danish Ahmed Shah alias Haris son of Sanaullah Shah of Ellahipora Aloosa Bandipora. “On carrying out the personal search of the individual, one Chinese pistol and one grenade was recovered from his possession,” police said.

During initial questioning, the police said, the person disclosed that “he was working at the behest of LeT handlers Samama alias Ali and Hilal Malik (A/P Pakistan)”. “Arms and ammunition had been provided to him through Laskar conduits. The individual had been recruited as a hybrid (militant) by Ashiq War and after his death in 2019. He was subsequently handled by Fayaz War,” he said, adding, “

“It further came to light that the individual was currently arranging travel documents to travel to Pakistan for seeking specialised arms and ammunition training.”

He said the individual was also suspected to be involved in assisting the recent attacks in Bandipora and it’s is currently a matter of investigation.

“A case under the relevant provisions of law has been registered in Police Station Bandipora and further investigation is underway.”

Srinagar: Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (Inc) Tuesday urged the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha to announce amnesty for power tariff in favor of commercial and industrial consumers.

The industrialist of Jammu & Kashmir region has almost collapsed due to the pandemic Covid -19 crises the situation got bad to worse, KCCI said in a statement.

President Sheikh Ashiq Ahmad drew attention of Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor,  Arun Kumar Mehta Chief Secretary and Nitishwar Kumar Principal Secretary of Power Development Department towards the industrial sector of Jammu & Kashmir, due to the financial crunch a number of units have not availed the previous Power Amnesty Scheme.

President also requested the authorities not to disconnect the power supplies forcing the Industrialists/Commercial establishments to close down their units.

KCC&I urged the LG administration to announce six months (Three Installments) amnesty to the commercial consumers so that they can pay their (pending) electricity bills waiving interest and penalties besides after settling the same with the Power Development Department.

We expect positive approach and hand holding by the Government to encourage such industrialists to revive their units and business establishments, the statement said.

Srinagar: At least 24 persons including six army soldiers and two tourists were injured in four separate accidents in Kashmir Valley on Tuesday.

Official sources said that six army soldiers were injured when a gypsy they were travelling had a collision with Dumper vehicle (JK01R-1833) at Choora area of Sangrama in the district. Six army soldiers were injured and immediately removed to hospital.

The injured have been identified as Dharmender Singh, Muttu Kumar, Puneetkar, Taranjit Singh, Mandeep Singh and Taminder Singh. A police official said that a case has been registered and further investigations taken up.

Eight persons were injured after a vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road at Laganbal Pahalgam near Hotel Kulhai Glacier in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district.

Reports said that a Tavera vehicle (JK018A-0320) fell into a gorge after skidding off the road while coming from Anantnag to Pahalgam, resulting in injuries to eight persons. The Injured persons reffered to PHC Pahalgam where doctors reffered them to GMC Anantnag for specialized treatment.

The injured persons identified as Mohammad Saleem Dar from Pahalgam, Fahameda wife of Manzoor Ahmad from Anantnag, Imtiyaz Ahmad from Anantnag, Shahid Nazir from Kokernag, Muneer Ahmad from Mujgund Srinagar, Vipal Chohan from Gujrat, Jyoti Chohan from Gujrat and driver Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir from Batkot.

Confirming the incident, a police official said that a case has been registered in this regard.

Meanwhile, two accidents happened near Galander bridge Pampore and Pattan Baramulla in which five persons each were injured.

At Pampore, there was accident between santro car (JK01M-2803) and Tavera (JK13B-2024) resulting in injuries to five persons and were admitted to hospital.

At Ranji area of Pattan, there was head-on collision between two vehicles, leading to the injuries to five persons. (GNS)