‘Mobile internet snapped for 7 hrs, restored’

By: Mubashir Alam Wani

Srinagar: The 73rd Republic Day passed off peacefully across Kashmir amid heightened security measures and drone surveillance as no untoward incident was reported from any part of Valley.

The main highlight of the day remained unfurling of tri-colour atop Clock Tower, Lal Chowk in Srinagar, first time after 1992. However, the move evoked sharp criticism by the former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who stated that the flag was brought down within few hours which was unconstitutional.

Witnesses said that police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) men dotted city, especially roads leading towards the Republic Day function venues, to ensure that the function passes off peacefully. Main function in Srinagar was held at S K Stadium where Advisor to LG, RR Bhatnagar took salute of the parade and unfurled the tri-colour. “The function remained peaceful,” a police official said.

Witnesses said that shops remained shut in Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir and a thin traffic movement was seen on the roads. Public remained almost off the roads while the private vehicles were seen plying normally.

Unlike last year, the authorities snapped the mobile internet services on all platforms for seven hours—7 am to 2 pm.

A group of social activists reached Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar) Lal Chowk, Srinagar and with the help of a crane unfurled tri-colour atop the Tower. This was firs time since 1992 when BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi had unfurled tri-colour at Lal Chowk. However, the move evoked sharp criticism from none other than the National Conference vice-president and former J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Omar tweeted: “If you don’t know your Indian Flag Code then here is a bit of help. As far as possible display from sunrise to sunset” which means that it can be flown 24×7, 365 days a year as long as other provisions of the flag code are followed. He also tweeted: Also Sunset in Srinagar today is 5:55 PM & at the moment it’s 4:09 PM IST. Just in case you were wondering.” Omar’s tweets came as the flag was pulled down within few hours of hoisting.

Pertinently, the Republic Day functions were organized in all the districts across Jammu and Kashmir. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha presided over the main function in Jammu.

The Republic Day parade consisted of smart contingents from Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, IRP (Women & Male), J&K Police, JKAP, UT Disaster Response Force, J&K Fire, and Emergency Services, J&K Forest Protection Force, Excise Department, Ex-Servicemen, NCC Boys and Girls, Bharat Scouts and Guides (Girls & Boys), besides several school contingents, Brass & Pipe Bands of Army, BSF, J&K Police, J&K Armed Police.

Moreover, District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons presided over the main functions in their respective districts while as the Block Development Council chairpersons and Presidents of Municipal bodies took salute in separate functions held at the concerned Sub-Divisional and Municipal headquarters. A senior police official said all the R-Day functions passed off peacefully in Kashmir and there was no untoward incident anywhere. (KNO)

New Delhi: With armoured personnel carriers, artillery guns and new age battle tanks along with the rich cultural diversity of the states, India on Wednesday showcased its prowess on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day.

The grandeurs of the majestic Rajpath in the heart of the national capital were a sight to watch. The celebrations commenced after Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute at the national war memorial. President Ram Nath Kovind arrived, escorted by his bodyguards on their magnificent bay and dark bay coloured mounts. The President’s bodyguard, raised in 1773, is the senior most regiment of the Indian Army.

As the dignitaries were seated, a 21 gun Salute was presented by the ceremonial battery of 871 field regiment. The 21 gun salute is usually presented during Republic Day, Independence Day and visits of foreign heads of states.

The first contingent in the uniform of the erstwhile Gwalior Lancers 61 Cavalry was led by Major Mrityunjay Singh Chouhan. The 61 Cavalry is the only active serving horse cavalry regiment in the world. It was raised on August 1, 1953 with the amalgamation of six state forces’ cavalry units.

The Indian Army was represented by a Mounted Column of 61 Cavalry, 14 Mechanised Columns, six marching contingents and a fly past by Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) of Army Aviation. One Tank PT-76 and Centurion (On Tank Transporters) and two MBT Arjun MK-I, one APC TOPAS and BMP-I (On Tank Transporter) and Two BMP-II, one 75/24 Towed Gun (On Vehicle) and two Dhanush Gun System, one PMS Bridge & Two Sarvatra Bridge System, one HT-16 (On Vehicle) and two Tarang Shakti Electronic Warfare System, one Tiger Cat Missile and two Akash Missile System were the main attraction in the mechanised columns.

A total of six marching contingents of the Army were there including the Rajput Regiment, the Assam Regiment, the Jammu and Kashmir Light Regiment, the Sikh Light Regiment, the Army Ordnance Corps and the Parachute Regiment.

The combined Band of the Madras Regimental Centre, the Kumoun Regimental Centre, Maratha Light Regimental Centre, Jammu and Kashmir Light Regimental Centre, Army Medical Corps Centre and School, 14 Gorkha Training Centre, Army Supply Corps Centre and College, Bihar Regimental Centre and Army Ordnance Corps Centre marched past the saluting dais.

The evolution of uniform and personnel weapons of the Indian Army over the last 75 years was the theme of the marching contingents. The contingent of the Rajput Regiment, wearing the uniform of the Indian Army of 1947, carried a .303 Rifle.

The Assam Regiment paraded in uniform of 1962 period and they also carried .303 Rifles.

The Jammu and Kashmir Light Regiment was seen in uniform worn during 1971. They carried a 7.62 mm self loading Rifle.

The contingent of the Sikh Light Regiment and the Army Ordnance Corps were in the present day uniform with 5.56 mm INSAS Rifle.

The contingent of the Parachute Regiment, donning the new Combat Uniform of Indian Army, unveiled on January 15, were carrying 5.56 mm x 45 mm TAVOR Rifle.

The Indian Air Force contingent comprised 96 airmen and four officers, led by Squadron Leader Prashant Swamyanathan.

The Air Force tableau was titled ‘Indian Air Force, Transforming for the Future’. The tableau showcased scaled down models of MiG-21, Gnat, Light Combat Helicopter and Rafale aircraft, as well as the Aslesha radar. The tableaux were titled ‘Suite of Indigenously Developed Sensors, Weapons and Electronic Warfare Systems for LCA Tejas’ and ‘Air Independent Propulsion System’ developed for the submarines of the Indian Navy.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) displayed two tableaux, signifying the defence technological advancements of the country. It was followed by tableaux of 12 States and Union Territories and nine Ministries and Departments, which were prepared on various themes under ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

The tableaux were followed by cultural performances by 480 dancers chosen through an all-India dance competition ‘Vande Bharatam’. It is for the first time that dance groups, performed during the parade, have been chosen based on all India level competition.

As soon as all the tableaux finished their presentation, the women of the Border Security Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) stole the show with their daredevil stunts on the motorcycle. The brave and electrifying performances immediately fired up onlookers and visitors. Taken aback with the scintillating performance, the visitors only stared at themselves open-mouthed. And with women doing such extreme stunts, it certainly gave an inspiration to millions of women across the country.

The grand finale and the most keenly awaited segment of the parade, the Flypast, for the first time, witnessed 75 aircraft and helicopters of the Indian Air Force displaying a number of formations. Vintage as well as current modern aircraft/helicopters like Rafale, Sukhoi, Jaguar, Mi-17, Sarang, Apache and Dakota displayed different formations, including Rahat, Meghna, Eklavya, Trishul, Tiranga, Vijay and Amrit.

The ceremony culminated with the national anthem and the release of Tricolour balloons. For the first time IAF coordinated with Doordarshan to show cockpit videos during the flypast. (IANS)

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 5606 new positive cases while eight persons succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Wednesday.

They said 1353 cases have been reported from Jammu Division and 4253 from Kashmir Valley, taking the overall tally to 414772. Regarding the deaths, they said, four each were reported from Jammu division and Kashmir Valley respectively. So far 4635 people have died due to the virus—2264 in Jammu division and 2371 in Kashmir Valley.

On Tuesday J&K reported biggest ever daily spike of 6570 cases since the pandemic started in 2020.

On Saturday last, the J&K recorded previous highest daily case count of 6568.

Giving district wise details regarding the fresh infections, the officials said that Srinagar reported 1305 cases, Baramulla 440, Budgam 803, Pulwama 134, Kupwara 380, Anantnag 528, Bandipora 66, Ganderbal 297, Kulgam 265, Shopian 35, Jammu 678, Udhampur 129, Rajouri 78, Doda 84, Kathua 38, Samba 84, Kishtwar 10, Poonch 49, Ramban 181 and Reasi 22.

There has been surge in covid-19 cases in J&K since the start of the New Year. On January 1, J&K reported 169 cases, 165 cases on January 2, 178 on January 3, 199 on January 4, 418 on January 5, 349 on January 6, 542 on January 7, 655 on January 8, 687 on January 9, 706 on January 10, 1148 on January 11, 1695 on January 12, 1966 on January 13, 2456 on January 14, 3251 on January 15, 3499 on January 16, 2817 on January 17, 4651 on January 18 and 5818 on January 19 and 5992 on January 20, 5720 on January 21 and 6253 on January 22 and 5394 on January 24.

A number of fresh cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories associated with GMC Srinagar and include female (55) from Pampore, female (65) from Baghat, female (30) from Baghat, male (35) from Sumbal, female (65) from Shaheed gunj, female (38) from Nowgam, female (60) from Sgr, male (37) from Sgr, female (35) from Sgr, female (97) from Tangmarg, female (65) from Sgr, female (39) from Hyderpora, male (09) from Hyderpora, male (31) from Nishat, male (36) from Pampore, female (26) from Budgam, male (50) from Soura Sgr, female (20) from Khrew, female (30) from Nowhatta Sgr, male (27) from Diver Tral, male (47) from Tangmarg, male (28) from Budgam, male (40) from Sgr, female (31) from Doctor’s hostel, female (53) from Sgr, female (30) from Baramulla, female (25) from Budgam, female (30) from Sgr, female (37) from Batamaloo, male (25) from Sgr, female (20) from Sgr, male (32) from Bemina, male (38) from HMT, male (52) from Chattabal Sgr, male (50) from Pulwama, female (15) from Malpora budgam, male (40) from Chattabal, male (21) from Qamarwari, male (47) from Kargil, male (55) from Lalbazar Sgr, male (50) from Sgr, male (23) from Sgr, male (28) from Gawkadal Sgr, male (25) from Wazir bagh, male (18) from Doda, male (29) from Zainakadal, female (30) from Bemina, male (47) from Bemina, male (70) from Chattabal, male (60) from Sgr, male (18) from Dangerpora pulwama, female (55) from Dangerpora pulwama, female (07) from Dangerpora pulwama, male (18) from Malikpora pulwama, male (47) from Sirnoo, female (65) from Chewakalan pulwama, female (65) from Drusoo pulwama, male (05) from Drusoo pulwama, female (11) from Pinglena pulwama, female (30) from Pinglena pulwama, male (33) from Pinglena pulwama, female (27) from Trich pulwama, male (32) from Trich pulwama, female (54) from Trich Pulwama, female (30) from Doompora pulwama, male (24) from Rajpora pulwama, female (35) from Nikas pulwama, male (40) from Nikas pulwama and female (34) from Qasbyar Pulwama.

Besides, they said, 5005 Covid-19 patients recovered during the time—1592 from Jammu Division and 3413 from Kashmir. So far 362168 people have recovered, leaving active case tally at 47969—13569 in Jammu and 34400 in Kashmir.

They said there was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 51 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials said.

They also informed that 16040 doses of covid-19 vaccine were administered during the time in J&K. (GNS)

New Delhi: The Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), the highest decision-making body on Covid-19-related issues, will on Thursday meet to review the Covid-19 situation in the national capital and to discuss demands by the traders to lift the weekend curfew and odd-even rule for opening shops.

The traders’ fraternity wrote to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal, under whose leadership the meeting will take place, regarding the same.

The meeting is scheduled for 12.30 pm and is likely to be attended by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. An official source earlier said that the government is also likely to take a call on the reopening of schools from February depending on the vaccination status of students by the end of this month.

Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), secretary-general, Praveen Khandelwal said the retail trade in Delhi has suffered a loss of about 70 per cent in the last 25 days due to the restrictions. Non-vaccinated persons should not be allowed to move out of their home, whereas on the other hand, the odd-even system and weekend lockdown should be abolished, Khandelwal said in the letter. Chamber of Trade and Industry (CTI) chairman Brijesh Goyal, too, on Wednesday submitted a memorandum to Baijal requesting him to ease restrictions for traders.

Nearly 20 lakh traders of the city are troubled due to the weekend curfew and odd-even restrictions on shops. Covid-19 cases have come down considerably in Delhi, Goyal stated in the memorandum asking the lieutenant governor to consider the traders’ demands during the Thursday meeting.

Last week, the Delhi government had proposed lifting the weekend curfew and ending the odd-even scheme for opening shops in view of the Covid-19 situation but Baijal suggested maintaining status quo on the restrictions till the situation improved further.

The LG office, however, had approved the government’s proposal to allow private offices to function with 50 per cent staff strength. “Now since the cases are going down and it also seems that the peak has gone, we want to ensure that the public’s livelihood continues smoothly. We have proposed to do away with weekend curfew and also with the odd-even arrangement of opening of shops in markets,” Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had said.

The weekend curfew is implemented at 10 pm on Friday and continues till Monday 5 am. The decision to impose weekend curfew was taken by the DDMA on January 1 due to rise in coronavirus cases in the national capital. A night curfew during weekdays is already in place from 10 pm to 5 am. (Agencies)

Seeks cooperation of people to restore peace in South Kashmir

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: General officer Commanding (GoC) of Srinagar-based army’s 15 Corps Lieutenant General D P Pandey Wednesday said that southern district of Pulwama has indeed shown a decline in militancy related incidents but the district continues to see local militant recruitment on the rise.

He said that in the ensuing year, the army believes that Pulwama will see further dip in local militant recruitment.

The GoC was on a visit to southern districts of Shopian and Pulwama on the eve of 73rd Republic Day. He met senior citizens and traders in these twin districts of South Kashmir.

Talking to media persons at Shopian, the GoC said that people of Kashmir want peace and not militancy. “Militancy related incidents are declining and we believe they will further go down in the ongoing year,” he said.

The army officer said that if the number of militants and militancy related incidents decline, it will provide more opportunities to local youth to make their future.

“Time has come when people have to choose the path of peace and stability,” he said, adding that the people of South Kashmir like those of north Kashmir have realized the effects of militancy.

The GoC said that wrong narrative is being taught to children and wherever it happens, youth are bound to choose wrong path “as it is easy way out and just a glamour.”

“Youth are picking guns because of unemployment but wrong path is being shown to them,” Pandey said. He said that the situation was getting better as people, especially youth have understood that taking the path of militancy was wrong.

He said that militancy related incidents have declined in Pulwama but “local militant recruitment continues to be on the rise.” “We believe this (local militant recruitment) will also go down in the ongoing area,” the GoC said and sought people’s cooperating in bring peace and development in southern districts of Kashmir. (KNO)

Srinagar: Lieutenant General DP Pandey led the Chinar Corps in paying glowing tributes to the fallen soldiers by laying a wreath at Chinar Corps War Memorial in a solemn ceremony on the occasion of Republic Day,  a statement issued by the Army said.

Speaking on the occasion, the General Officer Commanding 15 Corps said that upholding the constitution is primary to Chinar Corps.

He exhorted all ranks to take inspiration from the devotion, resoluteness and sacrifices of the brave hearts and be prepared for all future challenges.

He also complimented the awardees for their outstanding service to the nation.

This year, 103 Chinar Corps warriors have been awarded for their bravery and meritorious service. The awards include one Uttam Yudh Seva Medal, three Ati Vishisht Seva Medals, three Shaurya Chakras, four Yudh Seva Medals, 73 Sena Medals, three Vishisht Seva Medals and 16 Mentioned in Despatches.

The GOC conveyed his good wishes for continued success to all ranks, veterans, defence civilian employees and families of Chinar Corps. (UNI)

Srinagar: Three soldiers were critically injured in the ongoing gunfight in Shopian district of south Kashmir on Wednesday, officials said.

They said that two soldiers suffered bullet injuries as soon as the gunfight started between militants and a joint team of police and army in Nowgam area of the district.  Later one more soldier suffered injuries.

A police officer said that the trio was shifted to army’s 92 base hospital here and condition of two of them is stated to be “critical.” The soldiers have been identified as Somveer Kumar, Lance Naik Mayank Singh and lance Naik Sunil Kumar.

The encounter had ensued after Police and army launched the cordon and search operation amid information about the presence of the militants this evening.

As the joint team approached towards the suspected spot, the officials said, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off the gunfight, they said.

A police officer said that operation may take some time. He said firing has stopped for now even as tight cordon continues. (GNS)

New Delhi: The internal rift in the Congress party has surfaced again after party’s senior leader Ghulam Nabi Azad was conferred Padma Bhushan award while the G-23 leaders are in congratulatory note to the former Rajya Sabha leader of opposition, there has been no reaction from the party compelling Kapil Sibal to criticise over silence.

Deputy leader of Congress in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma tweeted, “Heartiest congratulations to Ghulam Nabi ji for well deserved recognition of his lifelong enriching contribution to public service and Parliamentary democracy.”

Manish Tewari, MP, too wished him. “I congratulate Ghulam Nabi Azad on being conferred the Padma Bhushan for his public Service. It is a well deserved recognition.”

Raj Babbar also congratulated him, “Congratulations @ghulamnazad Sahab! You’re like an elder brother and your impeccable public life & commitment to Gandhian ideals have always been an inspiration. The #PadmaBhushan is an ideal recognition of 5 decades of your meticulous service to the nation.”

Incidentally all the three leaders — Sharma, Babbar, Tewari and Kapil Sibal are part of the group that wrote letter to Sonia Gandhi for an effective leadership and demanded party reforms. However, the silence in the Congress setup indicates that party is unhappy over the new development.

Though there has been no official reaction from Azad except thank you messages to tweets, he did tweet when news circulated that he has changed his Twitter bio, “Some mischievous propaganda being circulated by some people to create confusion. Nothing has been removed or added to my twitter profile. The profile is as it was earlier.”

The Congress seems divided on the Padma Bhushan award conferred to its leader Ghulam Nabi Azad. Party leader Kapil Sibal has come in open support of Azad after cryptic tweets by Jairam Ramesh.

Sibal tweeted, “Ghulam Nabi Azad conferred Padam Bhushan, Congratulations bhaijan, Ironic that the Congress doesn’t need his services when the nation recognises his contributions to public life”.

After the announcement of Padma awards, Jairam Ramesh taking a cue from the rejection by West bengal former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, took a dig at his party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad, who has also been awarded the Padma Bhushan.

Ramesh tweeted on Bhattacharya’s refusal to accept the award: “Right thing to do. He wants to be Azad not Ghulam.”

The comment was indirectly aimed at his party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan in the field of Public Affairs.

Azad is also a former Union minister and till recently, he was the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Azad was one of the first in the Congress to stoke the leadership issue in the party.

Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, on Tuesday refused to accept the Padma Bhushan award conferred upon him by the government of India. (IANS)

Congratulates personnel for winning 115 gallantry awards

Srinagar: Union Home and Cooperation Minister, Amit Shah Wednesday congratulated Jammu and Kashmir police personnel for winning the highest number of gallantry awards, 115 in number on the Republic Day.

In his series of tweets, Amit Shah said that J&K police has been spearhead of India’s fight against militancy and this achievement today is a reflection of their valour and commitment.

On this momentous achievement, Shah said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government always stands committed to recognizing and honoring brave police personnel.

Srinagar: On the occasion of the country’s 73rd Republic Day, the Indian Army’s Chinar Corps in collaboration with Punit Balan Group unfurled the Tricolour after installing a 150 feet tall flagpole at Shopian in South Kashmir.

“The event ushered in a new milestone in the history of South Kashmir with the installation of the highest flagpole in entire Jammu and Kashmir. The second highest flagpole is also located at Shopian,” the Army said.

The foundation stone was laid on October 18, 2021 at the Army Goodwill School, Balapur.

During the inauguration ceremony, the Tricolour was unfurled by Lt Gen D.P. Pandey, GOC, Chinar Corps, in the presence of the students of the Army Goodwill School.

Dedicating the flagpole to the people of Shopian, Pandey congratulated the gathering on the auspicious occasion of 73rd Republic Day.

The GOC said that the national flag is the greatest symbol of national conscience, as it represents the supreme collective expression of the commitment and loyalty to one’s motherland.