Srinagar: Two militants affiliated with Lashkar-e-Toiba’s (LeT) shadow group The Resistance Front (TRF) were killed in an encounter with security forces at Okey village in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Tuesday.

A police spokesman said that based on specific inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area, a joint Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) was launched by the police, Army and CRPF.

During the search operation, as the joint search party proceeded towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired indiscriminately, which was retaliated effectively, leading to an encounter.

In the ensuing encounter, two militants of LeT (TRF) were killed and their bodies were retrieved from the site of the encounter. They have been identified as Amir Ahmad Wani, a resident of Alamgunj Shopian, and Sameer Ahmad Khan, a resident of Tiken Pulwama.

“As per police records, Amir Ahmad was a categorised militant linked with LeT (TRF). The other killed militant joined militant ranks recently. Both the slain militants were part of a group involved in several cases,” the police said.

Incriminating materials, arms and ammunition, including one AK-47 and one pistol, were recovered from their possession. All the recovered materials have been taken into case records for further investigation, police said.

CS reviews preparedness, directs officials to ensure prompt response

Jammu: Chief Secretary, Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta Tuesday chaired a meeting to review the winter preparedness, supply, and stocking of essential commodities across the Kashmir Division and snowbound districts of Jammu province including Kishtwar, Doda, Poonch, and Rajouri.

Administrative Secretaries of departments of Finance, Power Development, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, Inspectors General of Police, Jammu and Kashmir, Managing Directors of DISCOMs, Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and District SPs of all districts, and officers from concerned departments participated in the meeting.

It was informed that the divisional and district administrations have taken all precautionary measures and preparedness for the winter season with a special focus on inclement weather situations in all snow-bound areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

It was further informed that during today’s precipitation only 2 out of 1020 electricity feeders and 10 out of 705 water supply networks in the Kashmir Valley experienced minor glitches, which too will be restored within a few hours, besides, all roads were cleared for vehicular traffic and no prolonged disruption was reported.

The Chief Secretary directed the departments of Public Works(R&B), Power Development, Jal Shakti, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, and Disaster Management to be well prepared to ensure delivery of essential services throughout the winter season and cater to any untoward eventuality.

It was informed that this year the National Highway-44 will remain open for vehicular traffic throughout the year and as such the PWD was asked to augment the snow/slippage clearance machinery all along the vulnerable spots.

The district administration, Ramban was asked to activate the vehicle holding areas for heavy vehicles during weather vagaries at the Jawahar tunnel; and regulate the traffic movement for smooth passage of light motor vehicles.

The divisional and district administrations were asked to lay special focus on slippage and avalanche-prone areas and monitor vehicular traffic, especially during heavy precipitation, besides ensuring minimal response time to reported emergencies.

Regarding snow clearance and maintenance of road connectivity during the harsh winter months, the Chief Secretary directed the Public Works Department to emphasize minimal damage to the road surfaces during the exercise by following appropriate guidelines and using suitable technology/practice.

The Power Development Department was asked to actively monitor the reported failures of power distribution & transmission channels and undertake timely repairs and replacement of the damaged equipment to ensure uninterrupted and reliable power supply during the harsh winter months.

The Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Department was asked to ensure sufficient stockpiling of winter fuel and food grains across all winter-affected areas.

Further, the Chief Secretary directed the concerned to establish winter control rooms to monitor and resolve grievances regarding power, water, essential supplies, health services, road connectivity, and emergency evacuation/rescue. They were advised to widely promote the helpline numbers among the public and ensure providing the latest information and appropriate services to grievances and issues raised through the emergency numbers including likely time for addressing issues.

Reviewing the preparedness to mitigate natural disasters, the Chief Secretary impressed upon the concerned to issue timely weather advisories to alert the public of the extreme weather conditions.

ArrayImphal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said that Manipur and the Northeastern region will be the hub of India’s developmental mission and the under construction highways in the state would be linked with the southeast Asian countries to boost international trade.

The Prime Minister said that under the “Act East dream” ambitious projects on tourism and connectivity are being implemented with all seriousness while peace has been restored in the region. “Hundreds of militants of the Northeastern region have shunned the path of violence and joined the mainstream of development,” Modi said, while addressing a public gathering at Hapta Kangjeibung ground in Imphal after inaugurating 13 projects and laying foundation stones of nine projects with a total investment of Rs 4,815 crore.

He said that tourism potentialities of Manipur and the Northeastern region are being fully utilised with all types of connectivities. “Before becoming the Prime Minister, I had visited Manipur and witnessed the situation of the state then. There is a sea change in the state now. The entire government of India was brought to the doorsteps of Manipur people. A large number of Central ministers and leaders are working as ‘sevaks’ of the region. Five Central ministers are now from the region.” Highlighting the achievements of Manipuri youths in the field of international sports, the Prime Minister said that youths especially the girls are bringing huge laurels for the country.

“From the Commonwealth games to the Olympics, the Manipuri boys and girls are lifting the Indian flags in the international sports arena. From wrestling to archery, boxing, weightlifting, the Manipur boys and girls are performing with great success. M.C. Mary Kom, Mirabai Chanu, Bimola Devi, Laishram Sarita Devi are among the big sports personalities who are all from Manipur. The Indian youths are taking inspiration from the Manipuri sports personalities,” the Prime Minister said.

He said that with the establishment of the modern sports university in Manipur, Indian sports would go further in the sports world across the globe. “It was Moirang in Manipur where the first time the national flag was unfurled (by the Indian National Army headed by Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose) and the same Manipur is in the path of growth now.”

The Prime Minister said that to undertake the National Palm oil cultivation mission in a bigway, Rs 11,000 crore worth schemes have been undertaken by the Central government to make India ‘Aatmanirbhar’ in this sector. The Northeast region, including Manipur would also be benefited through the Palm oil cultivation, he asserted.

Without naming the previous Congress government, the Prime Minister said that Manipur was earlier a ‘blockade state’ and some people are still trying to create problems and instigate violence to hinder the development of the state.

Modi appreciated the state government’s schemes — “Go to Hills” and “Go to Village” to develop the mountainous areas and undertake welfare measures for the people.

The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for National highways with a project cost of more than Rs 1,700 crore, over 2,350 mobile towers built at a cost of around Rs 1,100 crore and State of the Art 150-bedded Cancer Hospital.

He also inaugurated the newly built 200-Bedded Covid Hospital, Water Transmission system of Thoubal Multi-purpose project and a vital steel bridge over the Barak River on National Highway-37.

Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in his speech highlighted the developmental projects undertaken by the Central and state governments for the development of the state and welfare of the people.

Governor La Ganesan, Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Rajkumar Ranjan Singh among others were present in the event.

The Prime Minister virtually kick-started the campaign for the Assembly elections in Manipur. Elections to the 60-seat Manipur Assembly are likely to be held in February-March next year along with the Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Goa.

Extensive security arrangements had been made in Manipur for the Prime Minister’s programme with most areas in greater Imphal declared Red Zone where the use of drones and other sensitive materials were banned and movement of private and public vehicles were restricted.

Coordination Committee (CorCom), a conglomerate of seven Manipur-based armed outfits, has called a boycott to the PM’s visit and imposed a total shutdown from 1 a.m. of Monday midnight till the departure of the PM alleging “attempts were being made to expand colonial administration in Manipur”.

The National Revolutionary Front, Manipur (NRFM) has also called a 12-hour bandh in Manipur on Tuesday. (IANS)

New Delhi: Indian Army hoisted the tricolour at Galwan Valley of Eastern Ladakh on the occasion of New Year, sources in the security establishment said, giving out images of the flag hoisting.

The soldiers can be seen unfurling the tricolor on a rocky and mountainous area where a clash between Indian and Chinese troops took place in June 2020.

The pictures of Indian soldiers appeared at a time when a Chinese journalist tweeted a video which showed some Chinese troops hoisting their flag in a rocky and mountainous place on the occasion of New Year. Shiwei claimed it to be in Galwan Valley.

Soon after Shen Shiwei tweeting the video, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted: “Only our Tricolor looks good in Galwan. China will have to be responded to. Modiji, break your silence.”

Earlier, Shiwei mocked at Group Captain Abhinandan Varthaman after he became a prisoner in Pakistan after the February 2019 Balakot air strike.

Sources in the security establishment said video shared by Shiwei was not from the Galwan and could be located well within the Chinese side of the LAC. (UNI)

Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday had a “general interaction” with police officers at SKICC here, official sources said.

A police official said that Sinha interacted via video conference with police officers starting from SHO, SDPO, ASP, SSP, DIG, IGP Kashmir, ADG Armed, SDG Crime, SDG CID while Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Home and DGP was present.

“It was a normal interaction,” the officer said.

During the interaction, the Lieutenant Governor asked the field officers to redress genuine grievances of the people on priority and have frequent interactions with the people.

During the interaction, officer said, a general review of the prevailing security scenario was also taken. They said senior police officers apprised Lieutenant Governor about the overall security scenario as well as strategies chalked out for 2022. The officers also put forth their problems during the interaction. (GNS)

By: Jahangeer Ganaie

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir has reported over 2,20,000 cases besides over 2600 deaths in the year 2021.

As per the data, J&K reported 2,20,458 cases in the year 2021 which includes 1,44,100 from Kashmir division and 76,358  from Jammu division.

During the same period J&K reported 2,645 deaths which includes 1,143 from Kashmir division and 1,502 from Jammu division.

As per the data, May month was the deadliest month as J&K reported 114,382 cases and 1,624 deaths in May.

Pertinently, Jammu and Kashmir reported 4,438 cases and 52 deaths in the month of December 2021.

4,698 cases and 44 deaths were reported in J&K in the month of November while 2,819 cases and 10 deaths were reported in the month of October in UT.

4,011 cases including 3,234 from Kashmir and 777 cases from Jammu besides 14 deaths seven each from Kashmir and Jammu were reported in the month of September in J&K.

3,957 cases including 2691 from Kashmir and 1266 from Jammu and 30 deaths including six from Kashmir and 24 from Jammu were reported in August month.

5800 cases and 54 deaths were reported in the month of July and 416 deaths and 25, 197 cases were reported in the UT in the month of June.

“1,4,382 positive cases and 1624 deaths were reported in Jammu and Kashmir in the month of May. In an ongoing year, J&K reported 45,123 positive cases including 28,540 from Kashmir division and 16,583 from Jammu division. Besides, 289 deaths which included 136 from Kashmir division and 153 from Jammu division in the month of April,” the figures reveal.

“J&K reported 3,579 positive cases and 53 deaths in January. 1,998 positive cases and 21 deaths in February, and 4,456 positive cases and 37 deaths in March,” the data said. (KNO)

Srinagar: One person was killed and 20 tourists injured in Navyug tunnel accident on Tuesday.

Detailing about the accident, an official said “today at 04:30 Hrs, a Maxi Cab/Bus Bearing Registration number JK02AT/6530 on way from Katra towards Srinagar on reaching inside Navayuga Tunnel (Tube Number one) due to over speed turned turtle.”

Driver of the vehicle Tariq Ahmed (18) son of Mohammad Irshad, resident of Tikri Nagrota died on spot, the official said.

Identifying the injured persons as Anil Verma, 62, son of BL Verma; Sushil Kumar, 50, son of Radha Ram; Chander Kali, 40, son of Damudhar; Riya, 21, daughter of Raj Kumar; Pinkey, 20, daughter of Chotu Lal; Anjali, 23, daughter of Damudhar; Sandhya, 45, wife of Rakesh Kumar; Uma Sharma, 45, son of Ram Avad; Inder Bhan, 45, son of Jagdish Bhan; Sana, 45, wife of Rakesh Kumar and Priya, 18, daughter of Dhamundher, the official said all of them hail from Defence Colony Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh.

Three of the injured namely Sushil Kumar, Pinkey and Inder Bhan were taken to GMC Anantnag and the remaining were taken to SDH Banihal, the official said. (GNS)

By: Tasaduq Hussain

Baramulla: The government Tuesday suspended four employees and directed the Executive Officer of the district to recover the losses from staff involved in the act.

The decision was taken a day after social media was flooded by the criticism over alleged vandalisation of goods of street vendors by Municipal officials in northern district of Baramulla.

Videos showing an official throwing away goods of street vendors in Baramulla went viral on social media platforms on Monday evoking wide-spread criticism from netizens who “called names of the official involved in the act terming him Hitler.”

Acting swiftly, the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies Kashmir directed Executive Officer Baramulla to place those involved under suspension and recover the losses suffered by vendors from them.

An order reads that a video clip was circulated on the social media, wherein the employees of Municipal council Baramulla were seen destroying the articles/ items being sold by the street vendors on their vending carts.

It reads that the scene was quite painful as the concerned staff of the Municipal Council has acted inhumanely with the street vendors. “These kinds of practices are bringing bad names to the MC in particular and the department as a whole. I am conveying serious displeasure on this action of the Municipal Council Baramulla,” reads the order copy.

“You are, therefore, directed to recover the losses suffered by these vendors from the concerned erring staff involved in such inhuman act and compensate the vendors accordingly,” the order further read.

It also read that besides, all the concerned staff involved in the brutal action shall immediately be placed under suspension and relieved to this Directorate by today, and a detailed report in the matter be furnished to the Directorate.

Taking cognizance of the same, the Executive Officer Municipal Council Baramulla placed four employees under suspension with immediate effect and attached them to the office of the Directorate of Urban Local Bodies.

The employees named in the order copy include Sheikh Sajad Pervaiz (Khilafwarzi Assistant), Faizan Akbar Zunga (Demolition Guard), Sajad Ahmad Khanday (Sanitary Supervisor), and Nazir Ahmad Bhat (Cleaner). (KNO)