Precious Kashmir

Weather to remain mainly dry till Dec 23: MeT

City

15/12/2021

Weather to remain mainly dry till Dec 23: MeT

Srinagar: As intense cold conditions prevailed in J&K and Ladakh, weatherman on Tuesday said that it was part of the winter even as he ruled out severe weather in coming days.

“Mainly dry weather is expected till December 23. However, there’s possibility of light snowfall at isolated places on higher reaches of Kashmir tonight (December 14). Chances of Snowfall in plains is very less,” an official of local meteorological department here said. “There is no forecast for any major rain/snow till December 23,” he said, adding, “In whole J&K including Srinagar, minimum temperature dropping to -5 or -6 degree Celsius in December is normal and is a part of winter weather. It happens every year.” He said there “no forecast for any severe weather” in coming days.

Meanwhile, the official said that the minimum temperature in Srinagar, the summer capital of J&K, settled at minus 2.6°C against previous night’s minus 3.5°C. On December 11, the mercury in Srinagar plunged to minus 3.6°C, the lowest temperature recorded so far this season.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, had a low of minus 2.6°C against minus 2.8°C on the previous night, he said.

Pahalgam, the famous resort in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 3.8C against minus 5.3°°C on previous night.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a low of minus 2.8°C against minus 3.5°C on previous night, the official said.

Kupwara town in north Kashmir recorded a minimum of minus 3.5°C against minus 4.2°C on the previous night, the official said.

Gulmarg, the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, witnessed a minimum of minus 5.6°C against minus 5.0°C on the previous night, the official said.

Jammu, the J&K’s winter capital, saw a low of 9.0 °C which is minus 0.2 degrees Celsius below normal, they said.

Ladakh’s Leh had a low of minus 7.6°C against last night’s minus 10.9°C while automatic Kargil station recorded minimum of minus 8.9°C. Drass in Kargil, the second coldest place in the world after Siberia, recorded a low of minus 10.0°C, the official added. (GNS)

Army organizes student exchange program

City

Precious Kashmir

15/12/2021

Srinagar: Army on Tuesday organized a student exchange program under which the students from various schools of Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory are getting an opportunity to visit Kashmir and Jammu divisions respectively.

25 students including 12 boys and 13 girls accompanied by three teachers from Jammu visited Kashmir w.e.f 11-14 December 21.

Similarly, students from Kashmir will be visiting Jammu soon. Various events were conducted during the course of the conduct of the Student Exchange Program.

The students visited the Aviation Facility wherein they were given insight on the functioning of an Aircraft. The students also visited the Z Morh Tunnel and got an insight on the Tunnel Construction process from the engineers of NHIDCL.

Environment Park at Hang and Zero Point at Sonamarg helped the students understand the flora and fauna of Kashmir. The students participated in a Cultural Exchange Program cum Interactive Session with the Kashmiri students at AGS, Margund.

They also got an opportunity to witness the Kashmiri tradition & custom, during their visit to a Kashmiri household. A Bonfire cum Cultural Evening was also organised for them, wherein, they danced to the tunes of Kashmiri folk songs and witnessed the Kashmiri folk music, sung by local Kashmiri artists.

During their visit to Badami Bagh Cantt, the students visited the Chinar Darohar Archeological site and IBADAT-E-SHAHDAT Museum, wherein they witnessed the rich history of Kashmir.

On the culminating day of their visit, the students from Jammu interacted with Lt Gen DP Pandey, GOC, Chinar Corps. Speaking on the occasion, the GOC underlined the importance of understanding various cultures and traditions of India.

He underscored efforts required by youth to imbibe the best practices of every society, respect all religions and become a member of a progressive society.

16 years on, high school building in Asham awaits completion

City

Precious Kashmir

15/12/2021

Bandipora: Even after the passing of sixteen years, the government high school constructed at Asham area of Sumbal in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district is still incomplete, locals complained on Tuesday.

Details reveals that the construction work of the high school was started in 2005 at an estimated cost of Rs 75 lakh but despite passing of almost 16 years the building is yet to be completed as the government left the construction work mid-way and the building has been left unattended.

Locals said that due to the ill attention of higher authorities the smooth functioning of the school had been suffering badly for a long time.

The locals said that the school is functioning in an old building which is in a dilapidated condition thus leaving both students and teachers vulnerable.

“The condition of the present school is getting worse each passing day,” they said.

“We have approached the administration about the issue many times but nothing has happened so far. I n the end the future of our children is getting affected, ” Masrat, a local said.

She said that the slow pace of work carried out by the government has left the project languishing. “In 2013 they (administration) restarted the construction of the building but later left it again,” she said.

Mushtaq Ahmad, another local said that the building is now in complete shambles with broken windows and doors and in absence of watch and ward the building apparently looks like a ghost house.

The locals and students appealed to the Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha to personally look into the matter and ask the concerned department to expedite the construction work and complete the project without any further delay.

Meanwhile officials at CEO office Bandipora said that they will look into the matter while an R&B official also assured that the necessary measures will be taken for the same. (KNO)

Elite para-athletes are being supported for their customised training under TOPS: Anurag Thakur

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

15/12/2021

Elite para-athletes are being supported for their customised training under TOPS: Anurag Thakur

New Delhi: Sports minister Anurag Thakur on Tuesday said that the government supports the para-athletes at par with able-bodied sportspersons.

“Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) is provided financial assistance under the Scheme of Assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) towards the conduct of coaching camps, competitive exposures, the conduct of national championships, purchase of equipment, etc,” the minister said in reply to a question in Lok Sabha.

“Para-sports has been placed in ‘Priority’ category so as to provide maximum admissible support to para-athletes. Further, elite para-athletes are being supported for their customized training under the Target Olympic Podium Scheme,” read the statement from the minister.

Para athletes are also provided financial assistance at par with the able-bodied athletes under the scheme “Pandit Deendayal Upadhyay National Welfare Fund”.

“Under the Scheme of Pension to Meritorious Sportspersons, medal winners of Paralympics and Para Asian Games are also provided life-long pension on monthly basis, after retirement from active sports or attaining the age of 30 years, whichever is later.

“Guidelines on the Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) provide for assistance for welfare of differently-abled persons (which also includes para sportspersons), and such assistance is given only for the purchase of tricycles (manual /battery-operated/motorized), motorized/battery-operated wheelchair and artificial limbs for deserving differently-abled persons,” it added.

Mandatory for int’l passengers to pre-book RT-PCR tests: Centre

National

Indo Asian News Service

15/12/2021

Mandatory for int’l passengers to pre-book RT-PCR tests: Centre

New Delhi: The Centre on Tuesday made it mandatory for international passengers arriving in India to pre-book RT-PCR test.

The international passengers arriving at six major Indian airports would be required to pre-book their tests.

“The ‘Air Suvidha’ portal would be modified to allow the passengers to pre-book their RT-PCR test if they are coming from the ‘AT RISK’ countries or have visited ‘AT RISK’ countries in the last 14 days,” Ministry of Civil Aviation said in an office memorandum on Tuesday.

“Link to the concerned airport website would be provided on the Air Suvidha platform, which would be displayed to the passengers while they fill up the self-declaration form (SDF),” it added.

As per the memorandum, to stabilise the system and to ensure that the passengers do not face any problem in pre-booking, it may be implemented in six Metro cities, namely Delhi, Mumbai Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad in the first phase.

“Considering the convenience of the travellers, a lead time of a week would be provided, i.e., for the new system to come into effect on December 20,” the statement said.

“DGCA is requested to issue an advisory to all the airlines to check mandatory pre-booking of their passengers before they board the flight,” he added.

The memorandum also said that in case any passenger is having any difficulty in pre-booking, he/she may not be denied boarding, but it would be the responsibility of the airlines to identify and accompany such passengers to the registration counter at the airport for testing.

Accidents Take Heavy Toll

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

15/12/2021

Road accidents continue to claim previous lives in Jammu and Kashmir. In the latest accident, 4 women and the driver of a tempo vehicle were killed in Ramban district. Also one motorcyclist lost life in Baramulla on Tuesday (December 15). While many precious lives are lost, many people suffer disability, some for lifetime.

The large number of deaths in road accidents every year should have raised an alarm bell among the policy-makers and the concerned government agencies responsible for ensuring the safety of people travelling by road. However, apart from customary statements of concern and expression of grief, nothing concrete is happening on ground to prevent the accidents from occurring.

The consequences of a tragedy often endure long after the mishap is over. Road accidents occur due to multiple causes such as over-speeding, use of Mobile phone, drunken driving including consumption of alcohol, drug or overloaded vehicle, vehicular condition, poor light condition, jumping red light, overtaking, neglect of civic bodies, weather condition, fault of driver, fault of pedestrian, driving on wrong side, defect in road condition, defect in condition of motor vehicle, automobile design, etc.

According to a study by the World Bank on road accidents, every death in India caused by a road accident leads to the depletion of nearly seven months’ income in the households of poor families and pushes the victims’ kin into a vicious cycle of poverty and debt. The low-income rural households, predictably, are hit the hardest.

There is a need to lay down engineering standards and complaints procedures that will help citizens hold the concerned to account. There is also need for education, civil society cooperation and professional policing besides muscular enforcement of law through tougher penalties for seat belts, drunken driving, smartphone use and other violations. Otherwise the carnage will only increase.

There is need for analyzing and micro-manage the accident-prone stretches. In the rural areas, most mishaps involve vehicles rolling down the mountainous stretches. Remote areas have the problem of less number and frequency of buses and other vehicles. All this may lead to overcrowding, increasing the chances of an accident.

Also, the plying of commercial vehicles should be monitored carefully. The training of drivers and the vehicle’s road-worthiness must be ensured to prevent accidents. Climate factors like landslides that block roads along with heavy rains and snow also result in roads getting damaged, leading to the loss of precious lives. Bad roads and the negligence of drivers result in death and disability which need to be ruled out by undertaking special initiatives.

2 policemen killed, 12 injured in Sgr militant attack

Front

Indo Asian News Service

14/12/2021

2 policemen killed, 12 injured in Sgr militant attack

Srinagar: Two Jammu and Kashmir policemen were killed and 12 others injured by militants in the high-security Pantha Chowk area, on the outskirts of Srinagar on Monday evening.

The slain policemen have been identified as Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Ghulam Hassan of Ramban district and Selection Grade Constable Shafique Ali of Reasi district. The condition of four of the injured personnel is reported to be critical.

Reportedly, two militants managed to come to the road to open fire at the police bus from the front, shattering the vehicle’s windshield.

The militants whose number is believed to be two, managed to escape after carrying out the dastardly attack.

The attack has taken place three days after two policemen were killed in Bandipora district.

The area was cordoned off, but so far, no contact has been established with the militants.

Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh has called the attack a cowardly act because the armed police personnel are not directly involved in fighting insurgency.

The perpetrators of this militant attack would soon be brought to justice, he said.

PM Modi seeks details, J&K leaders condemn

Front

Indo Asian News Service

14/12/2021

Srinagar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences to the families of the policemen, killed in a militant attack on the outskirts of Srinagar on Monday and sought details on the incident.

“PM @narendramodi has sought details on the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir. He has also expressed condolences to the families of those security personnel who have been martyred in the attack,” the Prime Minister’s Office said in a tweet.

Militants on Monday evening attacked a police bus at Srinagar’s Pantha Chowk, killing two police personnel and injuring 12 others, including four critically. The bus was fired upon from multiple directions. The injured policemen have been rushed to the hospital. The area has been cordoned off and an operation has been started to nab the attackers.

Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has condemned the attack in Srinagar and expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

“Terrible news of a terror attack on a police bus on the outskirts of Srinagar. I unequivocally condemn this attack while at the same time send my heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased & prayers for the injured,” he tweeted.

Former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said the attack on the police bus has exposed the false narrative of normalcy. “Terribly sad to hear about the Srinagar attack in which two policemen were killed. GOIs false narrative of normalcy in Kashmir stands exposed yet there has been no course correction. My condolences to the bereaved families,” she said in a tweet.

People’s Conference leader Imran Raza Ansari has also condemned the attack and prayed for the recovery of the injured cops.

“Sad news coming in from Zewan area. I condemn the attack on Jammu and Kashmir Police in strongest possible words. Such mindless acts of violence only add to the misery of Kashmir. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. May Allah grant Jannah to the bravehearts!” Ansari tweeted. (IANS)

LG directs for best possible treatment to injured

Front

Precious Kashmir

14/12/2021

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha while condemning the attack on Monday, directed the concerned authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured cops.

He also stated that the government is committed to ensure that the perpetrators are punished.

“Strongly condemn the cowardly terrorist attack on J&K Police bus in Srinagar. My homage to our brave martyred police personnel. We are committed to ensure that perpetrators are punished. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families,” Office of LG J&K tweeted.

Sinha said that the police and security forces are determined to eliminate the militancy.

“Directed the concerned authorities to provide best possible treatment to the injured. I pray for their speedy recovery. Our police and security forces are determined to neutralize the evil forces of terrorism,” Office of LG J&K tweeted.

Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan, strongly condemned the militant attack on a bus carrying Jammu and Kashmir Armed police personnel, terming it as a despicable act.

“The culprits behind this dastardly attack will not be spared at any cost”, warned the Advisor while advocating stringent action against those responsible for the unfortunate incident.

Advisor Khan said that such attacks reflect the frustration among the militants and their mentors across the border. He expressed deep sympathies with the bereaved families of the slain police personnel and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured.

“Jammu and Kashmir police has always given supreme sacrifices for upholding the security and integrity of the country and such cowardly acts will be given a befitting reply,” Advisor Khan said.

2 LeT militants killed in Rangreth shootout: Police

Front

Precious Kashmir

14/12/2021

Srinagar: Two lashker-e-Toiba militants were killed in an encounter with police at Rangreth area of Srinagar, officials said.

“Based on specific input regarding movement of (militants) in general area of Rangreth, surprise naka checking points were established tactically by Srinagar Police in the area. During naka checking at one such naka manned by a small team of Srinagar Police, two suspected persons on noticing the police party fired indiscriminately upon them,” a police spokesman said. However, he said, the fire was effectively retaliated, leading to a brief encounter. In the ensuing encounter, two militants were killed on spot, he said.

“One of the killed (militants) has been identified as Aadil Ahmad Wani son of Bashir Ahmad Wani resident of Daramdoora Shopian (a Pakistan trained “A” category (militant)) while as another killed as per the credible sources is a foreign (militant), yet same is being further ascertained.” Both the killed militants, he said, were affiliated with LeT.

“As per police records, both the killed (militants) were involved in several cases and civilian atrocities and played a key role in number of recent killings in Srinagar City.”

On 04 March 2020, he said, Aadil along with his associates fired upon Police Party of Police Post Warpora Sopore in which one Police Personnel Wajahat Asadullah was killed and a civilian Shaban Wagay was killed. Besides, Aadil was also involved in several grenade attacks on “Police/SF establishments including grenade attack at Bus Stand Sopore in which 19 civilians were injured, grenade attack at Police Post Bus Stand Sopore in which two Police Personnel were injured.”

“Arms & ammunition including two AK rifles and other incriminating materials were recovered from the site of encounter,” he said.

In this connection, he said, police have registered a case under relevant sections of law and investigation has been initiated.

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