Precious Kashmir

Kathua Helicopter Crash: Searches continue for missing pilot

Jammu & Kashmir

20/08/2021

By: M S Nazki

Jammu: Four days after recovery of body of one of the two missing pilots of a helicopter of Indian Army’s aviation corps which crashed near Ranjit Sagar Dam in the Basohli area of Kathua, searches continued for the second pilot on Thursday, officials said.

While the body of one of the pilots identified as Lt Col AS Baath was recovered on Sunday, there was no trace of the remains of another pilot yet, official sources said.

Army has said to have intensified search operations for Pilot and helicopter which had crashed into the Ranjit Sagar Dam on August 3. Submarine Rescue Unit of Indian Navy was flown in to explore digitally located wreckage at depth of approximately 80 – 100 meters, the officials said.

Indian Air Force also lifted the heavy equipment from Vishakhapatnam to Pathankot for speeding up the underwater search. Army and all other agencies including Indian Navy, Indian Air Force, NDRF, Ranjit Sagar Dam Authority and District Authorities continued searches for the missing pilot. (GNS)

Afghan footballer Anwari dies after clinging to US military aircraft

Sports

Indo Asian News Service

20/08/2021

Kabul: A 19-year-old Afghan footballer Zaki Anwari was among those killed after he clung to a US military aircraft leaving Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul to Doha. According to reports, his remains were found in the wheel well of the aircraft when it landed in Doha.
According to a report in france24.com, Anwari was identified as one of those who had stormed the runway in a desperate bid to cling on to evacuating flights. The report said that he was a high school student and a member of the country’s national junior football team.
According to a report in dailymail.co.uk, he was trapped in the landing gear of the US evacuation flight.
“Mr Anwari’s remains were discovered in the wheel well of a US C-17 transport jet when it arrived in Qatar, after the plane had taken off from Kabul with despairing Afghans clinging to the fuselage on Monday,” the report claimed.
“His football team the Khorosan lions reported that he had been among the teen’s videoed clinging to the side of a US C-17 transport,” it added.

SC to hear woman’s plea challenging mother’s bail in ‘honour killing’ case

National

Indo Asian News Service

20/08/2021

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday agreed to hear the plea of a woman seeking cancellation of bail of her mother, who along with her husband and son, has been allegedly accused of hatching conspiracy for the “honour killing” case of her husband in 2017.

Senior lawyer Indira Jaising submitted before a bench headed by Chief Justice N.V. Ramana that it is a fit case for cancellation of bail. The top court had earlier cancelled the bail of woman’s brother in the matter.

Jaipur-based Mamta had married Amit Nair, hailing from Kerala, against the wishes of her parents and brother in 2015. Nair was shot dead allegedly by a hired killer in 2017.

The bench, also comprising Justices Surya Kant and Aniruddha Bose, issued notice in the matter. It was argued that the mother of the woman had allegedly played an active role in the killing of her son-in-law, and counsel contended that the woman’s mother and father have been wrongly granted bail in the matter.

The bench observed that it will consider the plea for cancellation of bail of father later when the woman files a separate petition.

The Supreme Court had last month cancelled the bail of the woman’s brother, who was accused of conspiring to murder his Keralite brother-in-law, shot dead in front of his pregnant wife in an alleged case of honour killing.

It had set aside a Rajasthan High Court order, which granted bail to the woman’s brother. The bench had said: “We are of the considered opinion that the order dated December 1, 2020 passed by the High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan, Bench at Jaipur, impugned herein is not sustainable. The same is accordingly set aside and the bail granted to respondent No. 2 is cancelled.”

The bench said: “We, therefore, direct the respondent No 2, Mukesh Chaudhary to surrender before the court of upper district and sessions judge, Jaipur City. We make it clear that we have not expressed any opinion on the merits of the case and the trial court shall consider the case being uninfluenced by any of the observations herein.”

Women vital agents of change: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

19/08/2021

Says their empowerment must to build stronger country

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Wednesday interacted with beneficiary students from J&K under All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Pragati & Saksham Scholarship Schemes, through virtual mode.

In a first, 480 talented girls from J&K have been included in the degree and diploma courses of Pragati Scholarship. J&K has also got 9 scholarships under the Saksham Scheme for Persons with Disabilities.

While interacting with the girl students selected under the Pragati scheme, the Lt Governor termed women as vital agents of change. “J&K government is creating an ideal, gender-inclusive ecosystem where they have better access to education & economic growth putting them at the heart of our development initiatives and making those on the margins aware of their rights”, observed the Lt Governor.

Social and economic equality for women is integral to achieve rapid development. Women empowerment and their equal presence in the tech sector are important to build a strong community, a resilient state, and a stronger country, said the Lt Governor.

It is necessary that our girls are well-equipped with necessary knowledge, skills, and self-confidence and are included at all levels of governance. The AICTE’s scholarship program and UT Government’s initiatives like Hausla, Tejaswini, Umeed, LG Super 75, Parvaz, Mumkin are some of the major steps taken in the direction of women empowerment & bridging the gender gap, said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor made a special mention of Ms. Sheetal Devi, one of the first 10 beneficiaries of Mumkin scheme being provided with mini commercial vehicle to the youth at zero margin money for permanent employment. Like her, around 4 lakh such women have been socially and economically empowered by connecting them through various programs.

The Lt Governor stressed on proper implementation of policies and focusing on the need to focus on skill training, re-skilling of girls so that they have an equal share in future economic opportunities.

Collective efforts are yielding favourable results. During Kashmir University’s convocation, there were 94 gold medalists in 2021, out of which 77% i.e 66 were girls. Similarly, during the convocation of the Islamic University of Science & Technology, majority of gold medalists were girls, which is a clear sign of women empowerment, added the Lt Governor.

Speaking on the various interventions introduced by the UT Government in the last one year, in terms of promoting technical education in J&K, the Lt Governor observed that the government has made headways in strengthening industry-academia partnerships and skill development of students at higher secondary level.

In collaboration with Tata Technologies, we are setting up 14 Centres for Invention, Innovation, Incubation & Training, out of which 2 centres have started in Baramulla and Jammu, he said.

Rs 200 crores has been allocated to the colleges for skill development so that the young professionals can be trained in the cutting edge Industry 4.0 technology like artificial intelligence, internet of things, 3D technology, data-analysis, robotics, and all other subjects, the Lt Governor further added.

Addressing the students, the Lt Governor advised them to avail this golden opportunity to contribute to national development plans with their technical expertise, and overcome the modern day challenges with their collective efforts.

The Lt Governor recalled his interaction with the members of youth clubs from various districts on 15^thAugust, and shared their excitement for being a part of the social change.

The Lt Governor also congratulated the beneficiary students under the Saksham scheme.

Students selected under Pragati and Saksham Schemes also shared their experiences on how these endeavours in the form of scholarships have brought about a massive transformation in their lives.

Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairman, AICTE; Prof. M.P. Poonia, Vice-Chairman, AICTE and Prof. Rajive Kumar, Member Secretary AICTE were also a part of the interaction.

Dr. Asgar Hassan Samoon, Principal Secretary to the Government, Skill Development Department; Sudershan Kumar, Director, Skill Development, students and faculty of Institutes of Technical education joined through virtual mode.

Covid’s Psychological Impact

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Oped

Precious Kashmir

19/08/2021

Ever since covid-19 reared its ugly head, focus throughout the world has been on physical effects of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and steps for preventing its spread and managing symptoms if they appear.

Efforts centered mainly on understanding the epidemiology, clinical features, transmission patterns, and management of the COVID‐19 outbreak.

As has been observed by experts, a pandemic is not just a medical phenomenon. It affects individuals and society and causes disruption, anxiety, stress, stigma, and xenophobia. The transmission of the covid-19 resulted in the enforcement of regional lockdowns to stem the further spread of the disease. Consequences include isolation, social distancing, closure of educational institutes and workplaces so that a person stays in homes to help break the chain of transmission. However, the restrictive measures undoubtedly affected the social and mental health of individuals from across the board. This fact has been established in a survey by the Association of Physicians of India, bringing to fore the alarming fact about the pandemic affecting people psychologically. As per the survey, covering the period from October 2020 to February 2021, 80.5 per cent of the population suffered from anxiety while 73.3 per cent suffered from depression. More women than men were among those affected, the survey underlines. The findings have underlined the need to initiate steps to address mental health issues and curb its adverse implications.

The second wave has been much more relentless and took many by surprise because it came just as people felt things were returning to normal. A number of people also feel culpable for not being able to support those around them adequately while a large population is yet to recover from fiscal and personal losses of last year. Together, these factors are gravely impacting people’s confidence, and resilience to cope with situations. The present round of the pandemic also impacted the vulnerable sections more since they have much less access to mental health professionals.

As put by an expert, it is essential to overcome the fear psychosis with a positive mind that “the pandemic phase is temporary and this shall pass too.”

The situation also demands pro-activeness and applying of mind on how to deal with the crisis. Equally, medical professionals must find innovative ways of offering care and therapy at this juncture. At the same time, organizations, and families must come together to offer solidarity and support those who require immediate attention. Parents need to engage their wards in various activities. It is important to realize that social interaction and personal ties offer the best safety valve to ward off such problems.

3 MPs nominated as members of AIIMS, Awantipora

Anchor stories

Ibni Maqbool

19/08/2021

3 MPs nominated as members of AIIMS, Awantipora

By: Ibni Maqbool

Srinagar: The Government of India has nominated three Members of Parliament (MPs) as members of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora.

The notification issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare(MoHFW) reveals that Jamyang Tsering Namgyal (MP, Lok Sabha), Jugal Kishore Sharma (MP, Lok Sabha) and Indu Bala Goswami (MP, Rajya Sabha) have been nominated as members of the Institute Body(IB) of AIIMS, Awantipora. “The term of office of members shall be governed by the provisions contained in the Section 6 of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences Act,1956,” read the notification, a copy of which is in possession of The Precious Kashmir.

Under The AIIMS Act- 1956, three MPs are members of the body.

“Three members of parliament of whom two shall be elected from among themselves by the members of the House of the People and one from among themselves by the members of the Council of States,” read section 4(g) of the law.

Documents accessed by The Precious Kashmir reveal that only these three MPs had submitted nominations in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariat for becoming members of AIIMS Awantipora.

On March 18 year, they were declared as duly elected to serve as members of the AIIMS body.

“In connection with the election of two members of Lok Sabha to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir (motion in respect of which was adopted by the House on 12.02.2021), two nominations were received upto the last date and time fixed for the purpose. No candidate has withdrawn candidature upto the last date and time fixed for withdrawal for this body. Therefore, the number of candidates in fray being, thus, equal to the number of members to be elected to the AIIMS, Awantipora, Jammu & Kashmir,” read the documents.

Similarly, Indu Bala Goswami( Rajya Sabha MP from Himachal Pradesh) was also elected to serve as member of the statutory body.

Crusade against corruption: Anti-graft agencies file cases, challans on regular basis

Anchor stories

Afaq Bhat

19/08/2021

Crusade against corruption: Anti-graft agencies file cases, challans on regular basis

By: Afaq Bhat

Srinagar: The anti-graft agencies acting tough against the corrupt government employees and even reopening the old cases have created ripples among the official circles across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Anti Corruption Bureau is registering cases on day to day basis and the challans are being filed regularly. The anti-graft agency getting more teeth is keeping the government employees on toes.

An observer while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “During the past two years many things have changed in Jammu and Kashmir. Officials no longer keep the files pending. Nor do they demand any favours directly as they fear that may put them in trouble.”

He said, “Prior to August 5, 2019, the anti-graft agencies were just paper tigers. These agencies, despite having evidence and proof, couldn’t act due to political pressure being exerted on them.”

In July 2020, the Jammu and Kashmir High Court had observed that delay caused by investigating agencies in filing charge sheets against government servants in corruption cases was hampering the measures to curb the corrupt practices in the Union Territory.

The High Court had stated that charge sheets had not been filed in a large number of cases, some of which were more than 22 years old, while the outer limit to file the charge sheet in a corruption case is 90 days if the accused has been arrested.

The then Chief Justice Gita Mittal had asked the investigating agencies to explain as to why they were “sleeping over the investigation of cases with serious allegations.”

In Jammu alone, no charge sheets were filed in as many as 226 cases registered from 1998 to 2018. In 13 of these cases, the FIRs had been filed more than two decades ago. Similar cases were pending in other districts as well, some of which for over a decade.

The High Court had stated that the accused get benefited due to non-filing of charge sheets, as they continue to remain in service for decades, get bail by default and claim post-retirement benefits.

After the High Court put the top officials on notice the anti-graft agencies across J&K intensified their crusade against corruption. “The results are evident as the complaints being received by the ACB are investigated thoroughly and the charge sheets in the pending cases are filed promptly,” said an observer.

He said, “Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has given a free hand to anti-graft agencies to act against anyone who is found involved in corrupt practices. One thing is clear that no one is above the law.”

LG lays foundation for Rs 24.4 cr Durga Bhawan at SMVDS

Front

Precious Kashmir

19/08/2021

Katra: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Wednesday laid foundation for the Durga Bhawan, a high utility pilgrim-centric facility worth Rs 24.4 cr to facilitate pilgrims of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine. The Lt Governor also attended the ground-breaking ceremony of the new facility.

The Lt Governor, who is also the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has been laying high priority to enhancing facilities for the convenience of the pilgrims. On completion, the facility will accommodate 4000 pilgrims.

While directing the CEO SMVDSB and the executing agency for speedy execution of work, the Lt Governor fixed 18th August, 2022 as the timeline for the completion of the new Durga Bhawan. He further directed for timely mobilization of required manpower to complete the project in a record period of 12 months.

I express my gratitude to the devotees who have stepped forward and contributed to this noble cause. About Rs 6.83 cr has already been received as donation and more than Rs One crore will be received in the next two months, said the Lt Governor.

Recalling the meeting held in the month of March, the Lt Governor observed that specific directions were passed to the concerned agencies to aesthetically design the building, besides providing maximum convenience to the devotees

In the last one year, many interventions like Postal delivery of Prasad, mobile app for live darshans, online registration system etc have been made to facilitate the devotees. Adding to the efforts aimed at accentuating additional facilities catering to the needs of the pilgrims, the 5-storey Durga Bhawan will have all requisite amenities, besides having adequate provision for harnessing clean energy, recycling of wastewater linking up with existing STPs, provision of elevators etc, the Lt Governor said.

He further appreciated the efforts made by all those associated with the management of the pilgrimage for the smooth conduct of the yatra in adherence to all Covid protocols.

Speaking on the UT Government’s future deliverables for promoting religious tourism in Jammu, the Lt Governor said that the government is planning to develop a pilgrimage tourism circuit connecting Mata Vaishno Devi, Purmandal- Utterbehni, Mansar-Surinsar and Shiv Khori together, besides promoting the unexplored tourism potential of Jammu to attract more tourists.

JSW Foundation has already conducted a study for conservation and restoration of Shiv Khori heritage site in Reasi. Jammu ropeway has connected three major temples of Jammu city viz. Peerkho, Mahamaya temple and Bahu temple, and has become a major tourist attraction in the region, said the Lt Governor.

We are looking ahead to organize a 3-month long festival in Jammu to popularize various tourist destinations, added the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister Narendra Modi for including rejuvenation of the Purmandal and Utterbehni of Jammu under PRASAD scheme.

Ramesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, briefed the Lt Governor about the pace of implementation of this prestigious project.

Construction of Durga Bhawan is part of the approved Master Plan of Bhawan area, prepared by the School of Planning and Architecture, New Delhi. The Master Plan seeks to achieve the target of ensuring maximum accommodation for pilgrims by 2031.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) have already inked a memorandum of understanding for the construction of Durga Bhawan, as approved in 65th meeting of SMVDSB, it was informed.

Other dignitaries present on the occasion were Dr. Ashok Bhan, K. B. Kachru, Justice (Retd) Permod Kohli, Board Members, SMVDSB; Prof. Vishwamurti Shastri, Member, Governing Council, SMVD Gurukul, besides Donors who have contributed through Donation Scheme for Durga Bhawan.

Also present at the foundation stone laying ceremony were Anant Kumar, Special DG, CPWD; Vivek Verma, Addl. Chief Executive Officer, Charandeep Singh, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Shailendra Singh, SSP Reasi; senior officers of SMVDSB, Prof. Mandeep Singh of the School of Planning and Architecture, representatives of the executing agency.

2 J&K youth in Indian cricket team, matter of pride: LG

Front

Precious Kashmir

19/08/2021

Srinagar: Two local cricketers Feroz Ahmad Ganie of Anantnag and Nayeem Ahmad Malla, resident of Badgam, have been selected in Indian cricket team by Board of Disabled Cricket Association (BDCA) India.

Your achievement in the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh will inspire J&K’s youth, make India proud, Sinha said.

In a tweet on official Twitter handle of LG, Sinha said, “Proud moment for J&K! Feroz Ahmad Ganie of Anantnag & Nayeem Ahmad Malla of Budgam have been selected in Indian Cricket Team by Board of Disabled Cricket Association, India. Your achievement in the upcoming ODI series against Bangladesh will inspire J&K’s youth, make India proud.”

4 arrested for procuring medical seats in Pak: DGP

Front

Precious Kashmir

19/08/2021

‘Money received from students was later used for funding militancy’

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir’s Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh Wednesday said that four people including a separatist leader and a woman were arrested for allegedly procuring medical seats in Pakistan for the students this side of Kashmir and the money was used for fuelling militancy.

Talking to selected group of reporters in Srinagar, the DGP Singh said that four people have been arrested for luring youth on the pretext of getting their admission done across in lieu of the money that was used for funding militancy in J&K.

The arrested people, the J&K police chief said, have been identified as separatist leader Zafar Akbar Bhat of Salvation Movement, Fatima Shah, Mohammed Abdullah Shah, and Shabzar Ahmed Sheikh.

“Brother of Muhammad Abdullah Shah went to Pakistan in ’90s and was working as a facilitator of Hurriyat to secure admission for the youth in colleges and universities across,” DGP said.

Pertinently, the DGP had recently told reporters that 57 youth who had travelled on valid passport and visa to Pakistan administered Kashmir since 2018 on the pretext of studying there, had picked up arms. He had stated that of the 57 youth, 17 had crossed the LoC and returned along with arms, who got killed while 13 more who also crossed over to this side were still active. The DGP had also said that 17 more are still across, who are under the constant watch of police.

The DGP had also stated that procedure for getting security travel permit for studying across will further be made strict. (KNO)

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