Expresses grief over loss of lives

Jammu: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh each for the Next of Kin of those who lost their lives in the tragic cloudburst in Kishtwar. The grievously injured would be given Rs 50,000 each and Rs 12,700 under SDRF shall also be disbursed.

Relief under SDRF for loss of houses, utensils, clothing, household goods, cattle, cattle shed, loss of agricultural land etc. shall also be provided by the Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar.

“The J&K government will do everything possible to support and protect the affected families. In such trying times, it is our duty to care for those who have been unfortunately affected by these natural calamities,” the Lt Governor said.

Immediately after the information was received at 6:30 AM about cloudburst at the village Hunzar under the jurisdiction of Police station Dachhan, Kishtwar, rescue teams from SDRF Kishtwar and Doda were rushed towards the incident site. Joint rescue operation at site is being conducted by local police, SDRF and Army. During the search operation, 7 dead bodies were recovered and 17 injured persons have been rescued.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke to Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah and briefed him about the rescue and relief operation being carried out by the joint teams.

SDRF team has reported that 5 of the injured persons are in critical condition and shifted to district hospital Kishtwar, while others are being taken care of by two medical teams already deployed. 19 residential houses damaged, 2 houses partially damaged and 21 cowsheds were also damaged due to cloudburst.

Another SDRF rescue team from Udhampur has reached Dungdori, Kishtwar, and will join the rescue team early in the morning to trace the missing persons. Due to incessant rain, rescue operation was halted at present.

Besides, another rescue team from SDRF and one NDRF team from 13th Bn, Ludhiana which reached Jammu, are on stand-by.

Meanwhile, Sinha also expressed grief over the loss of lives in a cloudburst in Honzer village of Dachan in Kishtwar district.

“Saddened over loss of precious lives due to flash floods caused by cloudburst in Dacchan, Kishtwar. My thoughts are with bereaved families,” Office of LG J&K tweeted.

Sinha also said that he spoke to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah and discussed the prevailing situation of Kishtwar with him, saying that Shah has assured continuous support from the Central government.

“Spoke to Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah Ji & discussed the situation prevailing due to cloudburst in Kishtwar. The Hon’ble Home Minister has assured continuous support from the Central Govt. The entire nation stands in solidarity with all those affected by unfortunate natural calamity,” office of LG J&K tweeted.

By: Owais Gul

Srinagar: As rains lashed J&K on Wednesday, the Meterological department stated that the rainfall will continue till Thursday while as overall weather will improve from July 31.

The Irrigation and Food Control department, however, said that situation was under control and there was no flood threat as such. The MeT department, however, asserted that the rainfall will lead to melting of glaciers and subsequent rise in water levels of all local streams across the J&K, which may lead to Flash Flood/Mudslides especially in sloppy areas.

A fresh communique issued by the MeT on Wednesday evening said that, light to moderate rain occurred across J&K with most rainfall recorded at Udhampur-Banihal- Katra axis, with (Katra receiving 37.8mm rainfall from Wednesday morning till evening). The MeT, however, forecasted intermittent light to moderate rain, heavy at times till Thursday and decrease thereafter gradually with overall improvement from July 31.

The MeT in its weather warning further said, “Melting of glaciers and Rainfall will lead to Rise in water Levels of all local streams. This may lead to Flash Flood/Mudslide especially in sloppy areas. Therefore people, Tourists/Trekkers are advised to Remain Cautious and Alert and avoid venturing into such vulnerable Places. Undertake Long journey Travel only after confirming the Status of the Road from concerned Traffic Police.

“This is a Weather warning as July-August rain has a history turning severe sometimes”, reads the warning.

Issuing the severe weather warning for Ladakh, MeT said: “On Wednesday, weather remained cloudy to overcast throughout Ladakh with reports of moderate to Heavy Rain in Zanskar region, light Rain at most places of Ladakh. Light to Moderate Rain will occur at most places of Ladakh from now till July 30. Some places may receive heavy shower as well. Overall, improvement is most likely from July 31 onwards.”

Director MeT, Sonum Lotus said that till the end of this month, the weather will remain cloudy and there is possibility of intermittent rainfall in the plains of the valley while the hilly areas of North and South Kashmir including the Pir Panjal Range may witness rainfall and orange alert has been already issued.

He further said, in case if it rains more in plains, there can be water logging, and people have to be cautious and avoid venturing near landslide and flash flood areas.

“Currently it is raining at some places and widespread intermittent rain is most likely to continue till July end, heavy rain is also possible at some places which may lead to flash flood, mudslide, landslide and water logging (low lying areas),” he said.

Meanwhile a top official from the Irrigation and Flood Control Department (I&FC), said that the water level is below the alert mark at all gauges of the valley.

“The water level is below the alert marks, at all the gauges of the valley,” he said, adding that the current water level at Sangam gauge is 5.9 Ft, while at Ram Munshi Bagh, the water level is at 7.34 Ft. (KNO)

New Delhi: Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has said that the Central Government is closely monitoring the situation in the wake of the cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kargil.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Central Government is closely monitoring the situation in the wake of the cloudbursts in Kishtwar and Kargil. All possible assistance is being made available in the affected areas. I pray for everyone’s safety and well-being.”

Srinagar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday took stock of the situation in Kishtwar district after flash floods left seven persons dead and many feared missing.

Shah on his official twitter handle tweeted in Hindi language that he spoke to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and took stock of the post cloudburst situation near the holy shrine of Amarnath and in Kishtwar district.

“I spoke to LG and DGP of J&K after the cloudburst in Kishtwar district. SDRF, Army and local administration have been engaged in rescue operations, and NDRF is also reaching there. Our priority is to save as many lives as possible. I extend my condolences to the affected families,” Shah’s tweet in Hindi reads.

“I have spoken to J&K LG Manoj Sinha and got details about the cloudburst at Baba Amarnath cave. NDRF teams are being sent for rescue operations and also conduct on ground assessment,” Shah tweeted.

 Efforts on to restore ancient glory of J&K heritage places: LG

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with JSW Foundation for restoration and conservation of Shalimar and Nishat Gardens.

In the presence of Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, the MoU was signed by Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad, Commissioner/Secretary, Floriculture, Gardens and Parks, and Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation.

As part of this commitment, JSW Foundation led by its Chairperson will assist and support the Government of J&K, both financially and technically in preserving the two heritage gardens under CSR.

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor termed the signing of MoU as a new beginning in the conservation of the historic sites which are the hallmarks of J&K’s rich cultural heritage legacy.

“We are making continuous efforts to restore the ancient glory of UT’s heritage places and propose them for inclusion in World Heritage sites”, observed the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor noted that the preservation of ecology and cultural heritage, along with growth in the industrial sector are key components of sustainable development.

The government is giving much-needed impetus to integrate the promotion of cultural heritage in UT’s development plan in order to connect the people from across the world with the glorious history of J&K, added the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor advised the concerned executive agencies to work in close coordination with all stakeholders and have an in-depth understanding of the historic facts and cultural significance while restoring the pristine glory of these heritage gardens.

With its technical expertise, the support of the JSW foundation will provide a determined push to the conservation work of the heritage gardens.

The Lt Governor also underscored the major interventions made by the Government to promote and preserve cultural heritage of Jammu division with an aim to increase the tourist inflow in the region.

We are working on developing prominent pilgrimage shrines like Shiv Khori, besides a Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple by Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams is also coming up in Jammu, which will give a major push to tourism sector and at the same time, boost the economy of the region, said the Lt Governor.

JSW Foundation has already conducted a study for conservation and restoration of Shiv Khori heritage site in Reasi, it was informed.

The Lt Governor directed the Floriculture Department to work out a plan to organize a mega-tulip festival in Jammu division also to attract potential tourists from across the globe.

The Lt Governor further directed the officials of the Floriculture department to work in coordination with the forest department for development and preservation of Chaar Chinar in world-famous Dal lake.

Sangita Jindal, Chairperson, JSW Foundation also shared the action plan for the execution of the restoration project.

It was informed that the project for restoration and conservation of Shalimar and Nishat gardens will be monitored by the project monitoring committee, headed by the Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Department of Floriculture Gardens and Parks.

The project will be taken up in two phases. The estimated cost of the conservation/restoration project of Nishat garden is Rs 7 crores. A similar project is envisaged for the Shalimar garden also.

A coordination team for implementation of the project will be appointed to oversee and monitor the work, establish standards and benchmarks as well protocols for the conservation and maintenance of these gardens.

Baseer Ahmed Khan, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr. Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Farooq Ahmad Rather, Director, Floriculture, Kashmir, besides senior officers of Floriculture department and office bearers of JSW Foundation attended the MoU signing ceremony at Civil Secretariat.

New Delhi: Statehood to Jammu and Kashmir would be granted at an appropriate time after normalcy is restored in the newly-formed union territory (UT), Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.

On a query regarding removal of internet and mobile restrictions, the Minister said that temporary restrictions had been imposed in view of the constitutional changes and bifurcation of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir into UT of Jammu and Kashmir and UT of Ladakh.

“Subsequently, the matter was reviewed from time to time and restrictions imposed were gradually eased out in a phased manner and 4G internet data services were restored in the entire Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir with effect from February 2, 2021,” the MoS said in the written reply.

After the Centre stripped the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state of its autonomy, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had held the first all-party meeting last month to discuss the future course of action and issues facing the region.

All major political personalities from the state such as Farooq Abdullah, his son Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti had attended the crucial meeting. The political parties from the state have been demanding full statehood before holding elections in the state.

The Modi government had on August 5, 2019 revoked the special constitutional status of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370 of the Constitution. It had also abrogated Article 35A which empowered the state to define “permanent residents” and provide special rights and privileges to them. (UNI)

New Delhi: A total of 16 soldiers and security personnel were killed in militant attacks in Jammu and Kashmir this year till June, the government said on Wednesday.

Last year, a total of 62 security personnel had lost their lives, while in 2019, 80 security men were killed, Minister of State for Defence, Ajay Bhatt, said in a written reply to Rahul Kaswan in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.

The minister said that militants carry out violent actions to destabilise the situation in Jammu and Kashmir.

The security forces are combating militant activities along the Line of Control by eliminating the infiltration bids and by carrying out counter militant operations and responding to militant initiated incidents, the minister said.

The Army carries out periodical review and refinement of the operating procedures and security arrangements of all its camps, garrisons and installations, based on threat assessment and analysis of past incidents.

Based on these reviews, suitable drills and procedures are adopted to counter such threats, Bhatt informed the House.

The government is ensuring appraisal and upgradation of intelligence gathering capabilities, provision of suitable weapons and equipment to soldiers, while drills to counter terrorist actions are being refined, he said.

The minister said in his reply that the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir is dynamic and ever-evolving. Though fragile, the security environment has witnessed significant improvement in the past two years and steps are being taken in all domains to effect irreversible damages on militant organizations and eliminate the scourge of militancy, he said.

However, laying down a time limit for elimination of the last militant may not be feasible as Pakistan continues to provide ideological, diplomatic and financial support to the proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir by infiltrating militants into the Valley and smuggling weapons, ammunition and narcotics across the Line of Control, including use of drones and other measures, the minister said. (IANS)

New Delhi: The Centre on Wednesday stated that the number of militant incidents in Jammu and Kashmir reduced drastically in the last two years. Such incidents declined by 32 per cent upto June 2021 in comparison with corresponding period upto June, 2020, the government said in the parliament.

Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in a written reply to question in the Rajya Sabha also said the number of militant incidents reduced during 2020 by 59 per cent as compared to 2019.

Shops and business establishments, public transport, government Offices, educational and health institutions and other are functioning normally in the union territory.

The Government has adopted a policy of zero tolerance towards militancy and has taken various measures, such as strengthening of security apparatus, strict enforcement of law against anti-national elements, intensified cordon and search operations to effectively deal with the challenges posed by the militant organizations, the minister said.

Security forces also keep a close watch on persons who attempt to provide support to militants and initiate action against them.

The government has also continuously encouraged policies to help youth to return to mainstream, including providing employment opportunities to wean them away from militancy.

“Adequate strength of Forces are deployed in Jammu and Kashmir for augmenting the Counter Insurgency grid, strengthening Internal Security and maintaining law and order,” the minister added.

Replying to another question raised by Sanjay Raut, the minister said as per the report of Relief Office setup in 1990 by the Jammu and Kashmir government, a total 44,167 Kashmiri migrant families are registered who had to move from the valley since 1990 due to security concerns.

“Out of these, the count of registered Hindu Migrant families is 39,782,” the minister.

Kashmiri Pandits have felt more secure in the recent past as evident from the fact that 3,841 Kashmiri Migrant youth have moved back to Kashmir and have taken up jobs in various districts of Kashmir under the Prime Minister’s rehabilitation package.

Another 1997 candidates have been selected for jobs under the same package in April, 2021, and they will be moving to Kashmir soon.

It is also pertinent to mention that as many as 26,684 Kashmiri Migrant youth showed interest for going back to valley by applying for the above referred 1997 posts, which were advertised by the Jammu and Kashmir’s recruitment Board in December, 2020.

The government has also prepared a comprehensive policy to provide residential accommodation to these Kashmiri migrants who have moved back to Kashmir. 6,000 residential units are being constructed for them at an accelerated pace. Already, 1,000 residential units are being used by these employees.

Approximately 900 such families, including Kashmiri Pandits and Dogra Hindu families, are residing in Kashmir.

As regard, those who never migrated from Kashmir, the government allowed their inclusion in the jobs package for Kashmiri migrants. Besides, they are getting all benefits of government schemes along with others in Kashmir.

The government has taken necessary steps to protect the life and property of the people. These include proactive operations against militants, identification and arrest of over ground workers, supporters of militancy, action against members of banned organizations, intensified night patrolling checking at Nakas, security arrangements through appropriate deployment, coordination meetings amongst intelligence agencies, maintaining high level of alertness. (IANS)