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Fake arms licenses case: Several booked in Reasi

Jammu: An Over Ground Worker (OGW) of militants was booked on Monday by the police along with other criminals for possessing fake gun licences in Jammu and Kashmir’s Reasi district.

Police sources said notorious criminals and history-sheeters in Reasi district were possessing fake gun licences for the last several years on the pretext of self-protection, and one OGW has been booked.

Sources said field reports do not support any threat to them for which they needed self-protection, rather they were a threat to peace in the society by possessing arms and ammunition illegally.

“It came to the notice of police that these criminals are using these weapons to harass peace loving and innocent people of the area and had created a fear psychosis in the minds of common people. They had amassed huge wealth through threats and intimidation.

“Police in Reasi district have identified these criminals, prepared fresh field reports and approached the concerned district magistrate with recommendations for appropriate criminal action.

“One Mohammad Asghar son of Mohammad Amin of Mahore, who is an OGW working for militants, had also managed a fake gun licence from district Udhampur in the year 1984.

“Police have registered a case against him in Mahore police station after seizing his illegal gun and ammunition.

“Other criminals identified include Mohammad Ismail, Rattan Lal, Gulshan Kumar alias Shiv Jyoti, Zaman Shah and Raman Kumar, all residents of Reasi.

“Licences of two other history-sheeters Sachin Singh and Maan Singh have also been recommended for cancellation”, sources said.

It must be recalled that the CBI is already probing a huge gun licences racket in J&K and 22 places, including the residences of two IAS officers were raided by the agency last week. (IANS)

12% women of 18-49 age group face sexual, physical assault in J&K: GoI

By:Sajidah Yousuf

Srinagar: In a major concern, 12 percent of women in Jammu and Kashmir of 18-49 years are either facing sexual or physical violence, reveals a survey conducted by Government of India (GoI).

The official figures maintained by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare states that the region has witnessed 12 percent of physical or sexual violence among the women of 18-49 years of age.

“In JK, at least 10 percent of women age 18-49 have experienced physical violence and three percent have experienced sexual violence and among all, at least 10 percent of women experienced physical or sexual violence and two percent experienced both physical and sexual violence,” it reads.

The report further suggests that for the married women who experienced physical violence since age 15, “the most common perpetrator was the current husband.”

“Twelve percent of ever-married women of 18-49 years of age have experienced physical or sexual violence,” read the figures.

Stating the status of violence during pregnancy, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has mentioned that at least one percent of women of 18-49 years of age who have been pregnant have experienced physical violence.

In case of different types of violence faced by the women by their spouses, the GoI has said that at least nine percent of married women of 18-49 years of age have experienced any form of physical violence committed by their husband, four percent have experienced any form of sexual violence committed by their husband, and eight percent have experienced any form of emotional violence committed by their husband.

“Five percent of married women report having been slapped by their husband while 3-4 percent report being pushed, shaken, or having something thrown at them or having their arm twisted or hair pulled, being kicked, dragged, or beaten up or being punched with a fist or something that could hurt her,” the figures reveal.

It also reveals that one percent of women of the same age group have experienced of being threatened or attacked with a knife, gun, or any other weapon. (KNO)

COVID-19: One dies as 102 test positive in J&K

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By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 102 new covid-19 cases even as one more person died due to the virus in last 24 hours, officials said on Monday.

They said 20 of the cases were reported from Jammu Division and 82 from Kashmir Valley, taking the case tally to 320759.

Providing the district-wide details, the officials said that Srinagar reported 47 cases, Baramulla 13, Budgam 3, Pulwama 6, Kupwara 4, Anantnag 1, Bandipora 1, Ganderbal 3, Kulgam 3, Shopian 1, Jammu 4, Udhampur 3, Rajouri 7, Doda 3, Kathua 0, Samba 1, Kishtwar 2, Poonch 1, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.

A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic labouratories of CD hospital and include female (13) from Elahibagh, female (50) from Kadalbal Pampore, female (38) from Chatripora Pul, male (13) from Below Pul, male (14) from Rajpora Pul, two females (70, 50) from Srinagar, female (50) from Poonch, male (65) from Alochibagh, female (45) from Wantapora, male (31) from Rainawari, female (45) from Batmaloo.

Regarding the death, they said, it was reported from Jammu, taking the fatality count to 4375 in J&K.

Moreover, they said, 189 more COVID-19 patients in last 24 hours have recovered—56 from Jammu Division and 133 from Kashmir, taking the number of people who have recovered in J&K to 315184. With this, there are now 1200 active cases—446 in Jammu and 754 in Kashmir.

There was no new confirmed case of mucormycosis (black fungus) reported today. So far 35 black fungus cases have been confirmed in J&K, the officials added. (GNS)

Delay in projects initiated before 2018-19: Deptts asked to submit reasons

By: Nasir Azam

Srinagar: The Roads & Buildings (R&B) department has directed its officers to put brakes on execution of ongoing development projects initiated before 2018-19 till the time the Finance department accepts the reasons to be submitted by engineers and other projects authorities for failing to complete them.

In a circular, the department has directed all heads of departments/ executive engineers to submit reasons for failing to complete the projects which were initiated before 2018-19

“It is enjoined upon all HODs/ engineers of R&B department not to carry on with ongoing projects which were  initiated prior to 2018-19 till the time  reasons provided by engineers and project authorities are accepted by the Finance department and suitable guidelines are issued by the administrative department in consultation with the Finance department for having a mechanism to ensure complete funding for  the projects  from the Finance department in timely manner to complete the projects within a stipulated period,” read the circular issued by Joint Director, (Planning & Statistics), R&B.

These guidelines would not be applicable to works executed under the centrally-sponsored schemes and Prime Minister’s Development Project(PMDP) for Jammu & Kashmir.

The move comes after the Finance department wrote to the R & B department to submit details of all works initiated before 20181-19  along with reasons for failing to complete them  in previous financial years.

The R&B department has often come under criticism from different quarters for failing to complete development projects within stipulated time-frame.

According to the circular, the HoDs of R&B department cited different issues like delay in identification of suitable land, acquisition/ transfer of land for projects, disputes through court cases, forest clearances, shifting of utilities and meager fund allocation  for slow progress and delay in completion of the projects.

The delay, according to the circular, generates poor public opinion on project completion capacity of the department.

It is worthwhile to mention that the R & B department is involved in planning, designing, construction and maintenance of government assets like roads, bridges, flyovers. It is also involved in developing infrastructure like hospitals, schools, colleges and office buildings for other departments. (KNO)

R&B pulled up for faltering on agreed completion timelines for hospital

Jammu: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Dr Raghav Langer Monday reviewed the progress on various ongoing health infrastructure Projects executed in Government Medical College and its Associated Hospitals here at a meeting of concerned officers in GMC.

During the meeting the Div Com reviewed in detail progress on executed projects including construction of Bone & Joint hospital, Cancer institute, 275 bed new maternity block in SMGHS, ongoing development works of Mechanical Engineering Department in GMCH and Associated Hospitals. Principal GMC Jammu apprised the chair regarding various issues being faced by the concerned departments vis-a-vis the said upcoming projects.

While reviewing progress on Cancer institute the Chief Engineer, PWD apprised the Div Com that work on superstructure has been completed besides work on finishing and allied works was in progress.

Regarding procurement of equipment for the institute it was informed that tenders have been floated for procurement while 196 posts for institute have been sanctioned. It was informed that upcoming SCI would have wifi facilities.

The Div Com directed Chief Engineer PWD to expedite the pace of work and ensure completion of this prestigious institute with set timelines as the project has already missed the actual timeline of completion. He also asked to issue penalty notices to the contractors in case of delay in execution of work. He also stressed that all the allied works of electric, water supply, Mechanical to be executed simultaneously so that all the work can be completed timely.

Regarding the progress on Bone and Joint Hospital, Chief Engineer PWD apprised that work on superstructure has been completed while finishing work, Fire, electric works are in progress. It was informed that the phase-I of the project would be completed in March 2022.

The HOD orthopedic apprised the Div Com that the building which would complete in phase-I will not have the facilities like testing labs other health care facilities.

The Div Com directed the Chief Engineer R&B to hold a meeting with HOD orthopedic and other concerned officers and make a plan layout for best use of building.

During the discussion the need was felt for developing connectivity with main GMCH to Superspeciality Hospital, Chest Diseases Hospital and Bone & Joint Hospital. The Div Com directed the Chief Engineer PWD to engage consultants to develop connectivity plan like subway within all these Hospitals for easy access.

HOD was directed to project demands of necessary equipments required for Bone and Joint Hospital so that process of procuring the same can be initiated timely.

PWD was asked to expedite the pace of work on the Bone and Joint Hospital for its early completion.

The Div Com also reviewed progress of work on construction of labour and gynae ward complex in SMGHS.

The concerned engineers apprised the Div Com that ground floor slab has been laid while work on 2nd floor is in progress.

Div Com directed the executing agencies to complete all these ongoing works within fixed timelines so that it can be commissioned at the earliest.

The Div Com said upgradation and strengthening of health care infrastructure is one of top most priority of Lieutenant Governor.

He said as per the directions of office of the Lieutenant Governor all under execution works in health institutions need to be expedited for their early Completion.

Meanwhile, the Div Com also reviewed the progress on various civil, electric, Mechanical works executed in GMCH and Associated Hospitals.

The executing agencies informed about the progress on each development works which are executed, completed so far besides also shared future work plan.

The Div Com directed the concerned officers to make a plan for facade lifting project, landscaping, development of green spaces in GMCH. He also asked MED to make audit of existing lifts in the hospital and ensure their functioning besides replacement of defunct lifts.

The Div Com also inquired about works which required to be taken up for smooth functioning of hospitals. The concerned Medical Superintendents informed about the works which are required to be taken up.

The Div Com asked the concerned executing agencies to formulate Detailed Project Reports of all the required works so that the same can be initiated at the earliest.

Installation of new Oxygen Generation Plants in various hospitals under PM cares was also reviewed in the meeting and the chief engineer MED informed that work on all the OGPs is in progress.

The Div Com asked the Chief Engineer MED to ensure completion of all these OGPs within stipulated time frame while he was also told to check the purity of already commissioned Oxygen Generation Plants in the hospitals and take appropriate corrective steps to ensure their functioning.

While reviewing progress on removal of illegal encroachment in the hospitals the Tehsildar Khas informed about the progress made so far and future course of action.

The Div Com instructed the Tehsildar concerned to launch anti-encroachment drives and ensure removal of all the illegally structure and complete the process of demarcation.

The meeting was attended by Principal Government Medical College, MD JKMSCL, Chief Engineers of PWD, MED besides Medical Superintendents of GMCH and Associated Hospitals and other concerned officers.

Struggling to survive: No takers for animal hides in Kashmir

Massive drop in demand, price in last 7 years: President KRSDA

Srinagar: Once a famous trade is struggling to survive in Kashmir as the demands as well as the prices of animal hides has no longer helping in earning livelihood.

The people associated with trade that the price of a sheep or goat skin has declined to a large extent in the last seven years.

Almost 400 families have got badly affected due to the decline in raw skin trade in Kashmir.

Due to the less demand in the market, the traders are unable to find takers.

President of Kashmir Raw Skin Dealers Association (KRSDA), Mehraj-ud-din said that the price has reduced from Rs 400 to Rs 80 while as the demand too is declining with each passing day.

“The families, who are directly or indirectly involved with this trade are struggling to meet their daily needs,” he further said.

Meanwhile, President of Kashmir Raw Skin Dealers Association appealed government to help in promoting the business so that the people associated with the trade can earn their livelihood again. (KNO)

UK court declares Vijay Mallya as ‘bankrupt’

London: A UK court on Monday declared fugitive Indian businessman Vijay Mallya, the chairman of now defunct Kingfisher Airlines, as “bankrupt”.

The UK court order comes as a massive boost for the consortium of banks led by the State Bank of India (SBI) to initiate freezing of assets owned by Mallya’s Kingfisher Airlines, both in India and abroad, to repay its debt.

Mallya is wanted in India for Rs 9,000 crore loan defraud.

“As at 15.42 (UK time), I adjudicate Dr Mallya bankrupt,” Chief Insolvencies and Companies Court Judge Michael Briggs said during a virtual hearing of the Chancery Division of the London High Court.

The consortium of banks led by SBI had argued for the bankruptcy order to be granted in their favour.

The Indian banks were represented by the law firm TLT LLP and barrister Marcia Shekerdemian.

Mallya is currently out on bail in the UK while a “confidential” legal matter, believed to be related to an asylum application, is being resolved in connection with the unrelated extradition proceedings.

 

Man’s body found on Anantnag

By: Waris Shah

Anantnag: The body of a man was recovered in Dooru Anantnag district in South Kashmir on Monday.

Reports said that some locals spotted the body lying in Bahtona Larkipora area of Dooru and immediately informed police about it.

Soon after being informed, a police team reached the spot and recovered the body, they said.

The man has been identified as Mohammad Ashraf Mir son of Ali Mohammad Mir of Hakura Anantnang.

Police have taken cognizance of the death and investigation is in progress, a police official said.

Station House Officer Dooru Nazir Indrabi said that it seems murder. “Investigations will reveal everything,” he added. (GNS)

One killed, 12 injured in truck-tempo collision in Ramban

By: M S Nazki

Jammu: One person died and 12 non-local labourers were injured in a head-on collision between a truck and tempo vehicle on Jammu-Srinagar highway at Chamalwas in Ramban district on Monday, officials said.

They said a truck (JK13C /4760) driven by Kabir Ahmed Khan of Rafiabad Baramulla collided with tempo (PB07BT/8324) which was on its way towards Srinagar. The accident resulted in injuries to the passengers travelling in tempo who were labourers from Bijnore UP, they said.

Sajid Ahmed (37) who was referred to GMC Anantnag later succumbed to the injuries.

The injured include Karan Jeet Singh (40, driver of Tempo), Gajinder Singh (45) , Mohammad Ayooub (39), Satish Kumar (39), Mustqeem (48), Nazir Ahmed (27), Shah Nawaz (28), Shakeel Ahmed (40), Omesh (24),  Akshay (20), Mohammad Anwar (35) and Tahir Ahmed (36), all residents of UP Years R/o UP.

A police officer said a case (FIR No. 143/2021) under section 279/337 IPC stands registered at police station Banihal. (GNS)

 

Labourer electrocuted to death, another injured in Rajouri 

Jammu: A 24-year-old local labourer was died and another was injured due to electrocution while working on a boundary fencing of 110 General Reserve Engineer Force (GREF) campus at Budhal in Rajouri district on Monday, officials said.

They said labourers came in contact with the live electric wire, leading to the death of Mohammad Sageer (24) son of Mohammad Bashir of Behrote and critical injuries to another one identified as Mohammad Azam (40) of Kewal. Azam , they said, has been shifted in critical condition to GMC Rajouri.

When contacted Block Medical Officer Kotranka Dr Iqbal Malik confirmed the death of one person and injuries to another in the incident and said that the injured has been shifted to GMC Rajouri. (GNS)