Fate of 2178 candidates to be decided, results can be accessed online
Srinagar, Dec 21: The fate of 2178 candidates for the 280 District Development Council (DDC) seats in Jammu and Kashmir will be decided on Tuesday as counting of votes starts on Tuesday.
The State Election Commissioner (SEC), KK Sharma on Monday said that the District Development Council (DDC) election results would be accessed online dynamically.
While briefing the media about the availability of election results on a website: http://ceojk.nic.in, the SEC stated that the State Election Authority would facilitate people and media alike to access election results and trends on a dynamic basis.
He said that soon after the randomization and time-tested protocols the ballot boxes would be opened and ballot papers would be mixed subsequently for counting and added the updated information would be given to the people on the website.
The elections to this third tier of the Panchayati Raj system were held for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir and were the first mass polls after the abrogation of provisions of Article 370 in August 2019.
The polling was held over eight phases beginning November 28 and ending on December 19 as 51 per cent of the 57 lakh eligible voters exercised their franchise in the elections, which were largely peaceful.
The SEC added that Tuesday’s counting would decide the fate of 2178 candidates for 280 DDC seats and counting would begin at 9 am.
He also informed that the overall voting percentage in all eight phases across the Union Territory is 51.42 percent and tomorrow over thirty lakh votes would be counted at counting centres.
While giving a demonstration, Secretary State Election Commission, Anil Salgotra briefed the media persons about the functioning of the website. He said that people along with the media would be able to have access to the counting trends, final results and party-wise trends for all 280 DDC constituencies.
He added that the website can also be accessed for trends with respect to particular constituency in a given district and particular party, besides the information for top two leading candidates and the overall votes polled for all the candidates can also be accessed.
DDC Polls: Counting of votes today
SEC reviews arrangements
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 21: The State Election Commissioner, K K Sharma on Monday stated that the State Election Commission has made all necessary arrangements for tomorrow’s counting of votes for District Development Council (DDC) elections which concluded on December 19.
The counting for 280 DDC constituencies will begin from 9 am on Tuesday at all district headquarters across the Union Territory.
The SEC chaired a meeting to review the final arrangements with regard to the counting process to be held tomorrow (December 22).
The meeting was attended by all Deputy Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir through video conferencing whileas Secretary State Election Commission and other senior election officers attended the meeting in person.
The concerned DCs informed the SEC about all the arrangements of counting of votes for DDCs regarding halls dedicated for counting at counting centres in their respective districts.
Each counting hall will have dedicated tables with each table with counting assistants monitored by one counting supervisor.
Elaborating further about the process, the SEC said that the process in each centre will be supervised by a Returning Officer and Assistant Returning Officer and added that the counting exercise will be recorded by CCTV cameras, and will be overseen by observers also.
Explaining the counting of ballot papers, the SEC stated that the counting will begin with opening of ballot boxes and subsequently the ballot papers will be made into bundles of 25 each, and compared with the actual number of votes polled in each polling station.
The bundles of each polling station will then be mixed together as per the counting guidelines, he said.
The SEC also directed the concerned DCs that COVID-19 protocol must be observed through mandatory masks, and hand sanitisers at each table, besides all the counting staff and other officials should compulsorily wear masks before entering the halls.
Also, the SEC complimented the Deputy Commissioners for successfully conducting the DDC and Panchayat by-polls in their respective districts. He also thanked the health department, security forces and police for elaborative arrangements during the polling phases.
Industry Connect Meet-Himayat 2020
LG calls for creating ecosystem to promote self-employment for skilled youth
MoUs signed for training, skill development, industry tie-ups
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today called for creating an ecosystem to promote self-employment & continuous encouragement for the skilled youth. Through the Himayat Programme, we can reconstruct a better & more resilient workforce in J&K, which will also be able to bridge social inequality, he said.
The Lt Governor made these remarks during Industry Connect Meet-Himayat 2020 organized by Himayat Mission Management Unit, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj.
Baseer Ahmad Khan, Advisor to the Lt Governor; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Leena Johri, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, GOI; Sh. Nitishwar Kumar, Principal Secretary to the Lt Governor; Ms. Sheetal Nanda, Secretary to the Government, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Sh. Kapil Sharma, COO Himayat; Representatives of Corporate Planning, Research, Skilling, Consulting, Sales and Marketing, Brand Management and Biotech Healthcare were present on the occasion.
While addressing the gathering of representatives from over 60 organizations from private sector, the Lt Governor termed ‘Himayat Programme’ as a perfect example of great synergy between the government, training partners, job providers and the people. “Himayat is an unprecedented initiative for those youngsters who have had to quit studies due to one reason or the other. It provides them a second chance to realize their dreams and earn a livelihood”, he said.
The Lt Governor observed that the Youth requires both conventional as well as evolving skills. The industry, demand and skill set requirements are changing at a faster pace. Since skill training can only be commensurate with levels of education, it is important to focus on the sectors, which are known to be employing a large workforce, he added.
For people under Himayat Programme, which covers youth between the age group of 15-35 years, in both Rural and Urban areas, technical as well as soft skill training which is basically a set of skills as defined by the World Economic Forum is a must, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor said that in the coming days, we will have huge requirements of skilled workforce in Electricity, Gas, Water, Construction, Electronics, Wholesale and Retail Trade, E-commerce, Hotels, Transport, Information and Communication Technology, Finance and Insurance, Real Estate, IT enabled Services, Health and Social Services, Manufacturing, Horticulture, Education, Automobile and Packaged Food Industry.
The Lt Governor observed that according to a global research firm, job opportunities for skilled, but inexperienced, workforce have increased from 43% to 67% between 2015 and 2019. Last year, under Himayat programme of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana, youth were given skill training in 77 trades. Ubaid Hussain, of Baramulla, is one youngster who was trained under Himayat and is working as a robot operator at present, he added.
He also gave example of Meenakshi Devi, from a remote area of district Doda, who had to drop out of school due to some domestic circumstances. Though she may have given up formal studies, she had not yet given up on her dreams. Himayat provided her with an opportunity to step out and get professionally trained in the hospitality sector. Today she is earning a living in Hyderabad, said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor advised the skill training agencies to start providing training in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, block chain and cyber security at the earliest after the COVID crisis subsides.
“We have to meticulously craft the skilling programme as per requirement with certain strategic interventions to ensure more and more people completing the training are immediately provided with jobs”, he maintained.
“It is estimated that 88,354 young boys and girls are to be trained within the next three years. More than 16 thousand candidates have been trained and more than seven thousand are already working in the private sector, all because of the Himayat programme. Big companies like Tech Mahindra, Amazon Pay, Greenply, Yazaki India, Apollo and others have recruited these candidates”, he added.
It was informed that the Himayat Mission is also conducting counseling sessions and mobilization and promotion activities in association with the project implementing agencies in various villages.
The Lt Governor also suggested for carrying out skill mismatch challenges in the villages and urban areas, to identify such youth who may be a perfect candidate for different dimensions of skill set and is keen to participate in innovative learning initiatives. This exercise may reshape the upcoming skilling and job market, he added.
The Lt Governor observed that suggestions have already been made to the Agricultural Universities and Krishi Vigyan Kendras to adopt Panchayats for facilitating and setting up food processing units in private sector. That is another opportunity to provide redefined skill training in this sector, he added.
He stressed on the urgent need of reallocation of activities and production factors in skill education programmes in face of the challenges posed by the COVID pandemic. Since, pandemic is reconfiguring the society, job market and work culture, the industries and business leaders are looking for creative and innovative talents. With additional skill sets, Himayat programme can make the transition little smoother and easier for our youth, he maintained.
Himayat can provide adequate and appropriate support for all future candidates, especially those who have been affected by global pandemic and belong to vulnerable section of the society. 1500 candidates have been given job offers in two virtual job fairs. Today, more than 60 organizations are participating who have to see the training aspects of 54,000 prospective candidates, said the Lt Governor.
Relevant training is required for re-skilling and up-skilling of the existing skills-set of the youth, besides digital literacy will certainly enhance the job opportunities for the younger generation, he observed.
The Lt Governor also interacted with participating organizations and extended full support and assistance of the Government for making J&K a land of opportunities.
During the Industry Connect Meet, Four Panel Discussions on technical subjects were held covering various facets of Himayat programme including- Challenges and Opportunities in Himayat, Experience sharing by PIAs; Employment Sectors Post COVID 19 for DDUGKY Candidates, Employers Perspective, Innovations and Best Practices in Skilling Ecosystem, Experts Speak and Skilling the Youth of J&K – Roadmap from Prospective PIAs.
For Training, skill development and Industry Tie-ups, Himayat Mission Management Unit JKRLM signed MoUs with Instrumentation Automation Surveillance & Communication Sector Skill Council of India and Electronics Sector Skills Council of India.
LG, Union Minister lay foundation stone of ESIC Hospital at Budgam
Central Govt keen to ensure peace, prosperity and development in J&K: Union MOS
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 21: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha and Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment, Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar today laid the foundation stone of 100-bedded ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation) Hospital at SIDCO Industrial Complex, Ompora, Budgam.
The hospital being constructed at a cost of Rs 160 crore would be equipped with modern healthcare facilities and will have OPD, IPD, ICU, Wards, Diagnostic Laboratories, Operation Theater, Disaster management facilities, in addition to an independent sub-station. Surgery and Psychiatric departments would be established in which specialist doctors and well trained staff will be made available round the clock.
Among others, Farooq Abdullah, Member of Parliament; Farooq Khan, Advisor to Lt Governor; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Apurva Chandra, Secretary, Union Ministry of Labour and Employment; Anuradha Prasad, Director General ESIC; Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department J&K; Mohammad Harun, Managing Director, SIDCO; Ghulam Mohammad Dar, Executive Director, JKEDI; Sh. Shahbaz Ahmad Mirza, Deputy Commissioner, Budgam; workers; students and eminent citizens of the area were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor termed the occasion as yet another step to boost healthcare infrastructure in J&K. “We are working to provide world class health facilities at affordable prices to the people of UT. My aim is to strengthen the preventive, primary and secondary health care ecosystem in J&K”, asserted the Lt Governor.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the facilities in the hospital would be on the lines of those available in the hospital in Ahmedabad, and there is no cap placed on the expenses during the treatment, so that needy people are benefitted.
A time limit of two years has been set for completing this hospital in Ompora with 23 Specialties. I want this hospital and the expansion of ‘Bari Brahmana’ hospital to be completed in the next One and a half years so that health facilities like Delhi-Mumbai can be provided to the beneficiaries in J&K, he added.
He observed that there has been a new wave of development across Jammu and Kashmir. I am constantly meeting people, communicating, and every person talks about new opportunities, progress, social and economic advancement.
The Lt Governor said that there are more than 6000 Factories and Establishments in Jammu and Kashmir, under ESI Act and about One lakh 33 thousand insured people and their dependents are given benefits in Jammu Branch Office and five Other Dispensary-Branches at Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Katra and Srinagar.
“Agreement has been made with many other Super Specialty Hospitals so that there is no lack of necessary health facilities”, he added.
While reiterating Government’s commitment for providing better healthcare facilities across J&K, he said that many progressive initiatives have been undertaken in the field of health sector to ensure best healthcare facilities being provided to the people.
The Prime Minister is going to launch SEHAT – Health Insurance scheme for the entire J&K, in convergence with Ayushman Bharat, to provide free of cost health coverage up to Rs. 5 lakhs per household per year without any discrimination, he maintained.
The Lt Governor said that about One crore residents of J&K who were not eligible under Ayushman Bharat scheme will also be provided insurance cover under the SEHAT Health Insurance Scheme.
Similarly, the World Bank has agreed to provide financial assistance to the extent of Rs. 367 crore to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir for strengthening the health care institutions to provide better health care services to the people and to tackle the global COVID pandemic more effectively. This project includes equipment for hospitals, strengthening of Intensive Care Units, Operation Theatres, Laboratories and Critical Care Ambulances, he observed.
In order to streamline the supply of Oxygen in Health care institutions in J&K and to reduce the dependence on the system of storing and supply of oxygen, we have approved installation of oxygen generation plants in all tertiary care hospitals, district hospitals and other major hospitals, thereby increasing the oxygen availability pool for which Rs. 227 crore have already been earmarked, said the Lt Governor.
Maternal and infant health indicators in Jammu and Kashmir have recorded improvements as per the report of the National Family Health Survey. The report states that in Jammu and Kashmir, there has been a decrease of 22 numbers in neonatal morbidities and a decrease of 16 numbers in infant mortality, he added.
To provide immediate relief to the workers of the unorganized sector during COVID pandemic, more than 90 thousand people have been registered in Mission Mode and cards of more than 25,000 workers were renewed.
As on date, the number of registered workers has reached 2.86 lakh and not only this, 696 Transport workers who were facing hardships due to Corona pandemic are being given Rs. 1000 as relief every month under the Economic Revival Package and under COVID relief and assistance, Rs 63 crore has been provided to about 1.66 lakh beneficiaries. At the same time, under the PM Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan, nearly 1 lakh people from the unorganized sector have been registered and Jammu and Kashmir has become the first UT in the country to do so, he added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that a national level job fair in both Jammu and Srinagar would be held so that our Skilled and Educated youth can be provided job opportunities in corporate entities.
The Lt Governor also expressed desire to establish Labour Sarai for the Labourers who often get struck on highways while travelling during landslides and snowfall.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment, Sh. Santosh Kumar Gangwar, while speaking on the occasion, said that the Central Government is very keen to ensure peace, prosperity and development in J&K. He said that the government has taken various milestone steps for the welfare and progress of labour class to uplift their socio-economic conditions. By establishing Labour Courts and Laws, workers have been provided a lot of relief, he added. Regarding completion of construction work of ESIC hospital at Budgam, the Union Minister said that the hospital will come up with the State of Art medical facilities and cater to the medical needs of insured persons and beneficiaries in the catchment area. 50 bedded ESIC Hospital at Bari Brahmana would be upgraded to 100-bedded hospital for which additional land has been identified, he added.
The Union Minister assured all possible support to the UT government for welfare and prosperity of the people of J&K.
Later, cheques worth Rs 6.37 crore were distributed as financial assistance among 6444 construction workers and beneficiaries of self employment scheme by the Lt Governor and Union Minister for Labour and Employment.
Shopian fake encounter: HC disposes of PIL, says third party can’t be entertained
Srinagar, Dec 2: Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday disposed of a petition filed in “Public Interest” into the “fake encounter killing” of three Rajouri youth this year, underling that the PIL by a third party cannot and should not be entertained.
Three youth— Abrar Ahmed (25), Imtiyaz Ahmed (20) and Mohammed Ibrar (16) were claimed to be militants and killed in a “gunfight” at Amshipora Shopian on July 18 this year. As they turned out to be innocents, on October 2, their bodies were exhumed in Baramulla and handed over to their families.
A bench of Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Puneet Gupta passed the orders as a petition filed by family members of three victims with “same prayer” is pending before the court Jammu’s wing.
“If the prayers made by the petitioner in the present petition are considered viz-a-viz the prayers made in the writ petition filed by the parents of the deceased, it would be evident that most of the prayers are common. Hence, a separate petition filed by the petitioner claiming the same to be in public interest cannot be entertained,” the court said.
Merely adding certain judgments of the Supreme Court laying guidelines with reference to the investigation of the persons killed in encounter will not make any difference as the matter raised by the parents of the deceased is already pending consideration in of the Court, the bench said.
“The provisions of law applicable or any judgment with reference to the subject matter can always be cited even if the same is not quoted in the pleadings,” the court said, adding, “The claim made is with reference to a specific incident for which the petitioner has not been authorized by the aggrieved party to raise a dispute.”
The PIL was filed by Jammu & Kashmir Reconciliation Front through its chairman Dr Sandeep Mawa.
Further, the court said, once the parents of the deceased can approach the Court by filing a petition prior in time, they can always raise whatever grievance they have.
“In such a situation, public interest petition filed by a third party cannot and should not be entertained as he has no locus or cause of action to raise that dispute,” the court said as per GNS, adding, “It cannot be said to be in larger public interest as the guidelines for investigation in such type of cases have already been laid down by the Supreme Court in the cases referred to by the petitioner himself.”
Examine setting up of Human Rights Commission in J&K: HC tells Govt
Srinagar, Dec 21: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Monday asked the government to examine matter regarding setting up of a Human Rights Commission in J&K.
After the promulgation of the J&K Reorganization Act 2019, the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission ceased to exist from 31 October last year.
“The matter especially with reference to the provisions of Section 21(7) of the Act of 1993 needs to be examined by the Government so that proper remedies are available with the aggrieved persons, who are having any grievance regarding violation of their human rights,” a bench of Acting Chief Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice Puneet Gupta said.
The petitioner—chairman Jammu & Kashmir Reconciliation Front through its chairman Dr Sandeep Mawa— had said that Section 21 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 provides for constitution of Human Rights Commissions in every State and the Union Territory.
In the absence of a forum, Mawa had said that the aggrieved parties are not able to get redressal of their grievances.
“Prior to the enactment of the Reorganization Act, the Jammu & Kashmir Protection of Human Rights Act, 1997 was applicable in J&K. In exercise of powers conferred thereunder, the J&K State Human Rights Commission had also been constituted, which was wound up after the enactment of the Reorganization Act. The residents of J&K, if having any grievance regarding violation of their human rights, may have to approach the National Human Rights Commission,” the court said as per GNS.
As far as the Constitution of Human Rights Courts in the Union Territory of J&K is concerned, needless to add that vide notification dated 07.02.2019 issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of J&K, the Court of the learned Principal Sessions Judge of each district has been designated as Human Rights Courts. Hence, the grievance of the petitioner to that extent does not survive.
As regards the Constitution of Human Rights Courts in the J&K is concerned, the court said: “needless to add that vide notification dated 07.02.2019 issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of J&K, the Court of the learned Principal Sessions Judge of each district has been designated as Human Rights Courts.” (GNS)
Court orders framing of charges against Aasiya Andrabi, others
New Delhi, Dec 21: A Delhi court Monday ordered framing of charges against Kashmiri separatist Aasiya Andrabi and her two associates for allegedly waging war against India, sedition and conspiracy to commit acts of terror in the country.
The case relates to allegedly waging war against the country with support from Pakistan, including militant entities there.
Special Judge Parveen Singh ordered putting Andrabi and her associates — Sofi Fehmeeda and Nahida Nasreen — on trial for various offences punishable under IPC and stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). They were arrested in April 2018.
The court order the framing of charges under IPC Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against the Government of India), 121-A (conspiracy to wage war against Government of India), 124-A (sedition), 153-A (promoting enmity between different groups), 153-B (imputations, assertions prejudicial to national-integration) and 505 (statements conducing to public mischief).
It further directed framing charges under UAPA sections 18 (conspires or attempts to commit, or advocates, abets, advises or incites terror act), 20 (being member of militant gang or organisation), 38 (offence relating to membership of a militant organisation) and 39 (offence relating to support given to militant organisation).
The charges are scheduled to be formally framed on January 18.
Andrabi, who was chief of the Dukhtaran-e-Milat (Daughters of Nation), was accused of being involved in conspiracy and acts to “severely destabilize the sovereignty and integrity of India”, along with the two women associates.
The NIA had said that the accused persons were found involved in the conspiracy and acts to severely destabilize the sovereignty and integrity of India.
By their activities on cyber space they were running a concerted campaign to solicit support of Pakistani establishment which inter-alia included arranging support from militant entities from Pakistan, it said.
The NIA, on directions of the Union Home Ministry, registered a case against them as well as the organisation.
According to the FIR, Andrabi, Fehmeeda and Nasreen were actively running the militant organization — named ”Dukhtaran-E-Millat” (DEM), which is proscribed under the First Schedule to the UAPA.
They were using various media platforms to spread insurrectionary imputations and hateful speeches that endanger the integrity, security and sovereignty of India, the NIA said.
DEM through Aasiya Andrabi openly advocated secession of Jammu and Kashmir from India and called for Jihad and use of violence against the country, it said.
Switzerland-like hill station planned near Zojila: Gadkari
New Delhi, Dec 21: A world-class Switzerland-like Hill Station is being planned at a location near Zojila, between Zojila Tunnel in Ladakh and Z-Morh tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir.
This was disclosed here today by Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Road Transport & Highways and the Minister of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises at a meeting to review this prestigious project, which is possibly the first of its kind in India.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh also attended the meeting. Senior officers of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways were present and briefed the Ministers about the plan. Army Engineer-in-Chief Lt Gen Harpal Singh, Dir Gen BRO Lt Gen Rajiv Choudhary and leading Architects/Designers of India including Hafeez Contractor, Krishna Reddy of Megha Engineering and others gave their inputs.
As per the plan, it will be a unique resort which will come up in the area that witnesses high snowfall. This picturesque landscape between the 18 Kilometer stretch of Zojila Tunnel in Ladakh and Z-Morh Tunnel in Jammu & Kashmir will be developed at a destination, more attractive than many of the Switzerland destinations including Davos, a town in the Swiss Alps which is a popular Ski-resort and hosts the annual World Economic Forum meeting.
Dr. Jitendra Singh later told the media that the township planned around Zojila will have certain exclusive features, not found even in many of the Swiss destinations. For example, it will be located at one of the highest altitudes in the world and have the scenic combination of the best of Ladakh on the one side and the best of Kashmir on the other side.
Meanwhile, the work of Srinagar-Leh Zojila Tunnel, which was conceived nearly 15 years ago, has finally begun after the first ceremonial blast was carried out by Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways in the presence of Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on 15th of October this year. One of the most challenging projects, it is being targeted to be completed in over three years and to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The formal ceremony of commencement of work on the Zojila Tunnel project was done by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Ladakh. Likely to be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel being 14.15 Kms, the tunnel has strategic significance as the Zojila Pass is located at an altitude of 11,578 feet and during winters, it remains closed due to heavy snowfall, thereby cutting off Ladakh from Jammu & Kashmir. The tunnel will, therefore, provide all-weather road connectivity for Ladakh with Jammu & Kashmir and the rest of India.
Chilai-Kalan brings some relief, mercury remains below freezing point in Kashmir
Srinagar, Dec 21: The first day of 40-day-long Chilai-Kalan, the harshest period of winter, brings some relief after minimum temperature witness more than two degree surge though it was still 2.5 notches below normal in summer capital Srinagar, where major parts of the water bodies, including famed Dal Lake remained frozen.
There could be isolated very light rain or snow in the Kashmir valley and Ladakh and Gilgit and Baltistan, a MET spokesman said on Monday.
During the subsequent two days the weather will be mainly dry, he said.
The Chilai Kalan coldest period of winter began mid-night at 2400 hrs in the Kashmir valley, where minimum temperature witnessed surge. However, it was still below freezing point in most parts of the valley. During this 40 days all farming activities are coming to halt as farmers believe that earth goes dead and nothing can be produced.
Interestingly with the help of scientists some farmers are now growing vegetables and flowers in “ Green Houses” by maintaining temperature during the below freezing temperature outside.
This 40 day period will follow 20 day-long Chilai Khurd and ten-day-long Chilai Bacha.
People used to dry vegetables and fish during summer and later use them in winter in the valley upto 80s when Srinagar-Jammu national highway remained blocked due to snow and landslides for weeks together. Similar situation was witnessed last year when the national highway, the only road connecting Kashmir valley with the rest of the country, frequently remained closed due to landslides.
Now things has changed fresh vegetables are available in remotest parts of the valley though at higher prices. However, shopkeepers and vendors still use to sell dry vegetables and fish in the valley, including Srinagar.
Most parts of the famed Dal Lake and other water bodies, including nallahas and taps and water on roads remained frozen though there was more than two degree improvement in the minimum temperature. Against minus 6.4 degree recorded on Sunday, it was minus 4 degree, still 2.5 notches below normal.
Met spokesman said there could be mainly clear sky with morning fog and the maximum and minimum temperatures would be 9 degree and minus 6 degree respectively during the next 24 hours in Srinagar.
Gulmarg, a famed ski resort in north Kashmir also recorded improvement in the minimum temperature. Against yesterdays minus 7.5 degree, it was minus 6.4 degree which was about 1.5 notch below normal. The ski resort witnessed heavy rush of skiers and other adventure lovers.
The famed health resort of Pahalgam recorded minus 4.6 degree minimum temperature against yesterdays minus 7.7 degree.
Qazigund, gateway of Kashmir on Srinagar-Jammu national highway recorded minus 4.6 degree, an improvement of one degree, Kupwara minus 2.5 degree and Kokernag minus 3.9 degree.
There was however, no improvement in Ladakh region where border town of Kargil recorded minus 20 degree and Leh minus 13.1 degree. The sky would be mainly clear and the minimum and maximum temperatures would be around minus one degree and minus 18 degree during the next 24 hours in Leh.
2020: 180 militants died in saw 90 gunfights, reveal official figures
9 militants captured alive at encounter sites; Jammu region witnesses 10 gunfights, over 70
gun battles in South Kashmir alone
Abid Bashir
Srinagar, Dec 21: The year 2020 has been deadly in Kashmir as it witnessed the killing of 180 militants in 90 gunfights, majority of whom were witnessed in Southern districts of Kashmir, official figures revealed Monday.
The data accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) suggested that Jammu region of the Union Territory witnessed 10 encounters in which 17 militants were killed while as three security forces personnel also lost their lives.
“In total, the year 2020 witnessed the killing of 205 persons that includes 178 militants including top commanders of Hizbul Mujahideen that include Reyaz Naikoo and Dr Saifullah, besides top Lashkar and Jaish commanders including Faujibhai of JeM, an IED expert,” a security expert, privy to the official figures said.
Kashmir witnessed 80 gunfights alone, the data reveals and majority of them took place, in Shopian, Kulgam, Ananatnag and Pulwama districts of South Kashmir. Figures revealed that seven militants were killed in two encounters at Nagrota area of Jammu.
Ganderbal district of Kashmir has witnessed no encounter this year, officials said even as a few attacks were carried out by militants including the one at BJP leader’s house where a PSO lost his life.
Interestingly, Srinagar, the summer capital, witnessed seven gunfights including the one at Batamaloo where a woman also got killed, another one at Lawaypora, Zoonimar, Malabagh and Pantha chowk. “In an encounter at Nawakadal, security forces killed Junaid Sehrai, the Hizb commander while in another gunfight at Rangreth area, Hizb chief Dr Saifullah was killed,” the official said.
Officials told KNO that in 2020, nine militants were captured alive this year at the encounter sites while more than 700 youth, who were about to join militancy were counselled and reunited with their families—(KNO)
