Precious Kashmir

Registration of manufacturing, service sector units:Union Secy DPIIT chairs Empowered Committee’s meet

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11/12/2020

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Dec 10: Union Secretary, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Dr. Guruprasad Mohapatra today chaired a meeting of Empowered Committee for consideration of registration of manufacturing and service sector units under Industrial Development Scheme-2017 of J&K, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Joint secretary DPIIT, Rajinder Ratnoo made a detailed presentation on the subject.

Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, J&K Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Director Industries & Commerce, Jammu, Anoo Malhotra and Director Industries & Commerce, Kashmir, Mehmood Shah attended the meeting through video conferencing from Jammu and Srinagar respectively while Director DPIIT, Sampa Saha, officers of DPIIT, concerned officer of J&K, Uttrakhand and Himachal Pradesh also participated in person.

During the meeting, 12 cases from Jammu division and 11 cases from Kashmir division were placed before the Empowered Committee for consideration of registration under IDS-2017. All the 23 cases from Jammu division and Kashmir division were cleared by the Empowered Committee.

Grenade hurled at Kulgam CRPF camp

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Precious Kashmir

11/12/2020

Kulgam, Dec 10: Suspected militants on Thursday afternoon lobbed a grenade towards a CRPF camp located in Nehama area in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district.
A senior police officer told KNO that the militants lobbed a grenade on 18 Battalion of CRPF located in Nehama, however, no loss of life or injury was reported in the incident.

He said that soon after the attack, the whole area was cordoned off to nab the attackers.

PM lays foundation stone of New Parliament Building

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Precious Kashmir

11/12/2020

PM lays foundation stone of New Parliament Building

New Delhi, Dec 10: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday laid the foundation stone of the New Parliament Building. The new building is an intrinsic part of the vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’ and will be a landmark opportunity to build a peoples’ Parliament for the first time after independence, one which will match the needs and aspirations of ‘New India’ in the 75th anniversary of independence in 2022.

Speaking on the occasion, the Prime Minister said that today is a milestone in India’s democratic history, filled with the idea of Indianness.
He added that the start of the construction of Parliament House of India is one of the most important stages of our democratic traditions. He gave a call to the people of India, to build this new building of the Parliament together. He said it can’t be more beautiful or more pure than the new building of our Parliament witnessing when India celebrates 75 years of its independence.

The Prime Minister recalled the moment when he entered the Parliament House for the first time in 2014 as an MP. He said that when he entered the Parliament House for the first time, he bowed his head and saluted this temple of democracy, before stepping into it.

He remarked that many new things are being done in the new Parliament House that will increase the efficiency of the MPs and modernize their work culture. He said if the old Parliament House gave direction to post-independence India, the new building would become a witness to the making of a ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat.’ If work was done to fulfill the needs of the country in the old Parliament House, then the aspirations of 21st century India will be fulfilled in the new building.

The Prime Minister remarked that democracy elsewhere is about election procedures, governance and administration. But democracy in India is about life values, it is the way of life and the soul of a nation. He added India’s democracy is a system developed through centuries of experience. There is also a life mantra, an element of life as well as a system of order in the democracy in India. He said it is India’s democratic strength that is giving new energy to the development of the country and giving new faith to its countrymen. He said democracy in India is constantly being renewed every year and it is seen that voter turnout is increasing with every election.

The Prime Minister remarked that democracy in India has always been a means of resolving differences along with governance. Different views, different perspectives empower a vibrant democracy. He said our democracy has moved forward with the goal that there is always room for differences so long as it is not entirely disconnected from the process. He stressed that policies and politics may vary but we are for the service of the public and there should be no differences in this ultimate goal. He added whether debates occur within the Parliament or outside, the determination towards national service and dedication towards national interest should be reflected in them constantly.

The Prime Minister urged the people to remember that it is the responsibility of the people to awaken the optimism towards democracy which is the basis of the existence of the Parliament House. He reminded that every member who enters Parliament is accountable towards the public as well as the Constitution. He said there are no rituals as such to consecrate this temple of democracy. It is the representatives of the people who come to this temple that will consecrate it. He said their dedication, their service, conduct, thought and behavior will become the life of this temple. Their efforts towards the unity and integrity of India will become the energy that gives life to this temple. He added when each public representative will offer his knowledge, intelligence, education and experience fully here, then this new Parliament House will gain sanctity.

The Prime Minister urged the people to take the pledge to keep India First, to worship only the progress of India and the development of India, every decision should increase the strength of the country and that the country’s interest is paramount. He asked everyone to take the pledge that there will be no greater interest for them than national interest. Their concern for the country will be more than their own personal concerns. Nothing will be more important to them than the unity, integrity of the country. Dignity and fulfillment of the constitution of the country will be the biggest goal of their life.

Hajj forms: Last date extended till Jan 10

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Precious Kashmir

11/12/2020

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 10: The Jammu and Kashmir Hajj Committee today extended the last date of submission of Haj application forms for intending pilgrims 2021 upto 10th January, 2021.
As per a notification issued here, the Executive Officer, J&K Haj Committee has hereby informed the intending Haj pilgrims that in pursuance of Circular issued by Haj Committee of India, the last date for Submission of Haj Application Forms is hereby extended upto10th January, 2021.
The notification further informs that the applicants possessing machine readable valid Indian International Passports issued on or before 10th January, 2021 and valid up to 10th January, 2022 will be eligible to apply for Haj – 2021.
Furthermore, the approximate estimated cost of Haj– 2021 for Aziziya Category in respect of Srinagar Embarkation point has been reviewed by HCOI and shall be Rs. 3, 61, 927.40.

Justice Magrey for prioritizing old cases

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Precious Kashmir

11/12/2020

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Dec 10: Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, Administrative Judge for District Srinagar held a video conference with the Judicial Officers posted at District Headquarter Srinagar on Thursday. He emphasized upon the Judges to ensure disposal of old cases on priority, so that there is no long wait for the litigants who are seeking justice.

Justice Magrey urged upon the judges to be fearless in delivering justice so that the confidence of the common man on Justice Delivery System is strengthened as the people have great trust and confidence in the Courts.

To be fair and honest is the basic virtue of judge as the process of delivery of justice is divine in nature and has to be pure and unadulterated, he added. While appreciating the Judicial Officers for their hard work and maintaining the decorum and dignity of the Court, Justice Magrey sought weekly performance reports from the Judicial Officers so as to ensure that priority is given to the old pending cases.

Abdul Rashid Malik, Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar briefed Justice Magrey about the functioning of the Courts at Srinagar and also highlighted the infrastructural requirements. The Administrative Judge issued on the spot directions to the concerned to ensure no difficulty in operating different mechanical services including heating system in the Court Complex and other facilities should occur during winter.

JeM militant arrested in Budgam

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United News Of India

11/12/2020

Srinagar, Dec 10: Troops arrested an active militant of Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in the central Kashmir district of Badgam and recovered arms and ammunition, a police spokesman said on Thursday.

He said a naka checking was established at Goripora area in Badgam district.

During the checking a JeM active militant identified as Tariq Ahmad Bhat was arrested, he said adding one pistol and two magazines and other incriminating material were recovered from the militant, a resident of Chadoora.

With MHA’s nod, police to procure 100 UAVs in phases

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Abid Bashir

11/12/2020

Abid Bashir
Srinagar, Dec 10: The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved a fresh budget for the J&K police under the police modernization program (PMP) with 100 fresh Unmanned Aerial Vehicles/drones on way for the police force to boost its technical capability.
MHA officials said some UAVs and drones have already been procured by the J&KP out of its own budget in the past few years and the fresh consignment of around 100 UAVs will be added to the police kitty in the months ahead.
“We have approved the fresh consignment of UAVs to be procured by the J&K to lace its all crucial police stations across J&K with latest equipment. This will help J&K to boost its technical capability and to keep a close watch on the elements fomenting trouble,” he said, wishing not to be named.
In 2019, J&K Police had floated tenders to procure 50 drones but due to technical glitches, the process couldn’t complete on time. “The PHQ of J&K police has not floated fresh tenders to procure UAVs in the days ahead,” a police official said, adding that at present sensitive districts that include South Kashmir districts and Srinagar district have drones/UAVs available for the police force.
A source privy to the MHA’s plan of lacing the J&KP with latest gadgets and equipment’s told KNO that the plan is to provide at least two to three UAV’s/Drones to each police station in a phased manner.
“The procurement of 100 drones is just a beginning and in the months ahead, each police station will be covered. At present, a total funding Rs 200 crore stands sanctioned under 90:10 ratio for J&K UT,” the official said.
An official the PHQ said that they have already floated tenders for UAV purchase and after the completion of the process police could get UAVs. “The UAVs or drone system will be of category 3 which is considered the latest and equipped with the technology required by the police especially in Kashmir given its terrain and mountainous region,” the official said.
Besides dealing in law and order, the Jammu and Kashmir police are also involved in anti-militancy operations. An official in the police force said that UAVs will help trace militant locations and also help in a great way in “operations agents militants, dealing with crime and criminals, aerial sanitization of an area where there is a VIP movement etc.”
The police earlier used to seek assistance from army units for using drones. Officials, however, said after the procurement of drones or UAVs, the police will become more tech savvy especially in the Kashmir. An official said that experts will train a batch of officials to operate these drones. “After receiving the fresh consignment, trainers will be deputed to each district to train the functions of UAVs and drones,” a police official said. (KNO)

KU organizes book release function

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Precious Kashmir

11/12/2020

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Dec 10: University of Kashmir Thursday organized a book-release function in collaboration with J&K Academy of Art Culture and Languages.
Two books titled ‘Achre Moth’—a collection of critical essays—and ‘Jiger Khante’—a collection of rhymes and poems for children—were released on the occasion. Both are authored by noted Kashmiri writer, Showket Ansari.
Renowned Kashmiri scholar and writer Prof Shafi Shauq was the chief guest on the occasion, while Prof Gulshan Majeed presided over the function, organised by the varsity’s Department of Kashmiri.

Review of Verdict on Roshni Act

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Precious Kashmir

10/12/2020

More than a month after its announcement of implementing the High Court’s judgment on Roshni scheme, the government has moved a plea before the top court, common to J&K and Ladakh, for a review of the October 9 verdict .
In between the time, the CBI formally took over the investigation filing three cases even as the government published on its website the list of the beneficiaries under the Act, declared as null and void by the court.
The first lists, released just before the district body polls started, included senior Valley politicians and they were accused of being beneficiaries of the Act. The politicians had denied the allegation.
The government affidavit, moved on December 4, has now sought modification of the court order, saying it may “unintentionally” affect a large number of poor people.
The affidavit urged the court “to come up with appropriate mechanisms” to enable the poor beneficiaries to retain their plots “subject to an appropriate ceiling and on payment at an appropriate rate”.
The law, formally titled the Jammu and Kashmir State Land (Vesting of Ownership to the Occupants) Act, 2001, was enacted by the National Conference government of the day, to regularise both encroached and leased government lands. The original cut-off date of 1990 was extended by subsequent governments. Two years ago, then Governor Satya Pal Malik halted the further implementation of the Act which was finally struck down by the High Court.
After having declared to implement the verdict and making the announcement on retrieving state lands from the beneficiaries “expeditiously”, the government now seeks two things from court which is likened at protecting a political constituency. The government seeks to modify its order to differentiate between “rich and influential’ beneficiaries and the “common people” who might be rendered landless or homeless, though it must know only too well that any such a distinction would be arbitrary, discriminatory and bad in law. The law is clear that every citizen is equal before the law. The government instead of flip flop which undermines trust in the credibility of the decision-making must avoid politicizing the scheme and investigation. Also it should not be linked, directly or indirectly, as an attempt to execute the ideology agenda of a particular party. Unfortunately, the invalidation of the legislation, meant to raise Rs 25000 crores for buying hydropower projects from NHPC, and the investigation into it is invited both the accusations.
It is imperative thus that the investigation is taken to the logical conclusion while all doubts need to be dispelled rather than propelled during the course.

Pandemic may end amidst winter chill, hopes rise

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Afaq Bhat

10/12/2020

Pandemic may end amidst winter chill, hopes rise

Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Dec 9: As Kashmir gears up to witness harsh winter season, the news about COVID-19 vaccine being on cards has generated optimism that the arrival of 2021 would lead to the end of the pandemic also.
“Winter being harsh is nothing new for us. We have grown up amid chilly temperatures and snow. The winter doesn’t scare us but the ongoing pandemic is a cause of concern,” said Farooq Ahmed.
It’s in place to mention here that Kashmir has been in doldrums since August 5, 2019, when the Centre announced its decision to abrogate J&K’s special status and bifurcated it into two union territories. The Centre’s decision was followed by the restrictions and the shutdown which continued till November last year. The outbreak of COVID-19 in March this year added to the miseries of the people in the Valley as they had to face another period of lockdown and uncertainty.
According to the weatherman, Kashmir is likely to witness harsh winter this year as frequent wet spells are expected in December and January months. “During the past one month the COVID-19 curve has remained stable. People continue to test positive and they are dying also due to the virus but still situation is under control,” said a medico.
He said, “The COVID vaccines have already started arriving and in coming weeks the immunization drives will also commence. We are hoping that COVID cases don’t increase due to chill. If the graph goes up it can lead to a catastrophe as the hospitals in Kashmir can accommodate a limited number of patients. We have kept our fingers crossed and are hoping that the virus doesn’t behave in an erratic manner.”
An official said that the administration is monitoring the situation closely. “We are aware of the fact that winters this year can be very harsh. The administration knows very well that the pandemic hasn’t ended yet and the vaccines won’t reach Kashmir so fast,” the official added.
He said, “If December and January months pass off without any major developments, then things will ease out as the COVID vaccines will become available in good numbers by March next year. More than anything else it’s the fear of COVID which is keeping everyone on toes. Once the pandemic ends things will automatically start falling at their own places. The arrival of vaccines and the end of the pandemic will mark the beginning of a new era in Kashmir.”

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