Over the last several years now, India and Pakistan have been observing the 2003 agreement between them more in breach given the volume of violations indulged amid claims and counterclaims about initiation by both the countries.
In the latest incidents, more than a dozen persons including a 7-year-old boy and Indian soldiers were killed in north Kashmir on Friday, November 13.
According to the latest MHA data, 2952 ceasefire violations were reported until July 2020 and it left 15 civilians and eight army or BSF men dead on this side. Pakistan, on the other hand, has blamed the ceasefire on New Delhi and as per the country’s foreign office data, 2225 ceasefire violations occurred so far this year in which around two dozen people were killed while at least 176 civilians have been wounded.
These casualties are a natural extension of what has been unfolding along the International Boundary as well as the Line of Control for the past several months.
Now, as the two countries are caught in a spiral of almost daily exchanges of fire along the LoC, there is a danger of no return to the talks table which is dangerous for the regional peace. It is more so when the situation along LAC is edgy.
As per the statistics available, the last three years have seen increased violations since the ceasefire came into force.
Even thousands of civilians have been forced to flee their homes close to LoC on either side of it, resulting in enormous human sufferings. The psychological impact on the people from these hostilities is huge. There is constant fear and risk of being killed which adversely impacts mental wellbeing, particularly that of women, children, and the elderly. The people will face challenges to meet the weather vagaries of winter which is only getting harsher.
The continuous skirmishes can also be catastrophic for the region. All this makes the need for the talks all more important to address the animosity or at least reduce it to bare minimum levels. The peace on the LoC or the border is difficult to achieve at the tactical level by military leaders. Restoring the ceasefire requires real statesmanship, not brinkmanship.
The 2003 agreement was all but a triumph of diplomacy but in the last several years, both the countries have allowed drift which is widening with every day. It however can be arrested through high-level political intervention between the two neighbours.
LoC tensions need to be ceased
DDC polls: Battle lines drawn, PAGD on strong turf in Kashmir
Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Nov 13: The battle lines have been drawn for the forthcoming District Development Council elections slated to be held from November 28 in eight phases across Jammu and Kashmir.
All the major political parties of J&K are taking part in these polls, which are the maiden elections since the revocation of J&K’s special status on August 5, 2019.
Kashmir bases parties, including National Conference, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Conference and four more political formations have formed a joint front under the banner of Peoples Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD). The Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee also formally joined PAGD on Friday.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “The Valley based parties coming together has put Bharatiya Janata Party, Apni Party and other small political formations that are out of the ambit of PAGD in a tight spot. Many people were expecting that regional parties in Kashmir will stay away from the election process and it would make things easy for other parties. But now we can witness a close contest between all the political parties.”
He said, “The regional parties that have come together in Kashmir are hoping that they will be able to win maximum number of seats in Kashmir and may be Congress can chip in Jammu region and win some DDC constituencies. The aim of regional parties seems to gain control over the DDC boards so that they can sneak into the power corridors and make their presence felt. The politicians are aware of the fact that if they stay away from power for long it can lead to their parties turning irrelevant.”
An observer said, “The PAGD jumping into the poll fray is a big test for the BJP and the newly formed Apni Party. Both these parties will have to work very hard to make inroads into the areas where PAGD candidates are on good turf. With all the Kashmir based parties sharing a common platform, these parties look very strong in the Valley as only one candidate is contesting on the behalf of all the parties. It means there is no possibility about votes getting divided.”
A politician said, “The forthcoming DDC polls are a big challenge for the regional parties in Kashmir. The election campaign of these parties will be interesting to watch. We have to see what all issues will the politicians raise to seek votes. But one thing is for sure that promise to fight for restoration of J&K’s special status could be one of the key issues.”
Intense shelling rattles LoC, 6 soldiers, 4 civilians among 10 killed; 20 injured
>Uri, Gurez, Keran bear maximum brunt
>Poonch witnesses war like scenes
>Army destroyed ammunition dumps, multiple militant launch pads across LoC: Defence Spokesman
>Infiltration bid foiled at Keran amid CFV
Peerzada Waseem/ Sajid Raina/ Tassaduq Hussain
Baramulla/Gurez/Kupwara, Nov 13: In one of the deadliest ceasefire violations along the Line of Control in north Kashmir areas and also in Poonch in Jammu region, five soldiers, a BSF man and four civilians were killed while as nearly 20 people including civilians and soldiers sustained injuries on Friday.
Locals in north Kashmir’s Gurez, Uri and Nowgam sector of Kuwpara said the intensity of shelling from across and the reply by the Indian army was quite similar to what they had seen in Kargil war. They said that dozens of residential areas suffered damage and there was no idea how much livestock perished in the shelling as it was dark and majority of them had taken shelter in underground bunkers given the intensity of the mortar shells being traded by the India and Pakistani armies. “Clock has stuck 8:30pm and there is no letup in the firing,” an elderly man told KNO from Uri area of north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.
Officials said that at least a dozen people including three soldiers and two minor girls were injured of which two are in a critical condition.
BANDIPORA:
Two soldiers were killed in the intense shelling in several villages and forward areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez sector of north Kashmir’s Bandipora district, officials said.
They said that Pakistan resorted to unprovoked firing and heavy mortar shelling along the LoC in Tulail and Bagtore sectors in Gurez in which two soldiers were killed on the spot while three other received injures following which they were evacuated to hospital.
The officials said that the slain soldiers have been identified as Naik Satai Bhusha and sepoy Jon Dhale Rushikesh, both residents of Maharashtra. The injured have been identified as Naik Kale Navnath, Sepoy Khade Uddhav and Sepoy Kirte Yogesh, all residents of Maharashtra.
Another official said that there is no information yet on the damage caused to the property damage in Gurez sector as cross-LoC shelling was on till late evening. Local residents said that the low intensity shelling started at around 11:30 AM and continued intermittently for some time but in the afternoon the intensity increased suddenly and it seemed like war had started between the two sides. “After heavy shelling, several people from villages like Bagtore, Izmerg, and Tulail shifted to safer places. We are fed up here, our settlements are burning each passing day because of intense shelling. Today it was like hell. We haven’t seen such an aggressive exchange of firing between the two sides,” Jabar Ahmed, a local resident, said.
In Gurez, many civilians sustained injuries. Those injured include Rehana Khursheed(14), daughter of Khursheed Ahmad Ganie, Munaza Jamsheed(12), Daughter of Jamsheed Ahamad, Jabar Ahamad Ganie(72), Son of Laasi Ganie, Sada Bagem(62) and Abdul Aziz, all residents of Bagtore, Gurez.
BARAMULA
Three soldiers and a BSF man were killed in the aggressive exchange of gun fire, mortars and artillery at Uri area of north Kashmir Baramulla and Nowgam area of Kupwara district, officials said.
At least 12 others including a minor sustained injuries in the exchange of firing at Uri and Keran sectors of north Kashmir. Officials said that three soldiers were killed in the line of action. Two slain soldiers were identified as GNR Sudoch Goush (23) and Hawaldar Hardaran Chandra (40) from 59 MED regiment who were posted at Rustam Post, Uri. The identity of third slain soldier was yet to be ascertained. Officials said that at least 12 houses suffered damage in Kamalkote, and Hajipeer sectors of Uri.
Locals said that it was like war in Uri today. “We were locked inside our homes so was our livestock,” said Abdul Rashid Khatana, a resident of Dulanja, Uri. He said that they had seen such an intensive exchange of firing during Kargil War and in Indo-Pakistan war of 1965 and 1971. Khantana, 78, said that fear has gripped entire Uri and he is of the belief that civilians can’t venture out tomorrow as well due to the level of fear among them.
A BSF sub-inspector was also killed in the intense shelling from across at Nowgam sector of Kupwara. The slain was identified as Rakesh Doval, who had sustained head injury. The four slain civilians who died due to shelling Uri area of Baramulla have been identified as Farooqa Begum (36) wife of Bashir Ahmad of Balakote, Afrar Ahmad (7) son of Latief Ahmad of Gohallan Uri, Irshad Ahmad (48) son of Karamat Hussain of Sarai Baday, Tahir Ahmad Mir (36) son of Jaleel Ahmad Mir of Sultan Daki.
POONCH:
Seven people including two minors sustained injuries in the intense shelling from across LoC in Sawjiyan sector on the LoC in Mandi Tehsil of Poonch district of Jammu, officials said. Officials told KNO that said that on Friday afternoon at around 1:30 PM, when people were busy with Friday prayers, situation suddenly turned volatile as ceasefire violation started and entire area of Saujiyan sector including Saujiyan main, Gagriyan, Gali Maidan, Kopra, Chamber Kanari upto Anita post ridge, which is last LoC location on Poonch side, got rattled with intense mortar and artillery shelling.
“Dozens of artillery shells fired from across fell in Saujiyan main market also with people were seen running to save their lives,” officials said. “Seven civilians got injured in shelling that include two BSF porters.” The injured were identified as 50-year-old Hajraa Begum wife of Abdul Salam from Sawjiyan, 11-year old Toseef Ahmad and seven-year-old Muhammad Rashad, sons of Meraj Din from Sawjiyan, Mohammad Afaraz son of Zaman Khan from Chapriyan Mandi, Mohammad Ibrahim son of BD Khan from Chapriyan Mandi, Kulasoom Akhter daughter of Bashir Ahmed from Gagriyan and Zareena Bi wife of Mushtaq Ahmed Dar from Gagriyan Mandi. Injured Mohammad Afraz and Mohammad Ibrahim are working with BSF as porters. Talking to KNO, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Rahul Yadav said that entire Sawjiyan area got affected with firing and shelling. “Seven people were injured. Firing and shelling is still going on,” he said late this evening.
INFILTRATION BID FOILED AT KERAN
The army foiled an infiltration bid at Keran sector of Kupwara amid ceasefire violation from across the LoC, officials said.
Defence Spokesman in Srinagar Colonel Rajesh Kalia said that suspicious movement was observed by own troops at the forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Keran Sector today. “The suspected infiltration bid was foiled by alert troops. This was accompanied by initiation of an unprovoked Ceasefire Violation (CFV) by Pakistan along the LoC in Keran Sector by firing mortars & other weapons. Befitting response is being given. The CFVs spread to larger areas from Keran to Uri Sectors,” he said.
“This was the second infiltration attempt within a week. The earlier unsuccessful infiltration bid in Machil Sector on 7/ 8 November, was foiled, in which three militants were eliminated. Army is well poised to defeat all attempts by Pakistan to infiltrate militants into J&K.” Meanwhile, internet services have been suspended in Police Division Kupwara, officials said. (KNO)
COVID-19: 7 more die in J&K, 626 test positive
Death toll 1567, case tally ay 101594
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Nov 13: Jammu and Kashmir reported seven more COVID-19 deaths, while as 626 more people tested positive for the virus across the Union Territory, officials said on Friday.
They said that fatality count due to COVID-19 has mounted to 1567, while the number of people who have tested positive for the pestilence in J&K till date has mounted 101594.
Among those who died include four from Jammu division and three from Kashmir Valley, the officials added.
Regarding the deaths from the Valley, they said, two were from Srinagar and one from Shopian district. One among the victims from Srinagar was a 70-year-old man from Eidgah Srinagar who died at SKIMS Soura, they said.
Three of those who succumbed to the virus in Jammu division included one resident each from Jammu, Udhampur and Doda districts respectively.
With these deaths, the fatality count in J&K has reached 1567.
Srinagar district with 389 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (276), Baramulla (155), Budgam (95), Pulwama (84), Kupwara (77), Anantnag (75), Rajouri (48), Kulgam (48), Bandipora(48), Doda (50), Shopian (36), Ganderbal (36), Udhampur (35), Kathua (33), Samba (25), Poonch (23), Ramban (18), Kishtwar(16), and Reasi (8). J&K reports 626 new cases, total 101594
Jammu and Kashmir reported 626 new COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours and 197 among them were from Jammu Division and 429 from Kashmir, officials said on Friday.
The cases include 34 travelers and take the overall tally of the cases in the J&K to 101594, the officials told GNS.
Giving the district wise details, they said that Srinagar reported 157 cases, Baramulla 158, Budgam 20, Pulwama 10, Kupwara 23, Anantnag 13, Bandipora 12, Ganderbal 27, Kulgam 4, Shopian 4, Jammu 95, Rajouri 10, Udhampur 18, Doda 10, Kathua 11, Poonch 7, Samba 7, Kishtwar 20, Ramban 12 and Reasi 7.
A number of these cases were confirmed at SKIMS Soura and CD hospitals diagnostic laboratories.
The CD cases include female (64) (NA) from Drass kargil, female (35) (NA) from Bemina sgr, male (29) (NA) from Sgr, male (40) (NA) from Miskeen bagh sgr, female (55) (NA) from Eidgah sgr, female (54) (NA) from Zakura, male (18) (NA) from Khaniyar sgr, male (38) (NA) from Magarmal bagh sgr, male (50) (NA) from Arigam budgam, male (31) (NA) from Perbagh sgr, male (34) (NA) from Perbagh sgr, male (65) (NA) from Perbagh sgr, female (44) (NA) from Rajbagh Sgr, female (62) (NA) from Perbagh sgr, male (50) (NA) from Karanagar, male (52) (NA) from Khaniyar, female (NA) from Kulgam, male (47) (NA) from Zakura sgr, male (NA) from HMT, female (40) (NA) from HMT, male (29) (NA) from Bemina, male (NA) from Eidgah, male (21) (NA) from Rainawari, female (NA) from Shalteng, female (45) (NA) from Sopore, female (71) (NA) from Rainwari, female (52) (NA) from Badshah nagar sgr, female (40) (NA) from Tangdhar, female (65) (NA) from Theed Harwan sgr, male (62) (NA) from Gojiwara sgr, male (52) (NA) from Surankote poonch, male (70) (NA) from Chattabal sgr, male (52) (NA) from Kupwara, male (64) (NA) from Sgr, male (65) (NA) from Kangan, male (27) (NA) from Chadoora, male (45) (NA) from Chanpora Sgr, male (45) (NA) from Lalbazar Sgr, female (60) (NA) from Alochibagh, male (35) (NA) from Baramulla, female (36) from Kadlbal pampore, female (27) (NA) from Tulbagh Pampore, male (65) (NA) from Chanpora, female (04) (NA) from Panthachowk, male (69) (NA) from Eidgah, male (06) (NA) from Nawabazar, female (11) (NA) from Nawabazar, female (44) (NA) from Nawabazar, male (45) (NA) from Nawabazar, male (40) (NA) from Eidgah.
Samples received from CRPF
Male (48) from 28 Bn Crpf sgr, male (36) from 47 RR Bn Keegam kupwara, male (27) from 47 RR Bn kupwara, male (36) from 47 RR Bn Kupwara.
Female (40) from Kangan, male (40) from Kangan, female (70) from Ganderbal, female (27) from Ganderbal, female (35) from Reshipora Ganderbal, male (40) from Reshipora Ganderbal, male (05) from Reshipora Ganderbal, male (55) from Watal bagh Ganderbal, male (60) from Nunar Ganderbal, female (57) from Saloora Ganderbal, male (65) from Saloora.
Samples received from police hospital
Female (60) from Jawahar Nagar. Samples received from Budgam Male (40) from Chrarisharif Budgam, female (60) from Budgam, female (41) from Zaloosa budgam, female (65) from Mazhama budgam, female (49) from Sanatnagar sgr, male (39) from Sanatnagar sgr, male (38) from Ompora Budgam, male (41) from Rainawari, female (33) from Repora chadoora, female (15) from Barzulla sgr, female (08) from Barzulla, female (10) from Budshah Nagar Srinagar.
Male (38) from Kharnihama Ganderbal, female (54) from Nunar ganderbal, female (36) from Aram masjid sgr, male (45) from Ladi shopian, male (60) from Lalbazar sgr, male (62) from HMT sgr, male (16) from HMT sgr, male (55) from HMT sgr, female (65) from Dalgate sgr, male (48) from Soura sgr, female (55) from Ellahibagh sgr, female (32) from Lalbazar sgr, female (58) from Bemina sgr, male (65) from Tulbal sgr, male (87) from Reshipora, female (25) from Hatlangoo baramulla, male (36) from Poonch, female (65) from Batamaloo sgr, male (37) from Chanpora sgr, male (58) from Soura, male (04) from Soura, male (46) from Soura, female (18) from Ellahibagh Sgr.
Moreover, they said, 551 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals— 187 from Jammu Division and 364 from Kashmir Valley. (GNS)
COVID-19: 44,879 infected, 547 die in India in 24 hrs
New Delhi, Nov 13: India on Friday recorded 44,879 fresh COVID-19 cases, which has pushed the country’s overall caseload to 87.28 lakh while the death toll soared to 1,28,668 with 547 fresh fatalities. Cases recorded in the past 24 hrs are 6 per cent lower than Thursday.
According to the Union Health Ministry, the active cases saw a drop of 4,747 and currently stood at 4,84,547. It is 5.63 per cent of the total caseload.
LG, Advisors, CS extend Diwali greetings
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, Nov 13: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha his advisors and chief secretary have extended Diwali greetings to the people.
In a message, the Lt Governor said, “On the auspicious occasion of Diwali, I extend my heartiest greetings and best wishes to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. May this Diwali fill our lives with the light of hope and positivity for building a new Jammu and Kashmir with a renewed spirit.”
“Diwali is celebrated by various religions and sects and this Festival of Lights inspires us to work for service of society. May this festival bring happiness, peace and prosperity to each and every house of our Union Territory.”
“Let us light a lamp of compassion, peace and love and build a better and prosperous J&K for our future generations’, said the LG.
Advisor Farooq Khan
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor Farooq Khan in his message said that festival signifies lighting of people’s lives by good deeds. He said the occasion marks victory of good over evil and triumph of truthfulness.
He also urged people to follow the regulations of safety during the current COVID-19 pandemic and celebrate the festival in a secure manner.
He also prayed for the peace, prosperity and happiness to the people of J&K on the occasion of the festival.
Advisor Baseer Khan
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Kha
in his message underlined the tradition of celebrating festivals in an atmosphere of amity and brotherhood and called for the strengthening same in JK.
The Advisor said that on the auspicious occasion of Diwali we should light the lamp of happiness in the lives of others. He also prayed for the peace, prosperity and development of the Union Territory and the country.
Advisor Bhatnagar
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar in his felicitation message maintained that the festival of lights symbolizes the triumph of truth and righteousness over falsehood and of good over evil and highlights the ethos and high values of the country’s civilizational history.
“On this auspicious occasion I wish and pray that all good values of love, compassion, tolerance, mutual respect and brotherhood become hallmark of our society to take forward the UT of Jammu and Kashmir on the path of progress, prosperity and lasting peace”, Advisor Bhatnagar said.
The Advisor appealed the people to celebrate this Diwali with traditional fervour and gaiety and urged them to follow all Covid norms and to spend the festival with their families in the comfort and safety of their homes amid these unprecedented times. He exhorted them to mark these celebrations by illuminating their homes while maintaining social distancing.
Advisor Bhatnagar also prayed for peace, progress and prosperity of entire Jammu and Kashmir.
Chief Secretary
Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam, in his message on the eve of Diwali, said that this festival is a celebration of victory of good over evil, and inspires us to adopt the principles of honesty, truthfulness, and righteousness in our lives.
The Chief Secretary hoped that the ‘festival of lights’ further strengthens the bond of brotherhood and ushers a new era of peace, progress, and prosperity. He also urged people to abide by COVID-appropriate behaviour during the festivities.
Finally Congress joins PAGD
Srinagar, Nov 13: People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) on Friday got formal support of Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) after its two senior leaders participated in the crucial meeting held at PDP chief Mehbooba’s residence, Fairview Gupkar, Srinagar.
Two senior Congress leaders including Ghulam Nabi Monga joined the PAGD, an amalgam of now seven parties in the Union Territory of J&K seeking restoration of the erstwhile State’s special status.
Soon after the meeting concluded, Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Monga while talking to media persons outside Mehbooba’s Gupkar residence said, “We stand by the alliance and wills the special status of J&K snatched by New Delhi on August last year should be restored without any hiccups”.
To a query, Monga said that there is no disagreement with the PAGD. “Today a meeting was held where all participants took part. Healthy discussions took place at the occasion”, he said.
Notably in earlier meetings of PAGD, Congress UT President Ghulam Ahmad Mir didn’t participate in two, citing health reasons. However the party’s absence in the PAGD meetings caused chaos among political and non-political circles of J&K.
NC senior leader Nasir Aslam Wani while talking to media that that Congress has assured it will be the part of the alliance and part of the seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming DDC polls.
“The Congress has put forth its faith on alliance today. Their leaders spoke to PAGD Chairman Dr Farooq Abdullah and assured they will be part of the alliance and part of the DDC elections”, NC leader said.
Asked how much time PAGD will take to finalize the seat-sharing list, the NC leader clarified that PAGD in on the job and hopefully the process will be completed by tonight.
Meanwhile sources told KNS that the meeting that took place at Mehbooba’s residence discussed the DDC polls and deliberated upon the list of candidates.
Notably, PAGD had earlier clarified that it will take part in DDC elections in order to give befitting reply to divisive and communal elements who are trying to make inroads in J&K. The group avowed that fight for restoration of Article 370 will not be comprised at any cost.
Govt transfers control of 108 primary schools to SMC, JMC
Bhat Imran
Srinagar, Nov 13: In a significant development, the Jammu and Kashmir government under 74th Constitutional Amendment Act Friday transferred 108 primary schools to Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC).
According to an order issued by the government these schools have been transferred to municipal bodies along with their assets, posts, staff and funds to these municipal bodies.
“Transfer of 108 government schools along with posts, institutions, functions, and funds to JMC and SMC under 74th Constitutional Amendment Act,” reads the order.
It also states that the transfer of 108 standalone primary Schools within limits of JMC and SMC along with transfer of all assets, deployment, posts, staff and funds to JMC and SMC.
“Transfer of two posts of Chief Education Officers in level-II, one each to Jammu Municipal Corporation and Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to be filled on deputation basis from School Education Department,” it reads
The order also reads that the staff in these Primary Schools shall be posted by the School Education Department on deputation basis. The cadre control of the staff so deputed shall be maintained by the School Education Department.” (KNO)
DDC polls: DGP visits Pulwama reviews security
Srinagar, Nov 13: Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh on Friday chaired two separate meetings at PCR Kashmir and in South Kashmir’s Pulwama District to review the security arrangements for District Development Council (DDC) and by-elections for Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies (ULB).
The meeting at PCR was attended by IGP Armed/IRP and all the Kashmir based commandants of armed and IRP and at Pulwama the meeting was attended by IGP Kashmir, Shri Vijay Kumar, DIG South Kashmir Atul Kumar Goel, DC Pulwama Shri Dr Ragav Langer, SSP Pulwama, Shri Ashish Mishra, officers from Police, security forces. In the second day of his visit to Kashmir Valley and in the series of meetings, DGP while addressing these meetings, impressed upon the officers to frame and implement the security plans for the conduct of transparent and secure elections, a police spokesman quoted him as saying in a statement. The DGP stressed upon the field officers to plan the security arrangements, keeping in view the sensitivity of the area. He said that all efforts be made to provide a secure environment for the conduct of this event so that people could take part in the democratic process voluntarily and freely. He also impressed for maintaining good law and order in the areas going to polls.
Singh advised the officers to maintain close coordination within the force and other agencies to ensure adequate response to any emergent situation. He said that joint area dominance drills should be conducted regularly and inputs should be shared accordingly so that timely action is taken without any delay.
He stressed for maintaining a secure environment for the people to vote. He asked the officers to convene meetings with the subordinate officers to identify the hypersensitive areas and take necessary steps when and wherever required. He said that the task of conducting these elections peacefully be accomplished with fortitude. He directed the officers to utilize the manpower efficiently by making the deployments as per the requirements. He also stressed for making suitable accommodation for the deployments. The DGP added that the resources available and to be provided must be put to optimum use.
Singh also sought briefs about the security arrangements made for the constituencies. The DGP was briefed about the security measures being taken to ensure free and peaceful elections by the field officers.
Inclement Weather Warning: Avoid highway travel, Police tell people
Srinagar, Nov 13: Traffic authorities on Friday advised people to avoid journey on Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, the only road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of world, in view of the weather advisory for rains and snow.
“In view of inclement weather prediction issued by MeT department (rain and snowfall) in J&K for next few days, there are chances of blockade of NHW -44. People are advised to avoid journey on Jammu-Srinagar NHW-44,” a traffic department official told GNS.
“However, subject to fair weather and better road condition, Light Motor Vehicles (passenger) shall be allowed from Jammu towards Srinagar on the highway,” the official said, adding, “Commuters are advised to follow the SOP issued by the Govt to prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
The weatherman had already issued an advisory and forecasted widespread rain and snowfall from 13 to 15 November in Jammu and Kashmir.
“An active Western Disturbance is most likely to affect the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and adjoining areas from 13th (evening) to 15th (late night) November 2020,” reads the advisory issued earlier this week by deputy director of the local Meteorological department Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed.
“Under the influence of this weather system, widespread moderate Rain/snow is expected in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh regions.”
He said light rain or snow would commence at a few places of Kashmir on the night of November 13 and thereafter increase in intensity and distribution with its peak during subsequent two days and gradual decrease thereafter.
“Main activity of this system, moderate to heavy rain/snow at isolated places is most likely during 14th & 15th November,” he said, warning that the system may cause heavy rain or snow mainly in upper reaches of Kashmir including Gulmarg, Sonamarg, Baramulla, Bandipora (Gurez & Tulail Valley) and Kupwara (Karnah Sector), Shopian, Qazigund-Banihal axis, Pirpanjal Range of Jammu Division, Drass (Gumri and Minamarg) and Zanskar subdivision of ladakh.
Referring to the impact due to it, the officer said the weather system may lead to temporary disruption of air and surface transportation mainly on Jammu- Srinagar and Srinagar-Leh Highways, Mughal road and other major roads.
“Landslides and shooting stones (can occur) in vulnerable spots of Jammu- Srinagar/Srinagar-Leh Highway,” he said, adding, “(it) may disrupt agricultural operations like apple harvesting and orchard management.”
There would also be a dip in day temperature and slight increase in night temperature, the officials added.
