Afaq Bhat
Srinagar, Nov 10: Forthcoming District Development Commission elections in Jammu and Kashmir are a big challenge for the Kashmir based parties as these polls will allow regional parties to test the waters after the abrogation of J&K’s special status.
An analyst while talking to Precious Kashmir said, “Decision of the Peoples’ Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (an amalgam of seven mainstream parties in Kashmir) is a wise move. Had these parties boycotted these elections it would have left the ground open for others to make inroads before the assembly elections could be held.”
He said, “If mainstream parties have to remain relevant then participation in any election process is mandatory. These parties cannot survive by staying away from the electoral process.”
“The forthcoming DDC polls are the first elections in J&K after the revocation of Articles 370 and 35-A. The results of these polls will be a precursor of how things will shape up in the changed political scenario of J&K,” the analyst added.
A politician said, “Since the day PAGD—headed by National Conference and six other political parties, including Peoples Democratic Party— has announced that it will participate in the elections, activities have started at the ground level and the process to identify the candidates who will contest the elections has commenced.”
He said, “The political activities have restarted and it appears that things have started moving. The PAGD has been formed to seek the restoration of the Article 370 but we cannot stay away from the democratic process till J&K’s special status is restored.”
An observer said, “Kashmir based parties are aware of the fact that they are in a difficult situation and by coming together they have made an attempt to rejuvenate their grass root party cadre which has stood isolated since more than a year. The ultimate aim of the politics is power and this fact cannot be ignored. When the PAGD was formed its leaders had said that their aim and intention are to fight for the restoration of pre-August 4, 2019 position and they have got nothing to do with the power politics but the announcement of the DDC polls had put them in a tight spot.”
He said, “If people come out to vote and PAGD is able to win good number of seats it will help the alliance to enter into some sort of bargain with New Delhi. If the alliance doesn’t perform well it can lead to worst ever crisis within the Kashmir based parties. Now, it’s do or die situation for them.”
DDC Elections in J&K :Political parties out to test waters after abrogation of Article 370
2 militants killed in Shopian gunfight
Srinagar, Nov 10: Two unidentified militants were killed in a gunfight with security forces on Tuesday in south Kashmir’s Shopian district.
Official sources said troops of Special Operation Group (SOG) of Jammu and Kashmir police, CRPF and Rashtriya Rifles (RR) launched a joint CASO at village Kutpora in Shopian following a tip-off about the presence of two to three militants at 0400 hrs.
However, after sealing all exit points, an encounter broke out after security forces came under heavy fire from militants when they were moving towards a target house.
Sources said repeated announcements were being made through public address system urging holed up militants to surrender. ‘We will not harm you, surrender your arms and join your families to lead a normal life’, the announcements said.
However, there was so far no response to these appeals, sources said adding two unidentified militants were killed.
Meanwhile, additional security forces and police personnel were deployed in the adjacent areas to prevent any law and order problem.
The mobile internet was suspended in the area as precautionary measure, officials said.
40 to 45 foreign militants active in north Kashmir: GOC Kilo Force
Srinagar, Nov 10: General Officer Commanding of Kilo Force H S Sahai today said that 40 to 45 foreign militants are in north Kashmir.
“We have launched back to back operations. We are not allowing them to strike anywhere,” he said on the sidelines of Foot Tournament final in Bandipora.
” We got major success in whipping out north Kashmir militant leadership. There is presence of militants in whole Valley. In north Kashmir militants are also there. We have been able to maintain peace here. I want to assure people that we won’t allow militants to strike which would disturb peace,” he said.
Regarding a question about restoration of 4G in Bandipora for witnessing minimum militancy related activities, he said, “The 4G decision will be taken at higher level. Whenever they have to take a decision, they will take it after looking at all parameters.”
On being asked about the security situation for DDC polls, he said, ” We want elections to be peaceful so that people can exercise their democratic right peacefully”
He sought cooperation from Kashmiri youth in development of Kashmir.
“Kashmiri youth have important role. We want their cooperation in development of J&K. Some people who have gone astray and picked up gun should come back and join mainstream.”
On a question about recent infiltration attempts by militants, he said, “Two days before there was an Infiltration attempt. Our reports say 250 to 300 militants are waiting at launching pads. Security grid is in place to thwart any infiltration attempt.”
He also said to make another surrender policy better, Government is taking various steps.
“Surrender policy is there. There was 1997 policy which was later amended. Lot of militants surrendered with that policy. A policy was also there for those who went across for training to allow them to return back. Now to make these surrender policy better, the government is taking various steps.”
He said, “Nine locals boys surrendered this year. More boys are expected to surrender in future.” (KNS)
LG Sinha reviews security arrangements for DDC polls
>Asks police, security agencies to facilitate people for maximum participation
>Describes J&K Police as one of country’s finest professional force
Jammu, Nov 1: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today reviewed the security arrangements with respect to the ensuing District Development Council (DDC) election and by-elections for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies (ULB).
Earlier, the Lieutenant Governor received ‘guard of honor’ at his maiden visit to the Armed Police Headquarters here today.
Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, RR Bhatnagar; Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam; Secretary Home, Shaleen Kabra; Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh, ADGPs and IG Jammu were present in the meeting. While as IG Kashmir, DIGs, SSPs and other senior Police officers from Kashmir Division attended the meeting via video conferencing.
At the outset, Inspector General of Police Kashmir and district SSPs of Kashmir division briefed the Lieutenant Governor regarding security arrangements and other preparatory measures for the ensuing elections in their respective districts.
Speaking on the occasion, Lt. Governor stressed upon the officers to ensure free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections.
He emphasized on providing sufficient security to the participating candidates besides ensuring maximum participation of the people in the upcoming elections for DDC and Panchayats and Municipal by-elections.
“People must be facilitated during these elections so that they would feel secured to cast their ballot on the particular Election Day,” Lt Governor said.
He said that the liaison between the different security agencies should be cohesive and strong for effective actions on the ground.
On the occasion, all district SSPs informed the Lieutenant Governor that all the arrangements have been made to ensure the smooth conduct of polling in their respective districts with deployment of forces and other security arrangements already in place.
While appreciating the role of J&K Police, Lieutenant Governor said that JK Police is one of the finest professional forces of the country besides it has a splendid history of valour and sacrifice.
“I am confident that J&K Police is capable of dealing with emerging situation while maintaining a close watch on all inimical elements to ensure peace in the region,” he maintained.
COVID-19 kills 6 more in J&K, causalities at 1551
492 fresh cases take tally to 99844
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, Nov 10: Jammu and Kashmir reported six more COVID-19 deaths and 492 fresh cases during the past 24-hours, officials said on Tuesday.
They said that fatality count due to the virus has risen to 1551, while 99844 people have tested positive for the pestilence in the Union Territory till date.
Officials said that among those who succumbed to the virus today include five from Kashmir and one from Jammu district—a 60-year-old woman from Bhgwati Nagar.
The victims from the Valley include two Srinagar residents and one each from Baramulla, Pulwama and Bandipora.
Srinagar district with 383 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (271), Baramulla (151), Budgam (94), Pulwama (84), Kupwara (75), Anantnag (76), Rajouri (48), Kulgam (48), Bandipora(48), Doda (48), Shopian (35), Ganderbal (35), Udhampur (32), Kathua (33), Samba (25), Poonch (23), Ramban (18), Kishtwar(15), and Reasi (8).
J&K reports 492 fresh cases, tally at 99844
Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir reported 492 new COVID-19 cases including 36 travelers, a doctor and a minor besides 5 security personnel, taking the total number of cases to 99844.
Among the cases, 206 were from Jammu Division and 286 from Kashmir Valley, officials said.
Giving district wise details, they said, Srinagar reported 131 cases, Baramulla 28, Budgam 38, Pulwama 9, Kupwara 14, Anantnag 18, Bandipora 10, Ganderbal 36, Kulgam 1, Shopian 1, Jammu 93, Rajouri 5,
Udhampur 24, Doda 12, Kathua 14, Poonch 5, Samba 11, Kishtwar 28, Ramban 8 and Reasi 6
A number of these cases were confirmed at CD and SKIMS Soura’s diagnostic laboratories.
The CD cases include male (34) (NA) from Chadoora Budgam, female (32) (NA) from Hyderpora, male (43) (NA) from Qamarwari sgr, female (36) (NA) from Bemina, female (49) (NA) from Nishat sgr, female (60) (NA) from Karanagar, female (35) (NA) from Karangar, female (21) (NA) from Habbak sgr, male (53) (NA) from Rawalpora sgr, female (50) (NA) from Habbak sgr, male (43) (NA) from Baghat sgr, male (24) (NA) from Dalgate, male (20) (NA) from Hyderpora sgr, male (58) (NA) from Nowshera sgr, female (55) (NA) from Nowgam sgr, male (18) (NA) from Khaniyar, male (34) (NA) from Nowpora sgr, female (30) (NA) from Nowpora sgr, female (40) (NA) from Nowpora sgr, female (75) (NA) from Nowpora sgr, female (60) (NA) from Nowpora sgr, female (07) (NA) from Nowpora sgr, male (88) (NA) from Kaksarai sgr, female (27) (NA) from Eidgah sgr, male (75) (NA) from Nawakadal sgr, female (70) (NA) from Nawakdal sgr, male (40) (NA) from Nawakadal sgr, female (65) (NA) from Sgr, female (60) (NA) from Baramulla, male (60) (NA) from Nawabazar sgr, male (55) (NA) from Banihal, male (68) (NA) from Kupwara, female (60) (NA) from Nowpora sgr, female (70) from Kangan, male (47) from Namblabal Pampore, female (25) from Munipora, male (48) from Ompora Budgam, male (70) from Kupwara, female (65) from (NA) from Kangan, female (75) (NA) from Sgr, male (51) (NA) from Ellahibagh Sgr.
The cases include male (50) BSF Humhama Sgr, male (14) from Sirhama Budgam, female (32) from Chadoora, male (62) from Humhama, female (61) from Humhama, female (24) from Humhama, female (70) from Natipora budgam, male (50) from Natipora budgam, female (45) from Natipora budgam, female (45) from Natipora budgam, female (20) from Natipora Budgam, male (41) from 43 Bn CRPF Dpl budgam, male (31) from 43 Bn CRPF Dpl budgam, male (26) from 68 Mtn Bde trehgam kupwara, male (33) from 18 Sikh Chowkibal Kupwara, male (23) from Hayan ganderbal, female (30) from Kangan Ganderbal, male (25) from Reshipora Ganderbal, female (51) from Reshipora Ganderbal, male (22) from Benihama Ganderbal, male (67) from Laar Ganderbal, male (40) from Lar Ganderbal, female (30) from Zakura Ganderbal, male (31) from Duderhama, male (23) from Zakura Ganderbal, female (60) from Bamloora Ganderbal, male (35) from Wahidpora Ganderbal, female (24) from Sindbal Ganderbal, female (30) from Bemloora Ganderbal, female (74) from Theero Ganderbal, male (34) from Saloora Ganderbal,
male (36) from Soura Sgr, female (33) from Sgr, male (65) from Jamia Masjid Sgr, male (29) from Hyderpora, female (50) from Khaniyar sgr, male (55) from Narbal Sgr, female (21) from Dangan Shopian, male (58) from Nawabazar sgr, male (22) from Khaniyar, male (54) from Skims Sgr, female (55) from Hmt sgr, female (70) from Alamgiri Sgr, male (36) from Lalbazar Sgr, female (50) from Nunar ganderbal, male (20) from Kreeri Baramulla, female (35) from Zoonimar Sgr, male (60) from Fatehpora Baramulla.
Moreover, they said, 635 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals— 200 from Jammu Division and 435 from Kashmir Valley. (GNS)
COVID-19:India clocks 38,074 new cases
Tally nears 86 lakh mark, death toll at 1,27,059,
New Delhi, Nov 10: India on Tuesday clocked a single day spike of 38,074 fresh COVID cases during the past 24 hours, pushing the country’s over all nCOV case tally to 85,91,731, the Union Health Ministry update said here.
It was after a while that the single spike in cases has recorded below the 40,000 mark.
Talking of fatalities, the highly contagious virus claimed 448 lives since Monday , taking the pandemic death toll to 1,27,059, the government data added.
Meanwhile, there were 42,033 patients who defeated COVID in the past 24 hours , taking the total recovery count of the country to 79,59,406.
In percentage, the active cases are now at 5.88 per cent, cured /discharged at 92.64 per cent and deaths due to COVID 19 are 1.48 per cent of the total case count of the country till date.
According to the Indian Council for Medical Research , 10,43,665 samples were tested for COVID 19 on November 9 , while a total of 11,96,15,857 COVID tests have been done till date since the beginning.
Dwivedi reviews JK Govt’s Industrial revival package
Jammu, Nov 10: Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department, Manoj K Dwivedi today took a review of progress under package for relief and revival of industry announced by Lieutenant Governor on the basis of a report of the Committee constituted for the same, here at a meeting.
The Commissioner Secretary dealt with all the points of action pertaining to the Industries & Commerce Department, comprising Directorate of Industries & Commerce, Handicrafts and Handloom Department, J&K SIDCO and J&K SICOP. He underscored the need for creating awareness among the industrial fraternity regarding the benefits announced by the JKUT Government under the said Package.
Dwivedi impressed upon the officers present in the meeting to enable ease of doing business. “The steps taken by the department on this behalf should not merely remain on papers, but the effect should be seen on ground”, he added.
He also underscored the need to address artisan distress and called for creating market demand for their products. He asked the department to explore the possibility of procuring handicraft goods from artisans through Corporation like JK Industries and SICOP and making these goods available to various Government Departments ensuring their marketability.
He emphasised the need for securing 20 percent procurement of locally manufactured goods along with 20 percent price preference in all procurements on e-tendering and GeM portal.
The Commissioner Secretary urged the Director, I&C-Jammu and Director, I&C-Kashmir to arrange a Buyer-Seller Meet with the Army for enhancing the market reach of local products.
He impressed upon the Committee constituted for suggesting Diagnostic study regarding solving problems related to Industries to submit its report well within the prescribed time frame.
The meeting was attended by Mohammad Harun, MD J&K SIDCO; Anoo Malhotra, Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu; RC Kotwal, Director-Finance, Industries and Commerce Department; Vikas Gupta, Director Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Jammu; Aadil Fareed, Deputy Secretary and DP Singh, General Manager, SICOP, besides other officers from the allied departments.
Director, Industries & Commerce, Kashmir, Mahmood Ahmed Shah, and Director, Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, Masrat Ul Islam, also attended the meeting through video conferencing
The Commissioner Secretary exhorted all the departments to make all out efforts for implementation of the Package with a view to support the industry and be ready to make sure that Industries from J&K are ready for increased market demand in the Post Covid period. He directed the officers to submit all requisite proposals within a week.
Need strong armed forces to keep adversaries at bay: Gen Rawat
New Delhi, Nov 10: The Indian armed forces are operating in a very complex, and uncertain environment and they must continue to enhance capabilities for peace in the region as India’s adversaries may take advantage if its military power is not strong, Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat said on Tuesday.
He also said that India wants to share its military capabilities with friendly countries in the neighbourhood and the extended neighbourhood as well as to those who need its support.
The Chief of Defence Staff was speaking at the inaugural session of the fifth annual conclave of the Bharatshakti.In, a portal on defence and military issues.
“We are today operating in a very complex, uncertain and a very volatile environment. There are small and big battles raging nearly in every region of the world. Therefore, we all need strong armed forces if we have to defend ourselves, defend our nation, defend the integrity of our nation and the safety and security of our people,” Gen Rawat said.
“But, then are we saying that armed forces must prepare for war? No. The armed forces must develop capabilities to bring about peace in the region. If we do not have strong armed forces, the adversary will take advantage of us,” he said.
Gen Rawat’s comments came in the midst of an over six-month border standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh that has significantly strained their ties. Both sides held a series of diplomatic and military talks to resolve the row. However, no concrete breakthrough has been achieved to end the standoff.
In a message, which was read out at the conclave, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cited various reform initiatives rolled out by the government in the defence sector to produce modern equipment and harness new technology as well as to infuse better synergy among the armed forces.
“We are marching ahead with the nation’s collective resolve to build a modern and self reliant India. Our resoluteness gets reflected in an unprecedented spirit of self-confidence in the defence sector today,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister said a self-reliant India is a “win-win resolve” for all the stakeholders, as this vision is for world peace and a resilient global economy.
“From private and public sectors to foreign partners, all would get strength from India’s vibrant strategic ecosystem,” he said.
In his address, Gen Rawat also spoke about challenges being faced by the armed forces operating in difficult challenging environments including in jungles, deserts and terrains ranging from 6000 to 6500 metres in altitude.
“Our navy operates in Indo-Pacific, an area which witnesses the largest concentration of white shipping. They have to develop technologies not only to operate on the surface but below the surface of the ocean as well in an environment which is becoming increasingly complex,” the Chief of Defence Staff said.
He said the Indian armed forces need capabilities that no other armed forces in the world will perhaps require due to varied challenges and environment. Therefore, Gen Rawat said the kind of technology India is developing and the weapons systems that can find their way into the Indian inventory will be second to none.
“We are not hesitant in inviting foreign collaborators who can support our industry, hand-hold them and move on…We also want to share the capabilities with the other armed forces around the globe, particularly in the neighbourhood and extended neighbourhood,” Gen Rawat said.
“We are willing to support those who need our support, especially those nations which are also going through troubled times and looking at good weapons systems,” he said in presence of defence officials of several foreign countries.
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said the threat by India’s adversaries is ‘deep and long term’.
Day chill intensifies in Kashmir
Srinagar, Nov 10: Day chill intensified on Tuesday due to cloudy sky while minimum temperature has recorded improvement though it was still below normal in the Kashmir valley, where isolated light rain and snow is predicted on higher reaches during the next 24 hours.
Meanwhile, people were seen purchasing warm cloths and “Kangri” (fire pot) which is used for heating purpose despite very high prices as divisional administration has failed to fix prices of items being used during winter.
A Met department spokesman said a Western Disturbance (WD) has hit the region which could result in isolated light rain and snow on the higher reaches of Jammu and Kashmir and Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh during the next 24 hours.
During the next 48 hours, the weather will remain dry which will follow wet weather again from November 13 in J&K and Ladakh.
He said due to dry weather and cloudy sky during the night, the minimum temperature witnessed a surge though it was still below normal in the most areas in the valley.
However, the day become chilly due to cloudy sky coupled with chilly winds in the valley, including summer capital, Srinagar, where people were seen burning wood on roadside for heating purpose.
The Met spokesman said when sky remain open during the night the temperature goes down during winter.
People were also purchasing Kangri in which coal is used for heating purpose. However, the prices of Kangri has witnessed considerable increase as compared to previous years. An ordinary kangri costs between Rs 350 to Rs 500 while the prices of special kangri is beyond the capacity of common people. The prices of coal has also witnessed increase.
The Met spokesman said summer capital, Srinagar, recorded minus 0.2 degree, about two notches below normal though it has witnessed one degree improvement against yesterday when it was minus 1.2 degree. However, the coldest night in Srinagar was minus 1.4 degree on November 8.
However, the day became cold on Tuesday due to cloudy sky and chilly winds in Srinagar.
LG bans private practice of SKIMS doctors
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Nov 10: Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha in exercise of powers vested in him by Constitution and Law Tuesday banned private practice by the medical professionals and practitioners associated with Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS).
In a statement Public Relations Officer (PRO) SKIMS said that the specific order which has been issued vide number GAD (Adm) 129/2015 dated 10-11-2020 and circulated by GAD envisages penal action besides the action warranted under service rules. “In pursuance of the said order, Director SKIMS / Ex Officio Secretary to Govt. Dr. A. G Ahangar has sought absolute compliance of the said Government Order which he said served the public interest,” the statement reads.
He said the order casts legal and moral responsibility on in-service faculty and medical professionals associated with the Institute and added that any deviation or non-compliance noticed at any stage from any faculty or staff member will be responded with strict action as envisaged in the government order banning the private practice.
Dr Ahangar expressed hope and exuded confidence that the faculty and medical staff of the Institute will uphold the established precedent of moral standards and professional responsibility befitting their reputation and professional demands.
Dr Ahangar while appreciating the incredible contribution from all the medical professionals and other Supportive Services said the SKIMS staff will continue to render exemplary performance in managing COVID-19 pandemic at SKIMS and offered his best wishes to them, at the same time expressed confidence in upholding the medical ethics and their professional values of the highest order.
He also appealed to the public at large to observe all the SOPs and guidelines in facing the challenges posed by the COVID -19 pandemic. He solicited the support of public in their own interest and not to lower the guard till the pandemic is over.
