Grenade attack foiled in Baramulla, 2 held

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sep 11:  Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday claimed that it arrested one Al-Badr militant along with his two aides during a Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) in Warpora area of Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Officials said that a joint team of 22 RR, 179 Bn CRPF, SOG and police busted Al-Badr module, who are involved in a grenade throwing incident at Police Post Warpora Sopore.

Police spokesman identified the arrested militant as Ishfaq Ahmad Pandith, son of Rayees Ahmad Pandith of Bunpora Dangerpora Sopore, adding that his two associates identified as Abdul Majeed Dar, son of Abdul Rashid Dar and Mubashir Ahmad Dar, son of Ghulam Mohi-ud-din Dar, both residents of Dangerpora Sopore were also arrested.

He further said that a case under FIR number 237/2020 has been registered in Police Station Sopore. More arrests are expected in the case, he said, adding that further investigation is in progress.

Grenade attack foiled, two arrested in Bla: Police

Meanwhile, police claimed that it foiled a grenade attack and arrested two persons at Najibhat crossing in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

In a statement a police spokesman said that on a specific intelligence input that a grenade attack was being planned in the general area of Baramulla, the joint nakas were laid by Police Baramulla, 52 RR, 53 CRPF and 176 CRPF at various places including Kralhar, Pattan, Kreeri Market and Najibhat Crossing Kreeri.

In the afternoon, two persons approaching Najibhat crossing were asked to stop. “On being asked to stop, they tried to flee and were challenged by the forces and subsequently captured,” police said.

The spokesman identified the duo as Muhammad Yaseen Bhat, son of Ghulam Mohiuddin Bhat of Check Tapper and Wasid Ashraf Sofi, son of Muhammad Ashraf Sofi of Watergam Kreeri.

“Further on their personal frisking, one grenade was recovered from their possession. On preliminary questioning, they revealed that they are affiliated with the militant organization Lashkar-e-Toiba and were working under the command of LeT Commander Abid Qayoom of Andergam Pattan,” police said.

In this instance, police said that a case under FIR number 92/2020 of Police Station Kreeri stands registered under the relevant provisions of the law and further investigation is underway.

Sumaya Jan

Srinagar, Sept 11: At least 3 lakh people associated with handicrafts in Kashmir are struggling to feed their families due to subsequent lockdowns since August 5 last year.

Kashmir remained shut for months after abrogation of Article 370 in August last year and now COVID-19 has complicated the problem.

Amid this, at least 3 lakh people associated with handicrafts including carpets, papier-machie, shawls, wood carving are finding it difficult to feed their families. Kashmir’s handicrafts are famous across the world due to quality and are man-made.

Ghulam Mohammad, 45, a resident of North Kashmir’s Baramulla district has been selling vegetables on a footpath for the last two months.

“All the money I had saved which I earned through carpet weaving has been exhausted. It is over a year now, we are making no earnings,” he said.

Before August 5 last year, he would earn Rs 600 per day. He had two more people who were assisting him in carpet weaving.

There are so many artisans who have taken up odd jobs to manage the expenses of their families during the lockdown.

“We were making earnings even during the worst times. But this time, our business is shut as we are not able to export carpets in international markets,” said Bashir Ahmad, a carpet dealer.

Gulf and European countries form a major customer base for Kashmiri carpet dealers.

They have suffered huge losses as they could not export the goods.

Mohammad Subhan, a papier-machie artist from Srinagar has been sitting idle since the COVID-19 began in March.

“We have been badly hit first by lockdown post abrogation of Article 370 and now COVID-19 pandemic. There is no availability of raw material,” he added.

The Kashmir-craft of papier-machie mainly uses wood, leftover wood pulp and paper waste.

Every year Subhan would participate in various artisan fairs across India like in Delhi, Mumbai, Pune and Gujarat.

However, this year, these fairs were not organized due to COVID-19.

President Kashmir Artisans Rehabilitation Forum Parvez Ahmad Bhat said 3 lakh people associated with handicrafts are in bad condition.

“People associated with handicrafts have taken a loan of Rs 300 crore and the government should waive off that so their business could survive,” he said.

“We are neither able to export goods in the international market nor there is any domestic market. All the orders made earlier this year have been cancelled,” Bhat said.

President Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industries (KCCI), Sheikh Ashiq said the Kashmir economy has suffered losses over Rs 40,000 crore for the last one year.

“Every sector be it tourism, handicrafts, transport, traders, IT has been badly hit for the last one year. Five lakh people have become jobless in the last one year,” Ashiq said.

“Our handicrafts sector which is Rs 2000 crore annual economy is in shambles. More than 3 lakh people are dependent upon the handicrafts sector and they are struggling to feed their families,” he said.

KCCI has also raised the issue with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and sought special packages in every sector which suffered heavy losses for the last one year.

An official from the Department of Handicrafts said coronavirus pandemic has impacted all forms of trade globally. (KINS)

Ishtiyaq Ahmad

Srinagar, Sept 11: In violation of government guidelines, people are hosting Wazwan to large gatherings while organizing marriage ceremonies in Kashmir.

The new norms, which have been set in place, restrict the number of guests between 30 and 50— depending on the threat perception based zones.

As per government directives, wedding ceremonies require prior permission and social-distancing is mandatory.

However, in Kashmir, several people are organizing marriage ceremonies but don’t adhere to safety guidelines and government directives.

“Recently, a marriage event was organized where around 150 guests were invited. Most of the guests were without facemasks. The COVID-19 precautionary measures were thrown into dustbin,” Mushtaq Ahmad, a Srinagar resident said.

Some people said that the government directives have dramatically changed the idea of wedding ceremonies in Kashmir, where such occasions are rare coming together of extended families and friends for several days of feasting.

“Asking to follow guidelines is good and maintaining social distancing, wearing facemask are great. But limiting the number of guests on marriage just to 30 to 50 is not favourable,” said Ghulam Muhammad, who postponed his daughter’s marriage to next year.

He said his family was preparing for a lavish feast for several hundred guests as she has only one daughter brough up with care and love.

“The day of her marriage is a dream to me and my family. We want to make it memorable day. It was not impossible to shortlist thirty or fifty guests,” he said.

Police on Thursday registered an FIR against the head of the family in Solina area of Srinagar. The family had invited a large number of guests to solemnize a marriage ceremony.

“Preliminary inquiry revealed that the banging sounds in the Solina area that created panic were due to the bursting of firecrackers at the marriage in the house at Solina Payeen. The owner of the house has violated the orders of the District Magistrate, Srinagar, and had also called a large number of invitees to his house which was a clear violation of Covid standard operating procedures, thereby endangering the lives of others,” the spokesman had said.

The wedding season in Kashmir is scheduled during summer and autumn seasons and involves several months of hectic preparations.(KINS)

‘Coordinated efforts will continue to foil militant attempts’

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 11:  Director General of Police Dilbag Singh Friday visited Central Kashmir’s Budgam District, where he addressed a police Darbar, took review of security scenario of the district and inaugurated conference hall in District Police Office Budgam.

The DGP was accompanied by IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar and was received by the district Budgam SSP Nagpure Amod Ashok. Ceremonial Guard of honour was presented to the DGP J&K on his arrival.

After inaugurating Conference Hall, DGP took a round of the DPO office and inspected the working of various office sections.

He interacted with the officers/officials of the district and enquired about the various office works.

While interacting with the grievance cell of the district, the DGP advised the officials that priority should be given to redress the grievances of the general people.

He said good police-public relation is the foundation for the peaceful environment and added that local Police is the first respondent to any plea of general people as Police is on the ground 24X7 to protect them and safeguard their rights.

The DGP stressed upon all officers/officials to gain public confidence, good will and be always compassionate and helpful to the needy people. He advised them to attend to genuine grievances of the people.

Later, DGP visited SOG Camp Budgam, where he addressed the officers and officials in a darbar.

The DGP appreciated the role of Budgam police for maintaining pressure on the elements inimical to peace in J&K.

He said with the coordinated efforts of forces the militant activities have been restricted and action against them has been intensified.

The DGP lauded the role of police officers and jawans for tackling the ground situation effectively even in the face of a big challenge of coronavirus.

“Despite many challenges, personnel of police and other security forces are working professionally to eliminate threats to peace from various Pakistan sponsored militant outfits and subversive agencies,” he said.

The DGP said that the people’s cooperation in bringing back the misguided local youth is imperative and added that the children of Jammu Kashmir should hold books and pen for their better future.

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 11:  The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an Assistant Director, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) Jammu and Kashmir, for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs. five thousand from the complainant.

According to a statement CBI said that a case was registered on a complaint against an Assistant Director, BCAS under section 7 of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 (as amended in 2018) on the allegations of demanding a bribe of Rs. Ten thousand for granting entry passes to the employees of the complainant who were engaged in providing manpower services at the Jammu Airport.

“The accused was allegedly pressurizing & harassing the complainant to pay the bribe and when the complainant refused to do so, his application was rejected. CBI laid a trap and caught the accused red-handed while accepting a bribe of Rs. Five thousand from the complainant. Searches are being conducted at the residential & official premises of the accused in Srinagar, J&K and  Shahjahanpur, UP,” the statement said.

It added that the accused is being produced today before the Court of Special Judge for CBI Cases, Jammu. (KNO)

Precious Kashmir News

SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11: Terming education as the guiding force behind human development, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Friday stressed that Universities must empower youth to make J&K the center of knowledge, enterprise, innovation, and skill development through New Education Policy-2020 so that they play their crucial part in nation-building.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chancellor of the University of Jammu, made these remarks while chairing the 86th meeting of the University Council of the Jammu University here at Raj Bhavan.

A host of major decisions were taken in the meeting. The Lt Governor gave a go-ahead to the demand of increasing the stipend of research scholars from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000 per month. The council also accorded in-principle approval for setting up of Research Cluster in Jammu University. Directions were issued by the Lt Governor to work out the modalities and take steps for the promotion of Dogri language in Jammu University and Kashmiri language in Kashmir University.

He further stressed that literary works in the two languages be encouraged and translations of the existing works in other languages of the country also be initiated for the promotion of the culture, traditions, and heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Lt Governor passed explicit directions for conducting a comprehensive assessment of university’s research activities for outlining their role in the overall welfare of society. He also called for the promotion of research aimed at solving local problems of UT and encouraging scholars for the same.

Underlining the importance of all overall development of students, the Lt Governor called for increased participation of students in co-curricular activities like NSS, NCC, sports, music, etc. The Lt Governor stressed that Students should be encouraged to participate in social activities.

Discussing the issue of reservation, the Lt Governor directed that modality for extending UT reservation policy in all universities across J&K be finalized in mission mode.

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, Sept 11: The fundamental objective of Back to Village (B2V) is to reach out to the people at grassroots level and to involve them in the mission of equitable development. This was stated by Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar in a media statement here.

“Encouraged by the success of the first and second editions of the programme, the third phase of flagship programme (B2V3) will be held from October 2 to October 12, 2020, under the able leadership of Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha”, the Advisor said.

He said B2V3 will concentrate on implementation and execution of developmental schemes on the ground as well as strengthening of grievance redressal. “This phase of Back to Village will also look at the various flagship programmes and individual beneficiary oriented schemes and ascertain the impediments and issues which hamper their full implementation”, Advisor Bhatnagar maintained.

The Advisor further stated that the essence of the B2V programme is to highlight the importance of people’s participation, not only as the agent in the execution of the development works but also as the owners of the entire programme.

Talking about pre- back to village programme Jan Abhiyan, Bhatnagar said that before the actual start of third phase of B2V, three-week Pre-Back to Village Jan Abhiyan has started from September 10 to October 1st, 2020 focusing on redressal of public grievances (Jan Sunvaiyee), public service delivery (Adhikar Abhiyan) and delivery of development at Gram Panchayat level (Unat Gram Abhiyan).

He stated that the coming days will bring progress and prosperity for entire Jammu and Kashmir and this programme of bringing administrative machinery to every doorstep will help in delivering development better and faster.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, Sept 11: Police arrested three Delhi residents and recovered stolen mobile phones worth Rs 26 lakh, a senior police officer said on Friday.
He said on July 4 ,2020 one Mohammad Amir Malik, son of Ghulam Hussain Malik, resident of Deviangan Hawal lodged a written report in Police Station Nowhatta that he has a mobile shop at Gojwara Chowk and during intervening night of July 3 and 4, 2020 some unknown burglars barged into his shop and have decamped with mobile phones of different brands worth lakhs of rupees.
On receipt of this complaint a case FIR number 33/2020 U/S 457,380 IPC was registered and investigation taken up.
During the course of investigation services of FSL unit as well as electronic surveillance unit were utilized. The tower dump of the area was analyzed and IMEI numbers of stolen mobile phones were put on surveillance for any lead in the case.
He said an important clue emerged when a CCTV camera of a nearby shop recorded 3 suspected persons who seemed to be scrap collectors entering the mobile shop and leaving after sometime with some sacks. On the basis of the CCTV footage, searches were carried out across city in all areas with settlements of non-local scrap collectors.
After nearly two months one stolen mobile phone became active with user location at New Delhi and SDR was found as Abdul Razaq Sheikh, son of Mohammad Sulaiman Sheikh, resident of J J Colony Bhawana Delhi.
He said in order to investigate the matter a police party headed by an officer was deputed to Delhi and the accused was arrested on September 6, 2020.During questioning, the accused disclosed that he had hidden stolen mobile phones at his residence. On this disclosure of the accused the police party recovered 112 mobile phones along with their accessories from the spot.
The accused Abdul Razaq was later shifted from New Delhi to Srinagar and during further questioning he revealed names of his two associates as Mohammad Alamin Sheikh alias Faggu Shiekh, son of Mohammad Fazlu Shiekh, resident of Madanpur Khadar District Sarita Vihar New Dehi at present Harnag Anantnag and Mohammad Jahangir Sheikh, son of Mohammad Fazlu resident of Madanpur Khadar District Sarita Vihar New Delhi at present Harnag Anantnag . He also disclosed that few mobile phones are still dumped in the rented room of his associate namely Mohammad Jahangir.
On this, a police party was deputed towards Harnag Anantnag for the arrest/recoveries. Both the accused were arrested and eleven stolen mobile sets were recovered from the rented room of Mohammad Jahangir.
In order to ascertain their modus operandi all the burglars were put to sustained questioning during which they revealed that they used to recee their targets posing themselves as scrap collectors. In the instant case also they had
Gojawara area several times and did recee of the surroundings of the shop as well as noted the working schedule of the shop owner.
They further said that they had noted, the said shop owner used to add new stock once during the week and on the day when the owner added new stock to the store they decided to strike post midnight. They used hacksaw blades and plumbing wrench to break the locks of the shop. Before the burglary they waited till midnight at a nearby place and after burglary returned to their rented place at Harnag, Anantnag.
They dumped the stolen mobile phone at Harnag for nearly two months to avoid detection by police and to escape the initial manhunt. After lying low for two months, Abdul Razaq left with the stolen property for Delhi to sell them there while the other two burglars remained at Harnag.
Thereby, Srinagar Police was able to recover the stolen property of about Rs 26 lakhs from the accused persons. The investigating team of the case has done a commendable job with the highest statements of professionalism.