Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Srinagar, June 24: Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has directed the J&K Union territory government to take up construction of underground community bunkers on a priority basis in view of the heightened tensions on borders.
Highly placed sources in MHA told news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS) that after repeated pleas by the border residents to construct the community bunkers in view of the intense cross LoC firing between the armies of India and Pakistan, the Ministry has directed the J&K Union territory administration to start work on construction of bunkers on fast track basis.
“At least 500 underground community bunkers stand sanctioned for various border villages in J&K which are vulnerable to the LoC shelling. Those villages include Churunda, Nambla, Dulanja in Uri sector, Keran and Tanghdar in Kupwara, Gurez sector in Bandipora, R S Pura, Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua which covers both LoC and International Border in Jammu region,” the sources revealed.
Officials in MHA confirmed the development stating the directions have been passed to the concerned agencies in J&K and work will soon start in the vulnerable areas on a fast track basis.
The development comes after J&K witnessed 1645 ceasefire violations this year, which is the record number of the past five years. Simultaneously, the border residents, especially those living close to the LoC in Uri, Keran and Tangdhar in Kashmir in Rajouri, Poonch and Kathua in Jammu have been strongly demanding that the community level bunkers be built given the intensified shelling between the two sides.
“There is fear everywhere in villages close to LoC.  At times it seems war has started.  Though the government has started setting up community bunkers but we demand that there should be bunkers for every household so that we could take refuge in them when shelling intensifies, ,” said Sulaiman Ahmed, a resident of Keran in Kupwara.
Abdur Rashid, a villager from Nambla, Uri said that recently two live shells landed in his compound. “It was after the army’s Bomb Disposal Squad defused them, we heaved a sigh of relief. I was giving water to the vegetables in my compound, when I found two shells, I right away informed the army. God forbid, if the shells would have exploded, there would have been a huge damage to my livestock and my family members too,” Rashid said, demanding that the situation seems to be going from bad to worse on LoC and no villager is safe. He said the government must construct underground bunkers as soon as possible for the safety of the local population.
“Armymen have their own way of protecting themselves. It is the locals, who are always caught up between the two sides,” said Rashid, who lost his brother in cross LoC shelling in early 1990s”.(KINS)

Precious Kashmir News
Sopore, June 24 : The Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday said that  it solved a case of grenade incident in Police-Post Putkha and arrested four over-ground-workers (OGW) of Lashkar-e-Toiba militant outfit in this regard.
Police have solved a militancy case pertaining to a grenade attack on Police-Post Putkha last month, by arresting four militant associates of Lashkar-e-Toiba outfit.
In a statement a police spokesman said , “On specific information regarding presence of LeT militants in general area Putkha Muqam/Chanpora Athoora , PC Sopore alongwith 52RR and CRPF launched multiple search operations simultaneously at different locations at Muqam Putkha and Chanpora Athoora and apprehended 4 LET militant associates.”
The arrested militant associates were identified as Irfan Ahmed Mir son of Mohammad Maqbool Mir resident of Putkha, Irfan Ahmed Khan son of Gulam Mohammad Khan of Putkha, Qaiser Rehman Khan son of Abdul Rehman Khan of Putkha and Suhail Ahmed Ganie son of Gulam Mohammad Ganie of Chanpora, Athoora.
The police statement said, “During their sustained interrogation all confessed to the grenade attack on Police Post Putkha on directions of LeT militants LT Fayaz Ahmed War @Umar and FT @Usman as a test for them to join militant ranks. Moreover all were in touch with militants through different social media applications.”
The police statement further said that all four have been arrested in grenade attack case FIR No 48/2020 U/S 307, 7/27 IPC , 16 ULAP Act P/S Tarzoo by Sopore Police and further investigation into case is going on the statement reads.

Srinagar, June 24: Combined forces on Wednesday launched cordon and search operation in five villages in South and North Kashmir.
Official sources told KNT that three villages Chek Cholan, Trenz and Sugan in south Kashmir’s Shopian district were brought under siege after the inputs about the presence of militants.

On 10 June, five local militants were killed on in Sugan area of Shopian district.
Sources added that soldiers from 44 Rashtriya Rifles and 178 Battalion CRPF conducted thorough searches, however, no contact with militants was established.

A search operation was also launched in Peerbal area of Yaripora Kulgam. Door to door searches were conducted while identity cards of people were also checked.

The search operation was launched by 13 RR and 45 Battalion CRPF at Sodnara village of Sumbal here in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district was called off after no contact with militants was established.

Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, June 24: Jammu and Kashmir Haj Committee has informed the Haj aspirants that their deposited amount would be refunded in their bank accounts without any deduction.

In a statement issued here, the Haj Committee said as the Saudi Arabia Government has decided not to allow international pilgrims during Haj 2020, followed by issuance of Circular by Haj Committee of India in this regard.

The statement informed Haj aspirants that the amount deposited by the selected Haj Pilgrims shall be refunded to them through Direct Transfer Mechanism without any deduction and shall be deposited in their Bank Accounts furnished by the concerned Pilgrim/Pilgrims at the time of submission of Haj Application Forms for Haj 2020.

“In case of any change in account number details, a Photostat copy of cancelled cheque / Bank Pass Book be sent through email to [email protected],” it said.

Besides, it added that International Passports deposited by the Pilgrims shall be returned to them as and when received from Haj Committee of India which shall be notified separately.

Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, June 24: In order to provide adequate financial support to different business communities to overcome business challenges due to the prevailing conditions, J&K Bank today launched two products titled ‘J&K Bank Business Support Loan Scheme 2019-20’ and ‘J&K Bank Business Support Loan Scheme 2019-20 for Hotels and Guest Houses’.

Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu unveiled the two schemes at the Raj Bhavan in the presence of BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; R K Chhibber, Chairman & Managing Director, J&K Bank; Bipul Pathak, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sunil Gupta and Arun Gupta-Executive Presidents, J&K Bank and other senior officers from the Government and the Bank.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that the UT Government’s priority remains on the revival of economy post COVID-19 while its focus continues on the overall development of the region.
The Lt Governor said the bank’s schemes are a timely financial intervention for businesses of the region especially hotels and guest-houses which are crucial for the sustenance and development of tourism sector and calling for collaborated efforts by all stakeholders in this direction.
Observing that J&K has a vast potential to be a major tourism destination which includes religious tourism as well, the Lt Governor added that the Government was making resolute efforts to tap the immense potential in this sector.

R K Chhibber, CMD, J&K Bank, while thanking the Lt Governor for his support and foresight, said “the purpose of tailoring J&K Bank Business Support Loan Scheme 2019-20 for businesses is to provide them much needed financial cushion so that they are able to meet the temporary mismatch in their cash flows caused by the business challenges during 2019 followed by COVID-19 pandemic, whereas in case of ‘J&K Bank Business Support Loan Scheme 2019-20 for Hotels and Guest Houses’, the aim is to support these units financially for meeting their expenditure towards salaries to staff and other recurring fixed costs.”

It was informed that the credit scheme titled “J&K Bank Business Support Loan 2019-20” has been engineered keeping SMA1 & SMA2 borrowers into consideration. The highlights include 10% enhancement in existing working capital limit in the form of a 3 year working capital term loan (which includes one year moratorium on principal), subject to an upper limit of Rs 5 cr for SMA2 and Rs 20 cr for other standard loans.

It was further informed that the other scheme, which has been designed keeping in consideration a sizeable portion of regional economy associated with the tourism sector, has been titled as “J&K Bank Business Support Loan 2019-20 for Hotels & Guest Houses”. All existing customers under this segment i.e. Government recognized/registered hotels and guest houses are eligible under this scheme including the SMA1 and SMA2 borrowers. The quantum of finance under this scheme has been linked with recurring fixed expenses for preceding 9 months of the COVID-19 pandemic with an upper cap of Rs. 2.00 cr. The scheme will also have an initial moratorium of 12 months on principal with a maximum allowed repayment period of 36 months.

In order to provide a much needed breather to the already stressed businesses, the bank has decided to waive of processing charges, foreclosure charges & margin requirement under both the schemes. Moreover, the finance under these schemes shall be available at a very competitive interest rate of only 8.80% per annum which has been linked with 3 year MCLR with a markup of only 50 bps. Both the schemes are valid up to October 31, 2020 and loans will be sanctioned and disbursed within the stipulated time frame.

Precious Kashmir News
JAMMU, JUNE 24: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today e-inaugurated Tele-radiology services under National Free Diagnostics Initiative of National Health Mission at identified Healthcare Facilities in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

While briefing about the newly inaugurated services, Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department informed that the Tele-radiology is a part of National Free Diagnostics Initiative; a comprehensive programme being run by National Health Mission, J&K under the aegis of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India.

In the first phase, 53 Health-care facilities including 06 District Hospitals have been identified to offer free X-ray services. Free Tele-radiology services at the identified facilities will be available 24×7×365. It was further informed that M/s Krsnaa Diagnostics Limited is the service provider for the project selected through competitive bidding. Patients will get reports within prescribed Turn-around-time (TAT) of 6 hours at the health-care facility while TAT of 1-2 hours is prescribed for critical/emergency patients.

The Lt Governor observed that the Tele-radiology services under the National Free Diagnostics Initiative would augment healthcare delivery substantially. This initiative would not only reduce the Out of Pocket expenses considerably, but it would also provide world class radiology services in the remote areas of the UT.

It would make a positive impact on healthcare delivery by providing accurate diagnosis without compromising quality, with use of high-end Technology & Equipment; improved Consultation and better management of patient care in Rural/Remote areas which will reduce referrals; quality services at affordable price, strengthening of Trauma/Emergency Care, round the clock availability of radio-diagnostics services, besides catering to the issue of shortage of Radiologists, he added.

Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor; BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner, Health and Medical Education Department; Bipul Pathak, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sh. Bhupinder Kumar, Mission Director, NHM J&K were present on the occasion.

Jammu, June 24: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today released four important e-publications relating to financial transactions in Jammu and Kashmir here at the Raj Bhavan.

Sh. Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department gave a detailed briefing about the publications which included Annual Compendium 2019; Delegation of Financial Powers; Grant of 7th CPC Allowances and the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 2019.

He informed that the Annual Compendium 2019 includes implementation of e-procurement policy, Procurement of Goods & Services through GeM and several other amendments relating to Codal formalities.

Delegation of Financial Powers comprises of delegations of financial powers for incurring of Contingent & Miscellaneous Expenditure with respect to Administrative Departments and various Officers; and delegation of Financial Powers to accord Administrative Approval, Technical Sanction and Sanction of Contracts.

Grant of 7th CPC Allowances incorporates grant of various allowances viz Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance & Subsidy, Grant of Special Allowance for Child Care for women with disabilities and Grant of incentives for acquiring fresh higher qualification.

The Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Leave Travel Concession) Rules, 2019 includes grant of Leave Travel Concession to Government employees and their families during visit within India.

The Lieutenant Governor enjoined upon all officers/officials to adhere to these instructions in the publications in letter and spirit for better financial administration and delivery of services so as to serve the people of J&K efficiently. Since there are several changes in financial administration after formation of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, these releases are of utmost importance and aim at instilling greater financial discipline in the UT, he added.

Meanwhile, Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department, on behalf of J&K Accounts Employees Association, presented a Demand Draft of Rs 66,000 to the Lt Governor as a contribution to J&K Relief Fund towards the efforts being undertaken to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Sh. Arun Kumar Mehta, Financial Commissioner, Finance Department; Bipul Pathak, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Mahesh Dass, Director General, Accounts and Treasuries and senior officers were present on the occasion.

New Delhi, June 23: India and China on Tuesday agreed to disengage from all friction points in Eastern Ladakh, including Galwan Valley while Army Chief Gen MM Naravane took stock of the security situation in Leh.

”There would be gradual de-escalation and the forces will move back (to) a particular distance in all areas of friction. This would be different for each location,” sources in the Defence establishment said.

Besides Galwan valley where the Indian and Chinese forces agreed to disengage are the areas of Hot Spring and Pangong Tso.

The level talks between India and China were held at Moldo in a cordial, positive and constructive atmosphere.

“There was a mutual consensus to disengage from all friction areas in Eastern Ladakh and the modalities for the same were discussed. It will be taken forward by both the sides”, said the Defence sources.

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Zhao Lijian also confirmed that Chinese and Indian military commanders held a second meeting on June 22, the first after the Galwan Valley region incident on June 15. The meeting shows that China and India are willing to resolve differences, handle the situation and de-escalate tension through dialogue and consultation, Mr Zhao said at a press briefing in Beijing.

“At the recent meeting, both sides exchanged frank and in-depth views on issues related to current border control. And both sides agreed to take necessary measures to ease the situation. The two sides also agreed to maintain communication and work together to promote peace in the area,” the Spokesperson added.

The military level talks between India and China at the Corps Commander-level ended on Monday, after almost 11 hours of marathon meeting, to resolve the border stand-off. The meeting began at 1130 hrs and ended at 2230 hrs.

During the meeting, India raised the issue of the violent face-offs in the Galwan Valley on June 15 that led to killing of 20 Indian soldiers and injuries to several others. Steps will be taken by both sides to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

From Indian side, Leh-based 14 Corps Commander Lieutenant General Harinder Singh attended the meet, while South Xinjiang Military District Commander Major General Lin Liu represented the Chinese side. The meeting was held at Moldo Border Personnel Meeting point on the Chinese side of the LAC.

This was the second meet at Lt Gen-level since border tensions erupted in May. The last meeting was held on June 6 at the same meeting point.

Senior officers in Leh briefed the Army chief on latest developments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and progress in military dialogue with China. According to sources, Gen Naravane interacted with the soldiers and also visited the injured Jawans in the hospital there.

This is Gen Naravane’s second visit, since the border stalemate between India and China and first after brutal face-offs between troops of India and China in the Galwan Valley.

New Delhi, Jun 23: Respecting international law, recognizing the legitimate interests of partners, supporting multilateralism and promoting common good are the only way of building a durable world order, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.
In his opening remark at Russia-India-China (RIC) virtual meet, the Minister said, “… international affairs must come to terms with contemporary reality. The United Nations began with 50 members; today it has 193. Surely, its decision making cannot continue to be in denial of this fact.”
This is the first interaction between the foreign ministers of three countries. With Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, it was second interaction. Last time, both had telephonic interaction on June 17 to defuse the border standoff in Eastern Ladakh.
India and China have been engaging in border row since early May in three areas of Ladakh region– Galwan Valley, Hot Springs and Pangong Tso.
“We, the RIC countries, have been active participants in shaping the global agenda. It is India’s hope that we will also now converge on the value of reformed multilateralism,” he said adding that the special meeting reiterated “our belief in the time-tested principles of international relations.
Dr Jaishankar also said that the challenge today is not just one of concepts and norms, but equally of their practice. “The leading voices of the world must be exemplars in every way.”
He also welcomed Russia for hosting a special RIC meeting of Foreign Ministers to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the conclusion of the Second World War, as well as the foundation of the United Nations. Stating that the victory over Nazism and Fascism was achieved through sacrifices, Jaishankar said, “India made a significant contribution with 2.3 million of its citizens under arms and 14 million more participating in war production. Indian blood was shed at the battlefields of the world, from Tobruk, El Alamein and Montecassino, to Singapore, Kohima and Borneo. We helped keep key supply lines open to both your countries, one through the Persian corridor and the other over the Himalayan hump. If Indian personnel were conferred the Order of the Red Star, the medical mission led by DrKotnis was a legend in China,” he added.
“So tomorrow, when our military contingent marches through the Red Square, it would be an affirmation of the difference that we made,” the Minister said. “When the victors met to fashion the ensuing global order, the political circumstances of that era did not give India due recognition. This historical injustice has stood uncorrected for the last 75 years, even as the world has changed,” Dr Jaishankar added.
On this momentous occasion, he called for the world to realize both the contributions that India made and the need to rectify the past.
Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is in Russia on a three-day visit during which he is likely to press the authorities in Moscow for the timely delivery of the S-400 missile defence systems.