SSP Kupwara says Mumbai youth involved in act has been arrested
Kupwara: Scores of people on Friday staged a protest at Kunan Poshpora in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district against the killing of a local teenage boy in Jaipur this morning.
An eyewitness said that scores of locals including the family members and relatives carried out a protest march while raising slogans against those involved in the killing of their beloved and demanded justice.
The slain local youth has been identified as Basit Ahmad Khan, son of Late Khursheed Ahmad Khan.
Relatives of the slain teenager told KNO that, on Wednesday they were intimated by the guys accompanying him in Jaipur that some miscreants overpowered their beloved and thrashed him mercilessly.
“Our son was working as waiter in Jaipur Rajasthan,” they said, adding that soon after being beaten up to the pulp, their son was rushed to the hospital in critical condition for treatment where he has succumbed to his injuries.
Furthermore, the protesting relatives said that this morning they received the information about his death in this morning.
Slain teenager according to relatives was the lone bread of his family, a relative told KNO, adding that Basit is survived by his mother, four sisters and a younger brother.
The slain youth’s father who was serving in Indian Army died in the year 2012.
Meanwhile, protests demanded the body be brought back to home and stern action against the people involved in the act.
Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Kupwara Shriram Ambarkar told KNO that they communicated with the local police there and they informed that a youth involved in the act has been arrested.
“The two youth including the slain as per local police had scuffle over some issue during which Basit has sustained serious wounds following which he has died,” SSP Kupwara said.
The involved youth has been arrested under sections 307 (attempt to murder), 341 (wrongful restraint) and 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the IPC. He is said to be a resident of somewhere in Mumbai, Ambarkar told KNO.
Ambarkar said that the body of slain is being brought back, adding that it’s already on way. He said that an FIR copy in this regard is also lying with district Kupwara police. The officials in Jaipur have identified the accused involved in the act as Aditya (22).
Kashmiri youth death in Jaipur: Family, Relatives protest, demand action against culprits
Lawaypora Shootout: Investigating injured youth’s family claims: Police
I am going to meet him today, will bring truth to fore: SSP Srinagar
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir police on Friday said that it will investigate thoroughly whether the third youth who received injuries at Lawaypora shootout was a civilian or had joined militancy.
Umar Fayaz, 25, a resident of Lawaypora area of Srinagar outskirts, received a serious bullet injuries on February 5 when two militants, one from Lashkar-e-Toiba and another from Hizbul Mujahedeen were killed. A bullet pierced through his chest damaging his vital organs. He has been battling for his life at SMHS hospital Srinagar.
Talking to Srinagar based news agency on the sidelines of press conference here, SSP Srinagar Dr Haseeb Mughal said that he is going to meet personally the injured Umar Fayaz. “So far two cases related to law and order are registered against him in police station Safa Kadal. We have taken note of reports and his family’s claims that Umar Fayaz was at his shop,” he said.
The SSP said that since Umar Fayaz was not in a position to speak in the past two days given his injuries and now that he has recovered a bit, police will ask him a few questions that will help in “our investigations to find out whether his family’s claims were true.”
“See we have nothing to hide. Whatever the facts would be, we will bring truth to fore,” the SSP said, adding that all angles will be investigated and CCTV footage will also be checked to see where Umar Fayaz was actually when the incident happened and how a bullet hit him.
Asked about the scooty, on which three persons travelled as claimed by the Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbagh Singh during a press conference on February 5, the SSP said that reports say that the two-wheeler was taken away by some people. “We are investigating that angle too,” he said.
On February 5, two militants Zia-ur Rehman of Bijbhera and Khateebul Das of Arth, Budgam were killed in the shootout while third person Umar Fayaz had sustained grave injuries. The DGP, however, had claimed that Fayaz was associated with Islamic State J&K. Umar Fayaz’s family had strongly refuted police claim stating that he was sitting at his father’s shop when a bullet hit his chest.
Several deputations call on Lt Governor
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu, while meeting several deputations at SKICC Srinagar here today, said that Government is taking several steps for weaker sections, economic development, enabling atmosphere for employment creation, economic development, tribal and community welfare.
Deputations of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry, J&K Gujjar and Bakkerwal Association, Kashmir Economic Alliance, Transporters Welfare Association, Dal Dwellers Association, Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Association, Employees Associations, J&K Wokers Party, PHD Chamber of Commerce, Youth groups and several organizations called on the Lt Governor and projected their demands and issues.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor said that community involvement in rehabilitation and planning is the hallmark of Dal dwellers rehabilitation process and Government is sensitive to the needs of their livelihood and economic development, for which effective steps have been finalized. On being informed about the issues of the transport organizations, he asked the concerned authorities for coming up with concrete proposals to resolve their issues.
The Lt Governor said that Forests Rights Act will be extended to Jammu and Kashmir to empower the forest dwelling tribal communities. Emphasizing the need of efforts for tribal development, he said that number of scholarships for students has undergone a massive rise and 100 new hostels are being established. The deputation of Gujjar and Bakerwal association also projected the demand for a Gujjar Regiment, reservation issues and recruitment.
The Lt Governor further stated that steps are being taken for strengthening grassroots level democratic institutions and they have been provided a vital role to play in developmental process as well. He informed that 15000 bunkers will be constructed in border villages affected due to cross-border shelling.
Emphasizing the need for constructive engagement of youth in Kashmir, the Lt Governor said that sports infrastructure would be strengthened at Panahcyat level and indoor stadiums are being provided in every district. He asked the NGOs to play their role in soft-skills, public communication and awareness
The Lt Governor also listened to the demands related to road safety and said that road engineering would be modernized and steps would be taken for establishment of Emergency Trauma Centers along the highways. He also discussed about the steps being initiated by the Government for economic revival, schemes for business community, trade, commerce and supply chain. KCCI thanked the Lt Governor for several proactive steps initiated for economic revival in the state.
Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor, Farooq Khan; Chief Secretary, BVR Subrahmanyam; Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Dheeraj Gupta; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Baseer Ahmed Khan; Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary were also present on the occasion.
NC condemns slapping of PSA on Omar, others; seeks review of decision, unconditional release of detained leaders
Srinagar: National Conference today expressed deep anguish and concern over slapping of Public Safety Act on two former chief ministers including Omar Abdullah and other mainstream leaders, describing it as most disturbing, unfortunate and highly condemnable.
In a statement issued to KNS here, senior leaders said the stringent measure against the senior party leadership is shocking especially in view of its huge contribution in ensuring peace and harmony, braving numerous odds. They recalled the fervent appeal made by Mr Omar Abdullah minutes before his detention on August 4, 2019 midnight, urging people to maintain peace and calm at all costs for larger interest of the people. “How could leaders with such a vision and statesmanship be threat to peace, who have remained in the forefront to promote harmony and brotherhood”, the statement asked, terming the latest move as imposition of PSA on the entire mainstream political ideology of Jammu and Kashmir.
Referring to the slapping of PSA on Dr Farooq Abdullah earlier and its another three month extension, the National Conference leaders said the continued detention of a five time former Chief Minister and Union Minister is sad and unfortunate, especially in view of his immense contribution towards nation building and sustaining peace, amity, harmony, democracy, progress and development of Jammu and Kashmir during most testing times. This is to undermine his huge contribution in nation building belittling his internationally acclaimed political stature. It recalled the observations of Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee as leader of the Indian delegation in the UN, describing Dr Abdullah as a towering patriot, as also his immense affection for Mr Omar Abdullah and said the harsh move made last evening is biggest setback to democratic polity apart from downplaying the contribution of towering leaders who stood tall in most turbulent situations.
They said the detained party stalwarts are representing democratic ethos and its values sustained by National Conference over decades by weathering storms during turbulent situations. They also referred to the cherished political philosophy of the party and said it led J&K to reject the two-nation theory of Mohammed Ali Jinnah and tie its destiny with secular, democratic India.
The statement urged the Centre to review the decision of stringent PSA on mainstream leaders and released all those detained unconditionally.
Besides Provincial President Devender Singh Rana, those who were present in the meeting included Ajay Kumar Sadhotra,Surjeet Singh Salathia, Rattan Lal Gupta, Syed Mushtaq Ahmed Bukhari, Sheikh Bashir Ahmed, Rachpal Singh, Th. Kashmira Singh, Khalid Najeeb Suharwardy, Abdul Gani Malik, Javeed Rana, Babu Rampal, Sajjad Ahmed Kichloo, Jagjeevan Lal, Qazi Jalal Ud Din, Sheikh Abdul Rahman, Dr. Chamanl Lal Bhagat, T.S Wazir, Ajaz Jan, Haji Mohd Hussain, Bimla Luthra, Satwant Kour Dogra, Prem Sagar Aziz, Brij Mohan Sharma, Bushan Lal Bhat, Ch. Rahim Daad, Master Noor Hussain, Deepender Kour, Vijay Lochan, , Abdul Gani Teli, Jugal Mahajan, Ch. Haroon, Mohinder Singh, Anil Dhar, Bashir Ahmed Wani, Gurdeep Singh Sasan, Vipan Pal Sharma, Ch. Liaquat Ali, Dr. Kamal Arora, Dr. Gagan Bhagat, Ch. Mohammad Shafi, Vijay Laxami Dutta, Swaran Latta, Dharamveer Singh Jamwal, Pardeep Bali, Reeta Gupta, Tanveer Ahmed Kichloo, Sajjad Shaheen, Tarshem Khullar, Ch. Nazir Hussain, Ch. Wali Daad, Ch. Arshad, Rajesh Bakashi, Subash Chander Sharma, S.S Bunty, G.H Malik, Israr Khan, S. Sucha Singh, Ashok Singh Manhas, Nar Singh, Rashida Begum, Daljeet Sharma, Iftkhair Choudhary and Som Raj Taroch. (KNS).
Rohit Kansal, Manzoor Lone take stock of public grievances at Srinagar
SRINAGAR: Principal Secretary, Planning, Development and Monitoring, Hospitality and Protocol, Estates, Civil Aviation and Information Department, Rohit Kansal and Secretary Agriculture Production and Horticulture Department, Manzoor Ahmad Lone today took stock of people’s grievances during a day-long public grievance camp held here.
During the programme, a large number of deputations and individuals from various parts of Kashmir valley met the Administrative Secretaries and highlighted their issues. During the camp several service matter cases were also taken up. The deputations sought early redressal from the Government.
A deputation of casual labours from Department of Estates and engineers serving in various Departments sought regularization of their services and timely promotions in their services.
The Administrative Secretaries assured the deputations that their cases would be examined sympathetically and all possible measures would be taken.
A deputation from Frisal, Yaripora, Kulgam demanded setting up offices of Animal Husbandry, ZEO, Fire Services in the area. They also sought regular visits of Agriculture Department to the fields and compensation of damaged crops.
A deputation of local editors also met the Administrative Secretaries and sought early redressal of their issues.
Several deputations of Horticulture graduates sought relaxation in recruitment rules in selections by the Horticulture Department. A deputation of casual labourers of Sericulture Department sought regularization of their services. A deputation of selected pharmacists sought early issuance of appointment orders by the Health Department.
Deputations of contractors of Rural Development Department of Pahalgam area and sub-contractors of Rambagh fly over sought release of their pending payments.
In a separate meeting with Chief Engineer, (Project Beacon), Brig. Ravi Navet, Principal Secretary, Rohit Kansal discussed the pace of several key road projects particularly widening of Srinagar-Pattan-Baramulla national highway and repairs of Jawahar Tunnel besides other mega road projects coming up in Jammu & Kashmir.
Rohit Kansal said that Government was taking all measures for strengthening the infrastructural edifice besides ensuring better basic needs to people of Jammu and Kashmir. He assured the people that government is endeavouring hard to solve all development related issues of every area.
Various individuals also highlighted their issues including compensation, subsidy under several centrally sponsored schemes in Agriculture and Horticulture departments.
Administrative Secretaries assured the deputations and individuals that all their issues would be looked into for redressal.
Director Agriculture, Director Horticulture, among other senior officers of Estates and Information Departments were present during day-long public hearing camp.
Deputations, Individuals meet Administrative Secretaries; projects development issues
JAMMU7: Principal Secretary Home Department, Shaleen Kabra and Commissioner Secretary Labour and Employment Department, Saurabh Bhagat took stock of people’s grievances in a public hearing convened here today.
During the programme, more than 42 deputations from different places of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir met the Administrative Secretaries and projected development related issues concerning their respective areas.
A deputation from Sanasar Welfare and Development Groups Ramban demanded traffic regulation on Nathatop road in winter season especially during snowfall.
A deputation of Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh Parade Jammu demanded issuance of fresh SRO regarding extension of central rates of minimum wages in Jammu and Kashmir at the earliest.
A deputation from Doda demanded opening of a branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank at village Malhota in Chiralla block and informed that in the entire block there is no bank facility due to which the public has to face numerous hardships.
A deputation led by Chairman Federation of Industries Jammu, Rattan Dogra demanded release of funds due to the Industrial Labour under ESI cover. It was informed that in spite of timely payment of ESI premium by both the Employers and Employees, the expenses incurred by the workers (duly authorized by the ESI Doctors) under the ESI scheme are not being reimbursed for quite some time.
Similarly, deputations of unemployed youths from Kathua district demanded release of selection list of SPOs. Besides, a deputation from the Citizen’s Co-operative Bank Officers Association highlighted their service related issues before the Administrative Secretaries.
Meanwhile, a large number of individuals also put forth their demands during the public hearing.
The Administrative Secretaries assured the deputations and individuals that all issues projected by them would be looked into for an early redressal. They also gave on the spot directions to the concerned authorities for initiating necessary action on these public grievances for timely solution.
On the occasion, the Administrative Secretaries stressed upon the people to avail maximum benefit from government schemes tailored for raising their socio-economic standards. They emphasized upon the educated unemployed youth to set up their own ventures with the help of various schemes offering subsidy instead of hankering after white collar jobs.
Chairman, Service Selection Board, Bashir Ahmed Dar, Additional Secretary GAD Sohail Noor Shah, Additional Secretary GAD Charan Deep Singh, Deputy Labour Commissioner Central, Abdul Sattar besides other senior officers of concerned departments were present in the public hearing.
Commissioner SMC interacts with officials
SRINAGAR: Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Gazanfar Ali today chaired a meeting of SMC Officials to take first hand appraisal of the works of the corporation.
The meeting was attended by senior officers of the corporation including ward officers.
During the course of meeting Commissioner was briefed about the functions of SMC including granting of building permissions, issuance of birth and death certificates and other works.
On the occasion, Commissioner SMC, directed the officers to provide hassle free services to the public in a time bound and transparent manner. He directed the officers to issue building permissions within the stipulated time frames.
Regarding sanitation, he directed officials to improvise and upgrade overall Sanitation in the city and repair the street lights where ever required.
Later, the officials of the corporation informed him about various issues being faced by the employees and sought his intervention in this regard. The Commissioner assured them that their issues will be addressed on priority.
Mission Development: JKIDFC provides massive push to infra development in JK
JAMMU: In 2018, the Government of J&K came up with a creative idea of establishing a company named Jammu &Kashmir Infrastructure Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC) Limited to tide over the infrastructural deficiencies in the erstwhile state of J&K. The Company was envisaged to fund the unfunded or long pending languishing projects. Each of the department furnished the details of all the significant yet pending projects to the Finance department for funding through this Corporation. The initiative of setting up the JKIDFC has also been noted as a best practice by the NITI Aayog.
The Corporation is working with a vision to provide an innovative solution for funding the infrastructure needs of Jammu and Kashmir.
By law, this Corporation was authorised to raise loans from financial institutions including state/nationalised banks for completion of unfunded/languishing infrastructure projects in J&K. The corporation was authorised to raise a loan of Rs 8000 crore in the most economical manner through a competitive and transparent process. It was also mandated to finance any new infrastructure projects, which are a priority as far as their public utility is concerned.
The company is being manned by the Board of Directors chosen from the senior officers of the administration headed by Financial Commissioner, Finance, also Chairman & Managing Director of this Corporation.
The sole purpose behind bringing this Corporation into existence by Finance Department is to provide an innovative solution for funding the infrastructure needs of J&K.A ‘High Powered Committee’ (HPC) has been constituted by the Government which conducts regular meetings to take decisions regarding the business to be transacted by JKIDFC.
Till date, nine such meetings have been conducted by the committee under its chairman designate. The HPC has the power to approve, sanction, modify and substitute any of the projects being funded under JKIDFC. Besides this, it also authorises, monitors and regulates the projects taken up under this ‘languishing projects’ programme.
The Government has deputed a dedicated team of officers/officials exclusively to carry out day to day affairs of this company. They include the Executive Director, Director Finance, General Manager and many other IT professionals and ministerial staff, who work behind the scene to make the Corporation a thriving enterprise.
The job of this team is to track each project financed under JKIDFC and update its status on the portal on real time basis. Photographs of the ongoing works along with the percentage of completion are given against each of the sponsored projects. Besides, they process the payment requests against the works and also carry out field visits to assess the progress and quality of works being executed on ground.
Recently, the Board of Directors (BoDs) also empowered a committee comprising of the Executive Director, Director Finance and General Manager of JKIDFC to authorise payments for approved languishing projects. This was done to ensure avoiding any sort of delay on account of release of timely payments to projects being executed by the funds provided by JKIDFC.
Some 2274 languishing projects worth Rs 5883 crore have been financed under JKIDFC by J&K government to fast track their completion. These include 817 projects worth Rs 1719.50 crore of PHE Department,593 projects of Public Works Department worth (Rs 1311.37crore), 169 of PDD (Rs 302.91 crore), 102 of Health (Rs290.75 crore), 76 of I&FC (Rs 188.77 crore), 67 of H&UDD(Rs 355.06 crore), 113 of School Education(Rs83.63 crore), 92 of Industries(Rs 717.29 crore), 100 of Youth Services (Rs420.57 crore), 11 of Tourism (Rs 105.05 crore), 31 of Higher Education (Rs151.57 crore), 8 of Agriculture (Rs23.57 crore), 44 of Animal Husbandry (Rs7.01 crore), 7 of Horticulture(Rs 30.35 crore), 20 of Technical Education (Rs15.80crore), 5 of Estates (Rs 97.97 crore) and few vital projects of many other departments.
It is targeted that 1256 projects worth Rs2219.16crorewill be completed by the end of this financial year. Among them, 422 projects (Rs 626.34 crore) are to be completed by PHE department, 180 (Rs201.31crore) by R&B department, 167 (Rs 299.80 crore) by PDD, 76 (Rs 188.77 crore) by I&FC department, 98(Rs 67.83crore) by School Education, 88 (Rs142.67 crore) by Youth Services& Sports, 50 (Rs 70.72 crore) by H&ME, 48 each by Housing (Rs153.01 crore) and Industries Departments (Rs 314.97 crore) shall be dedicated to public by March 2020. Expenditure of aroundRs479.04croreshas already been made by the Departments executing such projects.
First time projects worth cost of more than Rs 400 crores are under execution under JKIDFC for upgrading the sports infrastructure across J&K. It includes development of a number of new sports stadiums in the rural areas of J&K. The department of Youth Services is augmenting sports infrastructure across length and breadth of J&K incurring the cost of Rs 202.28 crores. Besides these, it is also completing some important sports infrastructure projects like recently inaugurated Maulana Azad Stadium, Jammu, Bakshi Stadium Srinagar, TRC ground Srinagar and Gani Kashmiri Memorial Sports Stadium Srinagar at a cost of Rs 70.12 crores.
Some of the mega languishing infrastructure development projects approved by JKIDFC are Comprehensive Sewerage Scheme, Jammu (Rs108.16 crore), Comprehensive Sewerage Scheme, Srinagar (Rs154.69 crore), EDI Campus Bari-Brahmana, Jammu (Rs50.74 crore), Jambu Zoo (Rs 49.17 crores), Women Entrepreneurship Development Centre, Jammu (Rs32.24 crore), Industrial Estate at Kathua (Rs81.15 crore),BPOs across J&K (Rs60 crore), and Drilling of Hand pumps across Kashmir region (Rs33.50 crore).
It is pertinent to mention here that most of the projects funded by JKIDFC include creating public utilities like roads, bridges, water supply schemes, sports facilities, educational institutions and industrial estates. All of these projects are believed to be of high public importance and once completed would create immense changes on the developmental landscape of J&K besides easing the day to day lives of general public to a large extent.
LG Chairs Security Review Meeting
Srinagar: Lieutenant Governor J&K Shri Girish Chander Murmu today chaired a joint security review meeting in Srinagar in which he took a detailed review of existing security arrangements in valley.
The meeting was attended by Advisor R.R Bhatnagar, Advisor Farooq Ahmad Khan, Chief Secretary J&K BVR Subrahmanyam, Corps Commander 15 Corps KJS Dhillon, DGP J&K Shri Dilbag Singh-IPS, ADGP CID Dr. B. Srinivas-IPS, ADGP Security Shri Muneer Ahmad Khan-IPS, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Shri Baseer Ahmad Khan-IAS, ADGP CRPF Shri Zulfiqar Hassan-IPS, IGP Kashmir Shri Vijay Kumar-IPS and IG BSF.
IGP Kashmir made a detailed presentation about the security scenario of Kashmir Valley focussing on the security measures initiated for ensuring peace and stability in the valley. He briefed the chair about the various successful anti terrorism operation carried out jointly by the police and security forces in which several top terrorist commanders have been killed recently.
He also briefed about the various other security measures that have been taken in order to strengthen the security grid of the valley including the strengthening of check points at the sensitive locations across valley.
IGP Kashmir also briefed about the various initiatives taken for enhancing the synergy and coordination among various forces operating at the ground level. He presented an overview of the steps initiated by the security forces in valley to counter the challenges faced at the ground level.
Earlier DGP Kashmir also briefed about the role of JK Police in maintaining the stability and peace in JK.
Lt Governor Shri GC Murmu applauded the efforts of security forces particularly JK Police in maintaining peace and stability in Jammu & Kashmir despite challenges. He appreciated that JK Police has rendered countless sacrifices for ensuring peace in the valley and exhorted upon the officers to ensure that the criminal elements are kept under check so as to inhibit the crimes and unlawful activities existing in the society. He emphasized on strengthening the coordination among the forces so as to ensure crime free society.
J&K Enjoying Life Post Art. 370: PM
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday reiterated that the situation in J&K has improved dramatically after abrogation of Article 370 and formation of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking in support of the Presidents’ speech during the Motion of Thanks in Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister refuted the opposition members’ contention that the decision on Article 370 had been rushed through without a discussion.
During his speech in the Rajya Sabha, the Prime Minister reminded the members of the way in which Telangana formation Bill was hurriedly pushed through in Parliament during the UPA regime in 2014.
“Nobody can forget when Telangana was formed, the country has seen how doors were closed and TV cameras were shut.”
He contrasted Telangana’s formation during UPA tenure with NDA’s smooth handling of formation of three states — Uttarakhand, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh — during Vajpayee-led NDA government rule.
Clarifying that the decisions on Jammu and Kashmir had been taken only after extensive discussions in Parliament, the Prime Minister said that immediately after Article 370 was revoked, the underprivileged people in the new Union Territory could avail the benefits of reservation.
