Precious Kashmir

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08/02/2020

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.

Altaf Bukhari Terms Abolition Of J&K Cadre Arbitary

Front

Precious Kashmir

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08/02/2020

0

Altaf Bukhari Terms Abolition Of J&K Cadre Arbitary

SRINAGAR: Terming the decision of the abolition of the Jammu and Kashmir cadre of Civil Services as unwarranted and arbitrary, former finance minister of the Union Territory Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday demanded that the decision be rolled back in view of the promise to restore the statehood made by the Prime Minister on the floor of Parliament.

Bukhari also expressed strong reservations on doing away with five-year age relaxation granted to Jammu and Kashmir youth in the Civil Services examinations.

“The decision of abolition of J&K cadre and doing away with the five-year age relaxation are capricious and have come as a shocker to the people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially its aspirants for the Civil Services career,” Bukhari remarked.

The former finance minister observed that these decisions were confusing and make no sense because at the time of temporary conversion of J&K from State to Union Territory, the Central Government had assured that there will be no fiddling with the cadre.

“These decisions seem to have been taken without proper application of mind. Not only the sanctity of the caderisation of the Civil Services has been put to a question mark but the decision to abolish J&K cadre will be a strong factor for demotivation of the J&K youth who aspire to join the prestigious civil services in the country,” he opined.

Bukhari observed that the five-year age relaxation was granted by the Centre to J&K civil service aspirants because of topography, inclement climatic conditions and the hostile security scenario in the Kashmir Valley.

“However, the contenders from all the regions of Jammu and Kashmir were equally benefitted by this special provision of age relaxation. Doing away with this advantage has not only brought cynicism among them but has also disillusioned thousands of J&K students who have gone outside the state for coaching, thereby wasting their precious time and resources,” he added.

The former finance minister demanded immediate review of these decisions in the larger interest of the people of the Union territory, especially its huge number of qualified, unemployed youth.

“The status of Jammu and Kashmir may have changed from a State to Union territory, but unfortunately there is no marked change on the ground situation so far. These hostile decisions are bound to alienate our aspiring youth further,” Bukhari observed, while appealing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister to intervene into the matter and ask the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to revoke its decisions without any delay.

He said that the civil service aspirants of Jammu and Kashmir appear in the examination conducted through UPSC after facing tremendous hardships including inclement weather, intimidating security situation and frequent internet shutdowns. “Our youth have always braved all odds with a hope that they will get a chance to prove their mettle in the prestigious civil service examinations. That hope, trust and confidence of our students need to be restored by the leadership of our country,” he said. (KNT)

CORONAVIRUS PANIC: Masks Sell Like Hot Cakes In Kashmir

Front

Precious Kashmir

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08/02/2020

0

CORONAVIRUS PANIC: Masks Sell Like Hot Cakes In Kashmir

SRINAGAR: With the coronavirus scare gripping the world, panicky people in Kashmir valley are knocking on the doors of pharmacists seeking to buy masks to prevent being infected.

Though no positive cases of coronavirus infection have been seen in Jammu and Kashmir, chemists confirmed the surge in sale of masks.

It may be recalled that the guidelines issued by the Jammu Kashmir Health department in its advisories, mention the usage of handkerchiefs to maintain cough hygiene. As per media reports, in Singapore, which has reported three confirmed cases of coronavirus so far, the government has decided to issue four masks to every family.

Imtiyaz Ahmad, retailer of a local pharmacy store in uptown Bemina area of Srinagar, said the sale of masks in his shop has gone up due to the panic surrounding coronavirus. “Not everyone who buys a mask may be using it the right way. People are just buying masks and keeping them. This is panic buying, which was seen earlier during outbreak of swine flu,” he said.

He added that a month ago he was selling not more than 10-20 masks a day, and over the past three or four days, the number has crossed 100-150.

Masks are available from Rs 20 to Rs 100 a piece. Some people complained that the price has doubled for clinical masks. “What was sold at Rs 20 now costs for Rs 50 owing to shortage,” he said.

According to doctors, wearing a mask is only one of the precautions to prevent infections. “Importance should also be given to other preventive aspects like washing hands, keeping distance from an infected person and maintaining cough hygiene,” he said.

The swine flu scare that had gripped Kashmir some five years before had led to brisk sales of masks. However, this time in the case of coronavirus, doctors said the masks offer little protection.

“I have sold 300 masks in 10 days. This week I am planning to order a fresh consignment from outside. This year their demand is pretty higher,” said Peer Amjad, a pharmacist in Batmaloo.

He further said: “Mostly tuition going children, bikers, senior citizens and patients with bronchial and respiratory problems are buying them. With different medical advisories doing rounds on internet, the masks are selling out fast.”

China’s coronavirus outbreak, which began in December 2019, has reportedly now spread to 14 countries. The World Health Organisation (WHO), has also declared it public health emergency.

Doctors had stated that the threat cannot be ruled out in the valley because of tourist inflow in valley and also many of Indian students studying in China and their movement from China to India may bring the infection here. Chances cannot be ruled out that someone has already brought the infection to Indian state Kerala.

As per reports, the first confirmed case of novel coronavirus was found in Thrissur district of Kerala. The patient is a student studying in Wuhan University, China and had recently returned to India.

On Thursday Union Health Ministry confirmed that all 645 Indian evacuees from Wuhan China have tested negative.

As per report, health officials in China declared that 563 people had died from the virus, up from nearly 500 people the day before, and that 28,018 cases had been confirmed. On Monday, the number of confirmed cases was put at 20,438, meaning the number increased more than 35 percent in just a few days.

Sunshine Improves Day Temp In Valley, Fresh Spell Of Snow From Tuesday

Front

Precious Kashmir

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08/02/2020

0

Sunshine Improves Day Temp In Valley, Fresh Spell Of Snow From Tuesday

SRINAGAR: There was considerable improvement in the weather condition during the day as bright sunshine greeted people in the afternoon though ice cold winds continued in Kashmir valley, where fresh spell of snow would occur for two days next week.

Barring world famous ski resort of Gulmarg and health resort of Pahalgam, the night temperature improved across the valley and settled above normal.

Meanwhile, there was no respite from chilly weather conditions in Ladakh, where all water-bodies — including lakes and streams — remained frozen due to several degrees’ below freezing point temperature. The people in the newly created Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh are mostly dependent on hot water springs during winter. The border town of Drass was the coldest place in the region at minus 26.4 degree, followed by Kargil, where the mercury settled at minus 19.4 degree.

A Met department spokesperson told UNI that weather is expected to remain dry till February 11 in the valley, which could result in further improvement in the maximum temperature though mercury during the night would dip due to open skies.

However, he said a fresh Western Disturbance (WD), which originated from the Arabian Sea and is approaching the region though Afghanistan and Pakistan, will hit J&K on February 11. “Under the influence of this WD, light to moderate snow could occur at some places in J&K on February 11 and February 12,” he added.

After witnessing some improvement in the night temperature, people woke up to a chilly Friday morning in the summer capital, Srinagar. However, as the day progressed sun came out from behind the clouds, resulting in major improvement in the day temperature though ice cold winds continued. Against minus 3.2 degree recorded on Thursday, the mercury in Srinagar improved and settled at minus 2.7 degree, which is considered normal during this time of the year.

The spokesperson said the maximum temperature in the city was normal at 9.3 degree on Thursday while the mercury will remain around the same mark on Friday due to sunshine.

The night temperature at Pahalgam, which received fresh snowfall during the last 24 hours, dipped about 3 degree from Thursday and settled at minus 10.5 degree.

Gulmarg, about 55 km from here in north Kashmir, also witnessed a dipped in the night temperature, which settled at minus 10.2 degree, against minus 9 degree recorded on Thursday. “The weather witnessed improvement as sun came out from behind the clouds on Friday afternoon in Gulmarg, which is famous for its ski slopes and quality of snow. Tourists, including foreigners, were out on ski slopes enjoying different activities,” a hotelier said.

The mercury during the night at Qazigund, Kupwara in north Kashmir and tourist resort of Kokernag improved and settled at minus 2.2 degree, minus 4 degree and minus 2.1 degree, respectively.

PLVs Imparted Training To Facilitate Undertrial Prisoners

National

Precious Kashmir

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08/02/2020

0

PLVs Imparted Training To Facilitate Undertrial Prisoners

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has taken a unique initiative to provide free and speedy online access to the case status to undertrial prisoners.

To achieve this goal, the e-court staff of each district court has imparted training to the Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) engaged in the Legal Aid Clinics and also to the convicts identified by the jail authorities.

APLVs facilitate undertrial prisoners to get online information of their respective cases pending in different courts without waiting for physical visit of their kith and kin to the jail for knowing the status of their respective cases.

As many as 26 Para Legal Volunteers and 32 convicts from 12 districts and 14 jails/ sub-jails have been trained so far.

8 Drug Peddlers Arrested In Valley

Jammu & Kashmir

PK Web Desk

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08/02/2020

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SRINAGAR: In a series of steps against narcotic drugs across Kashmir valley, the police arrested eight drug peddlers and seized contraband substances from their possession on Friday.

In Srinagar, officers at a check point at New Bypass in the jurisdiction of Police Station Nowgam, Srinagar, intercepted a vehicle with three persons inside. The police recovered 300 gm of charas and 250 gm of opium husk from their possession.

In Budgam, the police recovered 380 gram of charas from a person identified as Gulzar Ahmad Shah, resident of Nagbal Khag.

In Awantipora, the police arrested three persons on charges of keeping contraband substances.

The police have requested people to come forward with any information on drug peddlers in their neighbourhood.

Iltija reveals how she communicated with her incarcerated mother

City

Precious Kashmir

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08/02/2020

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Iltija reveals how she communicated with her incarcerated mother

Srinagar: The people of Kashmir continue to be “deprived of fundamental rights and have suffered grave economic and psychological tribulations”, said Iltija Mufti, daughter of former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, describing in a long note, the last six months during which her mother has been in arrest.
“On a personal level, words escape me to describe the past six months since the reading down of Article 370 followed by my mother’s detention,” Iltija Mufti tweeted a post from Mehbooba Mufti’s account, just before she confirmed that her mother was charged under the Public Safety Act.
Ms Mufti and Omar Abdullah, also a former Chief Minister, were on Thursday charged under the Public Safety Act – a stringent law that allows detention without trial for up to three months and multiple extensions. The order came on the last day of their six-month detention without charges.
Iltija Mufti, who has been operating her mother’s Twitter handle since August last year, describes how she communicated with the People’s Democratic Party chief.
“I’ll never forget the week that she was arrested and jailed. I spent the next few days riddled with anxiety until I received a crumpled and tersely worded note, the first of many furtively exchanged letters. I found it in a tiffin box that contained home cooked food sent for her,” Iltija Mufti wrote.
According to Iltija Mufti, here is what Mehbooba Mufti, wrote to her in that tiffin box note: “They have taken an understanding that I won’t be using social media to communicate. In case someone else does it, he’ll be booked on charges of impersonation. Love you and miss you a lot.”
“Soon, the dilemma of dispatching a reply arose. My grandmother found an ingenious solution. The letter I wrote was folded into a tiny square and carefully sealed, rolled and locked inside the middle of a chapatti,” Iltija Mufti writes.
Mehbooba Mufti was earlier kept at Chashmashahi guest house and was shifted to a government quarter on MA Road in Srinagar in December after her daughter said she was suffering from the severe cold weather. (KNT)

Kashmiri youth death in Jaipur: Family, Relatives protest, demand action against culprits

Jammu & Kashmir

PK Web Desk

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08/02/2020

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Kashmiri youth death in Jaipur: Family, Relatives protest, demand action against culprits

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).

Lawaypora Shootout: Investigating injured youth’s family claims: Police

Jammu & Kashmir

Agencies

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08/02/2020

0

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

Jammu & Kashmir

PK Web Desk

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07/02/2020

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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.