Jammu and Kashmir

URI: Apni Party president Syed Mohd Altaf Bukhari has urged New Delhi to hold assembly polls immediately in Jammu and Kashmir, restore its statehood and let democracy flourish in this part of the country.

Addressing a large public rally at Boniyar in Uri on Thursday Bukhari said that the people of J&K should not be deprived of the rights that are available to the citizens in other parts of the country. He said Apni Party has been struggling for the restoration of statehood and holding of early assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir for several years.

Expressing his gratitude to the people for giving their support to Apni Party, Bukhari said, “It was due to the unconditional support from the masses that Apni Party has emerged as one of the most important political parties in the J&K within a short span of time.”

“Apni Party was launched post-August 5, 2019, and it was the time when there was absolute chaos in the entire Jammu and Kashmir due to the abrogation of Article 370 and the snatching of J&K’s statehood. At that time people were apprehensive about their future as they thought that J&K might lose its demography, and eventually, people here will lose their exclusive rights to land and employment opportunities. At that time thousands of youngsters were under detention and the whole J&K was closed. The traditional leaders were either in detention or they had chosen to keep mum in the newly emerged turbulent situation. But we choose to come forward and shouldered our responsibilities at that crucial time,” Bukhari asserted.

He said Apni Party leaders went to New Delhi to meet the Prime Minister and Home Minister to ensure no demographic change occurs in J&K. “We made the Centre to announce that there will be no demographic change in J&K and only J&K people will have right on the agricultural land and jobs. We did it despite the fact that some miscreants spread misinformation and criticized us harshly for meeting leaders in New Delhi,” he added.

Bukhari promised the people of Uri that when Apni Party will get a mandate to form a Govt, it will ensure that all the residents get economic dividends here. He said, “This place is full of natural resources, but I know that the local people have always been deprived of the dividends of these resources.”

Bukhari also demanded the release of jailed religious scholars Moulana Abdul Rashid Dawoodi and Mushtaq Ahmad Veeri. During rally many political activists from NC joined Apni Party.

The prominent party leaders who were present on this occasion included the party’s state convenor Haji Parvez, Constituency Incharge Uri Ch Mushtaq, Qazi Mohd Sheikh, Ch Rafiq Balote, Ms Shamshada Ji, Manzoor Ahmad Lone, Manzoor Ahmad Wani, Sajjad Sheikh, Nazir Ahmad Chechi, Mohd Miskeen, Nawaz Malik, Raja Maqbool and others.

GANDERBAL : The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Ganderbal today organised a legal awareness programme on the topic “NALSA (Legal Services to Victims of acid attack) Scheme, 2016, prevention of acid attack, rights of victims of acid attack and J&K Victim Compensation Scheme, 2019, at Block Training Centre, NRLM Ganderbal.

The programme was conducted under the supervision of Chairman DLSA Ganderbal, Ritesh Kumar Dubey and guidance of Secretary DLSA Ganderbal, Nusrat Ali Hakak.

Adv. Sheikh Mohammad Mustehseen, threw light on the topic and shared his valuable knowledge on the subject with the participants.

The gathering was provided with firsthand knowledge on the provisions of the NALSA scheme for Acid Attack Victims.

The Resource Person discussed all the provisions of the Scheme and explained them in a very lucid manner.  He said Education is critical in prevention of acid attacks and other forms of violence against women and girls. Prevention should start early in life, by educating and working with young boys and girls promoting respectful relationships and gender equality.

He added, the Constitution of India guarantees the right to life and liberty of every individual under Article 21. This has been interpreted to include the right to live with dignity and would encompass the right to live with dignity of all including victims of acid attacks.

He said, a victim or the dependent as the case may be, shall be eligible for grant of compensation under this scheme. However, the compensation received by them in the other schemes shall be taken into account while deciding the quantum of compensation.

The application and recommendations for compensation can be moved either before SLSA or the concerned DLSA or filed online on a portal which shall be created by all SLSAs.

Social Workers of Special cell for women, Ganderbal, also threw light on the topic and made participants aware about the role and functioning of Special cell for women, District Ganderbal.

The programme was attended by Legal Assistant DLSA Ganderbal, Programme Manager, NRLM Wakoora, PLVs of District Ganderbal, Aganwadi Workers, Members of Self Help Groups and local women.

GANDERBAL : To seek support and intervention in redressal of their grievances, a number of deputations today called on Chairperson, District Development Council (DDC) Ganderbal,  Nuzhat Ishfaq at her office here.

She heard the public grievances and received various memorandums relating to different developmental demands.

One of the deputations of shopkeepers from Nagbal submitted a representation to the Chairperson and demanded compensation and rehabilitation.

A deputation from Sub division Kangan urged the Chairperson to direct the concerned officials for upgradation and early completion of the roads under NABARD, PMGSY and R&B.

Similarly, deputations from Manigam, Yarmuqam and Anderwan raised different demands and issues for the development of their area.

The DDC Chairperson gave patient hearing to everyone and took up their problems with the concerned departments and also forwarded many of them on official pads.

She said the government is committed towards the mitigation of the sufferings of the people and many schemes have been launched for the social and economic upliftment of the women, youth, and weaker sections and down trodden.

Nuzhat Ishfaq said that the Council in coalition is working round the clock to ensure that the developmental activities and the benefits of the welfare schemes reach the deserving people.

Later, the DDC Chairperson along with ACR Ganderbal, Officers of SRTC, and ARTO Ganderbal visited Bus Adda Ganderbal.

At Bus Adda, the DDC Chairperson gave necessary instructions to the SRTC officials to operationalize the bus stand.

She also directed them to start bus service from Shairpathri, Wakura, CUK Tullamulla and other routes to Srinagar.

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir government has embarked upon multi-pronged strategies to increase number of bee colonies through cluster formation, encouraging bee-preneurship and bee-startups besides developing infrastructure for post harvest management, value addition and marketing.

Beekeeping or Apiculture has been one of the age old traditions in Jammu and Kashmir, which is now turning into a lucrative business  with governments’ progressive policies and initiatives.

The UT administration, through its Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) of SKUAST-J and SKUAST-K and Department of Agriculture, is imparting technical skills among the farmers. Besides, beehives are also being provided to the farmers on subsidy basis to promote beekeeping.

Through apiculture development schemes of current dispensation in the Union Territory, beekeepers are processing crude honey in government facilities for free. For standardization, small-time keepers are also being offered the service of honey testing and logo stamping for better returns in the market. These processing units are a one-stop-solution towards reducing the moisture of honey, filter and bottle it.

To increase their earnings manifold, new-age agri-preneurs are making value addition to honey by making products such as soaps, candles, cosmetics, Ayurvedic medicines, etcetera which are in high demand in the Indian market. As a result, consumers have been switching to non-toxic, organic products, free from health hazards, presenting a big opportunity for the youth to start a profitable venture in the sector.

Notably, Jammu and Kashmir government has launched a Rs 46.65 crore `Promotion of Beekeeping’ project to increase the annual honey production to 66100 quintal in the UT.

According to an official spokesperson, the population of bees will be enhanced by 333 percent under the `Promotion of beekeeping’ project which will give a big push to honey production in the region.

The current system of rearing is less productive with no mechanism for quality improvement.  So, strengthening and distribution of bee colonies through clusters, Self Help Groups and Farmer Producer Organizations are being focused upon. Besides, 1,43,000 new bee colonies will be set up which will bring the honey production to 66100 quintal.

The official added that advanced two apitherapy centers and GI labs will be established to increase the production of high quality honey. Besides, monitoring and traceability will be done through GI labs and 20 Custom Hiring centers (CHCs) will also be established for extending pollination facilities.

After implementation of the project, Jammu and Kashmir will have a full fledged center of excellence for constancy, capacity building and post-harvest management.

Under the project, the value addition of honey is also being envisioned coupled with efficient growth of bee sector using native honey bees.

“Generation of additional Rs 475 crore income by the sale of by-products has been targeted under the project. The value addition will be possible by harnessing the potential of by-products,” the official informed.

He added that 86 enterprises will be set up in the coming five years under the project. “The potential of apiculture has not been tapped fully in Jammu and Kashmir. So, under this project latest interventions are being brought to produce good quality honey in huge quantity to uplift our beekeepers,” said the  official

BARAMULLA : Education Department Baramulla today organised a two days training programme of Master Trainers and key Resource Persons on School Safety at Government Boys High School (GBHS) Baramulla.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar participated as chief guest at the valedictory function.

On the occasion, a variety of deliberations were held during which it was expressed that childrens are highly vulnerable to disaster impacts and climate change, especially those who are living in hazard prone environments and the need of the hour is to provide a safe environment for the children.

Dr Sehrish while speaking on the occasion presented a detailed account of School Safety and security guidelines and emphasised on co-creating the environment for ensuring safety and security of children in schools.

She stressed that School Safety is of paramount importance in a region like Jammu & Kashmir which is a high-risk Union Territory especially with regard to various natural calamities which impacts the education of children the most.

Addressing the gathering, the DC said that School Safety and School Security go hand in hand as an integral aspect of education sector planning. Therefore, Child Protection plays an important role in ensuring the safety and security of children, whether at home or in schools, she said adding that Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) devastates a victim for lifetime.

Meanwhile, the concerned Master Trainers and Key Resource Persons were also sensitized on accountability framework, whole school safety approach and multi sectoral linkages as enshrined in the comprehensive school safety guidelines of Govt. of India.

Later, the DC accompanied by Chief Education Officer Baramulla Balbir Singh Raina today inspected various examination centers in Baramulla to take stock of facilities and arrangements put in place for smooth and transparent conduct of 12th class examinations.

The DC directed the Magistrates and Superintendents to ensure better coordination for fair and smooth conduct of the examination in the district.

She also interacted with the aspirants and enquired from them about the facilities and arrangements and the aspirants expressed great satisfaction.

KUPWARA: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri today had a day long visit of Kupwara district during which he carried series of activities and reviewed developmental profile of the district with District administration.

On reaching here, the Divisional Commissioner, accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Dr. Doifode Sagar Dattatray inspected under execution Transit Accommodation at Kulangam.  He was informed that the Transit Accommodation comprises of 288 flats in 18 blocks, is progressing at a cost of Rs. 34.56 crore.
The Div Com gave instant directions to the executing agency (R&B) to make all facilities including boundary wall, power and water supply available and gave timeline of April 15 for its completion.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner briefed the Div Com about other issues related to the Accommodation.
Div Com also inspected ongoing Amrit Sarovar Waterfront at Helpal coming up at a cost of Rs.17 lakh and Amrit Sarovar Waterfront at Goose, costing Rs 15 lakh under Convergence.  The Div Com gave various suggestions to further upgrade the projects.  The DC briefed the Div Com about the prospects of the waterfront and informed that in coming days these will be the beautiful and attractive spots in Kupwara town.
The Div Com convened a meeting of district and sectoral officers at Administrative Complex Kupwara and reviewed the developmental profile of the district.
Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Dr.Doifode Sagar Dattatray, ADDC, Altaf Ahmad, ADC, Ghulam Nabi Bhat were present in the meeting.
The Divisional Commissioner directed the officers to play proactive role in resolving public issues at gross root level so that people do not face inconvenience.
On the occasion, Div Com said  “At the end of the day we are striving hard for the welfare of the people “ , adding that people should feel free to approach District Administration or Divisional Administration if there is any issue which needs attention of  higher authorities. He also directed for ensuring proper application of online services and directed the Deputy Commissioner to make periodical reviews of all online services.
The Deputy Commissioner Kupwara briefed the Divisional Commissioner about the developmental profile of the district including District CAPEX Budget, Centrally Sponsored Schemes, MGNREGA, Employment schemes including NRLM, PMEGP, JJM, ADF, ZIMADARI  project and  other welfare schemes.
The Div Com was informed that out of District CAPEX Budget of Rs. 1598 crore for 2022-23, Rs 432 crores have been released , of which Rs.317 crore , constituting 73% have been expended on the execution of various developmental works and welfare programmes during the current financial year so far.
During the meeting, the Div Com received detailed feedback of the developmental activities from the officers and gave instant directions   to them for further improvement in service delivery system.
Div Com said that Kupwara district is marching towards the development and prosperity as various mega projects are under execution in the district. He said there is need to showcase the district including its tourism potential, Handicrafts and developmental avenues for dairy sector in the district. He stressed the need to further upgrade the basic amenities of water supply, road connectivity, education and health sector.
He said the aim of his visit was to review the overall development scenario of the district and to redress the grievances of the public.
Later, the Divisional Commissioner along with Deputy Commissioner, Vice Chairman DDC, Haji Farooq Ahmad Mir and BDC Chairperson, Mohammad Rafiq Kataria visited Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Kuligam. The Div Com was informed that 96 female students are residing in the Vidyalaya in 3 classes. He was also informed that the school was facelifted under Zimadari project like  all other 1500 schools of the district.
The Divisional Commissioner appreciated the Deputy Commissioner Kupwara for putting best efforts in giving paradigm shift in the education sector in the district.
The Div Com also visited Khurhama and inspected the site for health facility.  On the occasion, he interacted with the PRIs and local people headed by Vice Chairman DDC.
On the occasion Div Com  said that nature has bestowed Lolab valley with scenic beauty and need of the hour is to augment the basic infrastructure which will help in boosting the tourism potential. He said new trekking routes are being explored in Lolab valley and in coming time, Kupwara district including Lolab valley will be the best tourist destination.
Later, the Div Com visited 28 RR camp at Rednag and Gujjarpati Sogam.

Srinagar : Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday ordered for attachment of Additional Superintendent of Police Bandipora with immediate effect.

“In the interest of administration, Shri Ashiq Hussain Tak, Addl. Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, is hereby attached with the Police Headquarters, J&K, with immediate effect”.

Notably, the fresh attachment comes hours later after another cop, of DySP rank, was attached over ‘some allegations of professional misconduct’ against him. (GNS)

Srinagar : At least two houses were damaged after a massive fire broke out in the Kalwal Mohalla Rainawari area of central Kashmir’s Srinagar district on Thursday, officials said.

They told GNS that the fire broke out in one house and soon after spread to another house in proximity, causing damage to the roofs and upper parts of both houses.

Soon after the news broke, the men from F&ES rushed to the spot. Despite the tightly packed and congested area, the fire was eventually brought under control. “The men are doing their job, and the fire will be contained down within some time,” an F&ES official added.

The cause of the fire and the identification of the house owners affected were not known – at the time of filing this report. (GNS)

Budgam : A man died after Scuffle broke out between two persons over some argument in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, reports and officials said.

Reports reaching said that an argument ensued between two people over some dispute at Kuzweera Budgam, which soon after turned ugly and one of the party attacked the other leaving him grievously injured.

Before the injured could be evacuated to a nearby hospital, he succumbed in the meanwhile.

The deceased has been identified as one Kaisar Yousaf Zargar son of Mohammad Yousuf Zargar.

A senior police officer confirming the incident told GNS that a team has been dispatched to the scene to verify the facts. (GNS)

Budgam: A man allegedly killed his brother after a scuffle broke between the two over some argument in central Kashmir’s Budgam district, reports and officials said.

Reports reaching said that an argument ensued between two brothers over some dispute at Kuzweera Budgam, which soon after turned ugly and one of the party attacked the other leaving him grievously injured.

Before the injured could be evacuated to a nearby hospital, he succumbed in the meanwhile.

The deceased has been injured as one Kaisar Yousaf Zargar son of Mohammad Yousuf Zargar.

A senior police officer confirming the incident told GNS that a team has been dispatched to the scene to verify the facts. (GNS)