All Opposition Leaders Will Be In Jail If BJP Wins Lok Sabha Polls: Kejriwal

New Delhi, May 11: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that all opposition leaders, including his West Bengal counterpart Mamata Banerjee, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray and RJD leader Tejashvi Yadav, will be in jail if the BJP wins the Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing his party workers at the AAP headquarters here, Kejriwal asserted the BJP will not return to power and said the INDIA bloc will form the government on June 4.

“In last 20 hours after release from jail, I talked to poll experts and people and got to know the BJP is not going to form the government,” said Kejriwal.
“The AAP will be part of the government at the Centre. We will get full statehood for Delhi,” he added.

Kejriwal charged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is asking for votes for Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

“These people ask INDIA bloc about their face. I ask BJP who will be their PM? Modi ji is turning 75 on September 17 next year. He had made the rule that people aged 75 will be retired. They retired LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Sumitra Mahajan,” said Kejriwal.

“He will retire next year. He is seeking votes for making Amit Shah the prime minister. Will Shah fulfill Modiji”s guarantee?” he asked.

Kejriwal also claimed that if the BJP comes to power, the party will change Uttar Pradesh chief minister within two months.

While Kejriwal was in jail, the BJP had demanded his resignation.

Talking about why he did not resign, he said, “The chief minister’s post is not important for me. I did not step down as the chief minister because a conspiracy was hatched to force me to resign on a fake case.”

Kejriwal in a scathing attack on the BJP said all “thieves and dacoits” are inducted by the party.
“If the prime minister wants to learn about fighting corruption, he should learn from Arvind Kejriwal. We sent corrupt to jail and even our own ministers,” he added.

The chief minister also alleged that the “prime minister has left no stone unturned to crush the AAP by sending its four top leaders to jail”. (AGENCIES)

Court discharges 3 Srinagar youths of ‘attempt to murder” charges

Srinagar, May 11 (GNS): A court here has discharged three youths from Srinagar for charges of “attempt to murder”, rioting and unlawful assembly in connection with a case registered against them in 2016.

However, the Court of Ist Additional Sessions Judge Srinagar has found prima facie material to put the trio to trial for offences of rash and negligent act as well as assault or criminal force to deter public servant from discharging of his duty.

The court passed the orders after considering the submissions of prosecution and the defence counsels—Adv Qazi Mohammad Athar representing the accused namely Shabir Ahmad and Burhan and Adv Mustahsun Mattu for Peer Aqib.

The trio had been chargesheeted for these offences in case (FIR No 126/2016) of Police Station Rainwari registered in 2016.

The prosecution had argued that while framing charge the court has not to conduct a roving enquiry and scan the evidence for totality as is done at the final stage. The prosecution submitted that only ground of suspicion for commission of alleged offence on part of the accused persons is sufficient to frame charge. On the other hand, the defence counsels submitted that ingredients of Section 307 RPC (attempt to murder and Sections 148 & 149 RPC were not made out against the trio as such they were required to be discharged.

“In these circumstances, I am of the considered view that the offence u/s 148, 149 & 307 RPC are not made out against the accused persons hence, they are discharged for the commission of offence under Section 148, 149 & 307 RPC,” the court said while referring to the judgment reported in AIR (1996) 9 SCC 766. The court also observed that from the material on record the offence u/s 336, 353 RPC are only prima facie made out against the accused persons. (GNS)

Amid forecast for widespread rain, night temp drops in J&K

Srinagar, May 11 (GNS): Amid forecast for widespread light to moderate rain till May 12, night temperature recorded drop in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain in plains and snow over higher reaches is expected at many places along with thunder/lightning/gusty winds at few places during next 24 hours.

On May 12, he said, generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain and snow (higher reaches) is expected at most places with thunder/lightning/gusty winds at few places.

On May 13, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with light rain at a few places.

Generally dry weather is expected from May 14-17, he added.

Regarding temperature, the MeT official told GNS that Srinagar recorded a low of 11.2°C against 13.8°C on the previous night and it was 0.3°C above normal for the summer capital of JK for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 9.4°C against 10.4°C on the previous night and it was 0.1°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of 6.7°C against 7.1°C on the previous night and it was above normal by 1.3°C for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 9.6°C against 11.4°C and it was 0.2°C above normal, the official said.

Kupwara town recorded a minimum of 8.3°C against 9.5°C on the previous night and it was 1.4°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg recorded a minimum of 5.0°C against 8.5°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 0.7°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Jammu, he said, recorded a low of 23.1°C against 25.0°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 0.9°C for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded a low of 11.8°C, Batote 14.6°C and Bhaderwah 12.2°C, he said. (GNS)

Sajad Lone gets EC notice over MCC violation

Srinagar, May 11 (KNO): The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Friday issued a notice to Sajad Gani Lone, Peoples Conference candidate for Baramulla Lok Sabha segment, over posting a video on his X handle.

In a notice issued to Lone, the district election officer Kupwara has asked him to explain why he has uploaded a video on his twitter handle without prior clearance/ pre-certification from Media Certification and Monitoring Committee (MCMC).

“ …. Sajad Gani Lone, candidate of Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Conference for 01 Baramulla is hereby put on notice to explain why such violation has been made at your end,” reads the notice, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

Lone has been asked to submit his reply within one day.

“The response must reach this office within one day, failing which the matter will be reported to the office of Chief Electoral Officer Jammu & Kashmir, Srinagar for appropriate action under rules,” reads the notice served to Lone by additional district magistrate.—(KNO)

Law doesn’t put any bar on HC in exercising jurisdiction in contractual matters: J&K HC

Directs release of pending payment to contractor

JAMMU, May 11: Underscoring the expansive jurisdiction of Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has ruled that law doesn’t put any bar or any fetters on the High Court in respect of exercising its writ jurisdiction in contractual disputes with State and its authorities.

Allowing plea of a contractor seeking release of an admitted liability on the part of administration, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal observed, “law does not put any bar or any fetters on the High Court in respect of exercising its writ jurisdiction in contractual matters. There has been paradigm shift in the approach of the courts in exercise of its writ jurisdiction in the matters of contractual disputes with State and its authorities”.

The jurisdiction of the High Court while exercising the powers under Article 226 of the Constitution of India is not restricted only to the review of the administrative actions and executive decisions of the State and in the light of the extended applicability of the “doctrine of promissory estoppels” of which the whole object is to see that the Government strikes to its promise and abides by it, Justice Nargal said.

The High Court was dealing with a petition filed by a contractor Rehmatullah Naik seeking the release of outstanding payments amounting to Rs 20.74 lakh from the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. The petitioner had undertaken a road upgradation project as per a supplementary agreement that increased the contract cost. Despite completing the work satisfactorily, the petitioner faced delays in receiving the agreed payment.

The contentions between the petitioner and respondents were centred on whether the petitioner’s claim was time-barred and whether the supplementary agreement was valid. While the respondents cited alleged violations of General Financial Rules, the petitioner argued that the agreement was legally binding and the delay in payment was unjustifiable.

Citing the law laid down by Apex Court in Bhoruka Power Corporation Ltd. Versus State of Haryana and Others, High Court said, “it is a settled proposition of the law that after having laid down the standard for the judging its conduct, a public authority cannot deviate from the standards”. High Court reiterated the court’s role ensuring Governmental accountability and preventing unjust enrichment at the expense of contractors and emphasised that once a promise is made and relied upon, the Government must honor its commitment and failure to do so can lead to legal repercussions.

“There were a series of communications between the parties, which have not been denied by the respondents and, accordingly, it can safely be concluded that there was a binding contract between the parties and the respondents cannot escape from their liability of making the payment to the petitioner arising out of the binding contract”, High Court said.

Accordingly, High Court allowed the writ petition and directed the respondents to release a sum of Rs 20.74 lakh in favour of the petitioner within a period of six weeks from the date a copy of this order is made available to them.

“In case, the amount is not released in favour of the petitioner within the stipulated time period, in that eventuality, the outstanding amount, along with interest at the rate of 9%, shall be payable to the petitioner by the respondents, from the date of filing of the writ petition— 24.07.2023 and the interest component will be payable by the respondent/officer on whose count such delay occurs”, the High Court directed.

CAT stops salary of 10 officers

Non-filing of replies in 6 to 10 yrs old matters
CS intervention sought for justice to litigants

JAMMU, May 11: Taking serious note of non-filing of replies in 6 to 10 years old matters and non-appearance to explain their conduct, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jammu Bench has stopped salary of 10 officers including Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar.

The orders in this regard have been passed by Judicial Member Rajinder Dogra, who expressed deep concern over the fact that these officers have neither filed the reply nor they bothered to appear through video conferencing till date even after numerous directions.

In a matter pertaining to promotion of Patwari which was filed way back in the year 2014, Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar neither filed the reply nor appeared before the court to explain the conduct. In another matter which was seven years old, reply was not filed by the Secretary Service Selection Board. Likewise Additional Deputy Commissioner Ramban has not filed reply in a nine years old matter.

Similarly, in 11 year old matter the Executive Engineer (M&RE) Transmission, Jammu and Kathua has failed to file the reply. Also, Additional Secretary, Human Resources Management, Power Development Department has not filed the reply in an 11 year old matter. Executive Engineer, PHE Kathua has also not bothered to file reply in a 10 year old matter.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Plan Search and Training) has not filed reply in six year old matter while as in another six year old matter, the Executive Engineer, PWD Construction, Jammu has not filed the reply.

These cases were listed several times and sufficient opportunities were afforded to the respondent-departments by the CAT. However, neither the replies were filed nor the erring officers bothered to remain present before the court, Member Judicial has mentioned in the orders, adding “Tribunal cannot act as a mute spectator and is neither deaf nor dumb. We cannot shut our eyes. The law must prevail and we have to hold majesty of court”.

“The callous attitude has compelled the Tribunal to take such coercive action and pass adverse orders against the officials who have been adopting sluggish approach towards the directions passed by the court”, Member Judicial said and ordered the concerned Administrative Secretaries to hold the enquiry against these officials and take action as per the Conduct Rules for not obeying the orders of the court.

It is pertinent to mention here that in the month of February this year the CAT had directed the Chief Secretary to issue instructions to all the Administrative Secretaries to take court orders seriously and file replies in old cases pending with them.

“However, the officials are still not serious towards the orders of the court and seem to be in deep slumber and such attitude of the officials is eroding the faith of the general public in the judiciary”, the CAT said, adding “replies are not being filed timely despite the fact that such an approach leads to unnecessary delay in giving justice to the innocent litigants”.

Observing that justice delayed is justice denied, the CAT said, “the poor litigants who have no access to the administration, knock the door of the court with the hope that they will get justice as such the Chief Secretary is once again directed to take action against those officers who are taking the court orders lightly and denying justice to the poor litigants”.

The CAT has made it clear that due to callous attitude of officials the innocent litigants cannot be made to suffer. Accordingly, it has issued appropriate orders directing the concerned Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) not to release the salaries of such officials till further orders.

After 50 Days, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal Walks Out Of Tihar Jail

New Delhi, May 10: After spending 50 days in Tihar jail, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal was released on Friday following the Supreme Court’s order granting him interim bail in the excise policy case.

Kejriwal was arrested by the ED on March 21, 2024, in connection with the alleged liquor policy scam.

A huge crowd of supporters gathered outside Tihar jail to welcome the Chief Minister on his release.

Kejriwal’s wife Sunita Kejriwal, Punjab Chief Minister and AAP leader Bhagwant Mann, party leaders Atishi, and Saurabh Bhardwaj and AAP general secretary Sandeep Pathak accompanied Kejriwal when he was released. The Chief Minister headed to his official residence after he was released from Tihar jail. (Agencies)

NHAI Debars Toll Operating Agency For Misbehaving With Highway Users

New Delhi, May 10: State-owned NHAI on Friday said it has debarred Riddhi Siddhi Associates for three months for an incident of assault and misbehavior with the national highway users at Sirmandi toll plaza on Amritsar-Jamnagar section in Rajasthan.

The state-owned agency in a statement said an incident of assault and misbehavior by the employees of toll operating agency with highway users at Sirmandi Toll Plaza on May 5, 2024 was reported.

Taking prompt action on the matter, the incident was examined by NHAI and a ‘show cause’ notice was served to the firm, the statement said, adding that the reply submitted by the toll operating agency was not found to be satisfactory.

NHAI said it was noted that in total violation of contractual provisions and NHAI standing operating procedure, the agency indulged in violence and misbehaving activities with the highway users.

“The Authority has debarred M/s. Riddhi Siddhi Associates for a period of three months from the list of pre-qualified bidders,” it said.

NHAI contract agreement with its toll operators defines that the personnel deployed by the contractor shall not misconduct/misbehave with the members of public and shall observe strict discipline and decency in their behaviour.

Last year, NHAI issued detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to curb altercation incidents at toll plazas and safeguard interests of both the commuters and the toll operators. (PTI)

MeT predicts widespread rain in J&K on May 11, 12

Night Temp Rises At Most Places

Srinagar, May 10 (GNS): Weatherman on Friday forecast widespread light to moderate rain in Jammu and Kashmir on May 11 and 12.

A meteorological department official here told GNS that while generally dry weather is expected in the next 24 hours, there is possibility of “isolated light rain” in J&K.

“Partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain/snow (higher reaches) is expected at many places with thunder/lightning/gusty winds at few places on May 11,” he said.

On May 12, he said, generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain and snow (higher reaches) is expected at most places with thunder/lightning/gusty winds at few places.

From May 13, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected with light rain at few places.

Generally dry weather is expected from May 14-17, he added.

Regarding temperature, the MeT official told GNS that Srinagar recorded a low of 13.8°C against 11.6°C on the previous night and it was 3.1°C above normal for the summer capital of JK for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 10.4°C against 10.0°C on the previous night and it was 1.2°C above normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of 7.1°C against 6.6°C on the previous night and it was above normal by 1.6°C for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 11.4°C against 10.8°C and it was 2.2°C above normal, the official said.

Kupwara town recorded a minimum of 9.5°C against 8.8°C on the previous night and it was 0.2°C above normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg recorded a minimum of 8.5°C against 8.6°C on the previous night and it was above normal by 3.3°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Jammu, he said, recorded a low of 25.0°C against 26.5°C on the previous night and it was above normal by 2.0°C for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded a low of 14.2°C, Batote 16.5°C and Bhaderwah 14.0°C, he said. (GNS)

Police remand of ex-SSP, others extended in Greater Kailash murder case

Jammu, May 10: City Judge Jammu Pooja Raina today extended five days police remand of ex-SSP Sheikh Mehmood, Parshtom Singh alias Nikka, Suraj Singh, son of Parshtom Singh, Sandeep Charak, Vikas Singh, Ravinder Kumar Gupta alias Gola Shah and Rajat Jandyal, son of Ravinder Gupta in the much publicized Greater Kailash murder case.

Today, SHO Gangyal Police Station produced the accused before the court seeking extension of police remand. The court, after perusal of CD file, said, “investigation is at initial stage as such police remand is extended up to May 13, 2024”.

Meanwhile, Police raided three locations in connection with the ongoing investigation into the murder of a 39-year-old man in Greater Kailash locality here.

As per a statement, the raids were conducted on the orders of the court in the houses of former SSP Sheikh Mehmood at Channi, land grabber Purshotam Singh at Bishnah, and the driver of another land grabber Ravinder Gupta alias Gola Shah at Gangyal.

“Over 60 documents related to the land deals and the sales along with several digital devices were seized for analysis during the daylong raids,” the statement said.

According to police, the driver of Ravinder Gupta has been closely associated with him for the past many years, allegedly becoming a conduit for ill-gotten gains.
Recently, two vehicles used in the commission of crime, along with CCTV footages of the crime scene and some digital evidences were also seized by the police for examination.

Kargil holds key with 7000 votes more than Leh, women outnumber men in Leh

1.84 lakh electorates to decide fate of 3 candidates

5 PSs in Kargil need airlifting of EVMs, staff

Jammu, May 10: Kargil district holds the key to Ladakh Parliamentary constituency not only in terms of candidates but also the electorates as it has over 7000 votes more than Leh district while Leh district has a unique feature where women voters dominate their male counterparts.

Ladakh Lok Sabha seat, which is lone Parliamentary constituency in the Union Territory of Ladakh, has 1,84,803 electorates in total and is among very few Lok Sabha constituencies which have less than two lakh voters. It will go to polls in fifth phase on May 20.

As per the official data available with the Excelsior, out of a total electorates of 1,84,803 in Ladakh seat; 92,689 are male and 92,114 are females. Leh district has 88877 voters and Kargil 95926.

“Since voters in Ladakh Parliamentary constituency are mostly divided on the basis of religion, Kargil district has already gained advantage over Leh district with 7050 extra electorates,” the political observers opined.

Leh is Buddhist dominated district while Kargil has majority population of Shia Muslims.

Further, out of three candidates in total; two are from Leh district while Kargil has only one candidate. Observers believed that split of votes in Leh will give advantage to lone candidate from Kargil.

Tashi Gyalson (BJP) and Tsering Namgayal (Congress) are the two candidates from Leh while Mohammad Haneefa Jan, who is fighting the election as an Independent candidate with the backing of National Conference and Congress units of Kargil, is lone contestant from the Kargil district.

The BJP won Ladakh Lok Sabha seat in 2014 and 2019 when there were two candidates from Kargil district.
In 2014, BJP candidate Thupstan Chhewang won the seat in four-cornered contest with Tsering Samphel in fray from Congress and Ghulam Raza and Syed Mohammad Kazim, both Independents from Kargil.

In 2019 also, BJP candidate Jamyang Tsering Namgayal emerged victorious in fight among four candidates, three others being Rigzin Spalbar (Congress), Sajjad Kargili and Haji Asgar Ali Karbalai, both Independents from Kargil.

Among total electorates of 88875 in Leh district, there are 44008 male and 44867 females. There are 850 additional women voters in Leh district as compared to the men. However, in Kargil district, which has total 95928 voters, 48675 are male and 47253 are females.

Ladakh Parliamentary constituency has 1127 People with Disabilities (PwDs) and 1570 elderly electorates.

A total of 598 Polling Stations have been set up in the constituency.

Officials said five Polling Stations in Kargil district will require airlifting of polling staff and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) for which the Election authorities and administration have already tied-up with the Indian Air Force (IAF).

These Polling Stations include Itchu, Shun, Shaday, Ralakung and Phema.

“Some Polling Stations in Nubra area of Leh district are also inaccessible but the administration is of the view that two to three days ahead of polling when men and material have to be transported to the Polling Stations, the road network will be clear and there may not be the need of air sorties,” the officials said.

However, a contingency plan is in place in case airlifting of Polling Staff and EVMs is required.

Among three contestants, BJP candidate Tashi Gyalson is sitting Chairman-cum-Chief Executive Councillor of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh while Congress nominee Tsering Namgayal is Leader of Opposition in the same Council. Both of them belonged to Leh district of Kargil.

Mohammad Haneefa Jan, Independent, who is lone candidate from Kargil district, was district president of National Conference and is in the fray with the backing of National Conference and Congress units of district Kargil.

National Conference unit of Kargil has resigned en-masse after getting directive from the party high command to support Congress candidate Tsering Namgayal instead of Jan as Ladakh seat had gone to the Congress under INDIA block seat sharing agreement.

As per the agreement, NC and Congress will contest three Lok Sabha seats each in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. NC is contesting Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri constituencies while the Congress was allotted, Jammu-Reasi, Udhampur-Doda and Ladakh seats.

Modi ended terror, Art 370; made country safe: Shah

Contest between ‘vote for development’ & ‘vote for jihad’

HYDERABAD, May 10:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the 2024 election is Rahul Gandhi vs Narendra Modi and that it is a contest between vote for development and “vote for jihad”.
Addressing an election rally in Bhongir Lok Sabha constituency of Telangana, he said the election is between Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Bharatiya guarantee” against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “Chinese guarantee”.

Describing the Congress, BRS and AIMIM as a triangle of appeasement, he said the parties don’t let Ram Navami procession to take place and that they also oppose CAA.

“These people don’t allow the celebration of ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ (September 17). These people oppose CAA. These people want to run Telangana on the basis of Sharia and Quran,” he said. BJP would secure nearly 200 seats in the three phases of Lok Sabha elections held so far and Telangana needs to vote to help the party cross the target of 400 seats, Shah said.

Observing that BJP had won four of the 17 Lok Sabha seats in Telangana in 2019, he asked Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy to realise that BJP would win more than 10 seats in the present elections.

The double digit score in Telangana would make PM Modi cross 400 seats, he predicted. Referring to Congress’ allegation that BJP would change the Constitution and abolish reservations, he said Congress wants to fight elections by telling lies.

Congress says Modi would scrap quotas but he has not done so despite being in power for the last 10 years with full majority, he said. But, Congress in Telangana robbed the reservations of SC, ST and OBCs by providing four percent reservation to Muslims, he alleged. Shah said BJP would end Muslim reservation and increase SC, ST and OBC quotas, if they came to power.

“Modi ji does what he says. The guarantees of Rahul baba (Gandhi) don’t last even till sunset,” he said. At the time of Telangana assembly polls, Rahul Gandhi had promised Rs two lakh farm loan waiver, Rs 15,000 every year for farmers, Rs 12,000 annually for agriculture workers, Rs 500 bonus on MSP for paddy farmers, Rs five lakh loan to students without guarantee, ‘scooty’ to college going girls and international schools in every tehsil, but they have not been implemented, Shah said.
Congress withheld the construction of Ram temple for 70 years, but Modi, in just five years, won the case, performed ‘bhumi puja’ and later participated in the consecration, he said.

AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge said that though people from Rajasthan and Telangana don’t have anything to do with Kashmir, the people of Bhongir would be ready to sacrifice their life for the sake of Kashmir, he said.

Highlighting the abolition of Article 370, Shah also said Modi has ended terrorism, Naxalism and made the country secure. He alleged that AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, BRS and Congress are “ABC of appeasement”.

Modi removed triple talaq, but Congress, BRS and AIMIM want to bring it back, he said, adding that the parties also boycotted the consecration of the Ram temple.

He also alleged that Revanth Reddy made Telangana the “ATM” of Congress. Shah highlighted the various development works undertaken by the Modi Government in the Bhongir LS constituency, including establishment of AIIMS. (PTI)

“IAF Convoy Attack In Poonch | Search Operation To Track Down Terrorists Enters Sixth Day”

Jammu, May 9 (PTI) The Cordon and Search Operation (CASO) to track down terrorists responsible for attacking an IAF convoy, which claimed the life of a corporal rank personnel, entered the sixth day on May 9.

Security forces, including the Army, police and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), have further intensified combing and search operation in nearly 20 square km area in Surankote belt.

Terrorists targeted an Indian Air Force (IAF) convoy in the Shaistar area of Poonch district, resulting in the killing of an IAF corporal and injuries to four others on May 4.

“Armed with surveillance equipment, including drones and sniffer dogs, the search operation is under way in Shahsitar, Gursai, Sanai, Lasana, and Sheendara top in the Surankote belt and adjoining areas in Poonch district,” the officials said.

“The security forces are seeking identification of the terrorists, whose three to four pictures — probably retrieved from the CCTV footage in the area — are public now,” the officials said.

“Posters offering a cash reward of ₹20 lakh for any information leading to the arrest of the two individuals, believed to be the prime suspects, have also been put up in Surankote,” they said.

“According to the officials, 26 persons have been detained for questioning and the authorities are reviewing some CCTV footage for leads. The search operation by the security forces, launched on Tuesday, is also under way in Sada and Kandi areas of Rajouri district,” they said. (PTI)

Statehood to be restored in a week if INDIA bloc is voted to power: JKPCC Chief

Says will ensure protection of lands, jobs, throw away smart meters from J&K

Srinagar, May 09 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) president Vikar Rasool Wani on Thursday said that if INDIA bloc comes to power in the Centre, statehood to Jammu & Kashmir will be restored within one week after assuming the charge.

Addressing a news conference, Wani as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that the Congress is confident that it will win all the six seats in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. “At the central level, we are expecting a change in the governance and all the issues of the people of J&K like employment, inflation, protection of jobs, lands, and culture will be resolved at an earliest,” he said.

Wani further stated that the statehood to J&K will be restored in a week if the INDIA bloc is voted to power. “We have already talked to our leader Rahul Gandhi several times in this regard. We are expecting a change in the Central government and this issue will be resolved in the first week after assuming the charge,” he said.

He stated that Zameer Ahmad, a candidate, having a huge vote bank in Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency, has decided to join hands with the Congress and is going to extend support to the INDIA bloc candidate, Omar Abdullah in the constituency.

“We are committed to our promises that all the issues like employment, issues of fruit growers and farmers, end to the smart meters and other issues. Smart meters will be thrown away if Congress is voted to power,” Wani said.

Congress and the National Conference are contesting the Lok Sabha polls jointly in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. While Congress have fielded three candidates from Jammu and Ladakh, the NC have fielded three candidates from Kashmir division—(KNO)

Hajj 2024: Emotional scenes unfold as first batch of pilgrims arrive Hajj House Bemina

642 pilgrims to leave from Sgr Intl Airport today in 2 flights today: EO J&K Haj Committee

Srinagar, May 09 (KNO): The emotional scenes unfolded on Thursday after the first batch of pilgrims arrived at Hajj House Bemina in Srinagar.

Embraced by an atmosphere of spiritual anticipation, the pilgrims gathered at the Hajj House, marking the beginning of their sacred journey.

As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the reporting time for the first batch of pilgrims was set for 8:30 AM.

Amid tearful and heartfelt prayers, the families bid farewell to their loved ones as they prepare to embark on the holy journey.

The second batch of pilgrims are scheduled to report at 11:30 AM.

Moreover, speaking to KNO, Dr. Shujhat Quershi, Executive Officer (EO) of J&K Haj Committee, said a total of 642 pilgrims are slated to take off from Srinagar International Airport.

He added in two flights, a total of 322 pilgrims each will take off today from Srinagar International Airport.

Pertinently, a total of 7008 Hajj pilgrims from Jammu and Kashmir will be embarking on a holy pilgrimage this year—(KNO)

SDA submits satellite imagery to HC

SRINAGAR, May 9: As the Sonamarg Development Authority (SDA) submitted the satellite imagery before the High Court, the Division Bench today made it clear that anyone seeking construction of a hotel has to demonstrate his land falls under the earmarked satellite imagery.

The status report filed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), SDA on the directions of the court contains three maps reflecting Geo-referenced Sonamarg Land Use Plan 2005-25, Land used actual on ground as interpreted from the Satellite Imagery Sonamarg Master Plan, 2005-25 and Land used actual on ground as interpreted from the Satellite Imagery Sonamarg Master Plan, 2005-25.

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These maps clearly indicate areas which have been earmarked for hotel sites cum hotels in a colour coding and as per the map, one is adjacent to the SDA which the court categorized as “A”, another site on the curve of the Sindh River which has been classified as category “B”, another site running horizontal to the said site across the road has been categorized as “C” and another site on the second curve of the River Sindh near the Bus Terminal has been categorized as “D”.

The Division Bench of Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh and Justice Moksha Kazmi after having thorough consideration of the Satellite Imagery recorded that any applicant seeking construction of a hotel has to obviously demonstrate that their land falls under any of these four earmarked categories of sites.

The Satellite Imagery of Sonamarg demonstrates the various constructions/facilities already existing on the Tourist Resort by identifying each and every such construction and the court had sought for the same in order to enable it to examine that these constructions/land use are within the permissible limit as mentioned in the Master Plan.

The processing of Satellite Imagery was prepared in coordination with the Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal Regional Director, Ecology, Environment and Remote Sensing Department, J&K and Chief Town Planner, Town Planning Organization, Kashmir.

Court directed that as and when any application is made before the BOCA for seeking permission to construct or make repairs which falls within any of these categories of land, this Court will examine if any other additional conditions are required to be fulfilled either in terms of various orders passed by this Court in this regard or any other legal requirements.

The DB for this asked the Amicus Curiae to assist the Court by furnishing those additional requirements apart from the normal conditions required under the BOCA Act.

Deadline for submission of APRs extended

JAMMU, May 9: The Government has announced an extension in the deadline for the submission of Annual Performance Reports (APRs) by the members of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) for the assessment year 2023-24.

As per an order, the officers are now required to submit their self-appraisals through the SPARROW Portal by May 31, 2024, a month later than the original deadline of April 30, 2024.

This extension applies to the regulation III and IV of the Annexure-I to the Government order number 1311-GAD of 2001, dated November 9, 2001.

“All other submission deadlines outlined in Regulation-IV remain unchanged,” ordered the Government.

Judicial orders bound to be obeyed at all costs: CAT

JAMMU, May 9: A Bench of Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) comprising Parshant Kumar, Member (A) and MA Latifi, Member (J) has ordered that in case the judgment is not complied the Conservator of Forests, Srinagar Circle along with Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, J&K, Srinagar shall remain present before the court on the next date of hearing.

“This court would have given them the option to appear through virtual mode but in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, their personal presence is sought before the court as nobody is above law and judicial orders cannot be permitted to be circumvented by any delay or lethargy”, the CAT added.

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This significant order has been passed in a contempt petition arises out of the judgment passed the Division Bench of Tribunal dated 08.05.2023. The operative portion of the judgment read: “We direct the respondents to calculate the pension and pensionary benefits of the applicant after taking the date of superannuation as 30.06.2019 and issue the proper PPO and release pension and pensionary benefits to the applicant along with arrears. The exercise be completed within a period of three months from the date of receipt of certified copy of this order”.

Non-compliance of the judgment necessitated filing of the contempt petition.

“Vide order dated 19.02.2024, the respondents/contemnors were made aware of the law laid down by the Supreme Court of India that pension is not bounty. It is right of every employee and has even assumed the status of a Constitutional right in terms of the Article 300(A) of the Constitution of India, as the same is described as the property of an employee”, the CAT said, adding “then an order was passed on 28.02.2024, yet again the respondents/contemnors were not sensitive to the plight of the pensioner, who has superannuated five years back and is yet to receive even his provisional pension”.

“The pensioner, herein, is a Petty Forest Guard, who has given his life and blood to the service of the public”, CAT said, adding “denial or delay in the release of pension and pensionary benefits is not only arbitrary and illegal but is also a sin though not an offence and the sin committed by those who too have to reach the day of superannuation today or tomorrow”.

“Pensioners are to be dealt with smile, compassion and extra care. They have to be treated with soft and polite behaviour. Government servant in office always counts the day when he will superannuate from his active service only with a hope that he will get his retiral benefits and get his children married and live rest of his life with dignity”, the CAT said, adding “the concept of pension is only to provide succour to an employee who has dedicated his youth for cause of the public”.

CAT observed, “we are at pains that how this pensioner must be making his both ends meet in absence of provisional pension and other reitral benefits. True it is, that it is equally the duty of the employee to submit all the requisite and necessary documents for finalization of his pension papers but at the same time, a prompt and swift action is expected from the respondents in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case”.

Bikram Deep Singh, DAG referred to communications bearing No. CCF(K)/LO/2024/276-80 dated 04-05-2024 as well as another bearing No. PCCF/Estt/NG/C-7387493/1209 dated 30-04-2024 as also letter No. CF/SGR/LO/CP/2024/384-86 dated 19-04-2024 wherein he wants to substantiate that the case of the petitioner is under active consideration.

“CAT is conscious that justice delayed is justice denied particularly when the employee is denied his pensionary benefits for the past five years. Any departmental wrangle or delay should not have come in the way of compliance of the judgment of court in its letter and spirit. Judicial orders are bound to be obeyed at all costs, however, grave the effect may be”, the Bench said.

CAT observed, “we are afraid that in terms of the Business Rules it is always the DDO or the Head of the Office who is competent to sanction pension and retiral benefits however, subject to certain norms”, adding “let us make it clear that in case the compliance of the judgment of the court is not complied within the fixed period, this court will be compelled to pass coercive orders as warranted under law. The coercive orders will only be passed in view of the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case”.

Kulgam Gunfight Day 03: Third Militant Killed, Searches Continue

Srinagar, May 08(GNS) Another militant has been killed taking toll to three in a gunfight in Redwani Payeen area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

A top police officer told GNS that third militant has been killed who we believe was hiding under the debris of razed house at encounter spot.

After killing of two militants including wanted TRF/LeT commander Basit Dar on Tuesday, search operation at encounter site continued on Wednesday as we had apprehension about presence of one more militant, the officer added.

Yesterday, Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi told GNS that most wanted Basit Dar was killed along with his associate in a fierce gunfight with security forces.

The top officer said that it is a big achievement for the forces as Basit Dar was behind many militant attacks especially in Srinagar.

Basit, a resident of Redwani’s Kulgam, who had been missing from his home since three years and joined The Resistance Front (TRF), a front organization of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

NIA had Announced Rs 10 Lakh Reward For Details Leading to arrest of TRF chief Basit Ahmed Dar

Basit was also the mastermind behind the spat of civilian killings, the officer added.(GNS)

“Every Political Party Committed To Ensure PoJK Returns To India”: EAM Jaishankar

New Delhi, May 8: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday said that every political party in the country is “committed to ensure that PoJK, which is a part of India, returns to India,” and that “the PoJK issue has come to the front of people’s thinking” after revocation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, which was considered a difficult decision.

Interacting with students at the Gargi College here, the minister said that people assumed Article 370 could not be changed as the politics of the day had driven it deeply into the public consciousness.

Article 370, which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated by the BJP-led government in August 2019.

“Take even (Article) 370, people just assume 370 cannot be changed and this is something we have to accept because the politics of the day have driven it very deeply into public consciousness.

Now we see, once we change it then the entire ground situation changes,” Jaishankar said.

“All I can say with respect to PoJK (is) that there is a parliament resolution, every political party of this country is committed to ensure PoJK, which is a part of India, returns to India. This actually is our national commitment but I do want to say one thing. I didn’t use to get people ask us about this ten years ago, or even five years ago. It is when we have put 370 to rest, now people understand, yes PoJK is also important,” he added.

Jaishankar said the first prerequisite for something happening is first it must be in your thoughts.
“What has happened today is that because we have finally taken the right decision on 370, in the minds of our own people today, the PoJK issue has come to the front of their thinking. As they say, the first prerequisite for something happening is first it must be in your thoughts. once it is in your thoughts, the rest will certainly happen at some point,” he said.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the deteriorating economic situation in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, political and human rights organizations have invoked a long march and called for a sit-in on May 11 to raise the issues faced by the locals in Muzaffarabad in PoJK.

The United Kashmir People’s National Party (UKPNP) and Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC), in a joint statement released earlier, announced that the march will raise issues like skyrocketing inflation, severe unemployment, revocation of subsidies on wheat and flour, unjustified load shedding, exploitation of PoJK’s natural resources and special and unjust privileges being given to the civil bureaucracy in PoJK.

Stressing that people have not received their wages and pensions, Amjad Ayub Mirza, a PoJK activist said, “And now to sabotage the sit-in, the Pakistani administration has ordered the puppet PM of PoJK Chaudhry Anwarul Haq to issue a request for the deployment of Punjab province police and frontal corps in PoJK. (Agencies)

Supreme Court to pass order on interim bail to Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal on May 10

New Delhi, May 8: The Supreme Court will deliver its order on granting interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in a money laundering case linked to the alleged excise policy scam on May 10.

Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who headed the bench which heard Kejriwal’s petition against his arrest in the case, said, “We will pronounce the interim order (on interim bail) on Friday. The main matter related to the challenge to arrest will also be taken on the same day.”

Justice Khanna, who was sitting in a different combination with Justices MM Sundresh and Bela M Trivedi, made the remark after Additional Solicitor General SV Raju, who was appearing for the Centre in a matter related to Goods and Services Tax, sought clarification on the listing of Kejriwal’s plea.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader was arrested on March 21 and is currently lodged in Tihar Jail under judicial custody.

On May 7, the bench, also comprising Justice Dipankar Datta, had reserved its verdict on interim bail to Kejriwal.

The two-judge bench had risen without pronouncing order on granting Kejriwal interim bail to enable him to campaign in the Lok Sabha elections.

The bench had reserved its decision after hearing the arguments put forth by senior advocate Abhishek Singhvi and Additional Solicitor General S V Raju, who appeared for Kejriwal and the Enforcement Directorate, respectively.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who also appeared for the probe agency, had staunchly opposed showing any leniency to Kejriwal on account of the Lok Sabha polls and said granting interim bail to the AAP national convenor would amount to creating a separate class for politicians.

The bench has divided the hearing on Kejriwal’s petition against his arrest into two parts.
His main petition challenges his arrest by the ED and seeks it to be declared as illegal, while the second aspect pertains to grant of interim bail keeping in mind the ongoing Lok Sabha polls.
The court reserved the order on the issue of grant of interim bail.

On Tuesday, a Delhi court has extended Kejriwal’s judicial custody in the money laundering case till May 20.

The Delhi High Court had on April 9 upheld Kejriwal’s arrest, saying there was no illegality and the ED was left with “little option” after he skipped repeated summonses and refused to join the investigation.

The matter relates to alleged corruption and money laundering in the formulation and execution of the Delhi Government’s now-scrapped excise policy for 2021-22. (Agencies)

Lok Sabha Elections-2024

ECI establishes 4 special polling booths for Kashmiri Migrants in Delhi

Voters to get to and fro free transport facility up to booths

New Delhi, May 08 (GNS): To facilitate Kashmiri Migrants, residing in Delhi, to cast their votes in person on the polling days during Lok Sabha elections on the seats across Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has established special polling booths for the community at different locations in the capital.

These booths have been established at Kashmir Resident Commission, 5 PR Road New Delhi, Kashmir Kissan Ghar BR-2 Shalimar Bagh Delhi, Arwachin International Public School Pocket F Dilshad Garden, Delhi and GGSSS Paprawat Najafgarh, Delhi.

“The Election Commission of India, in a first, has instructed for providing free of cost to and fro transportation facility for the Kashmiri Migrants eligible to cast their ballot in these special booths”, reads a communication received here today by the office of AERO/ARO, Migrants, New Delhi. The transport service will be provided to KMs from the camps to their respective polling stations and back to camps.

With an aim to extend requisite support and help to the Kashmiri migrant voters, the office of AERO/ARO, Migrants, New Delhi, is efficiently functioning during the working hours at Pota Cabin 01 at JK House 5-Prithvi Raj Road, New Delhi. The office has also established a help desk which has supported numerous stakeholders to file offline/online Form-M, Form 12-C and other requisite documents.

Besides, a series of camps and meetings have been organized to raise mass awareness at various places to increase the percentage of Kashmiri migrant voters in the capital. The BLOs are also visiting door to door for educating and helping the migrant voters. These camps, organized at various locations in Delhi and NCR, received tremendous response resulting in notable increase in enrollment of voters through Form- M and Form 12-C, so far, as compared to last parliamentary Lok Sabha Election.

As per the data given by the AERO/ARO office, about 169 voters have been registered besides receiving 65 Form M and 4 Form 12 C for the Baramulla PC, 480 voters have been registered besides receiving 183 Form-M and 8 Form 12-C for the Srinagar PC while 95 voters have been registered besides receiving 40 Form M for the Anantnag PC, till date.

The Kashmiri migrants are evincing keen interest to participate in the upcoming elections and it is expected that there shall be a high voter turnout during these Lok Sabha election.(GNS)

Kulgam Gunfight Day 03: Contact Reestablished With Militants

Srinagar, May 8(GNS) Contact with the militants have been again established after lull in Redwani Payeen area of Kulgam district after two LeT militants including wanted commander Basit Dar were killed.

A top police officer told GNS that operation has been resumed and contact with the hiding militant has been established.

The operation never ended as we were having apprehension about presence of more militants at the encounter site.

Till this report was being filed, intermittent exchange of fire was going on.

Yestetday, Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi told GNS that most wanted Basit Dar was killed along with his associate in a fierce gunfight with security forces.

The top officer said that it is a big achievement for the forces as Basit Dar was behind many militant attacks especially in Srinagar.

Basit, a resident of Redwani’s Kulgam, who had been missing from his home since three years and joined The Resistance Front (TRF), a front organization of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

NIA had Announced Rs 10 Lakh Reward For Details Leading to arrest of TRF chief Basit Ahmed Dar

Basit was also the mastermind behind the spat of civilian killings, the officer added.(GNS)

HC imposes Rs 20000 cost on petitioner for playing mischief with court

Jammu, May 8: In a significant judgment, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has imposed Rs 20,000 cost on the petitioner for suppression of material facts and playing mischief with the court.

While dismissing the petition of one Gulshan Kumar, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal observed, “the petitioner Gulshan Kumar has not come to this court with clean hands by playing mischief before the Trial Court, wherein, the petitioner was aware that respondent No.5 was a necessary party and yet, deliberately omitted him from the array of respondents and obtained interim direction against him”.

After hearing Advocate Jang Bhadur Singh Jamwal for the petitioner whereas Deputy AG KDS Kotwal for the UT and Advocates Parvesh Singh Salaria & Satinder Gupta for the private respondent namely Harshvardhan Singh (Chairman Jammu Tehsil Cooperative Marketing Society), further observed that the act of petitioner falls within the realm of playing fraud with the court and such unscrupulous litigants, who play mischief with the court, cannot go scot-free.

“This court deems it proper to burden the petitioner with cost to the tune of Rs 20,000 to deprecate such practice of suppression of material facts and playing mischief with the court, which shall be payable by the petitioner to the Advocates’ Welfare Fund within a period of four weeks from today”, Justice Nargal said.

As per the brief facts before the High Court, a civil miscellaneous appeal came to be preferred against the order dated 02.01.2024 passed by Sub Judge (CJM), Jammu, whereby and where-under, the status quo has been directed to be maintained with respect to the service status of Gulshan Kumar with the prayer for setting aside the same.

The leave application arises out of a civil miscellaneous appeal which has been filed by Chairman Jammu Tehsil Cooperative Marketing Society against the order dated 02.01.2024 passed by the Sub Judge, Jammu, whereby the court has proceeded to pass orders of status quo as regards functioning of the plaintiff as Managing Director of Jammu Tehsil, Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd Government undertaking who had since completed his service tenure on 15.07.2020 in terms of the Resolution dated 16.07.2020.

A suit came to be preferred by the plaintiff (petitioner) before the court of CJM Jammu on 14.12.2023 restraining the defendants from terminating the services of the plaintiff or interfering into the working of the plaintiff as Managing Director of Jammu Tehsil Cooperative Marketing Society Ltd on the strength of a resolution adopted on 16.07.2020. The plaintiff did not array the Chairman Jammu Tehsil Cooperative Marketing Society as a party in the suit before the Trial Court and obtained ex parte order, whereas, the fact remains that the Chairman happens to be a proper and necessary party to the proceeding as directly affected by the order impugned dated 02.01.2024.

The Trial Court vide order dated 02.01.2024 directed the parties to maintain status quo with respect to the service status of the plaintiff till next date of hearing and feeling aggrieved of the order, an appeal came to be preferred by the Chairman before the appellate court, which stayed the order of CJM. Against the order of appellate court, Gulshan Kumar filed petition before the High Court.

“The law has been settled that suppression of any material fact amounts to abuse of the process of law and amounts to fraud and would deprive an unscrupulous litigant from availing equitable or discretionary remedies”, High Court said, adding “in the present case, the petitioner has not approached the trial court with clean hands and has suppressed the material facts by way of misrepresentation and playing fraud on the court by deliberately omitting the affected party from the array of the respondents knowing fully well that he is the aggrieved party and the issue stands already clinched by this court”.

“The appellant has raised substantial issue that whether the trial court could have passed such order having regard to the nature of the material placed by the respondent and also in the light of the law laid down by a coordinate bench of this court and the circular issued by the Government governing the policy, the appellate court has rightly overruled the objection raised by the petitioner in granting leave to file appeal. Thus, the order of the appellate court, which is impugned in the present petition cannot be faulted and the same is accordingly upheld”, High Court said.

CAT takes serious note of SSB’s negligence, imposes Rs 25,000 cost on erring official

Applicant deprived of right to appointment for over 6 yrs

Directions passed for issuance of appointment order

Jammu, May 8: Shocking it may sound but it is a fact that an applicant has remained deprived of his legitimate right to be appointed as Government servant for more than six years mainly because of ‘negligence’ and ‘irresponsible behavior’ of Jammu and Kashmir Service Selection Board (SSB) and taking serious note of this, the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Jammu has imposed cost of Rs 25,000 on the erring official of the Board.

Moreover, the Tribunal has directed the Board to declare the result of the applicant and make recommendation to the Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Revenue Department for issuance of appointment letter to the applicant.

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Vide Notice No.6 of 2015 dated September 1, 2015 posts of Patwaris for Jammu District were advertised and the applicant Kushal Dev Singh of Akhnoor being eligible submitted his candidature through online which was successful and submission form along with challan was generated. Thereafter, the applicant deposited Rs 400 against proper receipt in favour of Service Selection Board through Akhnoor Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank.

However, when admit card was not issued by the Service Selection Board (SSB) on the ground that they have not received the prescribed fee from the applicant, the applicant approached the High Court of J&K Vide SWP No. 283 of 2018 and the High Court Vide order dated 21.02.2018 allowed the applicant to appear in the examination for the post of Patwari in terms of Advertisement Notice No. 6 of 2015, item No. 506, however, it was ordered that the result of the applicant shall not be declared till further orders.

The notice was also issued to the respondent State on 21.02.2018 to file the reply. However, despite various opportunities given by the court at different times, reply was not filed and then the case was transferred to CAT on 24.08.2020.

Vide order dated 16.04.2024, CAT Jammu Bench directed Service Selection Board to produce the result and in compliance to order, the result was produced on 23.04.2024. After perusal of the result, it was found that the applicant was among the selected candidates. The Manager of J&K Bank, Akhnoor-Branch was also present physically before the CAT and he filed the compliance report admitting that he received challan of Rs 400 as examination fee from the candidate and same was deposited in the account of SSRB vide Transaction No. 1506500003395 dated 30.09.2015.

After hearing counsel for the applicant and Deputy Advocate General, the Member (J) of CAT Jammu Rajinder Singh Dogra observed, “the controversy is over examination fee which was deposited by the applicant well before time and it was transferred in the account of the Service Selection Board by the Bank also well in time so, he should not be punished for his no omission or commission”.

“It is the fault of Service Selection Board, which despite receiving the examination fee, harassed the applicant by not issuing the admit card to appear in the examination for which he was compelled to go to the High Court to get the direction for appearing in the examination. Now, the applicant has been selected and the controversy regarding examination fee is over”, the CAT said.

Stating that applicant was harassed for more than six years and was deprived of his legitimate right to be appointed as Patwari along with other successful candidates who were selected six years ago by virtue of the same advertisement, the CAT said, “unfortunately, the applicant was deprived due to the negligence of the Dealing Assistant/Clerk of Service Selection Board who has not noticed the fee of the applicant which was duly paid and also deposited well in time in their account and still they denied to issue the admit card to the applicant to appear in the examination”.

“Even when the petitioner was selected, neither did they bother to verify whether the fee has been received or not, nor did they file the reply in this petition and the legitimate right of the petitioner was denied and he was not given the appointment along with other candidates, therefore the applicant was compelled to approach the High Court”, the CAT said, adding “with the efflux of time which extended up to more than six years, the applicant suffered mental harassment and agony and incurred huge financial losses on account of salary which he would otherwise had earned, if appointed”.

“The applicant has also suffered a loss of seniority which he would have otherwise gained, if appointed timely, along with other candidates. But unfortunately, he was dragged in the litigation and was compelled to approach the High Court with a hope to get justice”, the Tribunal said, adding “this is a fit case where a heavy cost should be burdened upon the Service Selection Board for sheer negligence and irresponsible behavior to the tune of Rs 25,000 which should be paid to the aggrieved petitioner”.

The CAT has made it clear that amount should not be taken from the Government money because the public exchequer cannot be burdened for the omission and commission of the Dealing Assistant/Clerk. “So, the amount shall be recovered from the salary bills/pension (in case retired) of the erring official who was dealing this matter at that time”, the Tribunal said.

Accordingly, CAT directed the Service Selection Board to declare the result of the applicant against the advertisement Vide Notice No. 6 of 2015 dated 01.09.2015 under Item No. 506 for the post of Patwari, Jammu District and make recommendation to the Commissioner/Secretary to Government, Revenue Department within a period of four weeks from today.

“The Commissioner Secretary shall issue the appointment letter to the applicant within a period of two weeks thereafter”, read the order of CAT.

Top LeT Commander Basit Dar Among Killed Militants In Kulgam Gunfight: IGP Kashmir

Srinagar, May 7(GNS) Most wanted LeT/TRF commander Basit Dar among two millitants were killed on Tuesday in Redwani Payeen of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

Inspector General of Police Kashmir V K Birdi told GNS that most wanted Basit Dar was killed along with two other militants in a fierce gunfight with security forces.

The top officer said that it is a big achievement for the forces as Basit Dar was behind many militant attacks especially in Srinagar.

Basit, a resident of Redwani’s Kulgam, who had been missing from his home since three years and joined The Resistance Front (TRF), a front organization of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

NIA had Announced Rs 10 Lakh Reward For Details Leading to arrest of TRF chief Basit Ahmed Dar

Basit was also the mastermind behind the spat of civilian killings, the officer added.(GNS)

Man Killed Over Land Dispute In Jammu; Police Conduct Multiple Raids

Jammu, May 7 :The Jammu and Kashmir police has stepped up their efforts in the ongoing investigation into the murder of a person over a land dispute here and have conducted multiple raids at the residences of suspects, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident occurred on May 1, when Avtar Singh (40), son of Balbir Singh, was hit on his head with an iron rod and died because of excessive bleeding during a scuffle between two groups, who staked their claim over the piece of land in Greater Kailash locality.

An angry mob, including the family and relatives of the deceased, blocked Kalu-Chak road on Jammu-Pathankot national highway and demanded a CBI probe into the killing, police said.

“Continuing crackdown on suspects and accused involved in the Greater Kailash murder case, police seized two vehicles involved in the commission of crime along with raids at houses of suspects to affect their arrest, ” a police spokesman said.

He said that the police examined the CCTV footage of the area around the crime spot and digitally picked up relevant evidence, he said.

Police remain committed to solving the crime and attacking its root causes, he said.

Eight people have been detained in connection with the case so far, he said.

Two police officials were suspended in connection with the murder and a departmental inquiry was ordered.(PTI)

Want 400 Seats To Ensure Cong Doesn’t Bring Back Article 370 And Put ‘Babri Lock’ On Ram Temple: PM Modi

DHAR (MP), May 7: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said he wants the BJP-led NDA to win 400 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha polls to ensure the Congress does not bring back Article 370 in Kashmir and put a “Babri lock” on the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Addressing an election rally at Dhar in Madhya Pradesh, Modi also accused the Congress of belittling Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, adding the opposition party has started saying he had a very little role in framing the Constitution.

“The truth is that the Congress parivar deeply hates Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar,” Modi said.

The PM said the Congress is spreading rumours that if he gets 400 Lok Sabha seats, he will change the Constitution.
It seems as if the Congress people’s intelligence is focussed on their vote bank, he said.

“It is important for the people of the country to know that the BJP-led NDA already has 400-plus seats in Parliament.

We used this number to scrap Article 370 (which provided special status to Jammu and Kashmir),” the PM said.

“Modi wants 400 seats so that the Congress won’t bring back Article 370 to spoil the game, Modi wants 400 seats so that the Congress won’t put a Babri lock on the Ram temple in Ayodhya,” he said.

The PM said that about 14 days back, he challenged the Congress to give in writing to the 140 crore people of the country that it will not give reservation on the basis of religion.

“Secondly, I asked them to give in writing that they will never snatch the reservation being given to the SCs, STs and OBC and thirdly, to give in writing that they will never give reservation to Muslims by committing a dacoity from the existing OBC quota, but they are not responding and sitting silently by putting a lock on their mouths,” he said.

The PM said he wants 400 seats in the Lok Sabha to prevent the Congress from “dacoity” of the OBC quota to benefit its vote bank.

“We have also used these 400 plus seats to extend SC/ST quota for 10 years, appoint a tribal woman as the country’s President for the first time and to provide reservation to women,” Modi said.

The PM said he is asking for 400 seats so that he can stop every conspiracy of the Congress and the opposition INDIA alliance.

“Modi is asking for 400 seats so that the Congress does not hand over the country’s vacant land and islands to other countries, it does not take away the reservation given to SCs/STs/OBCs and give it to its vote bank, and does not declare all castes of its vote bank as OBC overnight,” he said.

Further targeting the Congress, he said the opposition party doesn’t want to give the credit to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.

“The Congress has started saying that he (Ambedkar) had a very little role in framing the Constitution and Pandit Nehru made the most significant contribution in the making of the Constitution,” Modi said.

The Congress has stabbed Ambedkar and the Constitution in the back, Modi said.

He said the Congress has sunk so deep into the quagmire of appeasement politics that it cannot see anything else.
“If Congress has its way, it will say that its vote bank has the first right to live in India,” he added.

“Till Modi is alive, he will foil attempts to erase India’s identity in the name of fake and pseudo secularism,” the PM said, adding that this is the guarantee of a “child of thousands of years old India”.

Modi said in the first phase of Lok Sabha polls, the opposition was defeated, in the second phase, it was destroyed and today, whatever is left of the opposition in the third phase will also collapse.

“Because the whole country has decided ‘fir ek baar’,” he said, to which the people added “Modi sarkar”.

The prime minister said these “dynastic people” first distorted the country’s history and made people forget the “great sons of the country’s struggle for independence”.
“These dynasts wrote false history to glorify themselves and now they have started creating lies about the Constitution also,” he said.

The BJP has fielded Savitri Thakur from Dhar and Anita Nagar Singh Chauhan from neighbouring Ratlam-Jhabua (ST) seat, where polling will be held in the fourth phase on May 13. (AGENCIES)

02 Militants Killed In Kulgam Gunfight, Searches On

Srinagar, May 07:(GNS) Two militants have been killed in an encounter at Redwani Payeen area of South Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Tuesday.

A top police officer told GNS that two militant bodies are visible at the encounter site while searches are still underway.

The identity of the slain militants will be established after completion of the operation, the officer added.

Earlier on Monday evening, reports reaching GNS that a joint team of Police and army launched a cordon and search operation in Redwani Payeen.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

The operation was halted for the night due to precautionary measures and was resumed this morning.(GNS)

ACB arrests Naib Tehsildar, Khrew for accepting bribe

‘Constable also held for facilitating commission of offence’

Srinagar, May 07 :Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday said to have trapped and arrested Naib Tehsildar Khrew, Pulwama while a Constable was also held for allegedly facilitating the offence.

As per a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the spokesman said J&K Anti Corruption Bureau received a complaint against Naib Tehsildar, Khrew, District Pulwama alleging therein that the said Naib-Tehsildar is demanding Rs 10,000 from complainant through his clerk namely Ajaz Ahmad for settlement of dispute of ancestral land at village Sathpokhran, Khrew Pulwama,

“The complainant approached the Tehsil Office Khrew several times for settlement of the dispute, but the Naib Tehsildar didn’t budge. Moreover the complainant has been harassed through Notices by the said Naib Tehsildar,” the statement said.

“The complainant approached ACB for taking necessary action against the said Naib-Tehsildar and his clerk namely Aijaz Ahmed. On receipt of the complaint, a case under FIR number 02/2024 under section 7 PC Act 1988 was registered at PS ACB Anantnag and investigation taken up,” the statement said.

During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted. The team laid a successful trap and caught the accused Maqbool Hussain Dar R/o Nooripor, Pattan presently posted as Naib Tehsildar, Khrew, District Pulwama red handed while demanding and accepting bribe amount of Rs 10,000 from the complainant and the Sg Constable Ajaz Ahmad, attached with the Naib Tehsildar was also arrested for facilitating the commission of offence, the statement said, adding that further investigation into the case is going on—(KNO)

ECI Instructs Political Parties, Respective Representatives’ for Responsible & Ethical Use of Social Media Platforms Amid MCC Prevalence

Srinagar, May 07 (GNS): In its objective to ensure free, fair and transparent electioneering, the Election Commission of India has instructed all registered political parties, on National and State level, and their respective representatives to ensure responsible and ethical use of social media platforms amid prevalence of Model Code of Conduct.

The ECI in a dispatch to the President/General Secretary/Chairperson of All National/State recognized Political Parties, a copy of which lies with GNS, remarked that the Commission’s “attention has been drawn to certain violations of MCC and the extant legal provisions by Political Parties /their representatives while using social media for election campaigning, which need to be regulated in the interest of transparency, ethical campaigning and level playing field during the elections. The use of such manipulated, distorted, edited content on social media platforms has the potential to wrongfully sway voter opinions, deepen societal divisions, and erode trust in the electioneering process by attacking laid out instrumentalities of the electoral steps in terms of means and material. Further, the scale of spread of such misinformation has been observed to be dangerously unrestrained due to the availability of the option of “forwarding/re-sharing/ re-posting/ re-tweeting” on social media platforms.”

The Commission reminded the parties of ‘detailed guidelines dated 25.10.2013 inter alia providing that provisions of Model Code of Conduct and related instructions of the Commission shall apply to the content being posted on the internet, including social media by candidates and political parties.’

“The Election Commission of India has a constitutional duty to conduct free and fair elections and to ensure level playing field among the stakeholders. Accordingly, taking cognizance of the directions of the Hon’ble Delhi High Court in Writ Petition (C) (PIL) No. 6186 of 2024 and possibility of disturbing the level playing field by the Political Parties, their representatives and star campaigners by using “deep fakes”, AI generated distorted content which spread fake information/misinformation/disinformation and distortions of facts, the ECI brings to the specific notice of political parties of the provisions of the Model Code of Conduct, the Information Technology Act, 2000 and the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021, the Indian Penal Code and framework of the twin acts namely the Representation of People Act, 1950 and 1951 that govern the regulatory framework and underline the emphasis for the same,” reads the dispatch.

The ECI has threadbare informed the political parties about the regulatory framework into the immediate matter.

In its objective to ensure the proper implementation of guidelines, the ECI has directed the political parties; not to use social media platforms to disseminate any misinformation or information which is patently false, untrue or misleading in nature and those that impersonate another person, including any information which is synthetically created or generated or modified in a manner that such information reasonably appears to be authentic or true while in actuality dishonestly or fraudulently deceive any person who receives such information.

“Not impersonate another person, including political parties or their representatives on a social media platform; and among other things; Not post or promote content which is derogatory towards women or repugnant to the honour and dignity of women; and Not use social media platforms to carry any content which goes against the Commission’s advisories prohibiting the use of children in any political campaigning; and Not portray violence, harm or harassment of animals in any of their content on social media platforms.”

“Not allow their respective social media handles to publish and circulate deepfake audios/videos which violate the provisions of extant rules and regulations,” the dispatch reads.

“Whenever such deep fake audios/videos, come to the notice of political parties, they shall immediately take down the post but maximum within a period of 3 hours and also identify and warn the responsible person within the party; Report the presence of any unlawful information and fake user accounts, looking alike their official handles on a social media platform, to the concerned social media platform forthwith.”

“In case of continued presence of such unlawful information or fake user account after reporting to social media platforms, to approach the Grievance Appellate Committee (GAC) under Rule 3A of the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021,” reads the dispatch.

“The Commission has been repeatedly directing the political parties and their leaders to maintain decorum and utmost restraint in public campaigning. The Commission once again directs with emphasis that all the political parties and their leaders must refrain from using in their campaigning any technological/ AI based tools which distorts information or spreads misinformation, which resultantly lowers the standards of electioneering,” reads the dispatch further. (GNS)

Kharge Writes To Opposition Leaders On ‘Discrepancies’ In Polling Data Released By EC

New Delhi, May 7: Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to the leaders of various parties of the INDIA opposition bloc on Tuesday, questioning the alleged discrepancies in the voting data released by the Election Commission (EC).

In his letter, Kharge urged the INDIA bloc leaders to raise their voice against such discrepancies, for “our only objective is to protect the culture of a vibrant democracy and the Constitution”.

“Let us ensure the independence of the Election Commission of India and make it accountable,” he said in his letter.

“As the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), it should be our collective endeavour to safeguard democracy and protect the independent functioning of the ECI. All the aforementioned facts force us to ask a question — could this be an attempt to doctor the final results?” he asked.

“We all know how Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and the BJP are visibly flustered and frustrated by the voting trends and their receding electoral fortunes in the first two phases. The entire nation knows that an autocratic regime, drunk with power, can go to any extent to stay in the chair,” Kharge said.

“I would urge all of you that we must collectively, unitedly and unequivocally raise our voice against such discrepancies, for our only objective is to protect the culture of a vibrant democracy and the Constitution,” he added.

Several opposition parties have raised questions on the delay in releasing the polling data by the EC.

Sharing his letter on X, Kharge said, “My letter to the leaders of INDIA parties, regarding the discrepancies in the voting data released by Election Commission of India and non-publishing of registered voters.” Voting is being held in 93 constituencies spread over 11 states and Union territories on Tuesday in the third phase of the parliamentary polls. (PTI)

Court grants bail to IAS officer in money laundering case

Jammu, May 7: Special Judge CBI Bala Joyti has granted bail to IAS officer Rajeev Ranjan in money laundering case.

The court perused order dated 27.04.2024 passed in complaint filed by Directorate of Enforcement through Assistant Director Sub Zonal Office Narwal Jammu under Sections 44 and 45 of Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002.

“In pursuance to order dated 27.04.2024 Rajeev Ranjan caused appearance in the court today and furnished bail bonds and personal bonds amounting Rs 50,000 as per directions of this court. Bail bonds and personal bonds are duly accepted and attested by this court and he is accordingly admitted to bail. However, accused person is directed to remain present in the court on due date”, the Special Judge said.

The complaint under Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 for the commission of offences under Section 3 and punishable under Section 4 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 has been filed by the Assistant Director, Directorate of Enforcement Govt of India against IAS officer Rajeev Ranjan, Rahul Grover, Gajan Singh, Itrat Hussain Rafiqui, Tariq Athar Beigh, Zumurad Hussain Shah, Syed Adeel Hussain Shah alias Sayed Adeel Hussain Shah, Syed Akeel Shah, Abdi Hussain Shah, Madan Mohan Bhargav, Mukesh Bhargav, Devi Dayal Khajuria, Kumar Jyoti Ranjan, Kripa Shankar Roy, Gaganpreet Singh, Hunney Preet Singh, Razia Rafiqi and Syed Atiq Ur Reham Nazki alias Dr Atiqualla.

After perusal of the contents of the complaint carefully and entire material on record, the court said, “it transpires that prima facie accused person appears to have committed offences as such process be issued for securing their presence”, adding “office is directed to issue notices to accused persons for appearance and for filing their reply on the next date of hearing”.

During the course of hearing an application was moved to defer taking of cognizance in ED complaint No. ECIR/JMSZ04/2020 till the status report of predicated offence’s from CBI is obtained and till the final report under Section 173 of J&K CrPC is filed before the CBI court.

Property Of 7 Militant Handlers Based in Pak Attached In Baramulla: Police

Srinagar, May 07(GNS): Police on tuesday said that it have attached properties of seven Militant Handlers based in Pakistan worth lacs in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

In a handout to GNS, the Police said that in Baramulla after obtaining attachment order passed by Additional Sessions Court Baramulla attached properties (13 Kanals) land worth lacs belonging to terror handlers based in Pakistan namely Shabir Ahmad Sofi son of Gul Sofi resident of Sheikhpora,Gh Nabi Alaie son of Mohd Sultan resident of Waripora Payeen,Gh Nabi Sheikh son of Ghulam Mohiuddin resident of Warpora Bala, Sharief ud din Chopan son of Satar Chopan, Gulla Sheikh son of Gh Mohd both residents of Reshipora Authoora,Mohd Rafiq Khan son of Abdul Ahad resident of Saloosa & Ab Hameed Parray son of Mohd Akbar resident of Frasthar Tilgam.

According to police, the action was taken under sections of 88 CRPC & are linked with case FIR No.04/2008 u/s 2/3 EIMCO Act, 121 RPC,7/25 IA Act, 13 UA (P) Act of PS Kreeri, they said.

The property was identified belonging to terror handlers during the course of investigation/enquiry conducted by Police. The operation reaffirms the commitment of Police to combat the terror activities, reads the statement.(GNS)

Crime Branch completes preliminary verification, formal FIR likely shortly

Missing of large number of files from JDA’s Allotment Section

People suffer due to delay in record reconstruction

Jammu, May 7: Crime Branch of Jammu and Kashmir Police has completed preliminary verification into the missing of large number of files pertaining to various colonies and commercial complexes of Jammu Development Authority and formal FIR is likely to be registered shortly for detailed investigation. However, due to delay in reconstruction of record of the Allotment Section of the Authority people are suffering immensely.

Reliable sources told EXCELSIOR that Crime Branch has completed preliminary verification into the misplacement of files from the Allotment Section of Jammu Development Authority despite non-cooperation from the concerned authorities.

“The Crime Branch has laid hands on evidences which form cognizable offence as such it has forwarded the findings of the preliminary verification to the higher authorities for formal sanction for registration of FIR, which is likely shortly”, they said, adding “real culprits behind missing of large number of original files will get identified only after in-depth probe following registration of FIR”.

The preliminary verification was started by the Crime Branch Jammu after the Housing and Urban Development Department Vide Letter No. HUD-JDA/43/2023 dated August 31, 2023 requested Special DGP Crime Branch J&K for a detailed investigation into the misplacement of large number of original record/files from the Allotment Section of Jammu Development Authority.

“The allottees of residential and commercial property of JDA, who were having specific information about the matter, also extended assistance to the Crime Branch in the conduct of preliminary verification”, sources said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Allotment Section of Jammu Development Authority primarily deals with the allotment cases of residential plots, commercial properties, allotment of land parcels etc as per the prescribed procedure and missing of large number of original files from the repository is a matter of grave concern.

“The files were missing during the past four-five years but those who remained at the helm of affairs in Jammu Development Authority never bothered to get the matter investigated although representations in this regard were received from several allottees of the plots in different JDA colonies”, sources said, adding “for the sake of formality a committee of officers of JDA was constituted by and after being reprimanded for inordinate delay the committee submitted the vague report and without fixing any responsibility and last year the then Vice-Chairman sought the intervention of Housing and Urban Development Department into the matter and accordingly preliminary verification was started by the Crime Branch”.

The committee in its report had mentioned: “Since the time period of missing of the allotment related files could not be established, we are unable to fix the responsibility of the delinquents official/Dealing Assistants as many employees of the JDA have worked as Dealing Assistants in Allotment Section from time to time and some of them have even retired from service”.

Meanwhile, people are suffering due to slow pace of reconstruction of record, which was ordered by the Housing and Urban Development Department vide Order No.14-JK(HUD) of 2023 dated August 31, 2023.

“The committee is supposed to ensure transparency and checks and balances in the exercise of reconstruction of record by taking the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs on board with regard to the feasibility and legal validity of the records/files, if reconstructed, and the safeguards that may be incorporated in the procedure to be adopted for carrying out such exercise”, sources said.

The committee is required to ensure that the allotment is genuine, neither cancelled nor irregular or pending investigation before Anti-Corruption Bureau and Crime Branch etc. Moreover, it is supposed to place in the public domain on a periodic basis, the details of the records/files reconstructed for inviting objections and after considering the objections, if any, is required to recommend further processing of such cases.

The committee is comprised of Director, Land Management, Secretary JDA, Financial Advisor/CAO JDA, Secretary, J&K Housing Board, Chief Town Planner, JDA and Assistant Legal Remembrancer Housing and Urban Development Department.

Lok Sabha Elections: Poll fervor grips Srinagar, voters enthusiastic to cast ballots on May 13

Srinagar, May 06 (KNO): The political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir has been undergoing a significant transformation, marked by the region’s transition from a state to a union territory after the union government stripped J&K’s special status and bifurcated it into two union territories on 05 August, 2019.

However, holding of mega rallies for the first time after the abrogation of Article 370 and 35-A, amidst the ongoing poll campaign for the Lok Sabha polls in Srinagar and elsewhere in Jammu and Kashmir, the workers of mainstream political parties in the Srinagar are upbeat on casting their votes and to see their demands and issues being raised in the parliament in New Delhi.

During a parliamentary poll campaign rally of National Conference in Srinagar constituency on which Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi is contesting, a political worker told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they have been waiting for the change since 2019, and they want their representatives to represent their aspirations in the parliament.

“There is no one who will listen to us, although we were expecting assembly elections, but that unfortunately did not happen. We want to vote for the change and this election is a preparation for the upcoming assembly elections,” says a political worker.

Several others echo similar sentiments, stating that their desire for change and the need for their demands to be addressed on a national platform.

However, amidst this optimism, there’s a palpable sense of frustration among residents too. Nazir Ahmad, a local worker of a political party, lamented the absence of a locally elected government, highlighting the challenges faced by people in having their concerns addressed by the bureaucracy, saying that they have been grappling with their day-to-day issues, stating that bureaucracy does not provide them space to be heard.

Another worker expressed optimism about the potential impact of the upcoming polls, citing past disappointments with previous MPs inability to effect substantial change in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Although I don’t expect much from these polls, but still for a change if new age MPs are going to parliament, let us know what they will do there, however the fact is they can’t do anything”, he said.

Shabir Ahmad, echoing similar sentiments, questioned the purpose of electing representatives when decision-making authority still largely rests with New Delhi. Despite acknowledging the significance of the political developments post-August 5, 2019, Ahmad remains sceptical about the efficacy of the electoral process in bringing about meaningful change to the region.

“As long as New Delhi is holding the command and driving things here, what is the purpose of these MPs or MLAs? For me this is just a new ongoing chapter in Kashmir history”, he said.

Political workers from different parties here in Srinagar say that the candidates should demonstrate a strong commitment to serving the interests of their constituents, prioritizing their welfare and development, with expectation that MPs will maintain regular communication, address local grievances, and advocate for regional issues effectively.

They also emphasize the integrity and accountability were fundamental traits expected from candidates seeking electoral mandates, demanding transparency in actions, ethical conduct, and a willingness to be held accountable for their decisions and performance in office.

Amid the rallies and campaigns in Srinagar, the voters expect that the candidates should articulate a clear vision for the socio-economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.

Meanwhile, amidst the electoral fervor, some residents have voiced concerns over the use of religious places for political purposes. Criticizing political parties for exploiting sacred sites for their gain, locals have called for restraint and respect for religious sentiments.

“We respect the democratic process, but using religious places for political rallies is unacceptable,” remarked Dawood, a resident of Nowhatta Srinagar. “Our mosques and shrines hold deep significance for us, and they should not be turned into arenas for political campaigns,” he said—(KNO)

ECI issues Show Cause Notice to Mehbooba Mufti for Alleged MCC Violation

Srinagar, May 06 (KNO): The Election Commission has taken cognizance of purported violations of the Model Code of Conduct during a public rally in Thannamandi Shahdara Sharif, prompting a show cause notice to be issued to Mehbooba Mufti, President of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) who is also PDP candidate from the Rajori-Anantnag parliamentary seat, alongside PDP Assembly Incharge Anjum Mirza.

The notice, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) correspondent, served by Model Code of Conduct Nodal Officer and Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) of Rajori, Rajiv Kumar Khajuria, cites a viral video from the May 1, this year rally wherein Mehbooba is purportedly seen involving a minor girl in her political campaign, soliciting votes for the PDP. The footage further allegedly captures PDP President encouraging the said minor post the conclusion of the public rally.

Khajuria, in the notice, has highlighted the Election Commission’s guidelines explicitly prohibiting the utilization of minors in political campaigning by any political entity. Failure to provide a satisfactory response to the allegations could potentially lead to the initiation of legal proceedings, including the filing of an FIR against Mehbooba. Moreover, there is a looming prospect of imposing a ban on her campaigning activities in the ensuing days should she fail to adequately address the concerns raised by the Election Commission.

Both Mehbooba Mufti and the PDP have yet to issue a formal response to the allegations leveled against them by the Election Commission—(KNO)

J&K Bank mPay Delight+ gets state -of-the-art features

Our goal is to innovate continually, improve our services: Baldev Prakash

Srinagar, May 06 (KNO): In its commitment to enhance customer experience through digital transformation, J&K Bank Monday rolled out new value-added features to its flagship mobile banking app – mPay Delight+.

The enhancements include mPay Lite, UPI Scan & Pay, Credit Card Management and Customer Survey to provide additional functionalities to customers, ensuring a more seamless and secure banking experience.

The Bank’s MD & CEO Baldev Prakash formally launched the new features on Saturday at the Bank’s corporate headquarters. Executive Director Sudhir Gupta, General Managers, DGMs, and other senior officers were present at the event, along with Divisional Heads and Zonal Heads who joined via video conferencing from their respective locations.

Speaking on the occasion, MD & CEO highlighted the importance of innovation in customer service, stating, “It is another important milestone in our digital journey for which our teams deserve applauds. Our goal is to innovate continually and improve our services to meet the evolving needs of our customers. The impactful feature like Scan & Pay is finally here and integrated seamlessly with the UPI platform. With these new features, we have made mobile banking even more accessible, convenient, and secure.”

“Now, we need to popularize these features across our areas of operations so that more and more people become beneficiaries of our state-of-the-art digital offerings”, he added.

Stressing upon the significance of customer feedback, Baldev Prakash said, “Feedback is vital in our pursuit of excellence. The customer survey feature allows us to understand our users’ preferences and modify our services to align with their tastes accordingly. It’s a win-win for both the Bank and our valued customers.”

Earlier, General Manager Imtiyaz Ahmad Bhat highlighted how the new features enhance customer convenience. He said, “The new features in the mPay Delight+ app underscore the Bank’s commitment to customer-centric digital transformation, paving the way for more secure, efficient, and user-friendly mobile banking services. The latest updates to the mPay Delight+ app are designed to bring ease and efficiency in the functioning of our app for customers.”

Making a brief presentation on the occasion, DGM Mohammad Muzaffar Wani gave an overview of the newly added features.

He said, “We are excited to provide these value-added services, reinforcing our commitment to customer satisfaction. The newly introduced mPay Lite is a simplified version of mPay Delight+ that offers a basic menu with key functions such as funds transfer, mini-statements, PIN changes, and deposit/loan account inquiries. Customers can also manage beneficiaries through this version.”

“Notably, the UPI Scan & Pay feature allows users to scan and pay using any type of QR code. It also provides a hassle-free method for linking accounts with UPI, with no requirement for debit cards or Aadhaar OTP. Additionally, customers can send money to any virtual payment address (VPA) and review the status of past UPI transactions.”

“Our added feature of Credit Card Management in mPAY Delight + offer greater control and flexibility, while the customer survey gives us direct insights into how we can continue to meet customer expectations”, he stated—(KNO)

LG addresses conference on 21st Century and Aatmanirbhar Bharat

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, May 06 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha addressed a conference on 21st Century and Aatmanirbhar Bharat at Varanasi on Monday.

In his keynote address, the Lt Governor highlighted India’s transformation and historic growth trajectory.

“With unprecedented economic and social transformation, India’s development has gained new speed and scale and today our country is one of the fastest growing economies in the world,” the Lt Governor said.

He said, as a fastest growing nation, we have excelled in many areas, empowering every citizen, especially the marginalised to enjoy the fruits of development.

“Today only Mantra for the society is ‘Nation-First’ and collective pursuit of national goals and equal opportunities for people have ensured all-round development,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the society today is more conscious to preserve and promote our priceless cultural heritage, traditional wisdom and knowledge.

Education sector is focused on promoting virtues of culture, humanity, spirituality and enhancing quality of life, the Lt Governor said.

Our values are guiding force of inclusive development. We have made commendable progress in social sector and also made impressive stride towards achieving the goal of equitable growth, he further added—(KNO)

IGP Kashmir VK Birdi Reviews Poll Preparedness, L&O Scenario in Multiple South Kashmir Districts

Srinagar, May 6 (GNS): “`IGP Kashmir V K Birdi visited South Kashmir covering districts of Shopian, Pulwama & PD Awantipora.

Accompanied by DIG SKR & other senior Police officers, IGP Kashmir, as per a statement issued to GNS, interacted with the district police chiefs & reviewed poll preparedness taking a comprehensive stock of the security situation of the range.

The discussions revolved around a range of wide issues like deployment of CAPFs, electoral arrangements at Polling booths, security of contesting candidates & Polling Day deployment plans.

A series of meetings were held at Shopian, Pulwama and Awantipora which were attended by district police & CAPF officers.

District SSP briefed IGP Kashmir regarding the overall deployment plan including the arrangements made for CAPF coys. IGP Kashmir emphasized the need for close coordination with all the security agencies and proactive measures to prevent any attempts of anti-national elements to ensure the safety and security of all stakeholders.

The visit concluded with a comprehensive review of the strategies and action plans devised to ensure peaceful conduct of elections. (GNS)

Anti-Corruption Court orders framing of charges against ex-BOSE Chairman, others

High-profile ETT institutes scam

Left out owners arrayed as accused

JAMMU, May 5: In the high-profile Elementary Teachers Training (ETT) institutes scam, which is pending for the last nine years, the court of Special Judge Anti-corruption Jammu has ordered framing of charges against the then Chairman BOSE M A Charoo, Bashir Ahmed Dar, the then Director Academics and owners of five ETT institutes namely Manish Suri, Sudershan Kumar, Kamal Kumar Gupta, Ashok Kumar and Rajesh Sharma.

Moreover, on the basis of the material before the court, the left out accused were also arraigned as accused in the case and bailable warrants issued for their appearance before the court on the next date of hearing. The order was passed by the Special Judge Anti-corruption Court Jammu Tahir Khurshid Raina.

The instant charge sheet in the scam was based on a Public Interest Litigation pending in the High Court at Srinagar wherein several directions were issued to the Government to comply with in respect of ETT institutes. Finally on filing of the charge sheet in the year 2015, the PIL was closed. In the charge sheet it was alleged that there has been an unprecedented scam in the educational sector on account of opening ETTs in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir.

It is alleged that from 2000 onwards, the then Chairman, JK BOSE M A Charoo in connivance with the then Director Academics Bashir Ahmed Dar and Deputy Director Academics R K Jalali in utter misuse of their power and position opened 22 Elementary Teachers Training (ETT) institutes in the State without having any notification, policy, program and syllabus in this regard.

The Board authorities and blue eyed owners of the institutes were in active connivance with each other in this illegal act on account of which the Board authorities didn’t even ensure any infrastructure to have been put in place by institutes. With the result, the institutes in a span of two years, enrolled hundreds and thousands of students from outside the State, illegally who were simply promised to purchase degrees/diplomas of course with no class-work.

On noticing sham institutes as a mode of easy earning , hundreds of institutes got established in nook and corner of the State where simply the degrees of course were sold to purchasers coming from outside the State in bulk and this all went on unabated and unchecked by any authority concerned and ultimately led to a huge scam of its times.

It was only in the year 2010 that the scam was exposed by A K Sen Committee, which found these institutes existing only on papers with no students, classwork, staff or infrastructure in place. While unveiling the nexus between concerned Board authorities and owners, the committee observed that they have to take a biting pill whenever they visited any such institute. Same got fortified by the one man committee report which revealed some startling facts about the illegal functioning of so called institutes.

Based on reports, Crime Branch Srinagar and Jammu registered FIRs at their respective police stations and investigation ensued. Based on the investigation, instant charge sheet was filed in this court in the year 2015 against Bashir Ahmed Dar, the then Director Academics and owners of five institutes out of 22 which got established in the first instance and laid the foundation of the scam.
Earlier after hearing the parties on the stage of charge, the court didn’t feel convinced with the findings made in the charge sheet and accordingly directed further investigation in the case vide its order dated 11.1.2023 to be conducted by a SIT headed by IPS officer.

Though catena of directions were given in the order of further investigation to be completed within a period of two months yet SIT except of filing supplementary charge sheet against the then Chairman, BOSE M A Charoo failed to address the issues highlighted in the order of further investigation till date irrespective of the fact that more than a year has passed since then.

The court observed, “what was expected from an IPS officer for ensuring prompt and effective investigation proved to be a hoax”. However, on account of long pendency of the matter for the last 9 years at the stage of charge, the court heard the matter and based on the material before it ordered framing of charges against the accused.

Moreover, court while exercising powers under Section 190 CrPC arrayed similarly circumstanced left out owners out of 22 illegal ETT institutes as the accused in the case and issued bailable warrants for their appearance before the court on the next date—June 3.

The left out owners of illegally established ETT institutes, who stand arrayed as accused, are Parkash Sharma of Samba, Suman Gupta of Trikuta Nagar, A K Dewani of Naseeb Nagar, Pankaj Dogra of Kathua, Zulfikar Ali Chowdhury, Dr Arun Gupta, Ved Parkash of Kunjwani, Daljeet Singh of Gandhi Nagar, Kishore Kumar of Kathua , Swami Parmanand Saraswati of Kathua, Anu Gupta of Samba, Parshotam Dass Sharma of Rajouri, Gandharb Singh of Kathua, Balwant Raj Luthra of Kachi Chawni, Prof Nihal Singh of Karan Nagar, Nirlip Kour of Gandhi Nagar and Nirmaljit Singh of Gangyal.

Police remand of ex-SSP, others in Greater Kailash murder case

JAMMU, May 5: City Judge Jammu Pooja Raina today granted nine days police remand of ex-SSP Sheikh Mehmood, Parshtom Singh alias Nikka, Suraj Singh, son of Parshtom Singh, Sandeep Charak, Vikas Singh, Ravinder Kumar Gupta alias Gola Shah and Rajat Jandyal, son of Ravinder Gupta in the much publicized Greater Kailash murder case.

Why didn’t NC, PDP make Article 370 permanent in 70 years of their rule: Altaf Bukhari

Says both parties intend to keep power within their own families, deceiving masses for decades

Srinagar, May 04 (KNO): Apni Party Chairman Altaf Bukhari launched a scathing attack on the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Saturday, questioning why didn’t they strive to make Article 370 permanent in Indian constitution when they were in power for the past 70 years.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), addressing a gathering, Bukhari questioned the failure of MPs from both parties to resign from Parliament when Jammu and Kashmir lost its special status on August 5, 2019.

“The only motive of these two parties is to keep power within their families,” Bukhari said while addressing a poll rally in South Kashmir’s Shopian, criticizing their failure to prioritize the interests of the region over their political ambitions.

Reflecting on the events of August 5, 2019, Bukhari lamented that the tumultuous day could have been avoided if NC and PDP had worked towards securing the region’s special status over the past seven decades. He accused the NC of selling power projects, leading to exorbitant power tariffs, and contrasted his party’s agenda of providing up to 500 units of electricity free of cost every month. “If 90 (NC and PDP) would have for the past 70 years strived for making Article 370 permanent , this would not have happened. Even in 1996, they would have done that, but NC strived for power. NC sold our power projects and this is the reason that we are seeing such massive power tariffs. Our agenda is that we will provide upto 500 units free of cost every month.”

“Why didn’t they (NC and PDP) resign when Article 370 was abrogated?” Bukhari questioned, highlighting the inaction of NC MPs following the constitutional changes. He further criticized the lack of progress in youth empowerment and job creation under their leadership. “Since 2019, we have had three MPs from the national conference. Why didn’t they resign when Article 370 was abrogated? How many youth did they set free? How many projects did they get that could have generated jobs for youth? With what face they are seeking votes from people. When Mehbooba was asked why her MPs did not resign, she declared them traitors and BJP’s proxies. But now how did their past sins vanish and they are again with the PDP?,” Bukhari asked.

Apni Party Chairman also took aim at the PDP, accusing them of neglecting key sectors such as the fruit industry and failing to hold individuals accountable for crimes committed during their tenure in government. “What did Mehbooba do for the fruit industry? Their own men were given subsidies. We will hold them accountable when we form the government. They jailed our youth, killed people. Why aren’t they remembering Asiya and Neelofar now? When Mehbooba was in government, why didnt she investigate Shopian rape and murder case.”

“We will hold them accountable when we form the government,” Bukhari asserted, promising to address the grievances of the people and seek justice for victims of past injustices.

Urging parents to keep a vigilant eye on their children to prevent them from straying, Bukhari highlighted the need to prioritize loyalty to the country for the greater good. He cited a significant decrease in casualties since 2019, crediting the Union government for maintaining peace and stability in the region. “The fact is that we are the citizens of this country and we have to remain loyal to it at all costs for our own good. Will have to get our youth freed from jails. But I appeal to parents to keep an eye on their kids and not allow them to go adrift. 31714 people were injured and 200 people were killed when Mehbooba was Chief Minister. We have to give credit to the Union government as no person since 2019 has been injured or killed,” Bukhari said—(KNO)

Nowgam Bypass road stretch irk locals, demand early macadamization

Srinagar, May 04 (KNO): Residents of Khanday Colony in Nowgam Srinagar raised their voices against the dilapidated condition of the Bypass road and demanded immediate action from the authorities to repair the road.

The inhabitants stated that the dilapidated condition of the road is not only pushing the commuters to the wall, but also jeopardizing their lives as well.

Speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the locals said the stretch of road, a vital artery connecting various neighborhoods, has become a hazard-ridden obstacle course, with potholes, uneven surfaces.

Local resident, Mohammad Suhail, voiced the collective anger, stating, “We want the authorities to prioritize our safety and fix this road before it’s too late.”

Sahil, another resident, emphasized the detrimental impact on local businesses. “Our community is suffering. The deteriorating road conditions deter customers and hinder economic activity. It’s imperative that the authorities take immediate steps to address this crisis,” said Sahil—(KNO)

Shaken By Surgical Strikes, Pak Leaders Now Praying Cong ‘Shehzada’ Becomes India’s PM

Palamu (Jharkhand), May 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday asserted his government’s surgical and air strikes had shaken Pakistan, and the neighbouring country’s leaders are now praying that the Congress “shehzada” becomes India’s PM.

Modi, addressing a poll rally in Palamu, took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi without taking his name, and said the neighbouring country might want him as prime minister, but India wants “a strong country with a strong PM”.

“Maa Bharati’s disrespect won’t be tolerated anymore. New India’s surgical and air strikes shook Pakistan, which was known for supporting terror attacks on India during the Congress regime.

“The new India knows how to enter enemy territory and strike… Now shaken by the surgical and air strikes, leaders in Pakistan are praying that the Congress ‘shehzada’ becomes PM of India,” Modi said.

He urged the electorate to recognise the importance of one vote, “which contributed in building the Ram Temple after generations struggled for 500 years, as well as the scrapping of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir.”

Modi also asserted that he will not allow “any design of the Congress” to succeed in “changing the constitution for providing reservations to Muslims”.

“There is no blot of corruption on me in the past 25 years as chief minister and prime minister. I don’t own a home or even a bicycle… but corrupt JMM and Congress leaders amassed huge wealth for their children,” he added. (Agencies)

HC directs for framing Robkar against GAD Secy

Non-implementation of directions in Bhumesh Sharma case

JAMMU, May 4: High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued direction for framing Robkar against Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department (GAD) asking him to show cause as to why he should not be proceeded against and punished under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act.

The direction has been issued in a contempt petition filed by Bhumesh Sharma as orders of the High Court have not been implemented by the GAD despite lapse of considerable period of time.

“In terms of order dated March 18, 2024, the respondents were directed to file fresh compliance report/statement of facts as regards payment of consequential benefits to the petitioner by the next date of hearing failing which the Additional Secretary, GAD was to appear in person”, Justice Sanjay Dhar said, adding “statement of facts/compliance report has not been filed by the respondents nor the Additional Secretary, GAD has appeared in person in terms of the directions passed by the court”.

“It appears that respondents do not intend to comply with the judgment/order of the writ court which has attained finality”, Justice Dhar said and accordingly directed the Registry to frame Robkar against respondent number 2 (Commissioner Secretary GAD) asking him to show cause as to why he should not be proceeded against and punished under the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act.

Vide writ court judgment dated February 7, 2017 the Government order regarding premature retirement of Bhumesh Sharma was quashed and the petitioner was directed to be reinstated in the service with all the consequential benefits within a period of one month of the judgment.

The judgment came to the challenged by the State before the Division Bench, which dismissed the same and it was left open to the respondents to go ahead with the inquiry stated to be pending against the petitioner. The SLP against the judgment of Division Bench was also dismissed by the Apex Court of the country as such the judgment of writ court acquired finality.

Pursuant to the judgments the respondents issued order whereby petitioner was reinstated. However, it was mentioned in the order that the consequential service benefits of the petitioner would be subject to outcome of the departmental proceedings/court cases pending, if any. In the statement of the facts dated September 2, 2023 nothing was intimated with regard the status of enquiries against the petitioner.

Accordingly, the High Court vide order dated March 18, 2024 directed the respondents to file fresh compliance report/statement of facts as regards payment of consequential benefits to the petitioner failing which Additional Secretary GAD shall appear in person.

BJP yet to take decision on 3 Kashmir seats, PM gave freedom from terror in 10 yrs: Shah

‘Till there is single BJP MP, Art 370 can’t come back’

JAMMU, May 4: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that the BJP is yet to take a decision on three Kashmir seats even as he declared that whole world has now understood that country’s borders and the Indian Army are not to be messed with as otherwise, there will be a response.

In an interview to News18 Network, Shah while responding to a question on Kashmir said, the party hasn’t decided yet.

It may be mentioned here that the BJP is yet to announce its support to political parties on three seats of Kashmir including Srinagar, Baramulla and Anantnag-Rajouri.

The Home Minister said after surgical and air strikes, entire world has understood that Indian Army and its borders can’t be messed with as otherwise, there will be a response.

India had conducted surgical strikes in Pakistan after Uri terror attack and air strikes at Balakote, Pakistan after Pulwama attack in Kashmir.

“Terrorism and Naxalism were two major scourges in the country for decades. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has got almost 100 percent freedom from terrorism in 10 years while Naxalism has been eliminated by around 95 percent,” Shah said.

He said the BJP used majority to abrogate Article 370, end triple talaq, bring Uniform Civil Code (UCC), change laws of the British and bring peace in Kashmir.

“We were in majority for 10 years. We never tried to end reservation. Rahul Gandhi has a rule-lie-lie loudly and lie repeatedly. He is following that rule,” he added.

Shah said he wants to tell people of the country that as long as there is even a single Member Parliament of the Bharatiya Janata Party in Parliament, Article 370 cannot come back and CAA can’t be abolished.

“Now Article 370 has become history and CAA has become a reality. Neither the Opposition will come to power nor will Article 370 come back. They also know this but they want to book minority votes by doing minority appeasement. This is the only reason they are spreading lies,” the Home Minister said.

PTI adds: Addressing a massive rally at Belagavi in Karnataka, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said “anti-national elements” belonging to the Social Democratic Party of India were involved in the bomb blast in Bengaluru and claimed Congress came to power in Karnataka with SDPI support. Targeting the Siddaramaiah-led government, he urged it to hand over the probe in the Hubballi student Neha Hiremath murder case to the CBI if the State was unable to investigate properly.

“Modi ended terrorism from the country. Modi banned PFI. This Congress Government in Karnataka has come to power with the support of SDPI. Look at the consequence, after they came to power, there was a bomb blast in Bengaluru,” Shah said, referring to the Rameshwaram cafe blast on March 1.

He said: “They (Congress govt) first said it was a cylinder blast, it was not a cylinder blast, it was a bomb blast by the anti-national elements of SDPI. When the probe was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA), it was known about the involvement of such elements.”

Referring to the murder of Neha Hiremath on her college campus last month, Shah said some in the Government said that the killing was due to personal issues.

“What a personal issue? A girl, who did not want to undergo religious conversion was murdered. I met her mother day-before-yesterday in Hubballi. She told me that her daughter was under pressure to undergo religious conversion. I want to warn the Congress party, if you are unable to investigate the case properly, give it to the CBI. BJP will ensure that those who did injustice to Neha Hiremath are punished,” he added.

Congress cannot keep the country united and secure, Shah said, and listed out the achievements of Modi rule in the last 10 years.

Shah also gave Modi the credit for resolving Ram Mandir issue and consecration of Ram Lalla idol at the temple in Ayodhya and also praised him for the development of Kashi Vishwanath corridor and Kedar and Badri dham, among other religious places of worship.

He also hit out at AICC President Mallikarjkun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi for not attending the consecration ceremony at Ayodhya despite being invited, and alleged that they skipped the event “fearing their vote bank”.

“Does Kashmir belong to us or not,” Shah asked the gathering and accused Kharge of asking what people of Karnataka and Rajasthan have to do with Kashmir.

“Kharge saab, you have crossed 80-years, but you have not understood the people of Chikkodi, every child here is ready to sacrifice their lives for Kashmir.”

Delhi High Court Denies Parole To JeM Terrorist To Visit J&K

New Delhi, May 3: The Delhi High Court has denied parole to a convicted terrorist, who has been in jail for more than 20 years and was seeking the relief to go to Jammu and Kashmir, saying there is an apprehension that his presence in the area would be detrimental to the larger security interest.

The convict had sought parole to visit his parents and get married.

The court, however, directed the jail superintendent here to make a one-time arrangement for a video call for Feroz Ahmed Bhatt, a member of terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), with his parents.

”This may to some extent bring solace to him as a son that he could see his parents and speak to them, even if virtually,” Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said.

”This court is of the opinion that the factum of the petitioner being convicted in a heinous offence and there being an actual apprehension regarding his presence in the area being detrimental to the larger security interest, coupled with the fact that one of his co-accused had again joined a terrorist organisation after being released on parole and was later neutralised in an encounter, are the factors which would come in the path of the petitioner’s application for parole.

”Therefore, considering the aforesaid facts and circumstances, this court does not find it a fit case for grant of parole,” the judge said.

Bhatt was arrested in 2003 in a terror case and was sentenced to life imprisonment for offences under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, Indian Penal Code and Explosive Substances Act.

His counsel submitted that Bhatt, presently about 44 years of age, has been in judicial custody for more than 20 years and wishes to get married. Since his aged parents are looking for a bride for him, the lawyer prayed that he be released on parole.

However, the plea was opposed by the State’s counsel, who contended that in cases involving terror activities and waging war against the country, the convicts should not be granted parole.

He said a co-accused in the case absconded and joined a terrorist organisation after being granted parole.
The court noted that according to Rule 1211 of the Delhi Prison Rules, those convicted for sedition and terrorist activities should not be granted parole except in discretion of the competent authority and in special circumstances.

It pointed out that co-accused Noor Mohammad Tantry was released on parole and instead of returning to jail, he joined a terror outfit again and was neutralised in an encounter with security forces in 2017.

The court said a report received from the Avantipura Police in Jammu and Kashmir, where Bhatt wanted to reside, also mentioned that there is a reasonable apprehension that if he is released, he will abscond and join terror ranks.
The report said Bhatt’s release on parole will be detrimental to the overall security scenario in the area. (Agencies)

CBI Arrests Communications Manager At NTPC For Taking Rs 8 Lakh Bribe: Officials

New Delhi, May 3: The CBI on Friday arrested a senior manager of corporate communications at NTPC for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 8 lakh to pass bills, officials said.

The agency arrested Vijay Kumar, a senior manager of corporate communications at NTPC, in Mumbai, where he had flown in from Delhi to receive the illegal gratification, they said.

The vice-president of an advertisement company had filed a complaint against Kumar for allegedly demanding a bribe to pass bills worth about Rs 40 lakh, they added.
The advertisement company had installed booths in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry in January- February on behalf of NTPC for which it had submitted an invoice of Rs 40 lakh.

The work completion certificate was not enclosed as they were to be issued from the local authorities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Puducherry administration, they said. When the company’s representative visited local authority offices of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and in Puducherry and requested the issuance of work completion certificates, he was told that an email or call would be required from the NTPC.

According to the officials, when the advertisement company vice-president contacted Kumar for communication to the local authorities, he allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 6 lakh on assurance that he would take care of the bills, which would be cleared without any hindrance.

Kumar later increased the demand to Rs 9.45 lakh but brought it down to Rs 8 lakh after negotiation, they said.
On getting the complaint, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) laid a trap in Mumbai where Kumar was nabbed red-handed taking the bribe.

Kumar was later arrested and searches were conducted at his residence in Noida. (Agencies)

EC Asks States To Provide Quick No Dues Certificate To People Wanting To Contest Polls

New Delhi, May 3: The Election Commission on Friday directed states to ensure that those intending to contest polls are provided with ‘no dues certificate’ within 48 hours of the request as those who do not submit the document while filing nominations face the prospect of their papers being rejected.

If a candidate is not able to provide ‘no dues certificate’ even after he has cleared all such dues, it goes against his candidature at the time of scrutiny of nominations.

The EC advisory noted that there is “no respite” to the candidate even if he submits ‘no dues certificate’ after expiry of the statutory period of filing of nominations in the constituency concerned.
Such instances may cause significant loss not only to the aspiring candidates but also to the political parties and electorate of the constituency concerned and “undermines the principles of participatory electoral democracy”, the poll authority said.

The advisory has been issued to ensure that this does not happen.

It said during the ongoing Lok Sabha polls, an intending candidate could not obtain such a certificate despite clearing dues.

A candidate who files nomination paper during an election to Parliament and state legislature has also to file an affidavit before the returning officer concerned under the provisions of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.

The Supreme Court in its various judgments has said that the affidavit so submitted should be completely filled in and no column should be left blank.

According to the directions of the Delhi High Court, a candidate who has been in occupation of accommodation provided by the government any time during the last 10 years before the date of notification of the election has to give details of the government dues accrued to him of various departments dealing with government accommodation towards rent, electricity charges, water charges and telephone charges. (Agencies)

9630 cancer cases registered in GMC Jammu from 2018-2022, highest from Jammu distt

Carcinoma Lung the most common cancer reported

JAMMU, May 3: The cancer cases in Jammu province are on rise as 9,630 cancer patients were registered in Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu from 2018 to 2022 with highest cases reported from Jammu district and the Carcinoma Lung as the most common cancer found in these patients.

According to Hospital Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) of GMC Jammu, a total of 9630 cancer patients were reported in this 5-year period (2018 to 2022), with maximum patients registered from Jammu (39%) followed by Udhampur (9.67%). Most of the patients were in the age group of 60-80 years with male (5440) to female (4190) ration of 1.2:1.

Carcinoma lung was the most common cancer reported in 1370 (14.2%) patients followed by head and neck in 1035 (10.7%) patients. The five most common cancers for males included lung (33.16%), followed by head and neck (25.8%), genitourinary (17.20%), oral cavity (12.9%) and esophagus (10.8%). The 5 most common cancers for females include breast (33.16%) followed by cervix (25.8%), other gynecological cancers (17.20%), hepatobiliary (12.9%) and lung cancer (10.8%).

The data has been submitted to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) by Professor Ashutosh Gupta who is the Principal Investigator for the prestigious hospital based cancer registry project. The Regional Cancer Centre in Jammu is the only centre maintaining the cancer registry in this area for the last few years with the objective of assessing the pattern and distribution of cancer in J&K.

Further, HBCR suggests that the cancer cases are on rise in Jammu region as 2030 cancer patients were reported in the hospital in the year 2023 against 1747 reported in the year 2022 and majority of the patients who were presented to the hospital were in stage IV (48%) and stage III (26.8%).
Pertinently, in order to identify the cancer cases in India, National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP) was started by ICMR in 1981 with coordinating Centre at Bengaluru. The programme started with six cancer registries, out of which three were Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) and three were hospital based cancer registries (HBCRs).

In 2013, the Oncology Department of GMC Jammu of J&K took up the lead in starting its own Hospital Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) with an objective of assessing

the pattern and distribution of various cancers among the patients attending the hospital.

Besides providing data on cancer incidence, mortality and pattern, trend & geo-pathological distribution of cancers, HBCR also helps to formulate and implement policies & programs along with monitoring and evaluation of cancer control activities.

As per Dr Ashutosh Gupta, who is also Principal and Dean of GMC Jammu, despite increased awareness programmes about cancer, patients are reporting late to the hospital which leads to delay in the diagnosis and treatment. He attributed this delay to social and financial constraints or lack of access to health care facilities, fear of hospitals, absence of pain associated with the condition in some cases or the lack of knowledge.

Court grants pre-arrest bail to Raman Bhalla’s son

JAMMU, May 3: Principal Sessions Judge Jammu Sanjay Parihar today granted pre-arrest bail to Jai Sidh Bhalla, son of Raman Bhalla, who was booked by the Police Station Bahu Fort for circulating a forged and doctored video of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

After hearing Advocate Aseem Kumar Sawhney with Advocate Amit Sharma for the applicant, court issued notice to Public Prosecutor for filing objections along with police report and in the meantime directed that the applicant in the event of his arrest shall be admitted to bail till 08.05.2024 on his furnishing surety and personal bonds in the amount of Rs 50,000 each, provided the applicant is not involved in any offence, which is punishable with the imprisonment exceeding the term of 07 years or any other offence triable by Special Judge including under NDPS Act, Forest Act/financial scam/offence against women or land grabbing case etc.

“He shall not influence or approach the prosecution witnesses or in any manner or tamper with the prosecution evidence; he shall not misuse the concession of bail by any means whatsoever; he shall co-operate with the investigating agency”, the court ordered, adding “in case any statement made by the applicant, which leads to the disclosure in terms of Section 27 Evidence Act, the applicant shall be deemed to have been in police custody for the purpose of admissibility of disclosure statement only”.

NMC issues Show Cause Notice to SKIMS Medical College

Warns slashing MBBS seats, penalty

JAMMU, May 3: The National Medical Council (NMC) has threatened slashing of MBBS quota for Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Medical College Srinagar after the authorities “failed to address” the deficiencies despite so many show cause notices.

A Show Cause Notice signed by the Director Under Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB) of NMC, Shambhu Sharan Kumar dated 29/04/2024, a copy which lies with this office, clearly shows inefficiency on part of the SKIMS administration, both the Director and the Dean as no action has been taken despite so many notices and warnings.

The Show Cause Notice said that on March 8 this year through Public Notice AII Medical Colleges/Institutes having valid Letter of Permission (LoP) for MBBS admission were directed to fill the details/data of respective institutions on NMC Portal for annual declaration by Medical Colleges under NMC as required in the NMC Act, 2019 and various regulations issued by NMC from time to time and on February 6 this year again through public notice they were directed to furnish the video recording of the forthcoming annual examination for every phase of MBBS (1st MBBS, 2nd MBBS, 3rd MBBS, and 3rd Final) to be conducted by respective Colleges/ Institutions/ Deemed Universities along with completed Standard Assessment Form C, NMC mentioned in its Show Cause Notice of April 29.

The NMC in the latest notice further mentioned that the College authorities were intimated about the deficiencies found in Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System through Show Cause Notices issued from time to time. It was further conveyed that the issue has been viewed seriously by the competent authority which was mentioned in the copy of show cause notice dated 30-01-2024.

The Show Cause Notice pointed out that since the experts nominated for evaluating the Annual Declaration Form, Video Recording of Examination and AEBAS report have also observed the deficiencies in Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences Medical College Srinagar.

It said none of registered persons are marking attendance in Faculty while the number of beds is inadequate, the Cytopathology is 1 o/o less of total OPD while the Culture Sensitivity is Zero.

The Show Cause Notice further mentioned that the Serologry is 5% less of total OPD. The number of total minor surgeries is inadequate, the Department wise details of major and minor surgeries have not been provided, total number of families adopted is inadequate, details of Cadavers not provided and only three department’s examinations video have been provided.

The Show Cause Notice while taking serious exception to mal functioning of the College said where as mandated under proviso of Maintenance of Standard of Medical Education Regulation 2023 Chapter III-Clause 8 under the heading Penalties a monetary penalty not exceeding INR one Crore per violation or act of omission by the Medical Institution and various other stringent action is stipulated under this chapter in the regulation.

The NMC has also warned the Soura Medical College that for explaining the details of the discrepancies raised by the experts, the College is given an additional and final opportunity to place the version of explanation on each point raised by the experts through virtual hearing before the Committee. In case the opportunity provided is not availed , it will be presumed that the College does not have any clarification to furnish and no further opportunity will be given and decisions as deemed fit will be taken by the Committee, the NMC further warned.

The NMC also asked the College authorities to explain the reasons within three days after issuance of the Show Cause Notice as to why seats for MBBS should not be reduced for the year 2024-2025 or a monetary penalty as per regulations be imposed.

The Committee has given final opportunity through virtual explanation on May 1 as to why a penalty not exceeding one crore or seat reduction should be taken as the authorities in the college have never bother to record the attendance of Faculty besides many other deficiencies pointed out from time to time by the NMC .

However, when contacted , Principal of the SKIMS Medical College, Dr Irfan Rabani said the Show Cause Notice was sent to many Medical Colleges across the country. He said one to one virtual meeting was held yesterday with NMC authorities and point to point information was provided and it is hoped that everything will be settled soon.

JK’s former Chief Minister has no house, no cars, no loans, no immovable assets

Over last decade, Omar Abdullah’s movable assets witness decline of 16 percent

Srinagar, May 02 (KNO): In a comprehensive declaration submitted as part of his nomination affidavit, National Conference (NC) Vice President and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has revealed that he has no residential house, no agriculture land or any immovable assets registered in his name, nor in the name of his spouse or dependents.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) comparing his past poll affidavit that Omar submitted as a candidate for assembly elections from Srinagar’s Sonwar assembly segment in the year 2014, his movable assets have witnessed a decline of more than 16 percent from 65.59 lacs in the year 2014 to 54.45 lacs- a total decline of 11.45 lacs over the last ten years.

What’s striking is Omar’s consistent pattern of not owning any residential property or agricultural land, a status unchanged since his tenure as Chief Minister. He reiterated this stance in his recent declaration submitted by him before the returning officer Baramulla on May 2, this year. Omar is NC’s candidate for Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency.

Furthermore, as per the poll affidavit, Omar Abdullah, a graduate in Commerce from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, disclosed his marital status, stating that he is separated from his wife with divorce proceedings pending before the Supreme Court.

His source of income primarily stems from a pension as a former legislator and former parliament member. Notably, he carries no loans or liabilities from any bank. His income has varied over the years, with earnings of Rs 7,92,093 in 2019-20, Rs 11,73,030 in 2020-21, Rs 13,20,460 in 2021-22, and a notable decrease to Rs 13,20,460 in 2023-24, following a peak of Rs 19,39,620 in 2022-23—(KNO)

BJP announces incharge, co-incharge for all 18 Assembly segments of Anantnag Lok Sabha seat

‘Mostly leaders from other parties who joined BJP have been given the responsibility’

Jammu, May 02 (KNO): Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Thursday announced incharge and co-incharge for all the 18 Assembly segments of Anantnag parliamentary constituency who will be working among the people to seek votes.

Those who have been made incharge are mostly the leaders who have come from other political parties and joined BJP during these years.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), prominent among these leaders are former ministers Sham Lal Sharma, Surjit Singh Slathia, Abdul Gani Kohli and Shakti Raj Parihar, former legislators Balwant Singh Mankotia, R S Pathania, Shenaz Ganai, Pardeep Sharma and other leaders.

Jammu and Kashmir BJP president Ravinder Raina has given these leaders charge of different Assembly segments and they will be supported by co-incharge.

Sources told KNO that BJP is working out to support a like minded party or parties of Kashmir valley in all the three Lok Sabha seats of Kashmir valley, Anantnag, Srinagar and Baramulla, but so far list of incharge and co-incharge have only been announced for Anantnag-Rajouri seat where the saffron party claims to have stake as well. BJP hasn’t fielded candidates in these constituencies.

“There are chances that for Anantnag and Srinagar Lok Sabha seats, BJP may support J&K Apni Party candidates and these leaders have been told to seek votes from people, on whom the party have invested by giving ST status to Pahari population and strengthening ST status of Gujjars and Bakarwals, and ensure that they people come and vote as well. For Baramulla seat, BJP may announce support for Peoples Conference president Sajad Lone,” said a source.

“In this regard, a press conference may be addressed by senior party leaders in coming days,” the source said.

He said that the party high command doesn’t want to lose the ground in Rajouri and Poonch districts and continue to hold the grip on the people for Assembly elections, whenever held.

The J&K BJP president has given responsibility of Poonch Assembly segment to former Balwant Singh Mankotia, Mendhar to Pardeep Sharma, Surankote to Shenaz Ganai, Rajouri to Surjit Singh Slathia, Budhal to Abdul Gani Kohli, Thanamandi to Iqbal Malik, Nowshera to Sham Lal Sharma, Anantnag to Shahnawaz Khanday, Anantnag west to Rajeshwar Kumar, Anantnag East to Javed Zargar, Bijbehara to Firdous Bhawani, Pahalagam to Shakti Raj Parihar, Kokernag to Majnoo, Dooru to R S Pathania, Kulgam to Tariq Hussain Keen, Devsar to Saleem Bhat, D.H. Pora to Nazir Ganai and Zainpora to Kousar Natnoo.

The Anantnag Lok Sabha seat is all set to go for polls on May 25 after the Election Commissioner of India postponed the polling date from May 7 owing to bad weather conditions—(KNO)

J&K witnessing peaceful ever polls, massive participation of people: CEO Pole

Urges people to exercise franchise on May 13, 20 & 25 to ensure thriving democracy, Says Political parties reaching out to nook & corner of Kashmir to present their viewpoints

Srinagar, May 02 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir’s Chief Electoral Officer P.K. Pole, on Thursday, termed the ongoing elections in the erstwhile state as peaceful, urging the people to continue exercising their franchise in large numbers to ensure a vibrant and thriving democracy.

Speaking to reporters at Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, Pole as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) highlighted the peaceful atmosphere prevailing in the region, even during the late evening hours, noting the bustling markets in the summer capital’s business hub and the free movement of people without fear.

He characterized the ongoing election season as festive, citing increased participation and a peaceful environment. Pole emphasized the importance of people’s engagement in the democratic process, urging them to turn out in large numbers during the upcoming phases of voting.

He outlined the election schedule, mentioning that Srinagar is set to go to the polls on May 13, followed by Baramulla on May 20, and Anantnag-Rajouri on May 25. Pole expressed satisfaction with the peaceful conduct of elections, likening it to other states and regions, and commended the impressive participation of the people.

Meanwhile, on the ground, a noticeable change is evident. The absence of worrisome elements such as calls for boycott and threats by militants to candidates or voters marks a significant departure from previous elections characterized by violence and unrest since 1989.

In the context of the 2019 parliamentary elections, which were held amidst heightened tensions in Kashmir, instances of stone-pelting and violence disrupted the electoral process, particularly in the Anantnag parliamentary seat, where nearly 100 polling booths recorded zero voter turnout. The overall voter turnout was dismal, reflecting the prevalent disillusionment and unrest in the region.

The aftermath of the BJP-led government’s decision to abrogate Article 370 saw security agencies, including the Jammu and Kashmir police and the National Investigation Agency (NIA), taking measures to target militants and separatist elements. This crackdown led to the elimination of top militant figures and the detention of several separatist leaders on charges related to militancy, inciting violence, and engaging in anti-national activities.

The majority of prominent separatist leaders associated with the Hurriyat Conference are now behind bars, with their organizations banned by the Government of India for their involvement in promoting violence and terrorism in Kashmir—(KNO)

Rahul Will Be Forced To Take Out ‘Congress Dhoondho Yatra’ After June 4: Shah In Bareilly

Bareilly (UP), May 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday attacked Rahul Gandhi, saying he started his party’s campaign with Bharat Jodo Yatra that will end with a ‘Congress Dhoondho Yatra,’ suggesting that the party will get a severe drubbing in the Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing an election rally here, Shah alleged that Rahul, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and SP’s Akhilesh Yadav did not attend the Ram Temple consecration ceremony in Ayodhya fearing this may alienate their vote bank.

“The ‘shehzade’ (prince) of ‘ghamandia’ INDI Alliance started his election campaign with Bharat Jodo Yatra but on June 4 (counting day), it will end with a ‘Congress Dhoondho Yatra’,” Shah said.

“In the first two phases, Congress is nowhere, while Narendra Modi has made a century and taken a lead in the ‘400 race’ (race to 400 seats),” he said.
He said that this election is for ending terrorism and Naxalism and making India the third major economy globally.

Shah hit out at the INDIA bloc partner Samajwadi Party, saying it indulges in dynastic politics, for its president Akhilesh Yadav has given tickets to five members of his family in the current election.
He said that while Akhilesh is contesting from Kannauj and his wife Dimple Yadav is in fray from Mainpuri, Akshay Yadav, Aditya Yadav, and Dharmendra Yadav, all three his family members, are contenders from Firozabad, Budaun, and Azamgarh.

“Had he given a ticket to some Yadav youths, it would have been better,” he said.

Shah said that for the past 70 years, Congress was stalling the Ram Temple construction, a task completed by the BJP.

“When you made Modi PM for the second time, within five years, we won the case, did the groundbreaking, and performed the consecration ceremony of the temple on January 22. Samajwadi Party chief Akhliesh Yadav, Dimple, Rahul and Priyanka, all were invited by the temple trust but they did not attend the consecration ceremony … because of the fear of their vote bank,” Shah said.

“You all know who their vote bank is,” he added.

On revoking Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, he said, “Congress president asks what do people of Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh have to do with Kashmir.

He doesn’t know that for Kashmir, every child of Bareilly can sacrifice his lives … In Kashmir, our tricolour is flying with pride.” On the “surgical strike” after Pulwama attack, Shah said that under the past Congress governments, there was no reprisal for such acts and anyone could enter the country and do bomb blasts. “We did a surgical strike inside Pakistan to get rid of terrorists.” He praised the Narendra Modi government’s successful Covid vaccination of 130 crore people.

Shah claimed that Uttar Pradesh was riven with communal riots till 2017, when Yogi Adityanath came to power and made it riot-free and stopped residents’ exodus from western UP.

“In Yogi’s regime, it is the hooligans who are migrating,” he said.

In Samajwadi Party’s UP, factories prepared country-made pistols, but now they manufacture tanks and missiles that will be fired on Pakistan, he said.

Claiming that the Opposition’s INDIA bloc is torn with internal differences, he said, “Akhilesh wants to become chief minister. Sonia ji wants his son (Rahul Gandhi) to become prime minister. Those who are working to make their family members PM and CM, can they think of poor welfare?” Bareilly will go to poll in the third phase on May 7. (Agencies)

“Congress Is Dying And Pakistan Is Crying” Says PM Modi Emphasising His Government’s Anti-Terror Stand

Gujarat, May 2: Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the previous UPA government accusing it of giving “dossiers” to terrorists while alleging a partnership between Congress and Pakistan.

Calling it a “coincidence”, the Prime Minister said that the Congress party is weakening in India adding that Pakistan leaders are offering “dua” (prayers) for the party to return to power.

“The weak Congress government used to give dossiers to the masters of terror. But, Modi’s strong government kills terrorists on their ground. It is a coincidence, today Congress is getting weaker in India and when here Congress is dying and there Pakistan is crying. Now Pakistani leaders are offering dua for Congress. Pakistan is eager to make ‘Shehzaada’ the Prime Minister and Congress is already Pakistan’s fan. This partnership between Pakistan and Congress has now been completely exposed,” PM Modi said while addressing an election rally in Gujarat’s Anand on Thursday.

The Prime Minister accused the Congress of lying while calling itself “Mohabbat ka dhukan” (shop of love) and alleged that the latter has become a “factory of fake goods”.

“People are asking why the Congress is so agitated. Today Congress has become a fake factory i.e. a factory of fake goods. Why is Congress selling lies by calling itself Mohabbat ka Dhukan?,” he said.

Refering to the UPA rule as ‘shaasankaal’ (reign) and the current NDA rule as ‘sevakaal’ (service period), PM Modi accused Congress of trying to divide the country.

“These days, the ‘shehzaade’ of Congress are dancing keeping the Constitution on their heads. But, Congress should answer me why the Constitution, which you are dancing with on your forehead today, was not implemented in all parts of India for 75 years. Today Modi is realising Sardar Saheb’s dream of uniting the country. Whereas Congress is busy dividing the country, Congress wants to create fights in society. Because of Congress, there were various kinds of tamperings with the Constitution of the country for decades,” he said.

“The country has seen the rule of Congress for 60 years. Now the country has also seen 10 years of service of BJP. That was the reign, this is the service period,” PM Modi added.

The Prime Minister further highlighted the initiatives undertaken during the last years of NDA rule and said, “During 60 years of Congress rule, around 60 per cent of the rural population did not have toilets. In 10 years, the BJP government built 100 per cent toilets. In 60 years, Congress was able to provide tap water facilities to only 3 crore rural households in the country, that is, to less than 20 per cent of the households. In just 10 years, the number of houses with tap water has reached 14 crore, that is, 75 per cent of the houses have tap water.”

“In 60 years, Congress nationalised the banks, took over the banks and said that banks should be for the poor. Despite nationalizing the banks in the name of the poor, the Congress government could not open bank accounts for crores of poor people in 60 years. Modi opened more than 50 crore Jan Dhan bank accounts in 10 years,” PM Modi said.

Voting for 25 out of 26 seats in Gujarat will take place in the third phase of the ongoing general elections on May 7.
Voting will not take place in Surat as Bharatiya Janata Party candidate Mukesh Dalal was declared elected unopposed last week after Congress’ Nilesh Kumbhani’s nomination was rejected while other candidates withdrew from the contest. The results will be announced on June 4. (Agencies)

Modi Govt ‘Snatching Away’ Reservation By ‘Blindly’ Implementing Privatisation: Rahul

New Delhi, May 2: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused the Modi government of ”clandestinely snatching away” reservation from Dalits, tribals and backward classes by ”blindly” implementing privatisation, and said his party guarantees strengthening the public sector enterprises and open the doors for employment.

In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi said the mantra of Narendra Modi’s campaign to remove reservation is — ‘na rahega baans, na bajegi bansuri’, meaning neither there will be government jobs nor any reservation will be available.

”The BJP government is clandestinely snatching away reservation from Dalits, tribals and backward classes by eliminating government jobs through ‘blind privatisation’,” the former Congress chief said.

In 2013, there were 14 lakh permanent posts in the public sector, which by 2023 stood at 8.4 lakh, he said.

”By ruining top PSU’s like BSNL, SAIL, BHEL etc., nearly 6 lakh permanent jobs were eliminated from the public sector alone — these are the very posts which would have given the benefit of reservation,” Gandhi said.

There is no count of the jobs that are being eliminated through the back door in institutions such as railways by giving government work on contract, he claimed.
”The ‘privatisation’ of the Modi model is a plunder of the country’s resources, through which the reservation of the deprived is being snatched away,” he alleged.

The Congress guarantees that it will strengthen the public sector enterprises and open the doors for employment for every section of the society by filling 30 lakh vacant government posts, Gandhi said. (Agencies)

LS Polls-2024: Former J&K CM Omar Abdullah files nomination papers for Baramulla seat

Says will emerge victorious with thumping majority

Baramulla, May 02 (KNO): National Conference Vice President and former chief minister of the erstwhile J&K state, Omar Abdullah on Thursday filed his nomination papers for the Baramulla Lok Sabha seat.

Omar as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) was accompanied by a senior party leaders and functionaries and filed his nomination papers before the Returning Officer for Baramulla Lok Sabha seat, Minga Sherpa.

The nomination filing ceremony witnessed a show of solidarity from the accomplice and the supporters, reaffirming Omar’s stature as a prominent political figure in Jammu and Kashmir besides strong foothold in the region.

Omar while leaving from Srinagar towards Baramulla, said that he is expecting to win the seat with thumping majority.

Notably, a total number of 11 candidates, including prominent figures such as Sajad Gani Lone of the People’s Conference and Er Rashid, an independent candidate, have filed their nomination papers for the electoral field in Baramulla—(KNO)

Night Temp Drops, Hovers Below Normal As MeT Predicts Afternoon Showers In J&K

Srinagar, May 2 (GNS): Night temperature recorded a drop at most places and continued to hover below normal in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

A meteorological department official here told GNS Srinagar recorded a low of 5.7°C against 7.1°C on the previous night and it was 4.0°C below normal for the summer capital of JK for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 3.6°C against 5.8°C on the previous night and it was 4.9°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of 1.0°C against 2.7°C on the previous night and it was 3.7°C below normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 4.4°C against 3.5°C and it was 4.0°C below normal, the official said.

Kupwara town recorded a minimum of 4.7°C against 5.4°C on the previous night and it was 3.7°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg recorded a minimum of minus 0.2°C against minus 1.2°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 4.5°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Jammu, he said, recorded a low of 15.7°C against 16.1°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 6.9°C for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded a low of 8.0°C, Batote 9.5°C and Bhaderwah 6.1°C, he said.

Regarding the forecast, he said, generally dry weather with afternoon thundershower activity is expected during the next 24 hours.

From May 3-4, he said, partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain and thunder is expected at scattered places towards evening.

On May 5, he said, generally dry weather with afternoon thundershower activity is likely at isolated places.

Partly to generally cloudy weather with light rain and thunder is expected at few places on May 6-7, he said.

From May 8-10, generally dry weather with afternoon thundershower activity is expected at few places, the official added. (GNS)

School timings changed to 8:30 am to 2:30 pm in Srinagar from May 6

Srinagar, May 2(GNS): The authorities here on Thursday announced change in school timings within municipal limits of Srinagar from May 6.

“Consequent upon the approval conveyed by the competent authority, all Government and Private Recognized Schools within the municipal limits of Srinagar city shall observe school timings from 08:30 AM to 02:30 PM, w.e.f 06.05.2024,” Director School Education said in an order, a copy of which lies with GNS. (GNS)

J&K will soon be a normal State, all kind of violence down: Shah

‘Not even a single soldier more than UPA Govt deployed’

JAMMU, May 2: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has said that Jammu and Kashmir will soon be a normal State as all kind of violence has been going down
“Slowly, it ( Jammu and Kashmir) will be a normal State,” Shah said in an interview with the ABP channel.

Asserting that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed sea change, he said the change has come because of the people as lot of development is taking place and poor have got their rights.

To a question whether there was heavy deployment of security forces in Kashmir, Shah said not even a single extra soldier has been deployed when the BJP took over from Manmohan Singh Government.
“We conducted Panchayat elections and restored democratic process in Jammu and Kashmir,” the Home Minister said.

He said 2.80 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir in two years. Muharram procession was taken out. Night theatres have started functioning. Thirty theatres are being constructed. Investments have come and Article 370 has ended. These are the big changes, he added.

Shah mentioned that terror incidents have come down from 7200 during 2004-2014 tenure of Manmohan Singh to 2000 during 10 years of Narendra Modi Government while the killings have declined from 2829 to 415. Civilian killings were 300 as compared to 1800 while 574 security personnel were martyred as against 2354.
There was mot even a single stone pelting incident as against 2654, he added.

Meanwhile, at an election rally today, the Home Minister delineated the achievements of the Modi Government, particularly in bolstering national security and combating terrorism.

Highlighting the contrast between the present administration and its predecessors, Shah accused the erstwhile UPA Government of faltering in the face of terrorist threats, contrasting it with Modi’s resolute response to Pakistan-backed terrorism.

He further alleged that vote-bank politics had compromised national security, citing instances where Congress alliances led to incidents like the bomb blast in Karnataka.
In the interview, Shah attacked Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal saying that the AAP chief said he was ‘Kattar Imandaar’, but didn’t have the moral energy to resign even after getting arrested.

Hitting out at Kejriwal, Shah said that it has been the first time in history that a person has not resigned even after getting arrested.

“It has never happened in history that if a person is arrested in any case, he or she has not resigned on moral grounds. There is no provision in the Constitution because the makers of the Constitution couldn’t imagine that someone would get arrested and no resign. So there was no such provision. It is a very natural thing,” Shah said.

SHO attached, PP Incharge suspended; SIT set up in murder

JAMMU, May 2: Police have detained seven persons in connection with the murder of a 39-year-old man in Greater Kailash locality here on Tuesday evening.

While SHO Gangyal Harmohinder Singh has been attached and Incharge Police Post Greater Kailash Puneet Sharma suspended for their alleged negligence to control the scuffle that led to the killing of the man, a three-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) has also been constituted to probe the matter.

Addressing media persons here today, SSP Jammu, Dr Vinod Kumar, said that the scuffle started over a land (33 Marla) dispute between one Balbir Singh and Parshotam Singh.

He said on April 22, the incharge Police Post Greater Kailash reached at the disputed land to execute a restrain order of the court in favour of one of the parties.

He said the moment one party took possession of the land in presence of police personnel another party reached there to object the possession.

“As the situation went out of the control due to involvement of some anti-social elements/land grabbers, some prominent people again called SHO and incharge Police Post to control the situation.

“Accordingly, Incharge PP reached at the spot but the agitating parties took law into their hands in presence of the police officers to injure one Avtar Singh, who unfortunately died in GMC&H Jammu later,” said the police officer.

He said since the police officers failed to discharge their duties professionally SHO Gangyal Harmohinder Singh has been attached and Incharge Police Post Greater Kailash Puneet Singh placed under suspension. An inquiry has also been initiated against them, said the SSP Jammu.

A three-member SIT led by SDPO City South Kartik Shrotriya has also been constituted to probe the negligence of the police officers present at the crime spot, he said.

Meanwhile, on the written complaint of the uncle of the deceased person, the SSP Jammu said that 7 people including notorious land grabber Ravinder Gupta alias Gola Shah have been detained in case FIR number 39/2024 under sections 302, 307, 323, 447, and 147 IPC and more people are likely to be detained to investigate their role in the crime.

Besides Gola Shah, those detained have been identified as Parshotam Singh of Katholi, Bari Brahamana, Samba; Suraj Singh of Khartoli, Samba; Vikas Singh of Greater Kailash, Jammu; Sandeep Charak of Kothay Hoshyari, Sarore, Samba, and Rajat Jandiyal son of Ravinder Gupta alias Gola Shah.

Asked about the involvement of influential criminals in the crime, he said, “Irrespective of one’s stature and financial background, police will conduct the investigation in a highly transparent manner to ensure that the criminals are lodged behind the bars.”

The SSP Jammu also issued a stern warning to other people indulging in the crime of land grabbing, claiming the police force has been making Zonal Task Forces to ensure justice to the victims of land grabbing by working in cohesion with the revenue authorities.

“I am issuing a stern warning to the criminals to either mend their ways or get ready to face the music,” he warned.

Night temp rises but hovers below normal in J&K, minus 1.2°C in Gulmarg

MeT Predicts Mainly Dry Weather By End Of This Week, Light Rains From May 6-7

Srinagar, May 1 (GNS):  Amid forecast for mainly dry weather by the end of this week, night temperature recorded an increase but hovered below normal in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.  

A meteorological department official here told GNS that generally dry weather with afternoon thundershower activity is expected at a few places from May 1-5. Light rains with thunders at scattered places have been forecast from May 6-7, he said.

Regarding rainfall in last 24 hours till 0830 a.m. today, he said, Srinagar received 1.6mm, Qazigund 5.4mm, Pahalgam 16.3mm, Kupwara 1.5mm, Kokernag 15.4mm, Gulmarg 16.0mm, Jammu 0.2mm, Banihal 2.4mm, Batote 1.9mm, and Bhadarwah 5.8mm.

The incessant rains from the last several days led to waterlogging on several roads and inundated many low-lying areas, reports said.

Regarding night temperature, the MeT official said, Srinagar recorded a low of 7.1°C against 3.0°C on the previous night and it was 2.6°C below normal for the summer capital of JK for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 5.8 against 3.8°C on the previous night and it was 2.7°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of 2.7°C against 0.7°C on the previous night and it was 2.2°C below normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 3.5°C against 2.6°C and it was 4.9°C below normal, the official said.

Kupwara town recorded a minimum of 5.4°C against 3.6°C on the previous night and it was 3.0°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg recorded a minimum of minus 1.2°C against 1.5°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 5.5°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Jammu, he said, recorded a low of 16.1°C against 12.9°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 6.5°C for the winter capital of J&K. Banihal recorded a low of 7.4°C, Batote 7.6°C and Bhaderwah 7.3°C, he added.  (GNS)

We used majority to end Art 370, triple talaq: Shah

HM attacks Cong over lies on Constitution

GUWAHATI, May 01:Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday alleged that the Congress was spreading lies that the BJP intends to change the country’s Constitution and end reservations if it returns to power for a third term.

He also attacked the Congress over the sex scandal involving Janata Dal (S) MP Prajwal Revanna, asking why the ruling party of Karnataka did not take any action against the accused.

“The Congress is spreading lies about BJP changing the Constitution and ending reservations… We do not see voters as minority or majority. The BJP will win 12 of the 14 Lok Sabha seats in Assam,” he told a press conference here.

The BJP is a supporter of reservations for the SC, ST and OBC and will continue to play a proactive role in safeguarding their rights, he said adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has clarified this in several of his public speeches.

It is the Congress that has deprived the SC, ST and OBCs of their rights ‘as they gave reservations to Muslims in undivided Andhra Pradesh and for this, the OBCs were affected. Without conducting any survey, they put all Muslims in Karnataka in the OBC category and reserved 4 per cent quota for the minorities,’ Shah said.

The BJP believes that reservation based on religion is not constitutionally valid and the party will remove that religion-based quota after coming to power in those states, the Union Home Minister said.

Referring to the Revanna issue, Shah said that the saffron party will in no way tolerate insult to women.

“The issue regarding Revanna in the media is very hurtful and cannot be tolerated in any way, he said.

Allegations of obscene videos and sexual abuses have been levelled against Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, and NDA-JD(S) alliance candidate for the Lok Sabha Hassan constituency where polls were held on April 26.

Shah said Congress has been alleging that an NDA partner’s candidate is involved in the incident, “but I just want to ask a small question – whose Government is there in that state (Karnataka)?”

Why the Congress, which is in power in Karnataka, has not taken any action in this matter, he asked.

“We cannot take any action as law and order is a state issue,” Shah said adding that the BJP is in favour of an inquiry and JD(S) has also announced that action will be taken against Revanna.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi is “questioning us (on that issue) but I want to tell her that instead of asking Prime Minister Narendra Modi or me, she should ask her party’s Chief Minister,” he said.

On the arrest of a Congress functionary of Assam on Monday for allegedly circulating a fake video of Shah, the BJP leader said the grand old party’s “frustration and disappointment have reached such a level that it made and circulated it on social media and even ChiefMministers and state unit chiefs also forwarded it.”

Shah alleged that since Rahul Gandhi assumed leadership of the Congress, its level of politics is sinking and the attempt to create confusion and mislead people is condemnable.

“They should contest elections on the basis of their principles, programmes and manifesto and not by circulating a fake video,” he said.

Regarding Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi contesting from Amethi and Raebareli respectively, Shah said that they are running away from their traditional seats in Uttar Pradesh and ‘I don’t think they have the courage to fight elections from there’.

‘Rahul Gandhi can say whatever he wants to do after winning elections but it all depends on whether they will get the opportunity as people are not going to give Congress a chance this time too’, he said.

He asserted that the BJP was getting a “very good response” from voters in the southern states.

The senior BJP leader slammed the Congress for practising the “politics of appeasement since the very beginning”, and said it wants to save “the little of what is remaining of their support base”.

“We are in favour of implementing the Uniform Civil Code across the country and ensuring that there is one law for people of all religions,” the Home Minister said.

In a secular country, it is not right to have laws based on religion, and this is against the spirit of the constitution, Shah said.

The BJP condemns the Congress’ promise to bring back the Muslim Personal Law as mentioned in its manifesto, he said.

‘The Congress in a desperation to win elections has lost simple logic and they have announced that civil contracts will be given to minorities. Contracts are given on the basis of the lowest bid, experience and the nature of past work but if even in contracts, they bring in religion, I want to ask the opposition party whether they have any reservations about their President’s post,’ he said.

The people of the country have given absolute majority to the BJP in 2014 and 2019 and for 10 years ‘we have used this absolute majority not to impose emergency or throttle democracy like the Congress did but to end Article 370, triple talaaq, change archaic British laws and bring in Indian legal system, to fight against the Corona pandemic and after getting the Court’s verdict also constructed the Ram Temple’, Shah said.

Regarding allegations of Arvind Kejriwal’s wife that her husband is being slowly killed in jail, the Union Home Minister said that the jails are under the Delhi government and ‘they should be concerned if their own Government is killing him but if I get any written complaint I will definitely look into it’. (PTI)

No end to BJP rift: despite persuasions by Sr leaders, JTN takes nomination form

Union Minister to join Tashi in filing papers today

Cong decision on Ladakh candidate anytime now

Jammu, may 01: Confusion prevailed in National Conference-Congress camp over choice of the candidate for Ladakh Parliamentary seat elections as some of the leaders have reached Delhi for discussions with the high command while, in a no political relief for the BJP, sitting MP Jamyang Tsering Namgayal today obtained nomination form from the Returning Officer as an Independent candidate notwithstanding persuasions by BJP national general secretary, Incharge J&K, Tarun Chug and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju.

Rijiju who returned to New Delhi yesterday after holding talks with Namgayal is reaching Leh again tomorrow to join Tashi Gyalson, the BJP candidate, who will file nomination form in Leh. Gyalson is sitting Chairman-Cum-CEC of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh.

May 3 is last date for filing nomination papers for Ladakh seat which will go to polls in fifth phase on May 20.
Chug and Rijiju held long meetings with Namgayal, who has been visiting various areas of Ladakh constituency after being denied the party mandate to mobilize support of workers, and Tashi Gyalson, the BJP candidate for Ladakh Lok Sabha seat. There were reports that Chug and Rijiju have succeeded in persuading Namgayal not to contest as an Independent candidate and support the BJP nominee.
However, today, Namgayal’s representatives obtained nomination form for him from the Returning Officer as an Independent candidate.

Union Minister Rijiju, as per the party insiders, is again reaching Leh tomorrow to join Gyalson when he will file the nomination form as the BJP candidate for Lok Sabha election. He is expected to again hold talks with Namgayal.
Workers close to Namgayal declined to comment whether he will file nomination as an Independent candidate or not saying things will be clear in next two days.

Meanwhile, in Kargil, senior National Conference leaders continue to insist that the Congress should give mandate to NC leader from Kargil to get the party support.
Name of senior National Conference leader Haji Haneefa Jan, who is district president for Kargil, has reportedly been proposed by the NC, to the Congress. The NC leaders are of the view that Jan will contest on Congress mandate and both parties will support him to win the seat.

However, as per the party leaders, a senior Congress leader from Leh is opposed to the move and has proposed names of three sitting Councilors of Leh Hill Development Council for the party mandate.

“The Congress decision is also expected by tomorrow,” the insiders said.

NC and Congress are allies in Kargil Hill Development Council. As per seat sharing agreement between INDIA bloc, National Conference and Congress will contest three Parliamentary seats in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Ladakh seat went to the Congress much to the disappointment of NC leaders who have strong base in Kargil district. Later, the NC came out with a strange formula stating that it will be their party leader who will contest on Congress mandate and both parties will work together to ensure his success.

“While some of the Congress leaders from Kargil are supportive of the proposals, few others from district Leh are opposed to the move,” the party insiders said but added that the Congress high command will take a decision by tomorrow taking into account the party’s interests and winning prospects.

The BJP for the first time won Ladakh Parliamentary seat in 2014 with Thupstan Chhewang, the party nominee emerging victorious. In 2019, Jamyang Tsering Namgayal, who was also the Chairman-cum-CEC of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) Leh, retained the seat for the BJP. The BJP’s decision to drop Namgayal comes amid resentment towards the ruling party among a section of Buddhists in Leh.

The BJP Government at the Centre had fulfilled long pending demand of the majority people of Ladakh for grant of Union Territory status on August 5, 2019 when Article 370 was scrapped and erstwhile State was bifurcated into two UTs of J&K and Ladakh. Ladakh was earlier a region and was later made third division besides Jammu and Kashmir before being made a UT.

However, after some time, the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance started agitation demanding Sixth Schedule Status and Statehood for Ladakh besides some other demands for protection of land, culture, identity etc of the locals.

The BJP Government at the Centre has ruled out Sixth Schedule status as well as Statehood but stressed for continued dialogue with LAB and KDA. However, the two bodies of Ladakh said there was no fun of talks when their two major demands have been rejected.

Modi dares Cong, Oppn parties to restore Art 370 in J&K

‘Even if I’m CM of J&K, I can’t bring it back’

Dalits, Valmikis got reservation for first time in UT

JAMMU, Apr 30: Prime Minister Narendra Modi today challenged the Opposition parties including the Congress to bring back Article 370 which was abrogated in August 2019 in Jammu and Kashmir saying even if he is the Chief Minister of J&K he can’t do it.

He again took the Congress to task for not implementing Babasaheb Ambedkar’s Constitution fully in Jammu and Kashmir for 70 years which was done by the BJP Government after abrogation of Article 370.

In an interview to TV 18 News Network tonight, Modi challenged the Opposition leaders including the Congress, who declared that they will bring back Article 370, to do so.

“Whoever understands India’s Constitution, federal stricture and what is in jurisdiction, will not say such things. Bringing back Article 370 is not in the Opposition’s jurisdiction. Even if I’m Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, I can’t do it,” the Prime Minister said.

He dared the Congress to hold a press conference and declare that the party will restore Article 370.

“The Centre and State Governments will do what is in their ambit. But fooling the people is a trend nowadays – to keep them in the dark. That’s why they keep saying anything at all,” Modi said.

Asserting that the Congress talks ‘big’ about the Constitution and Babasaheb Ambedkar, the Prime Minister said Babasaheb’s Constitution was not applicable for the entire nation. For 70 years, the Indian Constitution was not applicable in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Dalits and Valmikis got reservations for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 abrogation,” he said.

Meanwhile, addressing a rally at Bagalkote in Karnataka, the Prime Minister said he doesn’t believe in attacking from the back and fights openly face to face.

He said he did not hide information about the Balakot air strikes (conducted deep inside Pakistan after Pulwama terror attack in February 2019 in which nearly 40 CRPF bravehearts sacrificed their lives), and disclosed information about it and the destruction caused to the enemies, after the strikes.

“I had asked the forces to call the media and inform them, but I said before that I will inform Pakistan through telephone about airstrikes at night and destruction caused, but Pakistan people did not come on phone. So I asked forces to wait, and after informing them, we later disclosed to the world about airstrikes that happened during the night,” the Prime Minister said.

He added that Modi doesn’t hide things nor attacks from hiding, and does things openly.

Warning those who try to kill innocent people of the country, Modi said, “this is Naya Bharat (New India), Ghar me ghuskar ke maarega (kills inside one’s (enemy) territory).”

Modi accused the Congress of planning religion-based reservation in the country for the sake of vote bank politics, but asserted that he will not let it happen.

He said this Congress proposal is to appease minorities as the SC/ST and OBC community is now with the BJP.

“In Karnataka, Congress has started a campaign to change the Constitution and to snatch away the rights of SC/ST and OBCs. Our Constitution does not accept religion-based reservation. But the Karnataka Government has given part of OBC reservation to Muslims,” Modi said.

He said, “they (Congress) will not settle with this. They had earlier too in their manifesto said about coming out with a law to provide religion-based reservation. There is a similar signal in their manifesto this time.”

“I want to make my Dalit, SC/ST and OBC brothers and sisters aware about Congress’ intentions. These people on the basis of religion, to keep their vote bank safe, are planning to loot your right which was given by Babasaheb Ambedkar and the Constitution,” he added.

Noting that most of SC, ST and OBC MPs in the Parliament are from BJP, Modi said, “So they feel that as SC, ST and OBC are with BJP. To gain the trust of minorities, they want to loot from SC, ST and OBC and give it to minorities. Will you let this happen?”

“I want to guarantee today to my Dalit, Adivasi and OBC brothers and sisters. I will not let such intentions of Congress be successful. To protect your rights, your reservation, Modi will go to any extent. I’m assuring you this,” he added.

Citing a habit among people to forward certain information that comes on various platforms without verifying, Modi alleged that, “those who have lost elections or have lost (while being in) the fray are using technology to make fake videos. Misusing artificial intelligence they put out wrong things in my voice in social media — this is creating a big threat.”

Appealing to people to inform police or the BJP about such fake videos and legal action will follow, the PM said the law of this country will not allow people to play such games with anyone.

Govt reframes panel for recruitment rules

Jammu, Apr 30: Government has accorded sanction to the re-constitution of committee for vetting and finalizing the recruitment rules of various Gazetted and Non-Gazetted Services.

As per an order, the committee so constituted shall be chaired by Administrative Secretary, ARI & Trainings Department, with Secretary (Technical) ARI & Trainings Department, representatives of the concerned intending department (not below the rank

Special/Additional Secretary to the nominated by the concerned Administrative Secretary), representative of General Administration Department (not below the rank of Additional Secretary), representative of Department of Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs (not below the rank of Additional Secretary) as Members and Special/Additional Secretary, ARI & Trainings Department as Member Secretary.

“The committee shall be serviced by the ARI & Trainings Department,” read the order.

SC to review Art 370 validity on May 1

Jammu, Apr 30: The Supreme Court is set to review the validity of Central Government’s 2019 decision to abrogate Article 370 of the Constitution, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The pleas seeking the review of the judgment, where the court upheld the validity of the decision, is scheduled to be heard on May 1.

The apex court in December last year had upheld the abrogation of Article 370 in J&K Constitutionally valid. The top court had directed the Election Commission to hold elections in Kashmir by September 30, 2024.

48 Kg Heroin Seized, 3 Smugglers Held As Punjab Police Busts International Drug Cartel

Chandigarh, Apr 29: The Punjab Police on Monday said it has busted an international drug racket operating in five countries with the arrest of three persons and recovery of 48 kg heroin, one of the biggest seizures of narcotics in the state.

The police also recovered Rs 21 lakh cash from the accused trio, said Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav.
“Biggest heroin seizure of 2024: Commissionerate Police Jalandhar busts international drug syndicate and arrests 3 operatives with seizure of 48 kg heroin,” said Yadav in a post on X.

The syndicate was actively involved in trans-border and inter-state drug smuggling. Their network was spread across five countries — Iran, Afghanistan, Turkey, Pakistan, and Canada, alongside a domestic network spanning two states — Jammu and Kashmir and Gujarat, the DGP said.
A total of 21 lakh illicit funds were confiscated from the accused, along with a cash counting machine and three high-end vehicles, he added.

A case under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act has been registered in the matter, said Yadav, adding, “Further investigation is ongoing to demolish the drug network.” (Agencies)

Supreme Court Refuses To Consider Listing Of Plea Seeking Abolition Of Collegium System

New Delhi, Apr 29: The Supreme Court on Monday refused to consider listing of a plea seeking abolition of the collegium system of judges appointing judges in the higher judiciary.

A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the plea of lawyer Mathews Nedumpara that his writ petition seeking abolition of the collegium system has to be listed for hearing.

“I have mentioned it several times. The registry has rejected it and is not listing my petition,” the lawyer said.
“The Registrar (Listing) has said that once the Constitution bench has ruled on something, an Article 32 petition (under the Article a plea can directly be filed in the Supreme Court on grounds of infringement of fundamental rights) is not maintainable. There are other remedies against the registrar’s order,” the CJI said.

The review petition against the NJAC judgement was dismissed in the chambers, the lawyers said, adding, “This is about the credibility of the institution. The Collegium system has to go.”

“I am sorry,” the CJI said.

A five-judge Constitution bench, on October 17, 2015, had termed as unconstitutional and set aside the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC) Act and the 99th Constitutional Amendment which had sought to give the politicians and civil society a final say in the appointment of judges to the high courts and the Supreme Court.

It had held that the independent judiciary was part of the basic structure of the Constitution.

The plea seeking review of the judgement was also dismissed.

The National Democratic Alliance government had passed the NJAC Bill to remove the collegium system, where a group of judges decided who would be judges in the Supreme Court and High Courts.
The NJAC had proposed a body comprising six members — CJI, two senior most judges of the Supreme Court, Union minister of law and justice, and two eminent persons. (Agencies)

Submit applications for OTEs by May 15: SED to staff

JAMMU, Apr 29: In a significant directive, a final call has been made to the teaching and non-teaching staff of the School Education Department (SED) to submit their applications for One-Time Exemptions (OTEs) for higher qualifications acquired via distance or online learning.

The deadline for these submissions has been set for May 15, 2024, as detailed in a Government circular.

This announcement follows the initial Government order number 188-JK(Edu) dated March 15, 2024, which granted a One-Time Extension allowing staff who obtained higher qualifications during their service without prior administrative approval.

To regulate these qualifications for promotion or seniority list inclusion, a dedicated committee was established under the rules of SRO-339 of 2005, augmented by subsequent orders and circulars.

However, a significant lag in submission and completion of the required documentation by the Chief Education Officers (CEOs) was observed by the Department recently.

In response, a stringent reminder was issued through letter number DSEJ/2024/9129-39 dated April 12, 2024, reiterating the necessity for timely and complete application processes.

Accordingly, the School Education Department has stressed the importance of adhering to the stipulated guidelines and submission through the proper channels by May 15, 2024.

CEOs are tasked with ensuring that all cases are meticulously scrutinized before being forwarded to the Directorate for further action.

Just 2.9 pc women candidates for first two phases of Lok Sabha polls in J&K

No female contestant in Ist phase, one in 2nd and two in 3rd

JAMMU, Apr 29: For the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, there was only one woman among 34 candidates, which means only 2. 94 percent of the total and even far less than their minuscule participation (eight percent) at the national level.

While there are two female candidates, including PDP supremo Mehbooba Mufti and an Independent Gulshan Akhter for the Anantnag -Rajouri Parliamentary constituency, going to polls on May 7 under third phase, still they constitute only 5.5 percent of the combined total, which is again less than the national level participation.

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For the Kathua-Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary constituency, which went to the polls on April 19, there were total 12 candidates and not even a single woman among them as none of the parties apparently relied on competence of the females, who constitute nearly 50 percent of the voters.
For the Jammu seat, which went to the polls on April 26, there was only one woman, namely Shikha Bandral from National Awami United Party, among the total number of 22 candidates.
Though the final picture is not clear in respect of remaining two Parliamentary constituencies (Srinagar and Baramulla), number of women contestants is likely to remain almost negligible as the candidates officially announced by all the major political parties are male.

Pertinent to mention that at the national level, women constituted only eight per cent of the total 2,823 candidates in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections. There were 135 women candidates in the first phase of the elections and 100 in the second phase, bringing the combined total for the first two phases to 235. BJP fielded 69 women in the two phases and the Congress 44.

Despite the fact that almost 50 percent of the voters are female and their polling percentage is also purportedly higher than their male counterparts in the initial two phases of ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Jammu and Kashmir, this significant imbalance in respect of contestants speaks of gender bias among the political parties in fielding woman as candidates.

According to Dr Renu Nanda, a senior Professor in Jammu University, it is a matter of great concern that despite competing with their male counterparts in all fields and even excelling, women are not coming forward in active politics.

” I believe that our male dominating society and women themselves are responsible for such negligible participation as most females lack interest as well as confidence in taking part in the politics,” she opined and suggested that women groups should come forward for instilling confidence among the females while political parties should also take concrete steps to promote women’s candidacy.

Prof Hemla Aggarwal, former Principal of Government College for Women, said that women have their own compulsions and those who want to come forward are discouraged by our patriarchal society and their own families. “Threat of exploitation and character assassination are apparently the main reasons , which discourage women from coming into active politics,” she said and stressed that educated youth should come forward to change mindset of the male dominating society and remove the barriers hindering women’s equal participation in the political sphere.

Senior Congress leader Namrta Sharma, who is a first generation politician and has been active in politics for the last two decades, rued that male counterparts are considered more competent because of the patriarchal society and prejudice towards women. “I believe that party leadership has a critical role in promoting gender diversity and all the political parties must prioritise gender inclusion in candidate selection and provide adequate support to women aspirants,” she added.

Stressing the need to create an environment in favour of women, Namrta Sharma said that women reservation is must for creating a female friendly atmosphere that addresses challenges faced by women in politics.

According to Akshi Billowria, a student leader and Secretary of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, J&K unit, family commitments, cultural barriers, fear of defamation and violence, are the apparent challenges faced by the women candidates. “Reserved seats, structural reforms and changing mindset are required for greater gender inclusivity,” she added.

Just 8% Of Women Candidates In First Two Phases Of Lok Sabha Polls

NEW DELHI, Apr 28: Women constituted only eight per cent of the total 2,823 candidates in the first two phases of the Lok Sabha elections, with political activists saying it reflects a deeper issue of gender bias and that talk of women’s empowerment rings hollow.

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There were 135 women candidates in the first phase of the elections and 100 in the second phase, bringing the combined total for the first two phases to 235.

In the first phase of the elections on April 19, there total number of candidates in the fray was 1,625. In the second phase held on April 26, 1,198 candidates contested the elections.

Of the 135 women candidates in the first phase, Tamil Nadu had the highest share at 76. However, that figure accounted for just 8 per cent of the total candidates in the state.

Kerala had the maximum number of women candidates at 24 in the second phase.
Partywise, the Congress fielded 44 women in the two phases and the BJP 69.

This significant gender imbalance has sparked criticism from political analysts and activists, who asked why parties are waiting for the Women Reservation Act to be implemented instead of proactively fielding women.

Dr Sushila Ramaswamy, an associate professor at Delhi University’s Jesus and Mary College, said political parties should take concrete steps to promote women’s candidacy.

“Political parties should have been more proactive and fielded more women candidates,” she underscored, citing the effectiveness of seat reservations for women within party structures, as seen in the UK’s Labour Party.

With women constituting nearly half of India’s electorate, their under representation in the candidate pool raises broader questions about the barriers hindering women’s full participation in the political sphere, said Dr Iftekhar Ahmad Ansari, an associate professor at the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

Beyond the symbolic gestures and promises, he stressed the importance of structural reforms to ensure equal opportunities for women in politics.
He also highlighted the critical role of party leadership in promoting gender diversity.

“Political parties must prioritise gender inclusion in candidate selection and provide adequate support to women aspirants,” he emphasised.

Farhat Jahan, a retired faculty member at AMU’s Abdullah Women’s College, said the issue of women’s political representation extends beyond numerical quotas to encompass systemic changes in party dynamics and electoral processes.

She also emphasised the need for gender-sensitive policies that address challenges faced by women in politics.

“The upcoming phases of the elections present an opportunity for political parties to demonstrate their commitment to gender equality through concrete actions. Initiatives such as mentorship programmes, capacity-building workshops and awareness campaigns can empower women to actively participate in the electoral process and pursue leadership roles,” she added.

Prof Mohammad Aftab Alam from the political science department at AMU pointed out the challenges women often face in forming independent political opinions amid societal influences.

“Even the ones elected are often relegated to symbolic roles,” he remarked, highlighting broader issues of token representation.

The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) is the only party that, as a policy, provides 33 per cent tickets to women.
Meera Parida, state vice-president of the BJD’s Biju Mahila Dal, stressed the need for substantive action in women’s empowerment and praised her party’s initiative of reserving 33 per cent of seats for women.

“Reserving seats alone is not enough. We need a cultural shift where women are seen as leaders and decision-makers,” she emphasised, advocating for comprehensive reforms.

Both major parties — the BJP and the Congress — have listed women-centric initiatives in their manifestos.

The BJP’s manifesto promises to implement the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam (Women’ Reservation Act) to honour and empower women, integrate women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) into the service sector to enhance their economic participation and expand health services.

The Congress has pledged legislative reforms for women’s empowerment, including the immediate enactment of the Women’s Reservation Act.
However, these commitments are yet to translate into substantial numbers of women contesting the elections.

Alka Lamba, chief of the Congress’ women’s wing, highlighted the party’s commitment to gender equality across sectors.

“The Congress has extended political, economic and social rights to women,” Lamba asserted, outlining ambitious targets for women’s representation in leadership roles.

As the Lok Sabha elections progress, the spotlight is on political parties to address these concerns and demonstrate tangible commitment towards fostering women’s participation and representation in governance.

The upcoming poll phases will be closely monitored to assess whether there is a meaningful shift towards greater gender inclusivity in the political landscape especially after the hype over passage of the Women’s Reservation Act, Aftab said.

Ramaswamy noted, “While parties are vocal about empowering women, the lack of women candidates reflects a deeper issue of gender bias within political systems.”

The Lok Sabha polls are being held in seven phases beginning from April 19 and the counting of votes will take place on June 4.

The second phase was held on April 26 while the other phases are scheduled for May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25 and June 1. (PTI)

Choice Between ‘Those Who Opened Fire At Karsevaks And Those Who Built Ram Temple’, Says Amit Shah

KASGANJ (UP), Apr 28: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday hit out at the opposition for keeping the Ram temple issue “hanging” and said the public has to choose between “those who opened fire at karsevaks and those who built the Ram temple.”

Shah made these remarks at a public rally in support of Rajveer Singh, the BJP candidate from Etah-Kasganj in Uttar Pradesh.

Attacking opposition party leaders for not attending the Ram temple consecration ceremony, Shah said, “The people who did not go to the consecration ceremony, they know that they are the people who shot at karsevaks.”

He asserted that there are two groups to choose from — “one that fired shots at Ram bhakts and one that built the Ram temple”.

“The Congress, Rahul ‘baba’ and the party of Akhilesh Yadav (Samajwadi Party) kept the Ram temple issue hanging for more than 70 years. You made Modi ji the prime minister for a second time and he did ‘Jai Shri Ram’ by doing the consecration ceremony on January 22,” Shah said.

The home minister also alleged that the opposition parties ignored people from backward communities, who were granted their rights by Narendra Modi after he became prime minister.

Targeting Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he said, “Rahul Gandhi says that if the BJP gets 400 seats, it will remove reservation. I want to say that we had a full majority for two terms but Narendra Modi is a supporter of reservation.”

“I want to say that it is a Modi guarantee that neither the BJP will remove reservations for SCs (Scheduled Castes), STs (Scheduled Tribes) and OBCs (Other Backward Classes) nor will it allow anyone to do so,” Shah said.

Listing the BJP government’s schemes, including free ration and homes to the poor, Shah said the free ration scheme will continue till 2029 if the BJP returns to power.

He also hit out at Samajwadi Party chief Yadav for allegedly fielding only members of his family.
Alleging that people had to migrate during the Samajwadi Party government, Shah said “goondas are forced to migrate not people” under BJP rule in Uttar Pradesh.

“In Uttar Pradesh, where once bombs exploded, today ‘bombs’ are being manufactured for export under the leadership of Modi,” Shah said.
He went on to claim that the BJP will secure more than 100 seats from the seats that went to the polls in the first two phases while the Congress and the Samajwadi Party will not be able to open their accounts.

Polling in Kasganj will be held in the third phase on May 7. (AGENCIES)

Every single youth ready to sacrifice life for Kashmir: Shah

‘Make Modi PM again to rid country of terrorism’

Jammu, Apr 28: Union Home Minister Amit Shah today urged people to make Narendra Modi the Prime Minister for the third term to rid the country of terrorism, Naxalism and poverty, and to make India the third largest economy in the world.

In the last 10 years, PM Modi took several tough decisions without caring for the vote bank, he said as he cited the scrapping of Article 370 and construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Addressing a public rally at Porbandar in Gujarat to drum up support for Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, who is contesting the Lok Sabha election from Porbandar constituency in Gujarat, Shah also said that after two phases of polls, it is now clear that people of the country have decided to bring Modi to power once again.

There are 26 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat, of which the Bharatiya Janata Party’s candidate from Surat has been elected unopposed. “I would appeal to you to vote for lotus (BJP’s poll symbol) on the remaining 25 seats and make Modi Prime Minister for a third term.

Making him PM for the third term means freedom from terrorism and Naxalism, freedom from poverty, making arrangements to give a platform to the youth so they could go hand in hand with the world and create a great India,” the senior BJP leader said.

Shah also targeted Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge over his remarks that people of Gujarat and Rajasthan have nothing to do with Kashmir over the scrapping of Article 370. “Kharge saheb, you have crossed 80 years of age and have not been able to understand the country. Every single youth here is ready to sacrifice his life for Kashmir.

Shouldn’t Article 370 be scrapped? For 70 years, Congress took care of Article 370 like an adopted child for its vote bank politics,” he said. Shah also said that the Modi Government made possible the construction of Lord Ram temple at Ayodhya.

“For 70 years, Congress kept the issue hanging for vote bank politics. In five years of the second term, we won the election, laid the foundation, and consecration on January 22,” he said.

For 500 years, our God was in a tent at a temporary place. It’s Modi who worked to construct his grand temple after 500 years, he said. Modi also built Kashi Vishwanath Corridor as Mughal emperor Aurangzeb had destroyed the temple, Modi said.

He also made the Mahakal corridor, enlivened Badrinath and Kedarnath, and Somnath temple is being built using gold, he said.

PM Modi worked to brighten the name of Gujarat on the world map, and gave a new identity to the state that is known for Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel, he said. Attacking Congress, Shah said, “When Article 370 was scrapped, Rahul Gandhi opposed the move saying a river of blood will flow
in Kashmir after that.

But in the last five years, let alone the river of blood, nobody dared to throw even a stone there. Modi worked to finish terrorism and Naxalism from the country.”

When Manmohan Singh was the country’s Prime Minister, anyone could enter the country from Pakistan and blow up bombs, he said. “When Pakistan carried out terrorist attacks in Pulwama and Uri, it forgot that Modi was the Prime Minister.

Within 10 days, Modi carried out surgical and air strikes to finish off terrorists on Pakistan soil. Modi worked to secure the country and make it prosperous,” he said. In 10 years of the Congress-led UPA Government’s rule (between 2004 and 2014), the country’s economy was at 11th position, Shah said. “PM Modi brought it to the fifth position in just 10 years.

And I give you a guarantee, make him the prime minister for the third term and India will become the third largest economy,” he said. After two phases of election, it is now clear that Rahul Gandhi is finished, Shah said.

“In east, west, north, south and central (parts of India) – wherever you go, people across the country welcome the BJP workers by shouting ‘Modi-Modi’ slogans. People of the country have decided to bring Modi to power once again.

The entire country is committed to make Modi Prime Minister for the third time,” he said. Modi took tough decisions without caring about the vote bank, he said.

Under the UPA government, the Congress left no stone unturned to do injustice to Gujarat, Shah said.

“In 10 years, the BJP Government resolved the issue of Narmada dam. Congress party granted only Rs 1.22 lakh crore to Gujarat in 10 years of this rule, while Modi granted Rs 5.55 lakh crore in the last decade,” he said. Shah alleged that the Congress party did not consider anyone except Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi as leaders, and forgot Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

“Modi constructed the Statue of Unity (the world’s tallest, at Kevadia in Narmada district of Gujarat) to immortalise Sardar Patel’s name. The statue was in accordance with the kind of respect that the people of the country have in their hearts for Sardar Patel,” he said.

Bizarre case: H&ME Deptt employee under suspension for over 22 years

Apex Court judgment being continuously violated
CAT passes strictures against authorities

Jammu, Apr 28: Bizarre it may sound but it is a fact that an employee of the Health and Medical Education Department of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is under suspension for more than 22 years in flagrant violation of the Supreme Court’s judgment whereby it has been clearly stated that suspension order should not go beyond three months (90 days).

The protracted delay in not deciding the case of the employee has also received sharp criticism from the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Srinagar Bench, which has remarked that prolonged periods of suspension have regrettably become the norm and not an exception as they ought to be.

The applicant before the CAT namely Mohammad Younis Mir was suspended on 04.12.2003 for embezzling an amount of Rs 12,50,000 and respondents lodged FIR against him. Thereafter, the applicant, as per the record before the CAT, deposited some amount and he was even acquitted by the competent court in the criminal proceedings which were initiated against him.

In the year 2020, matter was brought to the notice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and notices were issued to the respondents vide order dated 05.02.2020. Then on transfer of the petition to CAT Srinagar Bench, Deputy Advocate General Bikram Deep Singh appeared on 31.01.2022 and sought four weeks time to file the response.

Then again vide order dated 29.09.2022, the matter was posted for filing reply. On 23.12.2022, yet again reply was not filed. Then vide order dated 29.08.2023, four weeks time was again granted to the respondents to file the reply.

When the matter came up for hearing before the CAT Bench headed by M S Latif (Member Judicial) two days back, counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner was suspended in the year 2003, and it is more than 22 years that the petitioner is continuously under suspension. He further submitted that suspension is not a punishment but continuous suspension is a punishment to which he referred the judgment of the Apex Court in Ajay Kumar Chaudhary Versus Union of India case. He also referred to the judgment of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in case titled Askar Hussain Versus State of J&K.

Vide judgment in Ajay Kumar Chaudhary Versus Union of India case, the Supreme Court ordered that the suspension should not go beyond three months—90 days and within this period the Memorandum of charge-sheet should be served to the suspended officer and if the charge sheet not provided in this duration then the suspended officer should be reposted.

After hearing counsel for the petitioner, the CAT remarked, “this court is at pains to have come across the casual and ordinary approach of the respondents in dealing with the order of the suspension of the petitioner that too in violation to the law laid down by the Supreme Court and by various High Courts wherein it has been held that the period of suspension must be bare minimal”.

“It is apt to mention hear that protracted periods of suspension have regrettably become the norm and not a exception, as they ought to be. The suspended person suffering ignominy and scorn of society and derision of his department has to endure this excruciation even before he is formally charged with some misdemeanor”, the CAT said.

The CAT further said, “right to speedy trial is already protracted and the delay in not deciding period of suspension of the petitioner certainly effects his reputation and also negates the law laid down by the Supreme Court”, adding “the Constitution Bench of Apex Court has also held that right of speedy trial is a fundamental right and concept of speedy trial is an essential part of the fundamental right to life and liberty guaranteed and preserved by our Constitution”.

On this, Deputy AG Bikram Deep Singh stated that he would like to file his short response. However, the CAT said, “ordinarily this court is not inclined to grant them time in the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case. However, considering the submission of the Dy AG three weeks time as a mercy chance is granted to file their response”.

In peculiar facts and circumstances of the case, the CAT also directed that the Administrator/ Principal Government Medical College, Srinagar, in the first instance, will be present before court along with all the records pertaining to the case of the petitioner in order to assist the court to reach a just and lawful conclusion, which will not only uphold the rule of law but will also aid in upholding the command of the Apex Court as laid down in Ajay Kumar Chaudhary Versus Union of India and others case.

Brief Exchange of Fire In Udhampur, One VDG Member Injured, More Reinforcement Rushed: Police

Srinagar, April 28(GNS) One Village Defense Gaurd member was injured after brief exchange fire took place between militants and security forces in Chochru Gala heights in Udhampur district.

An official told GNS that after receipt of inputs regarding movement of suspicious individuals late last evening, J&K Police activated the security grid in Basantgarh police station limits of Udhampur district.

Today morning, party of Police Picket Sang carrying along with them VDG members proceeded towards Chochru Gala heights where around 0745 hrs a face off ensued between Police party and a group of hiding terrorists, he said.

One VDG member of JKP was injured in the initial exchange of fire, he said.

SOG along with Army & CRPF parties had staged forward and are proceeding to cordon the area, he said.

Media and civilians are requested not to run unofficial unverified reports, the official added.(GNS)

CS, CEO submit detailed report to EC on weather, road conditions, accessibility

EC to take call soon on Anantnag LS seat election
RO too meets candidates, their representatives

Jammu, Apr 28: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo and Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PK Pole have sent a detailed report to the Election Commission of India (ECI) after obtaining all facts from the concerned authorities pertaining to weather and road conditions in Anantnag-Poonch-Rajouri (APR) Parliamentary constituency which is scheduled to go to polls in third phase on May 7.

Prior to submission of report, Returning Officer of Anantnag seat Syed Fakhruddin convened a meeting which was attended by candidates or their representatives in which he took their opinion pertaining to weather conditions in the Parliamentary constituency.

Official sources told the Excelsior that on the directions of the Election Commission, the Chief Secretary and the CEO have obtained comprehensive reports from all concerned authorities regarding weather and road conditions including Mughal Road which connects Anantnag with Rajouri and Poonch districts.

“A detailed report as sought by the Election Commission has been submitted by the CEO and the CS which is based on details obtained from all concerned authorities regarding weather conditions, Mughal Road, accessibility and all other factors on Anantnag-Poonch-Rajouri Parliamentary constituency,’’ the sources said.

They added that the Election Commission is expected to take a call in couple of days on whether to revise schedule of Anantnag seat or go ahead with the current date.

Some of the candidates, who are opposed to postponement of the election have also submitted report to the Election Authority here that they have incurred lot of expenditure in the campaigning.
South Kashmir (Anantnag and other districts) falling in the Valley are linked to Rajouri and Poonch districts, which are part of Jammu division, via Mughal Road which has been closed for traffic due to snowfall and rains. However, Jammu-Srinagar road is open for traffic.

Prior to the submission of report by the Chief Secretary and the CEO J&K to the Election Commission, Returning Officer for Anantnag constituency Syed Fakhruddin also convened a meeting of all candidates and their representatives to take their view point.

Nearly 10 candidates attended the meeting in person while others including PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and NC nominee Mian Altaf, former Minister sent their
representatives.

The Returning Officer took statements from the candidates and their representatives which were forwarded to the CEO, the sources said.

While representatives of Mehbooba and Mian Altaf opposed postponement of the election, Jammu Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) candidate Zaffar Manhas referred to rain and snowfall on Mughal Road.

Some of the Independent candidates too favoured that the election be rescheduled.

The ECI had sought report on weather conditions, accessibility and other factors etc in Anantnag constituency following representations submitted by political parties and three candidates seeking rescheduling of election due to adverse weather conditions including snowfall on Mughal Road and Pir Ki Gali.

In a communication addressed to the Chief Secretary and the CEO J&K, the ECI had sought a detailed report immediately on road conditions, weather and accessibility related constraints besides any other relevant points mentioned in the representations which had been submitted separately by Ravinder Raina, UT BJP chief, Imran Reza Ansari (People’s Conference), Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari (Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party), J&K Nationalist People’s Front, Apni Party, Advocate Mohammad Saleem Parray, Ali Mohammad Wani and Arsheed Ali Lone, both Independent candidates.

A total of 25 candidates filed their nomination papers, four of which were rejected leaving 21 in the fray on Anantnag constituency.

One of the representations mentioned that the candidates from Rajouri and Poonch couldn’t file their nomination papers due to closure of Mughal Road in view of snowfall as they couldn’t reach Anantnag where the Returning Officer of the constituency sits.

The representations also highlighted difficulties faced by the candidates in campaigning.

Prominent candidates in fray from Anantnag include PDP chief and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti, former Minister Mian Altaf (National Conference), Zaffar Manhas (Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party) and Advocate Mohammad Parray (DPAP).

The BJP hasn’t fielded any candidate in Anantnag constituency though UT chief of the party Ravinder Raina was stated to be frontrunner for the seat. Name of an IAS officer was also under consideration of the BJP high command.

Polling in Anantnag is scheduled to be held in third phase on May 7. Nomination for the seat had opened on April 12 while April 19 was last date for filing of the papers.

Srinagar Lok Sabha seat will go to polls in fourth phase on May 13 while Baramulla and Ladakh constituencies will vote in fifth phase on May 20.

No Objectionable Content Prescribed By JKBOSE: School Edu. Department J&K

Says Verifying The Source Of Viral Vide So That Law Enforcement authorities Can Take Strict Action

Srinagar, April 27(GNS) The school education department J&K on Saturday clarified that no objectionable content has been prescribed in any textbook by JKBOSE, developed by NCERT.

Taking on to the social media platform X, The School Education Department posted, “There is some objectionable content page from a book being circulated on social media. As verified, from the textbooks prescribed and developed by JKBOSE, there is no such content in JKBOSE textbooks. Moreover, no book having such content has been developed by NCERT, nor has it been prescribed in any of JK schools.
We are verifying the source of this video so that the law enforcement authorities can take strict action, reads the post.

Meanwhile Budgam Police Also posted on X Platform, “In the background of circulation of objectionable content from a book,school education department has posted that there is neither any such content in JK BOSE textbooks nor any such content has been developed by NCERT besides that it has not been prescribed in any J&K schools.
People are requested not to pay heed to rumours to vitiate the atmosphere of peace and harmony.
Anyone found indulging in such activities will be strictly dealt under law,”.(GNS)

Govt Posts Nikhil Borkar As SSP Budgam, Al-Tahir Geelani Asked To Await Posting At PHQ

Srinagar, April 27(GNS): The government on Saturday transferred Nikhil Borkar (IPS), SSP (Tech) CID headquarters, and posted him as Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam.

The order issued by the Home Department in this regard has been done following a nod by the Chief Electoral J&K on April 26, official sources told GNS.

“In the interest of administration, it is hereby ordered that Shri Nikhil Borkar, IPS, SSP (Tech) CID Hqrs., is transferred and posted as Senior Superintendent of Police, Budgam, vice Shri Al-Tahir Geelani,” the order said, adding, “Further, Shri Al- Tahir Geelani, shall await posting at Police Headquarters, till further orders.” (GNS)

HC quashes PSA of JeI spokesperson, directs for Rs 5 lakhs compensation

Srinagar, Apr 27: High Court has quashed the PSA of legal advisor and spokesperson of Jamat-e-Islami (JeM) and directed the authorities for compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to him for his illegal detention.

The petitioner-Ali Mohammad Lone alias Zahid Ali in view of grounds of detention is alleged to have been a Rukin Jamat and legal advisor of banned Jamat-e-Islami party working as it press and publication chief and close associate of Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Ameer-e-Jamat Ghulam Mohammad Bhat.

He is said to have been booked under PSA in the year 1990 and 2020 for his prejudicial activities and not only retaining sympathy for militants but also rendering assistance to them.

His activities as per the grounds of detention are said to have been preventing the law enforcement agencies to bring normalcy particularly in Pulwama and is even alleged to have been striving for restoration of Article 370 of the Constitution of India and for lifting of ban on JeI.

Justice Rahul Bharti while quashing of fourth detention of detenu-Lone said the same is set of mindset operating through SSP Pulwama and the District Magistrate Pulwama and mechanically followed by the Government has been effected least bothering the SSP Pulwama and the District Magistrate Pulwama to at least spare a reading, lest an appreciation, to the last judgment dated 24/02/2021 in which this court, in very clear and categoric terms, held the basis of the petitioner-Lone’s third time preventive detention to be resting upon stale grounds.

“So, therefore, for the SSP Pulwama and the District Magistrate Pulwama to propose and pass a fresh detention order against the petitioner, proximate and fresh factual inputs/incidents relatable to the petitioner taking place post 24/02/2021 ought to have been put into dossier and getting self reflected in the grounds of detention but there is nothing of that sort done at the end of the SSP Pulwama and the respondent No.2- District Magistrate Pulwama”, Justice Bharti said.

Justice Bharti has concluded that this court cannot resist but to hold that the preventive detention of the petitioner-Lone is mala fide and illegal and he has been made to suffer loss of his liberty for a cumulative period of more than 1080 days of preventive custody covered under the span of four detention orders in row from 2019 to ending March 2024.

“Latest preventive detention of the petitioner is compounding the illegality of attending the breach and violation of the petitioner’s fundamental right to personal liberty with impunity and that entitles him to compensation. Therefore, this court reckons this to be a fit case for this court to exercise its constitutional jurisdiction to extend constitutional remedy for grant of compensation in favour of the petitioner for illegal infringement of his fundamental right to personal liberty”, reads the judgment.

The court has held that a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs for the petitioner-Lone which the court said, would meet the ends of justice and therefore besides holding and declaring the preventive detention of the petitioner illegal, also holds the petitioner entitled to compensation of rupees five lacs payable by the respondent-authorities within a period of three months from the date of this judgment.

Court in light of the held the detention order no. 74/DMP/PSA/22 dated 14/09/2022 passed by the District Magistrate Pulwama read with consequent Government Orders of approval and confirmation of the petitioner’s preventive detention, illegal and unwarranted and directed the Superintendent of the Jail concerned to release the petitioner-Lone free from his prison.

Several senior citizens disappointed as names missing from voter list

Jammu, Apr 27: Despite proper arrangements being made for senior citizens and voters with disabilities at the Polling Stations to ensure their participation in the electoral exercise, several elderly citizens and PwD voters in Jammu City reported their names had been deleted from the voter list for reasons unclear to them.

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The Booth Level Officers (BLOs) of these Polling Stations claimed this happened due to some confusion at their end and lack of cooperation from voters who didn’t fill in Form 6 to vote from their home through postal ballot facility or through the Saksham App of the ECI.

However, those senior citizens who had filled out Form 6 contended the polling staff’s claim, alleging they (polling staff) didn’t visit them at their homes to ensure their votes were cast. Those who had registered through the Saksham App also claimed their Polling Stations were changed.

At Dhounthli A Polling Station outside Raj Bhawan at Panjtirthi area, 94-year-old Ramnath Kotwal, a resident of Ward number 1, Panjtirthi, turned up for polling around 10:45 am with his granddaughter.
He was provided a wheelchair to reach the Polling Station but was not allowed to cast his vote since his name had been deleted from the voter list.

Confused, the nonagenarian asked the polling staff for the reasons for deleting his name from the voter list but he wasn’t given a valid response.

After some discussion with the polling staff, his granddaughter cast the vote and he (Kotwal) returned without exercising his right to vote.

Upset, Ramnath Kotwal told the Excelsior, “I have been voting for the past 40-50 years. This has never happened with me that my name has been deleted from the voter list. This is shameful for the poll staff.”

75-year-old Pushpa Devi of Ward number 1, House number 25, was another voter at the Polling Station who claimed her name was not in the voter list.

“Ever since I have registered as a voter I have never missed casting my vote. But this year, I am not being allowed to vote. Even more cunning is the silence of the election staff and the political parties’ leaders who are not coming up with a satisfactory response as to why our names have been deleted,” said the elderly woman.

Shobha Singh Jamwal (68) wife of Sarv Dev Singh Jamwal of Panjtirthi also claimed that four members of her family were not allowed to vote because their names had been deleted from the voter list.

At Amphalla Polling Station as well, two voters claimed their names had been deleted from the voter list without proper justification.

The Block Level Officers at Dhounthli A and Amphalla Polling Stations admitted that some confusion prevailed not just at their polling stations but across the Parliamentary Constituency.

“At this stage, I cannot comment as to why the names of the voters had been deleted as there is massive confusion. Things will be clear only after looking into different aspects,” said one of the BLOs.

“This primarily happened due to the deletion of names of those voters who didn’t confirm their identities during door-to-door surveys and camps organized to register senior voters in the last elections,” another BLO said.

He said all efforts were made prior to elections this time as well to ensure that all senior citizens and PwD voters filled in Form 6 to register for voting from their home facility “but some did not cooperate.”

89-year-old Satya Devi of Indira Colony, Janipur, Jammu, however, contended the claims of the BLOs that those senior citizens who had filled Form 6 were facilitated to vote.

“Despite crores of rupees being spent on the SVEEP campaign, which promised home voting facility, I was not facilitated by the polling staff. This shows such a facility existed only in advertisements,” she said.
Satya Devi, who is also a specially-abled voter, claimed that she filled in the details in Form 6 some 7 days prior to polling.
“Despite my wards lodging complaints with the BLOs and other polling staff, nobody turned up to help me,” she regretted.

Despite the problems faced by several senior citizens, many others cast their votes for the development of their region, employment of the youth, and peace in the region.

102-year-old Haji Karamdin was one such voter, who exercised his right to vote at Reasi Polling Station.

Speaking to media persons, he said, “I have been voting ever since I have been registered as a voter. This election, I am voting against the menace of drugs, empowerment of youth through employment avenues, and creating an atmosphere of peace in the UT.”
99-year-old Kamal Singh of Mali Kote, Reasi, was also piggybacked by his relatives to the polling station at Mali Kote, where he exercised his right to vote.

Appreciating the efforts of the administration in arranging the facilities for the elderly citizens, Singh said, “I have voted for the development of my area and I strongly believe that every person should go out and vote to ensure their participation in the democracy.”

Blind from both eyes, Chankar Singh (85) was another resident of Mali Kote, who was the first voter at the Mali Kote Polling Station.

“Voting is our fundamental right. I have never missed to vote. This election as well, I have voted for the development of my area,” he said.

He also appreciated the arrangements made for the PwD voters and senior citizens at the Polling Station.

Miscreants Attempt To Desecrate Shrine, Mosque in Dadsara Tral; Case Registered: Police

Srinagar, Apr 26 (GNS): Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered a case against miscreants attempting to desecrate a shrine and a mosque in Dadsara Tral in Pulwama districtn on intervening Thursday and Friday night.

“Yesterday night, some miscreants attempted to disrespect the local shrine and a mosque in Dadsara in Tral by damaging windowpanes and also tried displacing the Quran pak in a manner lacking respect,” said a police spokesman in a statement issued to GNS.

“In this regard, police have registered a case under relevant sections of law,” the spokesman said.

“Police suspect that this has been done by miscreants to foment trouble and disturb peace and order.”

“Citizens be assured that Police are on hunt and will nab these evildoers and also people behind them. They will be dealt with the heavy hand under the law. Besides being put behind bars, all others who have instigated or facilitated such criminals with the motive of disturbing peace by misusing the highly revered symbols of almighty too will lose all government benefits, government employment, licences and permits. The full force of the entire government shall be used to detect and punish the perpetrators,” said the spokesman further. (GNS)

SC Rejects Pleas Seeking Cross-Verification Of Votes Cast Using EVMs With VVPAT

New Delhi, Apr 26: The Supreme Court on Friday rejected pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT).

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta delivered two concurring verdicts in the matter.

Pronouncing the judgement, Justice Khanna said the court has rejected all the petitions, including those seeking resorting back to ballot papers in elections. (Agencies)

Two unidentified terrorists killed in over night encounter at Sopore: Top official

‘Two soldiers sustain injuries, Bodies of terrorists yet to be retrieved as Ops still underway’

Sopore, Apr 26 (KNO): Two unidentified terrorists were killed in an overnight encounter at north Kashmir’s Sopore, officials said Friday.

A top police official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that in the ensuing operation at Check Mohalla Nowpora in Sopore, two terrorists whose identity is being ascertained were killed this morning. “Two bodies are lying on the ground and they are yet to be retrieved as the operation is still on,” he said.

During the operation two soldiers and a civilian received bullet injury in the operation. The injured are doing well after receiving immediate medical treatment.

Officials earlier on Thursday said that a Joint team of Army’s 22 RR, CRPF and Jammu and Kashmir Police laid a cordon and search operation in Nowpora village of Sopore after having credible inputs about the presence of some terrorists in the area.

As the joint team approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding terrorists fired upon forces triggering off an encounter.

Meanwhile, operation is in progress and roads leading to the encounter site has been sealed off by the security forces—(KNO)

At 9 AM Jammu Lok Sabha seat registers 10.39 % voter turnout

Jammu, Apr 26 (KNO): The Jammu constituency has registered a voter turnout of over 10 percent at 9 AM as it went to polls in the 2nd phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls on Friday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that at 9 am a voter turnout of 10.39 % was registered in the Jammu constituency, while the polling has started picking up.

Voting for the high-stake constituency started at 7 am today

Voting is being held in 102 seats across 21 states and Union Territories in the first phase of the Lok Sabha polls across the country—(KNO)

Lok Sabha Elections | Polling Commences In Jammu Parliamentary Constituency On High Note

Jammu, Apr 26: The commencement of polling in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections in Jammu Constituency began with enthusiasm, especially among the new voters.

Across various assembly segments of the parliamentary constituency, voters were seen standing in queues much ahead of the scheduled time for polling.

The Election Commission has put in place all necessary arrangements to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

The polling began at 7 am in all 2416 polling stations across the constituency.

Earlier, mock poll was conducted successfully in all the polling stations.

PM Modi Says Your Vote Is Your Voice, Calls For Polling In Record Numbers

New Delhi, Apr 26: Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people on Friday to cast their votes in record numbers in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls and said a high voter turnout strengthens democracy.

Asserting that their vote is their voice, Modi especially told the young voters and women voters to turn up at the polling booths in great numbers.
“Urging everyone in constituencies voting today, in the second phase of the Lok Sabha elections, to participate in record numbers.

“A high voter turnout strengthens our democracy. I especially urge our young voters and women voters to turn out in great numbers. Your vote is your voice!” the prime minister said on X.

Voting in the second phase of the Lok Sabha polls is underway for 88 seats in 13 states.

The Election Commission has been making all-out efforts to boost the voting percentage after a lower turnout in the first phase on April 19 compared to 2019. (Agencies)

EC notice to Nadda on complaints against PM

New Delhi, Apr 26:Taking cognisance for the first time of a model code violation complaint against a Prime Minister, the Election Commission on Thursday issued a notice to BJP president J P Nadda on Opposition charge that Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave a divisive speech in Rajasthan’s Banswara.

Separately, the poll panel also issued a notice to Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, asking him to respond to the complaints filed by the BJP against him and the main opposition party’s senior leader Rahul Gandhi regarding their remarks.

In the notice sent to Nadda, the Election Commission sought his response by Monday to the complaints filed by the Congress, CPI, CPI (ML) and civil society groups regarding the remarks made by Modi on April 21 in Banswara.

These complaints had referred to Modi’s allegations that the Congress wanted to redistribute the wealth of the people to Muslims and that the opposition party won’t even spare the ‘mangalsutra’ of women.

The speech led to a major political slugfest with the Congress and other opposition parties accusing the prime minister of making false claims and the BJP alleging that the Congress was nursing an agenda of Muslim appeasement at the cost of weaker sections of the society.
The EC also asked Nadda to bring to the notice of all star campaigners of the party to “set high standards of political discourse and observe provisions of model code of conduct in letter and spirit”.

The poll panel also said that campaign speeches made by those holding high positions have more serious consequences.

Officials said it is the first time that the panel has taken cognisance of a complaint against any prime minister.
In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, the EC had given a clean chit to Modi on complaints lodged by the opposition parties.

Then election commissioner, Ashok Lavasa, gave a dissent note on some of the decisions taken by the EC on complaints against the prime minister.

The EC has invoked provisions of the Representation of the People Act to hold party presidents as the first step to rein in star campaigners.

According to the poll panel, it has taken a view that while individual star campaigners would continue to remain responsible for speeches made by them, the Commission will address party chiefs “on a case-to-case basis”.
With this, the EC has ensured an “added layer” of responsibility on party heads, the functionaries explained.
Recently, Kharge was asked to explain remarks made by two of his party leaders against women.

The poll authority issued a similarly-worded notice separately to the Congress president with regard to allegations levelled by the BJP against him and Gandhi.
The EC notices to the two-party presidents did not directly name either Modi, Gandhi or Kharge, but the representations received by it were attached to the respective letters and they contained details of allegations against the three leaders.

The BJP, on the other hand, had written to the EC that Gandhi levelled malafide and utterly sinister allegations against Modi during a speech in Kottayam, Kerala where he alleged that the prime minister was pushing for one nation, one language, one religion.

The BJP said that in Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu, Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister was attacking “our language, history and tradition”.

It also accused Kharge of violating the model code by claiming that he was not invited to the Ram temple consecration ceremony due to discrimination against SCs and STs. (PTI)

SEC formally designated as Authority to conduct ULB polls

OBCs incorporated in Rules for reservations

Jammu, Apr 26: The Government has formally designated the State Election Commission (SEC) as the Authority for conduct of elections to the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) instead of the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) and accorded reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) along with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Three separate orders to this effect have been issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD).

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Authority for holding elections to Municipal Corporations, Councils and Committees will be the SEC instead of the CEO, the rules framed by the H&UDD said.
BR Sharma, former Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir, is the current SEC.

The UT Government has already accorded the authority for holding elections to ULBs to SEC. Besides ULBs, the responsibility of holding elections to the Panchayats now is also vested with the SEC.

The H&UDD has amended rules as per amendments carried out in the Parliament and inserted the words Other Backward Classes who will have reservation in the Wards of Corporations, Councils and Committees along with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

Official sources told the Excelsior that with framing of rules, the process to give reservation to OBCs in the Municipalities has been completed. The OBCs have already been given reservation in the Panchayats.

The Government has given eight percent reservation to OBCs in educational institutions and Government jobs. However, percentage for reservation to OBCs in Panchayats and Municipalities has to be decided by the Commission based on their population.

Women have 33 percent reservation in Municipalities and Panchayats while SCs and STs have reservation based on their population.

Reservation and rotation of the Wards will be taken up after delimitation.

Reservation to OBCs, the sources said, will be applicable in all Rural Bodies including the District Development Councils (DDCs), Block Development Councils (BDCs) and Panchayats (both Sarpanch and Panch segments) besides Municipal Corporations, Councils and Committees.

“A decision on quantum of reservation to the OBCs in Rural and Urban Local Bodies will, however, be taken based on population as well,” the officials said, adding that a detailed notification will be issued in this regard by the Government at the time of delimitation followed by fresh reservation of Wards.

Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities were due in October-November last year but were deferred due to grant of reservation to OBCs. Besides, there were also discrepancies in number of voters in certain Wards of Jammu and Srinagar Municipal Corporations which prompted the Housing and Urban Development Department to undertake delimitation exercise. As per the officials, the delimitation exercise for Sarpanch and Panch segments in the Panchayats is expected to be taken after the Lok Sabha elections.

“Following delimitation, reservation of Wards will also be taken up,” they said.

Besides Panchayats, the elections to Block Development Councils have also become due as their term was co-terminus with the Panchayats. The District Development Councils, however, have their term till January 2026. First-ever elections to the DDCs were held in November-December 2020 and the DDCs were formally constituted in January 2021.

Rescheduling of LS Polls in Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary; ECI seeks report from Chief Secy, CEO JK

Srinagar, Apr 25 (KNO): The Election Commission of India (ECI) has directed its focus toward the rescheduling of the General Election to Lok Sabha, 2024, in the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency of Jammu and Kashmir.

In response to representations submitted by several political leaders citing adverse road conditions and inclement weather, the ECI as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) has intervened by writing a letter to the Chief Secretary of Jammu and Kashmir and the Chief Electoral Officer of the region.

The representations, signed by prominent political figures including Sh. Ravinder Raina, BJP President J&K-UT; Sh. Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, J&K Apni Party; Sh. Imran Reza Ansari, J&K Peoples’ Conference; and Adv. Mohammad Saleem Paray and Ali Mohammad Wani (candidates), along with Arsheed Ali Lone (candidate), underscored the urgent need for rescheduling due to logistical challenges and weather-related constraints. Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency is scheduled to go to polls on May 7, this year.

In its communication to the state authorities, a copy of which lies with KNO, the Election Commission of India has requested a comprehensive report on the prevailing road conditions, weather patterns, and accessibility challenges encountered in the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary Constituency.

Additionally, the Commission has sought insights into any other relevant factors highlighted in the representations or otherwise, emphasizing the need for swift action to address the concerns raised by political leaders—(KNO)

“Have Taken Up Matter With Iranian Side,” Says India After Kashmir Issue Mentioned In Pak-Iran Joint Statement

New Delhi, Apr 25: After the Kashmir issue was mentioned in the joint statement issued at the conclusion of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Pakistan, India said that they have taken up this matter with the Iranian authorities, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Thursday.

“We have taken up the matter with Iranian authorities,” Spox Jaiswal said on being asked how MEA sees the joint statement on Kashmir issue.

Earlier, Pakistan and Iran agreed that the Kashmir issue should be resolved through “peaceful means based on the will of the people” of the region, said a joint statement issued by the two countries after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s maiden visit.

President Raisi paid an official visit to Pakistan from April 22-24 at the invitation of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. He was accompanied by a high-level delegation comprising the Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian, as well as other members of the cabinet and senior officials.

It stated that taking note of developments at regional and global levels, both sides stressed the importance of peaceful settlement of disputes through dialogue and diplomacy to find mutually acceptable solutions to common challenges.

“Both sides highlighted the need to resolve the issue of Kashmir through dialogue and peaceful means based on the will of the people of that region, and in accordance with international law,” it stated.

During a joint press conference after their talks on Monday, Prime Minister Sharif raked up the Kashmir issue and thanked Iran for its stance. However, Iranian President Raisi refrained from mentioning Kashmir and instead talked about Iran’s support for those fighting against oppression especially in Palestine, creating an impression that he had snubbed the desire of the Pakistani leader to say something on the issue. (Agencies)

Srinagar Admin Issues Advisory In View Of Inclement Weather Forecast

Srinagar, April 25:(GNS) The District Administration Srinagar on thursday issued an advisory for the people of the District in general, and those residing on the Left and Right Banks of River Jhelum its tributaries and Nallahs in particular to refrain from venturing in and around these water bodies and limit their activities till the improvement of weather.

The advisory has been issued in view of the inclement weather with forecast of rainfall/snow in (higher reaches) at many places with Thunder/Lightening hailstorm at isolated places from 26th-30th April by the Indian Meteorological department ([MD) Srinagar Station.
Further, the Tourists, local Shikara Wallas, Sand Miners and Boat Crossing Points for travel at Dal Lake and River Jhelum and other water bodies shall not attempt to cross before verifying the condition and situation of these water bodies.

The general public can contact Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) Srinagar on +911942502254, and Police Control Room Srinagar on 9419411619/ 01942477567 for any information, reads the statement.(GNS)

North Kashmir: Encounter Breaks Out In Sopore

Srinagar, April 25(GNS): Gunfight brokeout between militants and security forces in Nowpora area of North Kashmir’s Sopore.

Reports reaching GNS that a joint team of Police and army launched a cordon and search operation in Nowpora.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

A senior police officer also confirmed to GNS about exchange of firing between militants and security forces.(GNS)

Justice Tashi Rabstan Takes Stock of Facilities at J&K Yateem Khana

Srinagar, April 25 :In order to take stock of facilities being provided to the inmates of J&K Yateem Khana, Bemina Srinagar, Justice Tashi Rabstan, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Executive Chairman J&K Legal Services Authority) today visited the same and inertacted with the children staying in the Yateem Khana.

On his arrival, Justice Tashi, who was accompanied by Abdul Bari Joint Registrar (Protocol), High Court of J&K and Ladakh was warmly received by Mohammad Iqbal Khardi, Chairman and Manzoor Ahmad, Secretary General, J&K Yateem Khana, besides Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar.

During his visit Justice Tashi inspected all the facilities available in the said home including Class Rooms, Hostel, Library, Computer Centre, Dining Hall, Medical Facility unit and Kitchen.

Interacting with the administrators of the Yateem Khana, Justice Tashi expressed satisfaction regarding facilities being provided to the inmates and impressed upon them to make all out efforts in rehabilitation and well-being of the inmates so that they are not left behind while competing with other children in any field. He further emphasized the importance of providing conducive environment for the inmates, ensuring their holistic development and integration into society. He urged all NGOs and civil society members to step forward and play an active role in shaping the future of these inmates, thereby contributing to the larger cause of nation-building.

Justice Tashi also directed the Legal Services Authority to organize awareness programs on regular intervals for the benefit of inmates of the Yateem Khana by involving panel lawyers and para legal volunteers. The Administrators and staff of J&K Yateem Khana expressed gratitude to justice Tashi for sparing valuable time out of his busy schedule and visiting their premises.

SC reserves verdict on votes’ verification

New Delhi, Apr 25:The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a batch of pleas seeking complete cross-verification of votes cast using EVMs with Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) after taking note of answers to queries it had raised before the Election Commission.

A bench of Justices Sanjiv Khanna and Dipankar Datta sought answers from an official of the poll panel to five questions related to the functioning of the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), including whether the microcontrollers fitted in them are reprogrammable.
Senior Deputy Election Commissioner Nitesh Kumar Vyas, who had earlier made a presentation to the court on the functioning of EVMs, was summoned by the bench at 2 PM to answer the queries.

The bench had said it needs clarification on certain aspects as there was some confusion over the answers given by the EC to ‘frequently asked questions’ (FAQs) about EVMs.

“We have some doubts and need clarification and that’s why we have listed the matter for directions,” the bench said, adding “we don’t want to be factually wrong but doubly sure in our findings”. (PTI)

Over 1,500 healthcare staff to be deployed for upcoming Amarnath Yatra

Jammu, Apr 25 (PTI) More than 1,500 healthcare staff, including specialist doctors, will be deployed for the upcoming pilgrimage to 3,880-metre-high holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said on Wednesday.

Two 100-bedded hospitals, one each at Chandanwari-Pahalgam and Baltal, along with more than 100 medical centres would be set up from Lakhanpur to the cave shrine for the benefit of pilgrims, the officials said.

Health and Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah chaired a meeting here to review the healthcare arrangements being put in place for the annual 52-day yatra, scheduled to commence on June 29.

The yatra takes place from the twin tracks – traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and a 14-km shorter but steep Baltal route in the Ganderbal district.

A total of 55 medical centres, including six base hospitals with 100-bedded hospital each at Baltal and Chandanwari, 11 medical aid centres, 12 emergency aid centres, 26 oxygen booths, and 15 on-route facilities would be set up by the Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, officials said.

In addition, 17 on-route facilities will be kept on standby to address any emergencies, the officials said, adding 1,415 healthcare staff, including 173 specialists, 244 medical officers, and 998 paramedics would be deployed for the yatra.

Out of these, 754 will be sourced from Jammu and Kashmir, and 661 will be requested from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the officials said. (PTI)

238 militants killed in encounters in south Kashmir parts since 2019

66 youths joined ranks, 67 militants arrested, RTI reveals

Srinagar, Apr 24 (KNO): Since 2019, a total of 238 militants have been killed during encounters with security forces across three different parts of south Kashmir, data reveals. During the same period, approximately 66 youths joined militant ranks, while security forces arrested 67 militants.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), this information was provided by the Jammu & Kashmir Police Department in response to an RTI filed by M M Shujha.

In Anantnag district, the figures reveal that 12 militants were killed in 2019, 18 in 2020, 17 in 2021, 19 in 2022, and 2 in 2023. One militant each was arrested in 2019 and 2020, 3 in 2021, and 2 in 2022. Two youths joined militant groups in 2019, 3 in 2020, 2 in 2021, and 1 in 2022.

Regarding recruitment in the Jammu & Kashmir Police in Anantnag, 81 new recruits were reported in 2019, 21 in 2020, 48 in 2021, 62 in 2022, and 16 in 2023. The number of police personnel retiring in Anantnag during the same period was 32 in 2019, 20 in 2020, 23 in 2021, 41 in 2022, and 41 in 2023.

In Awantipora, the data indicates that 23 militants were killed in 2019, 32 in 2020, and 18 in 2021. During these years, 5 militants were arrested in 2019, 11 in 2020, and 23 in 2021. Additionally, 14 youths joined militancy in 2019, 21 in 2020, and 17 in 2021.

However, in 2023 and so far this year, no militants have been killed or arrested, and no youths have joined militancy in Awantipora.

In Pulwama, 21 militants were killed in 2019, 19 in 2020, 17 in 2021, 24 in 2022, and 1 in 2023. Since 2019, a total of 82 militants have been killed in Pulwama, 68 in Anantnag, and 88 in Awantipora. A total of 60 militants have been arrested in Awantipora, 7 in Anantnag, while 58 youths joined militancy in Awantipora and 8 in Anantnag, the data reveals—(KNO)

All eyes on Jammu LS seat as Campaigning ends

BJP’s Jugal Kishore to lock horns with Congress party’s Raman Bhalla

Jammu, Apr 24 (KNO): The campaigning for the second phase of Parliamentary elections ended today for Jammu Lok Sabha constituency of Jammu and Kashmir thus throwing the ground open for the people to decide the fate of candidates wishing to get elected to the parliament.

A total of 22 candidates are in the fray for Jammu parliamentary constituency but there is direct fight between Bharatiya Janta Party and Congress party.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), BJP has given mandate to its sitting Member Parliament (MP) Jugal Kishore Sharma whereas Congress has put the bet on its best possible candidate and former minister Raman Bhalla.

Jammu Lok Sabha seat has got a new shape after delimitation when twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch were separated from it and Reasi district, which was earlier part of Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, was made part of it. At present Jammu seat comprises three districts, Jammu, Samba and Reasi whereas one Assembly segment of Rajouri, Sunderbani-Kalakote is also part of it.

It has a total of 1780738 electorates including 921053 male, 859657 female and 28 third gender electorates. The Jammu district comprises 18 Assembly segments including Bishnah, Suchetgarh, Ranbir singh Pura (Jammu-south), Bahu, Jammu East, Nagrota, Jammu West, Jammu North, Marh, Akhnoor and Chamb. Samba and Reasi district comprises three Assembly segments each including Ramgarh, Samba and Vijaypur, and Gulabgarh, Reasi and Shri Mata Vasihno Devi, respectively. The one of Assembly segment of Rajouri district which is part of Jammu LS seat is Kalakote-Sunderbani.

This seat witnessed two high profile events during the campaigning including the visit of union home minister Amit Shah, who held a rally in Paloura area of Jammu whereas Congress party’s star campaigner Sachin Pilot also addressed a rally in R.S. Pura-Suchetgarh area of Jammu district.

Both the parties have tried to influence the voters by campaigning at micro-level by holding corner meetings, door-to-door campaign and targeting youth and women voters.

BJP’s Jugal Kishore Sharma has in the past remained the sole torch bearer of the BJP in Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir when he, being alone, kept the government on tenterhooks. His loyalty towards the party has earned him the third consecutive mandate from the party for Jammu Lok Sabha seat.

Raman Bhalla on the other hand has the honour of keeping the Congress party alive in Jammu region, especially in Jammu city, when many top level leaders left the party and few joined BJP and some joined Congress rebel Ghulam Nabi Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP). He has been awarded with the mandate to represent the party and defeat the BJP’s Sharma who has won twice, first in 2014 and second in 2019.

Now, all eyes will be on the April 26 polling day when people will be coming out to vote and will decide the fate of 22 candidates including two big guns—(KNO)

67 suspects detained over Rajouri civilian killing by LeT terrorists, say police

Jammu, Apr 24 (PTI) As many as 67 suspected people were detained for questioning in connection with the killing of a civilian by two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in a village in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Wednesday.

During investigations, credible evidence was obtained and the police identified one of the two terrorists involved in committing this act as a “foreign terrorist” with code name Abu Hamza, the officials said.

Police further released the pictures of Hamza and announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on him, they said.

“A case under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station Thanamandi. Till now, 67 suspected persons have been detained for questioning post this incident,” police said in a statement.

Mohammad Razaq (40) was killed on Monday in the Kunda Top village of the Thanamandi area. Razaq worked in the government’s Social Welfare department while his brother Mohammad Tahir Choudhary is a soldier in the Territorial Army, who escaped unhurt.

JKP Announces 10 Lakh Reward For Tip-off On Attacker
Police along with security forces deployed in the twin districts of Rajouri-Poonch range are working in close synergy to neutralise this group and dismantle their support ecosystem, they said.

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone, Anand Jain, on Tuesday, visited Rajouri to oversee and reinforce security measures in the border district.(PTI)

LS polls: Sajad Lone seeks support of former J-K deputy CM Muzaffar Hussain Baig

Srinagar, Apr 24 (PTI) People’s Conference chief and party’s candidate from the Baramulla parliamentary constituency, Sajad Lone has sought the support of former Jammu and Kashmir deputy chief minister Muzaffar Hussain Baig for his candidature.

Lone called on Muzaffar Hussain Baig and his wife Safina Baig, who is the District Development Council (DDC) chairperson, Baramulla, at their residence here on Tuesday.

“It was a pleasure to call on @Muzaffar__Baig sahib and @SafinaMBaig ji. As the conversation predictably veered towards elections, I stressed that I have a right. And seeking their support is my right,” Lone said on X on Wednesday.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig was the deputy chief minister of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir from 2005 to 2008 when Ghulam Nabi Azad was the chief minister and the Congress and PDP shared power.

Muzaffar Hussain Baig, a Padma Bhushan awardee and co-founder of the PDP, was made the party’s patron following Mufti Mohammad Sayeed’s death in 2016.

However, he quit the party in 2020 and was tipped to join the People’s Conference.

While his wife Safina joined Lone’s party, the former Lok Sabha member from Baramulla did not make any official announcement about his status.

Although he attended a function organised by the PDP to commemorate the eighth death anniversary of Sayeed in the Anantnag district on January 7, it is not clear whether he is still in the PDP or not.

Meanwhile, Safina said Muzaffar Hussain Baig shares a decade-long relationship with Lone.

“Whenever Beigh sahib and I host Sajad sahib at our residence, it inevitably reminds all of us of the decades long that we share. Beigh sahib has seen him grow and evolve. And yes @sajadlone sahib is correct when he says he is here by virtue of a right,” she posted on X. (PTI)

People of J-K to decide who BJP’s B or C teams are says DPAP chief Azad

Anantnag (J-K), Apr 24 (PTI) Democratic Progressive Azad Party chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Wednesday hit back at National Conference leader Omar Abdullah, saying the people of Jammu and Kashmir will decide who the BJP’s B or C teams are.

Abdullah had earlier claimed that Azad’s Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) and the Altaf Bukhari-led Apni Party as well as Sajad Lone’s People’s Conference were the BJP’s B and C teams.

“Omar (Abdullah) was a minister in the BJP government. (PDP chief) Mehbooba (Mufti) was chief minister. I respect both. I have never been a minister or MP or chief minister or Union minister of the BJP,” Azad told reporters during an election campaign in the Anantnag-Rajouri seat.

“The people have to decide who has been a part of the BJP and who the A or B or C team of the BJP is,” he added.

The former Congress leader also said he is a free man.

“Azad was ‘azad (free)’, is ‘azad’ and will be ‘azad’. Ghulam Nabi Azad is a ‘Ghulam-e-Nabi (slave of Prophet Mohammad)’ and no one else’s,” he added.

Mohammad Saleem Parray is contesting from the seat for the DPAP against Mehbooba Mufti of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the National Conference’s Mian Altaf Ahmad.

The Anantnag-Rajouri constituency goes to the polls on May 7.(PTI)

‘Evading Monkey Chase’ Woman Falls From Hill, Dies in Uri

Srinagar, Apr 24 (GNS): In a bid to escape ‘chase by a monkey’, a woman fell off a hill, resulting in her on spot death in Busgran village in Uri of Baramulla district on Wednesday afternoon.

Eyewitness told GNS that one Zohra Begum, wife of Syed Isha Shah Gilani, fell victim to a ‘monkey chase as she was walking along the hilly terrain’.

“While trying to escape the monkey, the terrified woman fell down the hilly slope, resulting in her on spot death,” they said. (GNS)

67 suspects detained over Rajouri civilian killing by LeT terrorists, say police

Jammu, Apr 24 (PTI) As many as 67 suspected people were detained for questioning in connection with the killing of a civilian by two Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists in a village in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, police said on Wednesday.

During investigations, credible evidence was obtained and the police identified one of the two terrorists involved in committing this act as a “foreign terrorist” with code name Abu Hamza, the officials said.

Police further released the pictures of Hamza and announced a cash reward of Rs 10 lakh on him, they said.

“A case under relevant sections of law has been registered in Police Station Thanamandi. Till now, 67 suspected persons have been detained for questioning post this incident,” police said in a statement.

Mohammad Razaq (40) was killed on Monday in the Kunda Top village of the Thanamandi area. Razaq worked in the government’s Social Welfare department while his brother Mohammad Tahir Choudhary is a soldier in the Territorial Army, who escaped unhurt.

JKP Announces 10 Lakh Reward For Tip-off On Attacker
Police along with security forces deployed in the twin districts of Rajouri-Poonch range are working in close synergy to neutralise this group and dismantle their support ecosystem, they said.

Additional Director General of Police, Jammu zone, Anand Jain, on Tuesday, visited Rajouri to oversee and reinforce security measures in the border district.(PTI)

‘Holds And blocks’ In UNSC Sanctions Committees Are ‘Disguised Vetoes’: India

United Nations, Apr 24: In a veiled jibe at China, India has said that the “holds” placed on proposals in the UNSC sanctions committees are “disguised vetoes” on matters such as listing Pakistan-based global terrorists where some Council members will not take any responsibility.

“The working methods of anybody must respond to the challenges confronted by it. And the United Nations Security Council’s record in measuring up to the mounting challenges has been abysmal, to say the least,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador Ruchira Kamboj said on Tuesday.

Speaking in the UN General Assembly on the Second Anniversary of the unanimous adoption by UNGA of the ‘Veto Initiative’- Strengthening of the UN System, Kamboj said that the Security Council has used its working methods to hide vetoes and disguise them under the ad hoc working methods of its committees which act on its behalf but have little accountability.

“Those of us familiar with the work of the Sanction Committees and its tradition of putting “holds and blocks” are aware that these are disguised vetoes on matters on which some Council members will not take any responsibility, and are not required
to explain their decisions,” Kamboj said.

Kamboj’s remarks appeared to be an apparent reference to China which has repeatedly put holds and blocks on proposals submitted by India and its partners like the US to designate Pakistan-based terrorists under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the Security Council.

Two years ago, Resolution 76/262 was adopted in the UN General Assembly deciding that the President of the 193-member General Assembly will convene a formal meeting within 10 days of the casting of a veto by one or more permanent members of the 15-nation Security Council.

Kamboj said that the sentiment in the UNGA resolution reflecting the need to address the opaqueness of the working methods of the Council and instilling accountability is welcome but it only scratches the surface.

“While recognising the significance of these efforts, we would want these efforts to be undertaken in a manner that creates the environment for consensus building rather than finger-pointing,” she said.

Kamboj further said that it is “very clear” today that a majority of the Member States, including most of those who were not even independent at the time of the drafting of the United Nations charter, want reform and do not feel represented in the decisions of the United Nations Security Council.

“The issue of the dysfunctionality of the United Nations Security Council and the use of the veto that we are discussing is not only because the veto is being used (because after all as long as the veto exists it will likely be used), but also because of the “binary nature” of the composition of the membership of the Council, which is not reflective of contemporary realities, and therefore ensures that the Council takes decisions in a vintage ‘cold war’ mode,” she said.

India stressed that “we are all aware that issues on which the United Nations Security Council has failed to find consensus, have seen more progress and solutions outside.

The consensus arrived at the New Delhi G20 summit is one example of that,” she said, adding that unless the composition of the permanent membership of the Council is changed and made reflective of today’s realities, “diplomacy and dialogue will not get a real chance to find solutions to our challenges.”

Upon India’s initiative, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 at the New Delhi Summit in September 2023 held under India’s Presidency of the grouping.

Kamboj added that another kind of “hidden veto” is being used in the Intergovernmental Negotiation process on UN Security Council reform.

“While differences on substance remain, some members motivated by their attachment to perpetuating the outdated status quo, simply do not allow any text to be tabled in the process,” she said.

“A veto is essentially the idea that one country or group of country’s views must take precedence over all the others in a manner which disregards a collaborative spirit, and a respect for the rules and regulations of the Organisation. And in the IGN we are witnessing a minority of nay-sayers holding the entire process of Security Council reform hostage over the last four decades,” she said.

Kamboj added that by calling for consensus before negotiations themselves, “some countries have cast a hidden veto on a well-defined process of text-based negotiations which is indeed the bread and butter of the United Nations.”

India has been at the forefront of years-long efforts to reform the Security Council, saying it rightly deserves a place as a permanent member at the UN high table, which in its current form does not represent the geo-political realities of the 21st Century.

Currently, the UNSC has five permanent members – China, France, Russia, the UK and the US. Only a permanent member has the power to veto any substantive resolution.

Last month, India presented a detailed model on behalf of the G4 nations of Brazil, Germany, Japan and itself for Security Council reform.

The G4 model proposes that the Security Council’s membership increase from the current 15 to 25-26, by adding six permanent and four or five non-permanent members. (Agencies)

DRDO develops country’s lightest bulletproof jacket for protection against highest threat level

New Delhi, Apr 24 (PTI) A unit of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully developed the lightest bulletproof jacket in the country for protection against the highest threat level 6, an official statement said on Tuesday.

This jacket is based on a new design approach where novel material along with new processes has been used, the statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said.

“DRDO’s Defence Materials and Stores Research and Development Establishment (DMSRDE), Kanpur has successfully developed the lightest bulletproof jacket in the country for protection against 7.62 x 54 R API (level 6 of BIS 17051) ammunition. Recently, this bulletproof jacket was successfully tested at TBRL, Chandigarh as per
BIS 17051-2018,” it said.

The front hard armour panel (HAP) of this jacket “defeats multiple hits (six shots) of 7.62×54 R API (sniper rounds) in both ICW (in-conjunction with) and standalone design”, the statement said.

The ergonomically designed front HAP is made of a monolithic ceramic plate with polymer backing which enhances wearability and comfort during an operation.

“The areal density of ICW hard armour panel (HAP) and standalone HAP is less than 40 kg/m2 and 43 kg/m2 respectively,” the statement said.

The Department of Defence R&D secretary and DRDO chairman has congratulated DMSRDE for the successful development of this bulletproof jacket, it said.(PTI)

J&K Police appeals general public to be vigilant against mischievous persons posting their photos with DGP, other officers on Social Media without permission

Jammu, Apr 24: It has come to the notice that some persons who have photographs along with DGP, J&K or with other senior officers of police, which many a times come to be allowed because of participation in social and cultural events and occasions in which such persons are incidentally present, are posting such photos on their social media accounts without DGP’s permission or permission of the senior officers.

Firstly, this is not part of good manners: to post a photo in public domain that was taken in a social or cultural event perhaps as a goodwill gesture without the permission of the person.

Secondly, it is outright criminal and punishable, if the photo is being used and leveraged to intimidate or influence others to extort or part with money or promise governmental benefits by brandishing the photo as a connection to authority.

Members of general public, community members, fellow citizens, brothers and sisters, gullible villagers and city dwellers, students and workers who are all dear to DGP and are valuable community members and citizens to the Jammu and Kashmir police may please note that such shenanigans by unscrupulous elements should be exposed and no one should fear of any harm from such elements.

North Kashmir: Encounter Breaks Out In Forests Of Bandipora

Srinagar, April 24 (GNS): Gunfight brokeout between militants and security forces in Ranji forest area of North Kashmir’s Bandipora.

Reports reaching GNS that a joint team of Police and army launched a cordon and search operation in Ranji forest.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

A senior police officer also confirmed to GNS about exchange of firing between militants and security forces.(GNS)

EO seizes about Rs 40 lakh cash from jeweller

Jammu, Apr 24: The Expenditure Observer (EO) along with the teams of Goods and Services Tax (GST), Income Tax and police seized about Rs 40 lakh cash from the showroom Mulkh Raj Ashok Kumar Jeweller of Ankur Suri at Channi Himmat on outskirts of the City tonight.

Reports said the Expenditure Observer searched showroom of the jeweller on a specific input. Teams of officials of GST, Income Tax and police were also present.

The jeweller, however, told the Observer that they have all the records of the sale.
However, the cash was seized by the Expenditure Observer.

Jammu-Poonch Parliamentary constituency is scheduled to go to polls on April 26. Campaign will come to an end tomorrow evening.

Govt cracks down on unauthorized LTC claims

Jammu, Apr 24: In an effort to streamline administrative procedures, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has mandated that all Government officers and officials obtain prior approval before availing Leave Travel Concession (LTC).

The directive, issued to all Administrative Secretaries and Heads of Departments, also includes a strict no-tolerance policy towards post-facto sanctions of LTC.

According to a recent order, the Government has noticed a trend where some employees proceeded on LTC without the necessary approvals, contravening the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (LTC) Rules established in 2019.

These infractions, as per the order, have led to unnecessary referrals to the General Administration and Finance Departments, which the authorities aim to curtail.

In response, the Government has reinforced the need for timely LTC application submissions and emphasized punitive measures against those who bypass the proper channels.

The measures are designed to ensure adherence to protocols and reduce administrative burdens, ensuring a more efficient process within government departments.

Search ops for terrorists intensified in J-K’s Rajouri, villagers demand Army post

Rajouri/Jammu, Apr 23 (PTI) Search operation has been intensified in the Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir to track down the terrorists involved in the killing of a man belonging to the Gujjar community, officials said on Tuesday.

The incident occurred on Monday night when the victim, Mohammad Razaq (40), came out of a mosque in his village Kunda Top under the Thanamandi police station area. Razaq’s brother, Mohammad Tahir Choudhary, is a soldier in the Territorial Army, police said.

While Razaq succumbed to his injuries, Choudhary escaped unhurt, they said. Razaq’s body was buried in the village.

The villagers batted strongly for the restoration of an army post at Kopra in the area which was functional there till 2010 but was removed afterwards.

The police, the Army and the CRPF launched a cordon and search operation (CASO) soon after the incident and intensified the searches in the area with the support of sniffer dogs and aerial surveillance to track down the terrorists, they said.

According to the officials, Tahir could have been the target but his brother got shot. Vehicles are being thoroughly checked and the people are being subjected to frisking at various checkpoints in the district, they added.

A criminal case has been registered in FIR under sections 302 (murder), 120A (conspiracy to commit an offence), 121B (waging war or attempting to wage war against the Government of India), 122 (collecting arms with the intention of waging war against the Government of India), 458 (lurking house-trespass or house-breaking by night after preparation for hurt, assault, or wrongful restraint), the Arms Act and some sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) at the Thanamandi police station, the officials said.

Razaq’s father, Mohammad Akbar, was also killed by terrorists 20 years ago in the same village. Akbar worked in the Social Welfare Department and Razaq was given a job by the government on compassionate grounds in the same department, they said.

”My elder brother, Mohammad Akbar, was the naib sarpanch of our village in 2004 when he was kidnapped by the terrorists and brutally killed,” said Akbar’s brother, Mohammad Hussain (72), son of Salah Mohammad.

He mentioned that Akbar’s body was found in a mutilated condition days after his kidnapping.

Hussain further stated that now his nephew, the son of his late brother, has become a victim of terrorism. ”Our family has suffered twin blows. We are shattered,” he said.

Mohammad Razaq, who was shot dead by suspected terrorists on Monday late evening, has left behind two sons and three daughters, the family said.

He was a noble soul in the entire village and was religious in nature, observing Ramadan fasting and offering five-time namaz, they said.

Village elder Mohammad Iqbal, who is also a religious preacher, said the incident reminds him of a day 20 years ago, March 13, 2004, when Razaq’s father, Mohammad Akbar, was brutally killed.

”Akbar was kidnapped and his body was buried in the wheat fields, with wheat plants growing over it before it was found and recovered,” he further said.

The villagers, while discussing the situation during Nimaz-e-Janaza, called for the restoration of the Army post Kopra in the area.

Meanwhile, the security forces busted a terrorist hideout in the village of Azmatabad in Rajouri district last week. They recovered eight improvised explosive devices (IEDs), two wireless sets and some ammunition, the officials said.

Rajouri and Poonch districts have witnessed targeted attacks by the terrorists on the Army and the civilians in the past few years, they added.(PTI)

Cyber Police Kashmir Zone Srinagar Unveils Major Mule Bank Account Racket in Kashmir valley; FIR Registered

Srinagar, April 23:(GNS)The Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone, Srinagar on Tuesday said that it has investigated a new modus operandi, where individuals are involved in setting up mule bank accounts. These accounts serve as channels for the receipt and transfer of unlawfully obtained funds on behalf of cyber fraudsters. Such activities are pivotal to organized fraud operations targeting vulnerable segments of the society, including homemakers, the economically disadvantaged, auto-rickshaw drivers, labourers, and local vendors.

In a handout to GNS, the cyber police said that the funds, often acquired through online fraudulent means such as investment scams, online gaming apps, phishing or identity theft are discreetly shuffled between multiple accounts to evade detection. Perpetrators, operating from outside the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, lured potential victims through emails, chatrooms or social media, offering inducements in exchange for renting out their bank accounts. Once trapped, victims unknowingly help in illegal transactions through mule bank accounts, sending the money to the criminal’s main accounts.

Acting upon the matter, Cyber Police Station Kashmir Zone, Srinagar, has filed a case vide FIR No. 10/2024 under relevant legal provisions and initiated a comprehensive investigation.

Subsequent inquiries have revealed numerous mule accounts operating in various Districts of Kashmir Zone, with transactions totalling crores of rupees. Four individuals from Srinagar city have been identified in orchestrating and managing these mule bank accounts, as well as enticing unsuspecting individuals to participate in these illegal activities. Consequently, these four accused persons identified as Sajad Ahmad Rah son of Mohammad Maqbool Rah residing at Chinar Colony Mehjoor Nagar, Srinagar, Tawqair Ahmad Bhat son of Tariq Ahmad Bhat residing at Banpora Nowgam, Srinagar, Ubaid Ahmad Rah son of Mohammad Ayoub Rah residing at Hamdaniya Colony Bemina, Srinagar and Amir Rah son of Mohammad Maqbool Rah residing at Chinar Colony Mehjoor Nagar, Srinagar have been arrested, he said.

Cyber Police Kashmir urges the public to remain vigilant and guard against falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Fraudsters often exploit unsuspecting individuals through personal or social media platforms, dangling promises of rewards, incentives, or ‘work from home’ opportunities. Participation in money mule activities is unlawful and carries severe legal ramifications, including imprisonment. Should you suspect being victimized by money laundering or inadvertently engaging as a money mule, prompt reporting to the authorities is imperative, reads the statement.(GNS)

“Rise Out Of Appeasement Politics”: Amit Shah Slams Chidambaram Over His Remarks On CAA

New Delhi, Apr 23: Coming down hard on Congress leader P Chidambaram over his remarks on the Citizenship Amendment Act, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Tuesday that they have been fighting against Congress’ appeasement politics for years and the Congress should rise out of it and try to perform on the agenda of development.

Amit Shah said that Congress wants to scrap the CAA just to appease their vote bank.

“Since the 1960s, Congress has made appeasement politics its weapon to win elections. We had been fighting against this for years. Since 2014, PM Modi has set the development agenda among people and elections began in the country based on that. Congress is facing difficulty in contesting elections based on development; they have continuously lost elections. They want to go ahead once again based on appeasement politics. Chidambaram doesn’t say what the shortcomings of CAA are; he just says that they will scrap it. Why? Because they have to strengthen their minority vote bank,” he said.

He added further that Chidambaram’s intentions will never be fulfilled as the people have understood the Congress party well.

“BJP stands firm on its principles. We will not do injustice to anyone. We will do justice. But we will not do appeasement either. I don’t understand what objection Congress has to CAA. The CAA will not take away anyone’s citizenship; they are misleading people. They want to win elections by indulging in appeasement politics. I would like to tell Chidambaram that his intentions will never come to fruition. People have understood the Congress party well,” Shah added.

He emphasised further that CAA will remain and the three criminal laws will be implemented.

“Congress is neither going to come to power nor going to make decisions. I assure the people of the country that CAA will remain and three (criminal) laws will be implemented. Every citizen will get justice within three years; such a justice system will be ensured. Every refugee will get citizenship. There is no doubt about it. I would like to suggest that Congress leaders, who have lost elections several times, rise out of appeasement politics and try to perform on the agenda of development,” the Union Home Minister said.

Responding to the question on three new criminal laws, the Union Home Minister said that Chidambaram was a part of the committee and had given suggestions and even appreciated them.

“As far as three laws (criminal laws) are concerned, Chidambaram himself was a part of the committee. He had given positive suggestions several times and even appreciated them. The three laws will make the country’s criminal justice system the most modern in the world.

Congress doesn’t want results in corruption cases. It wants justice to remain pending. But the BJP’s and Narendra Modi’s policies are clear: every citizen has the constitutional right to get justice in the least amount of time. We are dedicated to doing that,” Amit Shah said.

Earlier at a news conference in Thiruvananthipuram on April 21, P Chidambaram had said that if the INDIA bloc comes to power at the Centre, it will repeal the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the three criminal laws brought in by the by the BJP government.(Agencies)

Mughal Road Reopens Partially; Traffic Also Plying On Jammu-Srinagar Highway, SSG Road: Officials

Jammu, April 23 (GNS): Ten days after being closed by authorities “till further orders” following fresh snowfall, Mughal Road, connecting Kashmir Valley’s Shopian district with twin districts of Rajouri and Poonch, has been thrown open for traffic partially, officials said on Tuesday.

They said that there the thoroughfare was opened after clearance of fresh snowfall at several places along the road including ‘Pir Ki Gali’. DTI Mughal Road Kapil Manhas told GNS that the road has been opened partially for “emergency purposes.”

Meanwhile, traffic on Jammu-Srinagar highway, the only surface link connecting Kashmir Valley with the outside world, is plying from both sides, officials said. Also, one-way traffic is plying on SSG road from Srinagar towards Kargil, they said. “Commuters are advised to follow lane discipline, overtaking will lead to congestion,” they added. (GNS)

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif leaves for China on ‘private visit’

Lahore, Apr 23 (PTI) Pakistan’s former prime minister Nawaz Sharif left for China late on Monday on a five-day “private visit”.

The Sharif family is keeping the visit low-profile.
According to the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz), its supreme leader left for China by a Chinese Southern Airlines flight on a private visit along with his grandson, Junaid Safdar, and personal staff from the Lahore airport. The PML-N, however, did not disclose Sharif’s plans during his five-day stay in China.

Local media says Sharif will undergo a medical check-up in China and hold meetings with some Chinese companies regarding development projects in Punjab, where his daughter Maryam Nawaz is the chief minister. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar is also reportedly accompanying him.

It is also being speculated in the PML-N circles that Sharif might be on a “special assignment” in China.

Sharif never visited China in the past for medical reasons. He went to the United Kingdom on medical grounds in 2019 and stayed there in self-exile, before his return in 2023 after the fall of Imran Khan’s government. His younger brother Shehbaz Sharif is leading a six-party coalition at the Centre.

After his dream of becoming prime minister for a fourth time shattered in the February election, Nawaz Sharif has been keeping a low profile.(PTI)

Kejriwal given insulin in Tihar after spike in sugar level: AAP welcomes move

New Delhi, Apr 23 (PTI) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has been administered a “low dose” of insulin after his blood sugar level spiked, officials of Tihar jail here said on Tuesday.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) welcomed this news received on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti and said the development was the result of the blessings of the deity.

Delhi Cabinet minister Atishi said in a post on X in Hindi, “Jai Bajrang Bali! Good news received on Hanuman Jayanti. Tihar administration finally gave insulin to Arvind Kejriwal ji. This is the result of the blessings of Hanuman ji and the struggle of the people of Delhi. Even in this time of struggle, the blessings of Bajrang Bali remain on all of us.”

Her cabinet colleague Saurabh Bharadwaj alleged that the officials were deliberately not giving Kejriwal insulin.

“Today it became clear that the chief minister was right, he needed insulin. But the officials under the BJP-led Centre were deliberately not treating him. Tell me BJP people! If there was no need for insulin, why are they giving it now? Because the whole world is cursing them,” he said in a post on X in Hindi.

According to a Tihar official, Kejriwal was given two units of low dose insulin on Monday evening on the advice of AIIMS doctors.

His blood sugar level reading was found to be 217 around 7 pm, following which the doctors at Tihar looking after him decided to give him the insulin, the official said.

AIIMS specialists, during a video conference with the chief minister on April 20, had advised Tihar doctors that insulin could be given to him if his sugar level crosses a certain level, he added.

The Delhi chief minister was arrested on March 21 by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a money-laundering case linked to the Delhi government”s now-scrapped excise policy. He is lodged in Tihar jail since April 1.(PTI)

DB directs Defence Secy to file affidavit complying direction

Release of more than Rs 140 cr for land acquisition

Jammu, Apr 23: In a contempt petition filed by Rakesh Khajuria and others over non-implementation of judgment of court directing payment of compensation of 680 kanals of land at Rehmbal worth Rs 140 crore, a Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajesh Sekhri has directed Defence Secretary to look into the issues and file an affidavit complying the direction by or before the next date of hearing.

When the contempt petition came-up for hearing, DB observed, “Vishal Sharma, DSGI submits that he has filed fresh status report on behalf of Defence Estates Officer, Udhampur, however, the same is not scanned. Registry is directed to trace out the status report, the same be scanned and attached with the file”, adding “DSGI has also produced a copy of the status report and the same is taken on record”.

Along with the status report, copy of the communication dated 28.03.2024 addressed by Col Q (Land) For MG OL to the DG LW & E Dte/Land (North & East) OMG’s Branch IHQ of MoD (Army) has been annexed, whereby request has been made to process the case for obtaining sanction of Competent Authority for acquisition of land.

DB observed, “the communication was issued on 28.03.2024; however, DSGI has not produced any action taken on the same as on today”, adding “instead of giving direction to the Director General Defence Land North & East Command and Defence Estates Officer Northern Command, we deem it appropriate to direct the Defence Secretary, Government of India to look into the issue and file an affidavit complying the direction passed by this court by or before the next date of hearing”.

HC upholds conviction in corruption case after 19 yrs

Jammu, Apr 23: High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, while deciding one of oldest appeals, has upheld the conviction of Mohd Sadiq, who was working as a salesman with Cooperative Society, Darhal and was booked under Sections 409, 467, 468 and 120-B RPC and 5(2) J&K Prevention of Corruption Act.

The Trial Court on 05.09.2005 convicted the accused of offence under Section 409 RPC and Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and awarded rigorous imprisonment for one year in both the offences. In addition thereto, the appellant was also asked to pay fine of Rs one lakh for conviction under Section 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act. Against this order present appeal was filed.

After hearing both the sides, Justice Sanjay Dhar observed, “it is manifestly clear that the prosecution is not obliged to prove the precise mode of conversion or misappropriation by the accused of the property entrusted to him. Once it has been established that the appellant/accused had been entrusted with the stocks of the Society and the appellant is unable to render the account, an inference of misappropriation with dishonest intent has to follow”.

“In the instant case, the appellant, while making his statement under Section 342 CrPC did not plead any defence nor did he state anything as regards the manner in which he has discharged his duty as a trustee of the stocks received by him. In fact, the appellant has, neither during cross examination of the witnesses nor in his statement under Section 342 CrPC taken the defence that he had paid the amount of sale proceeds as reflected in the two receipts executed by Mohd Yaqeen. He has not even disputed the assertion of Mohd Yaqeen that these receipts were only for Rs 5307and Rs 3800 and not for Rs 53070 and Rs 38000 either during cross examination of the witness or in his statement”, High Court said.

“In the face of this situation, the only inference that can be drawn is that the appellant/accused has misappropriated the stocks entrusted to him to the tune of Rs 1,59,652.23”, High Court said, adding “Special Judge, has, while passing the impugned judgment, meticulously analysed the evidence on record and has drawn correct conclusions which are backed by legally sound reasons”.

“There is, thus, no ground to interfere in the impugned judgment passed by the Special Judge. The appeals lack merit and as such, the same are dismissed. The appellant/accused is directed to surrender before the Special Judge Anti Corruption Jammu within a period of one month from today. His bail/surety bonds shall stand cancelled. In case, the appellant fails to surrender before the Special Judge, the necessary steps in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure shall be taken by the Special Judge for apprehending the appellant/accused”.

Comply with direction or Finance & Law Secys to appear in person: DB

Shetty Pay Commission recommendations

Jammu, Apr 23: In a petition filed by the employees borne on the cadre of Subordinate Courts seeking implementation of Shetty Commission Report so far as recommendations pertaining to the Ministerial staff working in the Subordinate Courts are concerned, a Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Atul Sreedharan and Justice Rajesh Sekhri has issued directions for complying with the order failing which Finance Secretary and Law Secretary shall appear in person.

“The respondents are already in gross contempt of the order of the Division Bench and thereafter the order passed by this court in contempt proceedings dated 19.07.2023. Under the circumstances, the contempt petitioners have two options that to comply with the orders passed by this court in letter and spirit before the next date of hearing—25.04.2024. On that date, the compliance of order dated 19.07.2023 has to be placed before this court and its absence, the Finance Secretary and the Law Secretary shall remain present in person”, the DB said, adding “their failure to do so will compel this court to resort to coercive measures commencing with the issuance of bailable warrants against them”.

DB further observed, “this is a contempt petition which is pending since the year 2017.

During this time, the case has been listed before this court not less than 39 times. The case has been pending for the compliance of the order passed by the Single Judge on 08.12.2016. By the said order, the writ petition that was filed by the contempt petitioners, who are the ministerial staff working with the District Judiciary, were given the benefit of the Shetty Pay Commission with effect from 01.04.2003 which was agreed to be implemented by the Chief Minister of the State which was recorded in the minutes dated 02.04.2008”.

“Eight years have passed since the date of that order and the contempt petitioners in this petition have yet to be given the benefit of one of the recommendations which is retrospective in effect from 01.04.2003. During the pendency of this contempt petition, the matter came up before the Co-ordinate Bench which by elaborate order on 19.07.2023, rejected the objections of the respondents that the retrospective effect has not been given”, the DB further said.

“The plea of respondent that the posts cannot be created retrospectively is untenable in law and cannot be accepted. The creation of posts from retrospective date to comply with judgment of competent court of jurisdiction is not unknown to service jurisprudence”, the DB said, adding “thereafter, this court has directed the High Court as well as the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs to file respective action taken reports. Those action taken reports were filed. However, the respondents filed an application for modification of order dated 19.07.2023 which was dismissed by this court vide order dated 28.03.2024″.

“It is also relevant to mention here that the Co-ordinate Bench while dismissing the application for modification also observed that the modification sought for was totally uncalled for”, the DB said, adding “we are of the opinion that the respondents are already in gross contempt of the order of the Division Bench and thereafter the order passed by this court in contempt proceedings dated 19.07.2023”.

SIU Kulgam Produces Chargesheet Against 04 Militants

Srinagar, April 22:(GNS) Special Investigation Unit of police on Monday filed chargehseet against four militants in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that Kulgam police produced chargesheet in case FIR No 65/2022 of Police Station Kulgam before Hon’ble Court of Special Judge (Designated Court under NIA) Kulgam against three killed terrorists and an active terrorist.

According to police spokesman, chargesheet has been produced against 4 accused terrorists namely Jan Mohammad Lone son of Ab. Rashid Lone resident of Braripora Shopian, Bilal Ahmad Bhat son of Gh. Rasool Bhat resident of Chaki Cholend Shopian, Sameer Ahmad Sheikh @Kamran Bhai son of Farooq Ahmad Sheikh resident of Chaki Cholend Shopian and Abid Ramzan Sheikh son of Mohd Ramzan Sheikh resident of Chotipora Shopian.

Pertinent to mention here that on 02/06/2022, the above-mentioned terrorists of proscribed terrorist outfit LeT/TRF and Al-Badr hatched a conspiracy and killed one Branch Manager of Ellaqhai Dehati Bank Arreh Kulgam at Arreh namely Vijay Kumar son of Om Prakash resident of Bagwa Rajasthan with their illegal acquired weapons. Accordingly, a case was registered in Police Station Kulgam, he said.

Subsequently following the due course of action, Special Investigation Unit Kulgam produced charge sheet before NIA Court Kulgam in the instant case FIR No. 65/2022 U/S 452, 302 IPC, 7/27 I.A. Act, 16, 18, 20, and 38 UA (P) Act of Police Station Kulgam against three eliminated accused terrorists namely Jan Mohammad Lone, Bilal Ahmad Bhat and Sameer Ahmad Sheikh regarding whom the Hon’ble Court is prayed to take cognizance as abeted and U/S 299 CrPC against accused active terrorist namely Abid Ramzan Sheikh, he said.

Further investigation with regard to involvement of another accused Arjumand Gulzar @Hamza Burhan son of Gulzar Ahmad Dar resident of Kharbatpora Ratnipora Pulwama who is an active terrorist of proscribed terror outfit Al-Badr and is absconding shall continue U/S 173 (8) of CrPC and shall be submitted in the form of Supplementary report before the Hon’ble Court, reads the statement.(GNS)

NIA raids 9 locations in J&K in terror funding case

Raids conducts at premises’ of several terror outfits’ sympathisers, Incriminating material recovered
 
New Delhi, April 22 (KNO): In a massive crackdown in the Jammu & Kashmir terror conspiracy case involving Pakistan-backed banned terrorist organisations and their offshoots, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday raided nine locations across Kashmir.
 
In a statement, issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), several digital devices containing large volumes of incriminating data and documents were seized during the raids, conducted at the premises of hybrid terrorists and Overground Workers (OGWs) linked with the newly-formed offshoots and affiliates of proscribed terrorist outfits such as Laskhar-e-Toiba (LeT), Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HM), Al-Badr, Al-Qaeda.

The statement reads that premises of sympathisers and cadres of these organisations were also searched extensively.
 
“NIA teams cracked down on these properties and conducted elaborate searches this morning as part of its investigation in the case RC-05/2022/NIA/JMU, registered by the anti-terror agency suo moto on 21st June 2022,” it reads.

It added that the case relates to a terror conspiracy involving plans by the banned terrorist organisations and their newly floated offshoots to unleash violence in J&K by using sticky bombs, IEDs and small arms etc.
 
“Backed by their Pakistan-based masters and mentors, these outfits have been conspiring, in both physical and cyber space, to carry out terror acts aimed at disturbing the peace and communal harmony in J&K by radicalizing local youth and mobilizing overground workers.”

It further reads that the outfits include The Resistance Front (TRF), United Liberation Front Jammu & Kashmir (ULFJ&K), Mujahideen Gazwat-ul-Hind (MGH), Jammu & Kashmir Freedom Fighters (JKFF), Kashmir Tigers, PAAF and others.

“All of them are affiliated to the banned terrorist organisations and were floated as frontal outfits to carry out the nefarious agenda of the main militant groups after the latter were banned by the Government of India.

“The digital devices and other data recovered during the searches are being scrutinized to expose and dismantle the complete conspiracy,” the statement reads—(KNO)

J&K records below normal night temp amid ‘generally dry weather’ forecast

Srinagar, April 22(GNS): Jammu and Kashmir recorded below normal night temperature on Monday even as the meteorological department here predicted generally dry weather till April 25, officials said.

A MeT department official here told GNS Srinagar recorded a minimum of 6.7°C against 8.4°C on the previous night and it was 2.2°C below normal for the summer capital of JK for this time of the year.

Qazigund recorded a minimum of 4.8°C against 9.2°C on the previous night and it was 2.7°C below normal for the gateway town of Kashmir, he said.

Pahalgam recorded a low of 1.9°C against 2.9°C on the previous night and it was 2.1°C below normal for the famous resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, recorded a minimum of 5.4°C against 8.3°C on the previous night and it was 2.2°C below normal, the official said.

Kupwara town recorded a low of 6.5°C, same as on the previous night and it was 1.1°C below normal there, the official said.

Gulmarg recorded a low of 0.2°C against 0.0°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 3.1°C for the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

Jammu, he said, recorded a minimum of 18.8°C against 17.1°C on the previous night and it was below normal by 2.2°C for the winter capital of J&K.

Banihal recorded a low of 8.2°C, Batote 4.1°C and Bhaderwah 7.6°C, he said.

Regarding the forecast, he said, from April 21-25, generally dry weather is expected but afternoon thundershower/hailstorm activity at isolated places can’t be ruled out.

From April 26-28, he said, there is possibility of generally cloudy weather with light to moderate rain and light snow (over higher reaches) with thunder at most places.

From April 29-30, generally cloudy weather with light rain with thunder at many places has been predicted. (GNS)

Militancy Case : NIA Conducts Multiple Searches in Srinagar

Srinagar, April 22(GNS): National Investigation Agency on Monday morning carried multiple raids in Central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.

An official told GNS that NIA along with police and CRPF are carrying multi raids in Srinagar district.

The raids are being carried out related to militancy case RC 5/22. As per the sources raids are being carried atleast at 9 locations in Srinagar district.

Till this report was being filed there was no information regarding any arrest or recovery.

More details shall follow.(GNS)

CIC expresses grave concern over PIOs of J&K UT deptts vitiating proceedings in 2nd Appeals

Explanations sought from BDO, Tehsildar, many other officers

Jammu, Apr 22: Central Information Commission (CIC) has expressed grave concern over Public Information Officers (PIOs) of several departments of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir vitiating proceedings in the Second Appeals by their unexplained absence despite receiving advance notices and has sought explanations from several officers including Block Development Officer (BDO), Tehsildar and J&K Special Tribunal. Moreover, the transparency watchdog of the country has made it clear that willful violation of the Right to Information Act cannot be allowed.

In a Second Appeal/complaint filed before the Central Information Commission for denial of information regarding job cards of those engaged under MGNREGA Scheme in Chilla block of District Doda and Bonjwah block of District Kishtwar, advance notice of hearing was served upon both the concerned Block Development Officers.

While BDO Chilla explained that he had recently taken charge of the post and will furnish the information as permissible under the RTI Act at the earliest.

However, BDO Bonjwah neither participated in the hearing nor sent any written submission about the case at hand.

“His absence has led to the proceedings being vitiated in clear violation of the provisions of the RTI Act. Hence, he is directed to submit an explanation for willful violation of the provisions of the RTI Act by unexplained absence during hearing”, read the order of the CIC. Four weeks time has been given to the officer to submit the explanation. Moreover, the Commission has made it clear that non-adherence to the direction shall attract penal action as per the law.

Similarly, Second Appeal/complaint was filed before the CIC after the appellant was denied copies of judgments, decisions and orders announced by Benches of J&K Special Tribunal Srinagar in case titled Ruksana Jabeen and Others Versus Srinagar Municipal Corporation Commissioner and Others.

During the hearing, the representative of the appellant submitted that information has not been provided in violation of the RTI Act and First Appellate Authority’s order. However, none was present on behalf of J&K Special Tribunal despite service of hearing notice in advance.

Taking serious note of the conduct of the Public Authority, the CIC has directed the respondents to send point wise reply to the appellant and submit an explanation for willful violation of the provisions of the RTI Act by non-furnishing of any response to the appellant, defying the FAA’s order and unexplained absence during hearing.

The unexplained absence of the PIO in the Directorate of School Education Jammu was also noticed by the CIC in another Second Appeal/complaint. “The officer has vitiated the proceedings in utter disregard to the provisions of the transparency law as such he is directed to submit an explanation within four weeks failing which appropriate action will be taken against him”, read the order of the Central Information Commission.

Similarly, explanation has been sought from Tehsildar Akhnoor for not participating in the hearing in the Second Appeal whereby denial of information was challenged. This officer/PIO was also served advance notice of hearing by the Registry of the Commission but he preferred to avoid participation in the proceedings.

In yet another Second Appeal, the CIC, while considering the failure of CPIO in the office of Deputy Superintendent of Police, Crime Branch Jammu in attending the proceedings to make submissions about the case at hand, has sought explanation by dubbing his act as clear violation of the provisions of the RTI Act.

Likewise, explanations for unexplained absence have also been sought from PIO in the office of Executive Engineer, Rural Engineering Wing, Rajouri, Executive Engineer, Electric Division Baramulla and PIO of the Revenue Department of J&K Government.

They have been asked to justify the conduct failing which action under Section 20(1) and 20(2) of the RTI Act will be initiated against them. “In case explanations are not submitted ex-parte action will be initiated”, read the orders of the Commission.

17.81 lakh voters to decide fate of 22 candidates in Jammu-Reasi seat

RS Pura-JS segment has highest votes, Mata Vaishno Devi lowest

Among 2416 PSs, 223 vulnerable, 117 critical

Jammu, Apr 22: About 17.81 lakh voters will decide the fate of 22 candidates including BJP’s Jugal Kishore Sharma and Raman Bhalla of the Congress in Jammu-Reasi Parliamentary constituency which will go to polls on April 26. Campaigning will end in the evening of April 24.

Sharma has been seeking third consecutive term from Jammu seat and the contest is also replica of 2019 when he was involved in direct contest with Bhalla. Ankur Sharma of Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal and Jagdish Raj of BSP are among notable candidates in the fray who have made their presence felt among the electorates.

As per the official figures, Jammu-Reasi seat has 17,81,545 voters including 9,21,462 male and 8,60,055 females. There are 28 transgender votes.
Like four other Parliamentary constituencies of Jammu and Kashmir, Jammu-Reasi seat is also based on 18 Assembly segments.

RS Pura-Jammu South Assembly seat has highest number of 1,25,454 votes while Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seat in Reasi district has lowest number of 55737 electorates. Eight out of 18 Assembly constituencies have one lakh plus votes.

Jammu district holds the key to victory of the candidate having 11,90,099 votes while Samba district has 2,59,198 electorates and Reasi has 2,35,262 votes. Lone Assembly segment Kalakote-Sunderbani of Rajouri district has 96986 voters
Among 18 Assembly constituencies in Jammu-Reasi Parliamentary seat, Jammu district has 11 seats, Reasi and Samba districts three each and Rajouri has one segment.
Among 2416 Polling Stations, 223 are vulnerable and 117 are critical while rest are normal. Reasi Assembly segment has highest number of 173 Polling Stations while Shri Mata Vaishno Devi seat has lowest number of 91 Polling Stations.

Five Assembly seats in Jammu-Reasi Parliamentary constituency are reserved for SCs and one for ST. They include Ramgarh, Bishnah, Suchetgarh, Marh and Akhnoor, all for SCs and Gulabgarh which has been reserved for ST.

The seat has been won by Congress on nine occasions, BJP four times, and one each by National Conference and an Independent candidate since its establishment in 1967.
Jammu-Reasi Parliamentary seat was till last election called as Jammu-Poonch seat comprising all Assembly constituencies of Jammu, Samba, Rajouri and Poonch districts. However, following delimitation; Rajouri and Poonch districts barring one Assembly seat of Kalakote-Sunderbani were linked with Anantnag (South Kashmir) and the seat was named as Anantnag-Rajouri-Poonch. Instead, Reasi district which was earlier part of Udhampur-Doda segment has now been included in Jammu constituency.

A direct contest is on the cards between sitting Member Parliament from BJP Jugal Kishore Sharma and INDIA bloc candidate and J&K Congress working president Ramban Bhalla, though there are 20 more candidates, including 12 Independents, in the fray including Jagdish Raj of Bahujan Samaj Party and Advocate Ankur Sharma of Ekam Sanatan Bharat Dal.

Campaigning in Jammu has intensified with the contestants and their supporters pulling out all stops to woo the voters.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a rally at Paloura on April 16, while Union Minister Anurag Thakur took part in a road show and accompanied Sharma when the latter filed his nomination on March 30.

Sharma, 61, whose candidature was declared by the BJP in the party’s first list of 195 candidates, had won Jammu Lok Sabha seat in 2014 and 2019 general election. His political rival, Raman Bhalla has been elected as MLA twice from Gandhi Nagar seat in 2002 and 2008 and served as the Cabinet Minister in Omar Abdullah-led NC-Congress Government.

The Parliamentary elections are happening for the first time in Jammu and Kashmir after the erstwhile State was bifurcated into two Union Territories and its special status under Article 370 revoked on August 5, 2019.
Sharma, who had also won Assembly elections from Nagrota constituency of Jammu on the BJP ticket in 2002 and 2008 elections before heading the J&K unit of the party for a couple of years, will be banking on decisions taken by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government and the putative developmental push in the last 10 years.

In 2019, Sharma defeated Bhalla by a margin of 3,02,875 votes, having secured 8,58,066 votes from the constituency.

In 2014, he defeated Congress candidate Madan Lal Sharma by over 2.57 lakh votes scoring over 6.19 lakh votes.

“The Modi-led Government has taken a number of historic initiatives with the abrogation of Article 370, thus giving acceleration to the ongoing mega projects of development. Jammu and Kashmir has got a very fair deal in all matters at all levels under the Modi Government,” a BJP leader said.
He cited restoration of peace, eradication of terrorism, ceasefire along the borders and justice with deprived sections of the society as some of these decisions.

Besides development works, the BJP has also been banking on giving reservation to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), women, Paharis, Valmikis and empowerment of downtrodden besides free ration, construction of houses under PM Awas Yojana, free health insurance of Rs 5 lakh to every individual and many other such schemes.

Bhalla, on the other hand, with regional heavy weights, National Conference and People’s Democratic Party, backing him under a pact with the INDIA bloc, is confident of an upset, in view of “resentment among the people over the wrong policies of the BJP-led Government.”
Congress star campaigner and former Deputy Chief Minister of Rajasthan Sachin Pilot, and AICC in-charge J&K affairs, Bharatsinh Solanki, have addressed rallies in support of Bhalla.

The opposition parties have upped the ante over loss of Statehood, removal of special status under Article 370, and the failure of the BJP to hold Assembly, Panchayat and Urban Local Bodies elections.

They have been attacking the BJP over issues like inflation, unemployment, lack of development in the region, and promised massive investment, which, according to them, never came.

IGP Kashmir Zone Chairs Joint Security Coordination Meeting At Awantipora

Meeting Focused On Devising Strategies Ensuring Public Safety, Upholding Integrity Of Electoral Process

Srinagar, April 20:(GNS): Inspector General of Police Kashmir V.K. Birdi along with IGP CRPF and GOC Victor Force held a joint security review meeting at DPO Awantipora yesterday. The meeting was attended by DIG CKR, DIG SKR, all sector commanders of Victor Force, DIGs of CRPF Anantnag /SKOR and all SSsP of South Kashmir, SSP Budgam and all COs of RR & CRPF units deployed in South Kashmir & Budgam district.

In a handout to GNS, the police said that at the outset of the meeting, the participating officers briefed IGP Kashmir about the overall security scenario to provide insights into the existing security challenges so as to devise effective mitigation strategies. The discussions encompassed various facets, including intelligence gathering, threat assessments, and emergency response protocols in addition to election preparedness efforts.

The meeting focused on devising strategies ensuring public safety and upholding the integrity of the electoral process. IGP Kashmir urged SSPs and their counterparts in CAPF and RR to critically evaluate and enhance existing strategies to thwart any potential terror activities. Emphasis was placed on the necessity of revisiting and fortifying area domination tactics to cover any vulnerable areas effectively. IGP Kashmir further directed the officers to work without any prejudice, take stern action against those violating the law, and ensure that law enforcement agencies are well prepared to respond quickly and effectively to any emergent situations, he said.

During the meeting, the IGP Kashmir also directed the DIGs to strengthen the security grid of their respective areas and facilitate the safe passage of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) across districts. He emphasized strict adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) & stressed upon the officers to increase focus on human intelligence gathering along with technical inputs so as to intensify anti-terrorist operations to flush out the inimical elements, reads the statement.(GNS)

Punjab’s Baldev 1st outsider to contest polls in JK

SRINAGAR, Apr 20:Punjab resident Baldev Kumar has become the first person from outside Jammu and Kashmir to contest Lok Sabha polls in the Union Territory after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Kumar (67), a resident of the Naya Gaon area of Mohali in Punjab, filed his nomination papers from the Anantnag-Rajouri Parliamentary constituency as an Independent candidate on Friday.

He is among 25 candidates who are in the fray from the constituency, which will go to polls on May 7.

Kumar claimed that he decided to contest the polls on the insistence of a “large” number of local people whom he has “served for the last 20 years”.

“I worked for the people during the 2014 floods, I have sponsored the education of a number of students, I have facilitated patients from Kashmir when they go to Punjab for medical check-ups and kept a kothi (house) for them where they can stay when they go there for treatment,” Kumar said.

The contestant said he has been requesting the administration to build a ‘Kashmir Bhawan’ in Punjab, especially for the patients, but to no avail.

“(Activist) Medha Patkar got 20 acres of land for her NGO from the Gujarat Government but I have not been allotted even two acres for a Kashmir Bhawan for the patients from J&K.

“The people have told me that I have to be in power and only then can I build a Kashmir Bhawan. So, I decided to contest the polls,” he said.

Asked if he has Jammu and Kashmir’s domicile certificate, he said, “I have no domicile as I have not stayed in one place”.
Kumar is the first non-resident person to contest polls in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and downgrading and bifurcation of the erstwhile state on August 5, 2019.

In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, NCR resident Shams Khwaja contested, and lost the polls from the erstwhile Anantnag Parliamentary constituency.

He was the first-ever non-resident to contest the polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Objections were raised against his candidature, but those were overruled by election authorities in 2019. (PTI)

11.07 lakh votes cast as Udhampur-Doda seat records 68.27 pc turnout in peaceful Phase-I polling

Fate of 12 candidates including Union Minister, ex MP, Minister sealed in EVMs

Kathua-SC segment tops in voting percentage, Banihal at bottom

JAMMU, Apr 20: Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary constituency today recorded 68.27 percent turnout with 11,07,821 electorates exercising their right to franchise from among a total of 16,23,195 as Kathua (SC) Assembly segment recorded highest 75.44 percent polling while Banihal accounted for lowest percentage of 58.78.

There was an incident-free polling in first major electoral battle since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Only DDC and BDC elections were held post August 2019 decisions of the Central Government.

In 2019 elections, Udhampur seat had recorded 70.02 percent polling. However, throughout the day today, the constituency faced adverse weather conditions with rains and winds.

As per the official figures, Kathua (SC) segment recorded a polling percentage of 75.44, Jasrota 73.68, Udhampur West 73.28, Udhampur East 73.26, Hiranagar 72.65, Padder Nagseni 70.06, Chenani 69.47, Doda West 69.36, Inderwal 68.99, Doda 68.14, Ramban 66.71, Ramnagar (SC) 66.61, Billawar 66.28, Kishtwar 65.44, Basohli 64.91, Bhaderwah 63.01, Bani 62.70 and Banihal 58.78.

District wise Udhampur registered 70.76 percent turnout followed by Kathua with 70.06 percent, Kishtwar 67.75 percent, Doda 66.42 percent and Ramban 62.42 percent.

An official statement tonight said due to weather conditions, latest updates were awaited from some of the Polling Stations especially in remote areas of Kishtwar, Gandoh, Ramban and Dudu-Basantgarh. The polling percentage is likely to increase slightly.

“Your vote is your voice and its plays a pivotal role in determining the direction of governance and development in the region,” CEO J&K PK Pole said after successful conclusion of Phase-I polling.

Fate of 12 candidates including Union Minister and BJP candidate Dr Jitendra Singh, Choudhary Lal Singh (Congress), former MP, Ghulam Mohammad Saroori (DPAP), former Minister and Amit Kumar Bhagat (BSP) was sealed in the EVMs which will be opened now on June 4. Dr Jitendra Singh is seeking third consecutive term from the constituency.

Officials, both in the civil and police administration, told the Excelsior that polling in all five districts including Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Kishtwar and Doda, which formed part of Udhampur-Doda Parliamentary constituency, remained peaceful.

“No untoward incident was reported from any part of Lok Sabha seat,” they said.

Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) and Jammu Kashmir Police (JKP) had been deployed in large strength in the Parliamentary constituency to ensure peaceful polling. Once infested by militancy, Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts also recorded entirely peaceful voting at all places.

There was no fear of militants among the voters even in remotest areas of erstwhile Doda district as militancy has by and large ended with very few militants and Over Ground Workers (OGWs) now surviving. Moreover, the paramilitary forces and police had been deployed in adequate numbers at all the Polling Stations well ahead of the voting day to boost morale of the people.

“Even when there was fear of militants 10-15 years back, we used to cast votes. Now when the Doda region is almost free of militancy, there is no fear among the people and we turn in large numbers to queue up,” said a number of voters to whom the Excelsior spoke on telephone in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts.

Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) PK Pole said 114 Special Polling Stations had been established in Udhampur Parliamentary constituency.

“These Polling Stations underscored our unwavering dedication to fostering inclusivity and sustainability in the electoral process,” Pole said, adding the ECI believes that every citizen should have equal access to exercise their democratic right and these Polling Stations represent a significant step towards achieving that goal.

The innovative Polling Stations include women, youth and PwDs manned, Green, Border and Unique. They were designed specifically to cater to women, youth PwDs, promote eco-friendly practices and cater to the voters of different kind in the region.

Voting began on brisk note at 7 am at almost all 2,637 polling stations across the constituency notwithstanding the adverse weather conditions in most of the areas including plains as well as upper reaches.

However, people braved rains and queue up to cast their votes. At some of the Polling Stations, tents had been erected to save people from rains. As rains subsided, the queues increased during the day to cast their votes.

Roads including the interior ones especially in Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts remained open despite heavy rains in some of the areas and people could be seen trekking to reach to the Polling Stations.

At some of the areas, the people waited for rains to stop but when it didn’t, they reached the Polling Stations braving the rainfall and queued up before 5 PM to cast votes.

This is the first major electoral battle in Jammu and Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 370 and bifurcation of the erstwhile State into two Union territories in 2019.
Few minor issues at some Polling Stations were resolved immediately.

More than 11,000 polling staff, including reserves, had been deployed while security arrangements were foolproof to ensure free and fair elections.

The constituency encompassed an expansive area of 16,707 square kilometres. It consists of 18 Assembly segments spanning five districts — Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Udhampur and Kathua.

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh visited a Polling Station in Kathua to oversee the polling process. He expressed confidence in retaining the seat with a huge margin.
Lal Singh and Ghulam Mohammad Saroori were among those who cast their votes at their respective Polling Stations in Kathua and Kishtwar and expressed confidence in winning the seat.

Returning Officer of the Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, also exercised his franchise after standing in a queue and waiting for his turn at a polling station in Kathua district.
Minhas, who originally hails from Punjab, came to a polling station set up at the Irrigation Department in Kathua town and exercised his franchise after waiting in a queue for his turn.

Minhas and his wife Saloni Rai, both 2016 batch IAS officers, were deputed to Jammu and Kashmir from Daman and Diu in August 2022, and they were later posted as Deputy Commissioners of Kathua and Udhampur districts.
“We should not be careless about our democratic rights. Even if there is a queue, it takes only 15 to 20 minutes to cast your vote,” Minhas told reporters.

According to the officials, a total of 1,472 Polling Stations out of 2,637 had been equipped with webcasting facilities in the constituency having a diverse electorate comprising 16,23,195 voters.

There were a total of 84,468 potential first-time voters, aged 18-19 years, of which 45,825 were men, 38,641 were women and two third genders.

The constituency also had a sizable elderly population, with 12,020 men and 13,612 women aged 80 and above, totalling 25,632 seasoned voters contributing to the electoral process.

SWD to issue 100 pc roster for reservation to clear decks for stalled recruitment process

Quota goes up to 60 pc besides 10 pc horizontal

Deptt may approach the poll body in view of MCC

Jammu, Apr 19: On being approached by the Public Services Commission (PSC) and Services Selection Board (SSB) for issuance of 100 percent roster for fresh recruitments following reservations granted to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Pahari Ethnic Tribe, Paddari Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmins, the General Administration Department (GAD) is reported to have asked the Social Welfare Department (SWD) to come up with the order, if required, with the permission of the Election authorities.

Official sources told the Excelsior that issuance of 100 percent roster by the SWD is mandatory requirement for initiating recruitment drives by the PSC and SSB as it will define new percentage for recruitment following addition of new castes and categories which have taken reservation to 60 percent besides 10 percent horizontal reservation.
“The recruitment drive will be initiated by two prime recruitment agencies once the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) which is presently in place in Jammu and Kashmir due to Parliamentary elections is over,” they said.

Out of 60 percent reservation in the Government jobs, 20 percent has gone to Scheduled Tribes (STs)-10 percent each to Gujjars and Bakerwals and other tribes who were already getting quota and Pahari Ethnic Tribe, Paddari Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmins; eight percent to Scheduled Castes (SCs), eight percent to OBCs, 10 percent to Resident of Backward Areas (RBA), 10 percent to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) and four percent to ALC/ International Border (IB).

Besides, there has been 10 percent horizontal reservations including six percent for ex-servicemen and four percent for physically handicapped.

As per the officials, there have been nearly 6000 vacancies pending before the SSB including 4750 in Police Department alone. Rest belongs to the different departments. Similarly, there are vacancies lying with the PSC which is responsible for recruitment in the Gazetted cadre.

“Only after issuance of 100 percent roster by the Social Welfare Department, the recruitment bodies can undertake the drive for advertisement of vacancies and other processes like written tests etc,” the sources said, adding the SWD can take permission of the Election Authorities in case there is bar on issuance of the roster during the Model Code of Conduct.

Once the roster is released, the recruitment drive will be taken up, they said, adding the drive will pick up only after June 4 when the MCC is lifted.
It was in the last Parliament session of the present Government that the OBCs, Pahari Ethnic tribe, Paddari tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmins were granted reservations. Later, the Union Territory Government issued notification granting eight percent reservation to OBCs and separate 10 percent quota to Paharis, Paddaris, Koli & Gadda Brahmins in ST category.

The OBCs were also granted reservation in Panchayats and Municipalities. However, the percentage of reservation in the local elections to the OBCs is yet to be fixed. Elections to Panchayats and Municipalities were due in October-November 2023 but were deferred due to reservation of OBCs.

Sources said once percentage of reservation for OBCs in Panchayats and Municipalities is fixed, the delimitation and rotation of Wards will be taken before conduct of the elections. The exercise is, however, expected to be taken up after the lifting of the Model Code of Conduct.

Overstaying in govt accommodations: J&K admin moves HC to defer action against occupants

Jammu, Apr 18 (PTI): Citing the Model Code of Conduct, Jammu and Kashmir estates department on Thursday sought permission from the high court to defer action till June 4 against politicians overstaying in government accommodations.

Senior Additional Advocate General S S Nanda filed the application in the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, days after the estates department served showcause notices to former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and ex-deputy chief ministers Kavinder Gupta and Muzaffar Hussain Beigh for overstaying in government accommodations in Jammu and Srinagar.

The show-cause notices were served to the overstaying occupants, who also included J&K BJP chief Ravinder Raina and several former ministers and ex-legislators, in response to the recent directions of the division bench of the high court in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL), seeking eviction of overstaying politicians from government bungalows.

According to the showcause notices issued on April 8, the concerned politicians were asked to appear before the director (estates) in the twin capital cities of Srinagar and Jammu in person or through virtual mode for giving the written response along with the documentary evidence, if any, in support of continuation of accommodations of allotment within 10 days.

On April 3, the division bench headed by Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh had directed both the directors (estates), Jammu as well as Kashmir to deal with each and every person and to pass specific individual orders either for cancellation of accommodation and eviction from there or allotment thereof by giving specific reasons for doing so.

The bench had further clarified that if the accommodation of any individual mentioned in the report is continued, specific reasons supported by necessary materials must be provided before this Court so that it can examine as to whether the authorities have taken an appropriate and fair decisions as regards government accommodation being presently provided to these persons.

Nanda filed the application seeking modification of the division bench order on the ground that the Estates Department without losing time proceeded in the matter and issued notices to the occupants under reference in the PIL.

The senior additional advocate general further submitted that in view of the enforcement of Model Code of Conduct after the announcement of the Lok Sabha election schedule, there may be legal impediment in calling such occupants and passing appropriate orders on merit, in furtherance of the directions passed by the high court.

The Estates Department has sought the permission to defer the proceedings till June 4 and thereafter the process will be taken to its logical conclusion to meet the directions issued by the Court, he said.

The division bench had also directed both the directors of estates department to inform the court about the rentals being paid by the occupants with supporting documents since the time they ceased to hold the offices on the basis of which they were allotted these official accommodations and why they have not charged rental at commercial rates since they are not holding any office as of now.

The case will come for hearing on May 8 again. (PTI)

Mehbooba Mufti files nomination from Anantnag-Rajouri LS seat

Anantnag Apr 18:PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Thursday filed nomination papers from the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency in Jammu and Kashmir which is going to polls in the third phase of elections on May 7.

Accompanied by several party leaders and hundreds of supporters, Mehbooba arrived at the office of Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, Syed Fakhruddin, who is the returning officer for the constituency, to file her papers.

Talking to reporters later, the former chief minister appealed to people not to boycott the polls as “this election is about the assault launched on dignity, identity and resources” of Jammu and Kashmir.

“I appeal to all people of Jammu and Kashmir that they should not boycott the elections. In south Kashmir, they are trying to enforce a boycott. Their conspiracies should be exposed. Vote for the candidate that you feel will raise the voice for oppressed people and for those who have been jailed,” she said.

The PDP president said this Lok Sabha election was not about developmental issues like electricity, water and roads.
“This election is not for ‘bijli, pani or sadak’. This election is for ending the assault that was launched after 2019 on our dignity, identity, assets and resources. It is not about PDP or NC or any other party. The issue right now is that Kashmir has been turned into an open air prison.

“Today all our resources are being snatched from us and an attempt is being made to turn us into bonded labourers. We will not allow this to happen. This land and jobs in this land belong to us. We will not allow attacks on our identity,” she added.

Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha constituency will go to polls in the third phase of elections on May 7. Friday is the last date for filing of nominations in this constituency which was carved out from parts of Anantnag-Pulwama and Jammu-Poonch-Rajouri Lok Sabha seats following delimitation exercise carried out in Jammu and Kashmir in 2022.

With the BJP not expected to field a candidate and DPAP withdrawing Ghulam Nabi Azad from the race on Wednesday, a virtual showdown is expected between the PDP president and National Conference’s influential Gujjar leader Mian Altaf Ahmad
Azad’s DPAP has fielded Mohammad Saleem Parray while Apni Party has named Zaffar Iqbal Manhas, who also filed his nomination papers on Thursday, as its candidate.(PTI)

Nomination process for fourth phase of LS polls begins

New Delhi, Apr 18 (PTI) The nomination process for the fourth phase of the Lok Sabha elections to be held on May 13 began on Thursday.

A notification to this effect was issued by the Election Commission on behalf of the President on Thursday.

As many as 96 constituencies across nine states and the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir will go to polls in the fourth phase.

All constituencies of Andhra Pradesh (25) and Telangana (17) will go to polls in this phase.

In Andhra Pradesh, assembly polls will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections on May 13.

Polling will also be held in various Lok Sabha constituencies of Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir.

In Jammu and Kashmir’s Srinagar, District Magistrate Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat issued the notification for filing nominations.

The last date for filing nominations is April 25 while the scrutiny of papers will take place on April 26. The last date for the withdrawal of candidature is April 29, Bhat said.

The National Conference has fielded Shia leader Aga Ruhullah from Srinagar Lok Sabha seat and the PDP has fielded its youth wing president Waheed Para. Apni Party candidate Mohammad Ashraf Mir is also in the fray.(PTI)

NC leader Mian Altaf Ahmad files nomination from Anantnag-Rajouri LS seat

Anantnag (JK), Apr 18 (PTI) National Conference leader Mian Altaf Ahmad on

Thursday filed nomination papers for the Anantnag-Rajouri Lok Sabha seat as the candidate of the opposition INDIA bloc.

Accompanied by NC vice president Omar Abdullah and Congress General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir, Ahmad filed the nomination papers before Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, Syed Fakhruddin, who is the returning officer of the constituency.

Talking to reporters after filing nomination papers, Abdullah said he was hopeful that Ahmad, the influential Gujjar leader from Kangan in central Kashmir, will emerge victorious.

“On behalf of the INDIA bloc, National Conference candidate Mian Altaf Ahmad has submitted his nomination papers to the DC (returning officer). We are hopeful that Mian sahib will emerge victorious. On behalf of NC president Farooq Abdullah, we are very thankful to G A Mir who came here from Delhi especially for this,” the NC vice president said.

Reacting to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement on destruction caused by gun culture in Jammu and Kashmir, Abdullah said the National Conference has been the worst victim of violence.

“We know very well where the gun culture came from. No party has been a bigger victim of this gun culture than the National Conference. We have lost more than 4,000 senior workers, party office bearers and former legislators,” he added.

On former chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad withdrawing from the contest in Anantnag Lok Sabha seat, Abdullah said he knew about it beforehand.

“We knew that he would not contest. He did not contest from his Doda seat, why would he contest from Anantnag. Now his party has fielded a new candidate. How much support they have among the people you will come to know in near future,” he said.

On the BJP not fielding any candidates on the three seats in the valley, Abdullah said, “There are still 24 hours left. Who knows they might just do it!”

Senior Congress leader Mir said he was confident of a sweep for INDIA bloc candidates in Jammu and Kashmir.

“Jammu and Kashmir will not be divided into several parties. It is a direct contest between INDIA bloc and NDA. There is no scope for third, four or fifth parties this time. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are mature enough politically,” Mir told reporters.

Mir expressed confidence that Congress candidates will win both the Lok Sabha seats in Jammu region.

“We can see both the Jammu seats going to Congress because people of Jammu are much angrier with BJP than we had anticipated in Kashmir. They (BJP) have done nothing on the ground. Their central ministers, who were representing the constituency, have not shown their face to the people in the past five years,” he said.

He also said that PDP president Mehbooba Mufti contesting the polls was not a setback for the INDIA bloc.

“It is not a setback. It was understood from the outset that the constituent parties of INDIA bloc will field candidates from seats which they had won respectively in 2019 polls. We know that valley seats were won by NC last time. Common sense says NC will have influence in these seats.

“Efforts were made to accommodate others but it was to be decided between NC and PDP. If this seat had been with Congress, we might have been willing to sacrifice it to accommodate the PDP like we did in many other states. The two parties could not agree on this…therefore, Mian Altaf will be the candidate from the INDIA alliance,” he added.

Mir charged that the BJP has tried to use some religious issue or the other in every election so that it does not have to answer for its governance.

“This is the first election in India in which BJP has not succeeded in diversionary tactics to deviate from the real issues facing the nation. This might be their last ditch effort to give a (saffron) colour but Bharat has decided that 2024 polls will not see a BJP or Modi government. June 4 has been decided as the expiry date of all guarantees that they are giving. People will vote for the guarantees of INDIA bloc and Rahul Gandhi,” he said.(PTI)

ED attaches Rs 98 cr worth assets of actor Shilpa Shetty, husband Raj Kundra

New Delhi, Apr 18: The Enforcement Directorate on Thursday said it has attached assets worth Rs 98 crore, including a bungalow in Pune and equity shares, of actor Shilpa Shetty and her husband Raj Kundra as part of a money laundering investigation.

The case pertains to cheating of investor funds through use of Bitcoins.

The attached properties include residential flat in Juhu (Mumbai) presently in the name of Shetty and residential bungalow in Pune and equity shares in the name of Kundra, the federal agency said in a statement.

A provisional attachment order has been issued under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to attach these properties worth Rs 97.79 crore, it said.

The money laundering case stems from FIRs of the Maharashtra Police and Delhi Police against a company named Variable Tech Pte Ltd, Late Amit Bhardwaj, Ajay Bhardwaj, Vivek Bhardwaj, Simpy Bhardwaj, Mahender Bhardwaj and number of agents, where it was alleged that they had collected huge amounts of funds in the form of Bitcoins (worth Rs 6,600 crore in 2017) from gullible public with the false promises of 10 per cent per month return in the form of Bitcoins.

The promoters cheated the investors and have been concealing the ill gotten Bitcoins in obscure online wallets, the ED alleged.

Kundra, it claimed, received 285 Bitcoins from the mastermind and promoter of Gain Bitcoin Ponzi “s” Amit Bhardwaj for setting up Bitcoin mining farm in Ukraine.
Kundra is still in possession of 285 Bitcoins which are presently valued at more than Rs 150 crore, the ED said. (PTI)

Bijbehara Attack: Man Succumbs After Critically Injured In Militant Attack

Srinagar, April 17(GNS): The Non-local who was critically injured in militant attack on Wednesday evening succumbed to his injuries in a hospital.

Officials told GNS that the Man namely Raja Shah son of Shankar resident of Bihar has succumbed to his injuries after militants fired upon him from a very close range.

Earlier, Shankar was immediately shifted to SDH Bijbehara in critical condition after receiving two bullets, one in neck and other in abdomen.

More details shall follow.(GNS).

Srinagar Boat Tragedy: No trace of missing persons yet, says IGP Kashmir VK Bhirdi

Srinagar, Apr 17 (KNO): Inspector General of Police Kashmir VK Birdi on Wednesday said that the search operation to trace the three missing persons from river Jhelum is underway.

According to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), he said that they have alerted all the police stations along river Jhelum to keep watch on bodies.

“Rescue operation continued in the night and resumed in morning. We haven’t found the bodies yet,” he told reporters here.

On Tuesday, a boat ferrying 15 persons including four minor students capsized at Gandbal in Srinagar, resulting in six deaths while three are still missing. The rest were rescued.

Birdi said that specialised divers who are searching the missing persons are searching at the sites where there is high probability of missing persons.

“These specialised divers have their own understanding of water and water currents and they are searching where there is high probability. They are searching for the bodies. We jave alerted all police stations along Jhelum to lookout for the bodies,” he added—(KNO)

8 Union Ministers, Two Former CMs, One Ex-Governor In Fray In First Phase Of LS Polls

New Delhi, Apr 17: Eight Union ministers, two former chief ministers and one ex-governor are among those who are set to test their electoral fate in the first phase of elections on April 19 when 102 seats across 21 states and Union territories will go to polls.

Union Road and Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari is seeking a hat-trick of win from the Nagpur seat. In 2014, he had defeated seven-time MP Vilas Muttemwar by a margin of 2.84 lakh votes and retained the seat in 2019 by defeating current Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole by 2.16 lakh votes.

Union minister Kiren Rijiju is contesting from the Arunachal West seat. The 52-year-old has represented the constituency thrice since 2004. Rijiju’s main rival is former chief minister and present president of Arunachal Pradesh Congress Nabam Tuki.

Sarbanada Sonowal, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, is seeking a return to Lok Sabha from Dibrugarh in Assam. Sonowal, a Rajya Sabha member, was fielded from Dibrugarh after Union Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Rameswar Teli, was not given a ticket.

Muzaffarnagar, known for its intricate caste dynamics, is witnessing a three-cornered electoral battle, with Union minister Sanjeev Baliyan locked in competition against Samajwadi Party’s Harindra Malik and BSP candidate Dara Singh Prajapati.

Jitendra Singh, a two-time parliamentarian and a junior minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s cabinet, is aiming for a hat-trick in Udhampur.

Bhupendra Yadav, Union minister and Rajya Sabha member who replaced sitting MP Balak Nath, is in a contest with sitting Congress MLA Lalit Yadav, who belongs to Matsya region of Alwar district in Rajasthan and enjoys the support of the Yadav community.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal is pitted against former Congress minister Govind Ram Meghwl from Bikaner parliamentary seat in Rajasthan.

The Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency in Tamil Nadu is witnessing one of the keenly watched battles between A Raja, the incumbent DMK MP, and former telecom minister, and L Murugan of the BJP, who is the Union Minister of State for Fisheries. This will be the first time that Murugan, who was elected to Rajya Sabha from Madhya Pradesh, is contesting from here.

Sivaganga MP Karti Chidmabaram is aiming for a re-election from a seat his father won seven times, competing against BJP’s T Devanathan Yadav and AIADMK’s Xavier Dass.

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai is set to take the ballot test in Tamil Nadu’s Coimbatore where she is pitted against DMK leader Ganapathy P Rajkumar and AIADMK’s Singai Ramachandran.

Tamilisai Soundararajan, who recently resigned as governor of Telangana and Lt Governor of Puducherry to return to active politics, is contesting from Chennai South Lok Sabha constituency.

Daughter of veteran Congress leader Kumari Anantha, Soundararajan had contested 2019 Lok Sabha elections against DMK’s Kanimozhi, but lost by a huge margin in Thoothukudi.

This time, Kanimozhi is seeking a re-election from the seat. NDA ally Tamil Maanila Congress (Moopanar) has fielded SDR Vijayaseelan and AIADMK has fielded R Sivasami Velumani from the constituency.

Nakul Nath, son of Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh chief minister Kamal Nath, is seeking a re-election Chhindwara.

The seat has remained firmly with Kamal Nath, who has won the seat nine times since 1980. In the 2019 polls, the BJP bagged 28 seats out of the state’s 29, but missed out on picking Chhindwara, where Nakul beat the BJP’s candidate by 37,536 votes to emerge as the lone Congress MP in the state.

Of the two Lok Sabha constituencies in Tripura, the seat of West Tripura that votes in the first phase on April 19 will see a high-voltage clash between former chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb and state Congress president Ashish Kumar Saha.

Having won Lok Sabha elections twice since 2014 from Kaliabor constituency in Assam, Gaurav Gogoi, Congress’ deputy leader in Lok Sabha and son of former chief minister Tarun Gogoi, finds himself as the new candidate in neighbouring Jorhat, where BJP’s Topon Kumar Gogoi won in 2019.

Gaurav Gogoi’s shift to Jorhat came after the impact of delimitation exercise in his 2019 constituency, Kaliabor.

Manipur Law and Education Minister Basanta Kumar Singh is BJP’s nominee for the Inner Manipur constituency and is pitted against JNU professor and Congress candidate Bimal Akoijam.

Singh, who belongs to the Meiti community, is the son of Thounaojam Chaoba Singh who served as the Union Minister of State for sports, youth affairs, culture and food processing in the NDA government led by Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The BJP stronghold of Churu, in northern Rajasthan, is readying for an interesting match between BJP candidate Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist javelin thrower, and Rahul Kaswan from the Congress. Kaswan is a turncoat who has made the fight for Churu interesting. The two-time left the BJP only in March after he was denied a ticket by the party.

Polling for the 543 seats for electing the 18th Lok Sabha will be held in seven phases. The votes will be counted on June 4. (AGENCIES)

India’s Population Estimated At 144 Crore, 24 Pc In 0-14 Age Bracket: UNFPA Report

New Delhi, Apr 17: India’s population is estimated to have reached 144 crore, with 24 per cent in the 0-14 age bracket, according to a recent report by the UNFPA.

The United Nations Population Fund’s (UNFPA) State of World Population – 2024 report — “Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights” — revealed that India’s population is estimated to double in 77 years.

India leads globally with an estimated population of 144.17 crore, followed by China at 142.5 crore, according to the report.

India’s population was recorded at 121 crore during the last census, conducted in 2011.

The report further detailed that an estimated 24 per cent of India’s population is aged 0-14 while 17 per cent is within the 10-19 age range.

The segment aged 10-24 is estimated to constitute 26 per cent, with the 15-64 age group making up 68 per cent. Additionally, 7 per cent of India’s population is aged 65 years and above, with men having a life expectancy of 71 years and women 74 years.

The report has found that 30 years of progress in sexual and reproductive health has mostly ignored the most marginalised communities worldwide.

According to the report, the child marriage percentage in India was at 23 between 2006-2023.

The report noted that maternal deaths in India have fallen considerably, accounting for 8 per cent of all such fatalities worldwide.

“India’s success is often attributed to improved access to affordable, quality maternal health services as well as efforts to address the impact of gender discrimination on health outcomes,” the report said.

However, the report noted that India continues to see dramatic inequities in maternal death risk.

Quoting a report on “Estimates and Correlates of District-Level Maternal Mortality Ratio in India” by PLOS Global Public Health, the UNFPA said recent research into India’s 640 districts revealed that while nearly a third achieved the sustainable development goal of reducing maternal mortality ratio below 70 per 100,000 live births, 114 districts still have ratios of 210 or more.

“The highest — 1,671 per 100,000 births — is seen in Tirap district of Arunachal Pradesh, a rural area with a high proportion of indigenous peoples. While disaggregating these figures by socioeconomic group, ethnicity, caste or religion is challenging, these factors clearly play a role in health outcomes,” it said.

The report noted that women with disabilities are up to 10 times more likely to experience gender-based violence than their peers without disabilities.

Improvements in healthcare access have primarily benefited wealthier women and those who belong to ethnic groups that already had better access to health care.

“Women and girls with disabilities, migrants and refugees, ethnic minorities, LGBTQIA+ people, people living with HIV and disadvantaged castes all face greater sexual and reproductive health risks and also unequal access to sexual and reproductive health care,” the report said.

Their vulnerability is further compounded by powerful forces such as climate change, humanitarian crises and mass migration, which often have a disproportionate impact on women at the margins of society, it said.
In India, the report said, Dalit activists have argued for legal protection for women facing caste-based discrimination in workplaces and education.

“Many will otherwise remain too poor to support their families and give their children a dignified life, contributing to a cycle that perpetuates poor sexual and reproductive health. Almost half of Dalit women, for instance, receive no antenatal care, and high rates of gender-based violence are considered a means of oppression and control,” it said.

The report said millions of women and girls remain far behind, and progress is slowing or stalled on key measures — 800 women die every day giving birth, unchanged since 2016; a quarter of women cannot say no to sex with their partner and nearly one in 10 women cannot make their own decisions about contraception.

In 40 per cent of countries with data, the report said women’s bodily autonomy is diminishing.

“In the space of a generation, we have reduced the unintended pregnancy rate by nearly one-fifth, lowered the maternal death rate by one-third, and secured laws against domestic violence in more than 160 countries,” said UNFPA Executive Director Dr Natalia Kanem.

“Despite this progress, inequalities within our societies and health systems are widening, and we have not adequately prioritised reaching those furthest behind. Our work is incomplete but not impossible with sustained investment and global solidarity,” she added. (Agencies)

11 from J&K qualify UPSC exam; JKCCE-2022 topper Anmol gets AIR 7th

Sinha wishes successful candidates

Jammu, Apr 17: Against 16 candidates who cracked the prestigious Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Examination-2022, a total of 11 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have been declared qualified for the UPSC-2023, the result of which was declared today.

As per a statement issued by the Commission, a total of 1016 candidates qualified in the most coveted examination of the country, with Aditya Srivastava from Uttar Pradesh topping the examination followed by Animesh Pradhan from Odisha securing the second spot and Donuru Ananya Reddy from Telangana declared as the third topper.

Srivastava has done his graduation (Bachelor of Technology) in electrical engineering from IIT Kanpur. He has qualified for the examination with electrical engineering as the optional subject.

Animesh Pradhan is BTech in Computer Science from the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela, and Donuru Ananya Reddy possesses Bachelor of Arts (Hons) Geography from Miranda House, Delhi University.

Anmol Rathore (24) from Udrana Village of Bhaderwah town in Doda District of Jammu and Kashmir also figured among the top 10 candidates as she got an impressive 7th rank.

She has formerly topped the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Examination (JKCCE)-2022 and is currently undergoing revenue training at Revenue Training Institute, Gole Gujral, Jammu.
Anmol qualified for the UPSC Civil Service Examination in her third attempt with Law as an optional subject.

Daughter of retired J&K Bank Manager Rajiv Rathore and incumbent Principal Jyoti Rathore, Anmol received her early education at New Era Public High School Kishtwar and further schooling at GD Goenka School in Jammu.

After successfully passing the CLAT examination in 2016, Rathore pursued her BA LLB degree at Gujarat National Law University (GNLU) in Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat, completing it in 2021.

Elated over the impressive result in the UPSC examination, Anmol said, “I had never imagined that my name would figure in the top 10. But then there is a term called ‘hard work’ that always pays you back.”

She credited her success to Almighty, her parents, peers, and digital platforms, which she used rigorously to achieve the feat.
“With the blessings of Almighty, my parents never let me down. They created a support-system for my entire preparation. Without them, it wouldn’t have been possible,” said Anmol. She said she did her studies from her home, except some mock tests and Mains test series, she attended in Delhi. “Otherwise, I have prepared on my own using the material available online,” she said.

Regarding her message to aspiring civil servants from Jammu and Kashmir, she said, “I’d say the youth of this region have huge potential provided their energy is channelled in the right direction.”
“Our youth can achieve anything, but they need to remain focused and committed in their mission by staying away from social evils like drugs that have become a concern for the entire society nowadays,” said Anmol.

Her father, Rajiv Rathore, said he is elated to see her daughter’s name among the top 10 candidates of the country. “I don’t think there is any other way a daughter or a son can make her/his parents proud with. My daughter has been constantly making me, her mother, the entire family, and our region proud,” he said.

Son of Dr Chander Shekhar Gupta and Bandana Gupta, Arjun Gupta, a resident of Ramkote Tehsil in Kathua District, is among the other candidates who have made their region proud with an impressive All India Rank (AIR) 32 in the UPSC examination. He had formerly topped the Indian Economic Services (IES) examination in the year 2022.

Resident of Srinagar District, Manan Bhat, a former UPSC qualifier with All India Rank 231, has secured All Indian Rank (AIR) 88 this year. Currently allotted the Telangana cadre of the IPS, Manan is also the qualifier of the Jammu and Kashmir Combined Competitive Examination.

Resident of Jammu District Harnit Singh Sudan is another candidate from Jammu and Kashmir with AIR 177, Mohammad Haris Mir with AIR 345, Mohammad Farhan Seh with AIR 369, Aparajita Aryan from Jammu District with AIR 381, Dr Ghulam Maya Din from Gambhir Mughlan, Rajouri with AIR 388, Suvan Sharma from Maheshpura, Bakshi Nagar, with AIR 412, Seerat Baji with AIR 516, and Dinash Kumar with AIR 1003.

Resident of Dooru area of Anantnag District, Mohammad Farhan Seh, an engineering graduate, is a JKPS officer, who is currently serving as a DySP in the CID wing of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Seerat Baji, daughter of Baji Mushtaq of Kotranka, Rajouri, is also an under-training JKPS officer Suvan Sharma is son of Dr T.R Raina, Former HoD Blood Bank GMC Jammu & Nirmal Sharma, Retired IAS Officer. He is under-training JKPS officer as DySP. Earlier, he qualified the exam of Assitant Registrar. Lieutenant Governor of Manoj Sinha has congratulated Anmol Rathore and all other successful candidates from Jammu and Kashmir for qualifying in the prestigious examination conducted by the UPSC.

He took to the micro blogging site X, formerly Twitter, to write, “Heartiest congratulations to Anmol Rathore (AIR 7) and all aspirants from J&K who have cleared UPSC CSE-2023. Your remarkable achievements will inspire youth of J&K. Best wishes to all the successful candidates.
The Commission has kept provisional the candidature of 355 other Candidates.

Govt extends time to submit APRs

Jammu, Apr 17: The J&K Government today extended the timeline for submitting Annual Property Returns (APRs) by the employees.

An order in this regard was issued by the General Administration Department (GAD) here today.

The order read, “The submission of APRs by the defaulting employees shall be allowed through online mode on the Property Return System (PRS Portal) till April 23, 2024.”

All the Controlling Officers/ Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDO) have been asked to ensure compliance with regard to filing of property returns by all the defaulting employees of their establishment.

This is for the third time that the timeline to file property returns for the year 2023 has been extended.

Several crores worth assets created in colleges of CLUJ remain unutilized

Nobody in Varsity, HED knows reasons for inordinate delay

Students deprived of benefits of RUSA funds

Jammu, Apr 17: Assets worth several crores of rupees created in the Constituent Colleges of the Cluster University of Jammu (CLUJ) under Centrally Sponsored Scheme—Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) have remained unutilized during the past several years because of absolute non-seriousness at the level of respective Principals, concerned authorities in the Varsity and Higher Education Department.

Official sources told EXCELSIOR that several years back canteen blocks were created in five Constituent Colleges of the Cluster University of Jammu namely GGM Science College, MAM College, Women College Gandhi Nagar, Commerce College and Government College of Education by the Roads and Buildings Department by utilizing the funds sanctioned under Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA) Scheme of the Government of India.

In the Women College Gandhi Nagar even hostel block was constructed at a cost of Rs 3 crore to provide accommodation to the students from far-flung areas.

However, till date all these assets have not been put to use mainly because those who remained at the helm of affairs in all these colleges during all these years never bothered to ensure taking over of the assets from the R&B Department by seeking instructions from the Higher Education Department (HED).

In the GGM Science College, the canteen block is being used to run the branch of Jammu and Kashmir Bank while as in other colleges similar blocks remain under lock and key and in the absence of proper handing over and taking over exercise the same cannot be put to use formally, sources said, adding “even after not being put to proper use for the intended purpose these blocks now require maintenance for which additional funds will be needed by the Higher Education Department”.

Due to non-seriousness at the level of respective Principals of these Constituent Colleges, concerned authorities in the Cluster University of Jammu and Higher Education Department, students of these institutions have been deprived of the benefits of Centrally Sponsored Scheme’s funds, sources further said and asked what was the necessity of creating these assets if these were not to be put to use for the students welfare.

When contacted, Vice-Chancellor of Cluster University of Jammu Prof Bechan Lal confirmed that assets worth several crores of rupees created under RUSA have not been properly utilized during the past so many years and said, “the assets are required to be taken over by the Higher Education Department from the executing agency after detailed analysis of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) and then handed over to the Principals of Constituent Colleges of the University”.

“We don’t know whether the DPRs were prepared after consultation of Principals of these Colleges as such Principals cannot directly take over the assets from R&B Department”, he further said, adding “recently Registrar Cluster University of Jammu discussed the issue of unutilized assets and have passed necessary instructions to the R&B Department”.

In response to a question, the Vice-Chancellor said, “I don’t know the reason behind inordinate delay in handing over of the assets by the R&B Department but we have once again brought the issue to the notice of the Higher Education Department and I am hopeful of positive outcome shortly”.

Registrar, Cluster University of Jammu Ankur Mahajan, when contacted, said, “this is the fact that these assets have remained unutilized till date but I am not in a position to comment on the reasons behind such a long delay as I have been posted as Registrar recently”.

When approached, Special Secretary, Higher Education Department Dr Ravi Shanker Sharma too confirmed non-utilization of assets for the intended purpose. “I have started inquiring about the reasons behind inordinate delay and the issue will be sorted out shortly”, he said, adding “I have also received complaints in this regard from the present Principals of these colleges. We will ensure that students start receiving the benefits of the assets created by utilizing RUSA funds”.

Boat carrying minors capsizes in river Jhelum in Sgr, locals Demand swift rescue operation

Srinagar, Apr 16: A boat carrying many minors and locals from Gandarbal to Batwara, Srinagar capsized in the River Jhelum near the Batwara area of central Kashmir’s district Srinagar early this morning.

Locals from the Batwara—Gandabal area said, that a boat ferrying local minors and other children capsized early this morning, leaving the whole area in shock and trauma.

Meanwhile, the locals are calling on the SDRF and other authorities to conduct a swift operation, as no traces of any rescue team have been seen despite an hour passing, they added.(KNO)

CIC expresses displeasure over conduct of Deputy Secy, Tehsildar, Executive Engineer

Gross violation of provisions of transparency law

Asks PIOs to justify inaction through written submissions

JAMMU, Apr 16: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has expressed displeasure over the conduct of Deputy Secretary of School Education Department, Tehsildar and Executive Engineer of Public Works Department of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in handling applications under Right to Information Act and asked these Public Information Officers (PIOs) to justify gross violation of provisions of transparency law through written submissions.

On June 25, 2022, an application under RTI Act was filed before the PIO of School Education Department seeking information about grievance registered with PMO as PMOPG/E/2021/0357567.

However, dissatisfied with the non-receipt of information, the complainant filed First Appeal dated 29.08.2022 which was not adjudicated by the First Appellate Authority (FAA) and accordingly the complainant approached the Central Information Commission with the complaint.

During the course of hearing before the Chief Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya, the complainant stated that the relevant information has not been furnished to him. However, Deputy Secretary School Education Department Peer Zahid Ahmad, who is also Public Information Officer, through the written submission brought to the notice of the Commission that RTI application and First Appeal corresponding to the RTI application has not been received in their office and is not available in official record.

He further stated that the RTI application was not preferred by the applicant before the Central Public Information (CPIO) or First Appellate Authority (FAA) of School Education Department, Civil Secretariat Jammu rather has preferred the same before CPIO/FAA, of School Education Department, Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

Taking grave exception to the absence of PIO, School Education Department, J&K Government during hearing without intimating any reasons thereof, the Commission, after perusal of case records and submissions made during hearing, expressed severe displeasure over the conduct of the then PIO, School Education Department in not having provided any reply qua the RTI Application within the time frame stipulated under the RTI Act.

Accordingly, the Commission has directed the PIO, School Education Department to file a written explanation justifying the conduct, failing which an action under Section 20(1) and 20(2) of the RTI Act will be initiated against him. “PIO is further directed to send copy of supporting documents on which he relies upon in his submission as well as copy of reply sent on the RTI Application, if any”, read the decision of the Central Information Commission.
In another complaint relating to denial of timely information about road from Bedar to Chamar Kanari via Donu Gam in Poonch district, the CIC, after hearing complainant and Tehsildar Mandi Ashwaq Hussain and perusal of case record, expressed severe displeasure over the conduct of the then PIO, Tehsildar Mandi in not having provided any reply qua the RTI Application within the time frame stipulated under the RTI Act.

Accordingly, the Commission has directed the then PIO, Tehsildar Mandi through the present PIO, Tehsildar Mandi to send written submissions to justify the gross violation of provisions of RTI Act. “In doing so, if any other persons are also responsible for the omission, the then PIO shall serve a copy of this order on such persons under intimation to the Commission and ensure that written submissions of all such concerned persons are sent to the Commission”, read the decision of CIC.

Similarly, the CIC, while expressing displeasure over his conduct, has directed the then PIO, Executive Engineer, (R&B) Division PWD, Mandi, Poonch through the present PIO, Executive Engineer, (R&B) Division PWD, Mandi, Poonch to send written submissions to justify the gross violation of provisions of RTI Act while dealing with an application seeking notification, survey report, authority letter and permit before execution of work on a road in Mandi area.

“If other persons are also responsible for the omission, the then PIO shall serve a copy of this order on them and ensure that their written submissions are sent to the Commission”, read the order of CIC.

Jammu- Srinagar Rail Link Ready by June this Year

RPF Director General inspects ongoing work, travels to Banihal station from Srinagar via rail car

Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): The ambitious railway line linking Katra to Sangaldan is on track to be finalized by June this year, railway authorities have announced, with work progressing rapidly. Presently, trains operate along the railway line from Kanyakumari to Katra, while services run from Baramulla to Sangaldan in the Kashmir Valley. The impending connection between Katra and Sangaldan is poised to bridge the gap in rail connectivity, facilitating seamless travel from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

According to the reports received by news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) over the weekend, Railway Protection Force (RPF) Director General Manoj Yadav conducted an extensive inspection of the newly constructed railway line and stations between Banihal and Sangaldan in Ramban district. Arriving in Jammu and Kashmir for a two-day visit, Yadav, accompanied by Northern Railway officials, embarked on a special inspection, traveling to Banihal station from Srinagar via rail car. During his visit, he meticulously examined the railway station and RPF post, ensuring security measures were in place.

Reports inform that Yadav proceeded to Khadi-Sumbad and Sangaldan railway stations, where he assessed the deployment and security arrangements of the Railway Protection Force.

The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project, including the 48.1 km long Banihal-Sangaldan section, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 20. This ambitious endeavor, totaling 272 km, represents a significant milestone in India’s railway infrastructure development. Phase I of the project, covering the 118 km long Qazigund-Baramulla section, was inaugurated in October 2009. Subsequent phases saw the inauguration of the 18 km long Banihal-Qazigund section in June 2013 and the 25 km long Udhampur-Katra section in July 2014—(KNO)

JK emerges as India’s most Crucial battle ground for 2024 LS Polls

In altered electoral landscape, 3 former CMs, two Union Ministers Vie for Victory

Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): The political landscape in Jammu and Kashmir is ablaze with anticipation as three former Chief Ministers, one incumbent Union Minister, and a former Union Minister vie for victory in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Mehbooba Mufti and Ghulam Nabi Azad are set to lock horns in the Anantnag-Rajori constituency, while Omar Abdullah shifts his goal post to Baramulla. Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh and former Union Minister Chaudhary Lal Singh will face off in Udhampur. Ghulam Nabi Azad, attempting his second foray into the Lok Sabha elections, hopes for success this time from the newly delineated Anantnag-Rajori seat.

Mehbooba Mufti, once an MP from Anantnag, aims for redemption after her third-place finish in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections following the Pulwama attack. Meanwhile, Omar Abdullah shifts his electoral stronghold from Srinagar to Baramulla, having previously served as an MP thrice and as Minister of State in the Central Government.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, incumbent from Udhampur, seeks to maintain his ministerial tenure after nine consecutive years in the PMO. However, he faces stiff competition from Chaudhary Lal Singh of Congress and GM Saruri of Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP), both possessing formidable political pedigrees.

The contest intensifies as NC replaces two of its MPs this election cycle, opting for fresh faces across all three Kashmir seats. Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s withdrawal due to health concerns and the cancellation of tickets for Hasnain Masoodi and Mohammad Akbar Lone indicate a strategic shift in the party’s approach post-delimitation. This is being deemed by the political pundits as a calculated bid for victory in the altered electoral landscape—(KNO)

Post 10 percent Reservation for JK’s Hill Community, New reservation Rules yet to be finalized

To expedite approval, JKPSC writes to GAD as Job aspirants suffer amid pervasive confusion

Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): The implementation of new reservation rules for government recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir is facing hurdles, potentially causing delays in the issuance of notifications for new job posts.

This development has raised concerns among the lakhs of candidates preparing for government jobs in the region.

As per the inputs received by news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) following the recent allocation of 10 percent reservation for the hill community in Jammu and Kashmir, new reservation rules have yet to be finalized for recruitment purposes. Until these rules are incorporated into the notification process for new job vacancies, the issuance of notifications will remain pending.

Sources within the dispensation divulged that both the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) have urged the General Administration Department to expedite the approval of these new rules to ensure timely recruitment examinations.

Despite the allocated reservation, neither the JKPSC nor the JKSSB have received the finalized reservation rules from the government. Consequently, these recruitment agencies have requested the inclusion of the new rules by sending the posts referred by various departments back to the General Administration Department.

Reports inform KNO further that among the pending recruitments, the JKSSB is tasked with filling 4022 posts of police constables and 700 posts of Police Sub-Inspectors (PSIs) under the Home Department. Similarly, the JKPSC is also expected to experience delays in notifying new job posts. “Any further recruitment initiatives will only commence after the enforcement of the code of conduct. However, it’s important to note that the new reservation rules will not be applicable to posts notified before March 15. Recruitment to these posts will proceed according to the pre-existing reservation rules,” a senior official privy to the development told KNO—(KNO)

Is Srinagar Smart City Smart Enough?

Heavy downpour lands commuters in trouble, inundation of roads lead to massive traffic snarls

Srinagar, Apr 15 (KNO): The heavy downpour in Srinagar has punctured the tall claims of the administration as most parts of the City turned into a virtual pool on Monday as the inundated roads caused huge inconvenience to the commuters, thereby leading to the traffic chaos as well.

Locals have reported the potholes at numerous locations, exacerbating the situation, choking traffic movement, and causing severe traffic jams for hours as well.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), residents have expressed anguish with the slow pace of work under the Smart City project, accusing authorities of neglecting basic infrastructure maintenance.

They added that traffic movement has completely been choked today, causing inconvenience to locals and pedestrians alike.

“The condition of our roads has worsened due to the ongoing rains, and the open potholes are a serious safety hazard,” said a local resident, Mohammad Ali, from Karan Nagar, Srinagar.

Another resident, Wahid, voiced his concerns, saying, “We were promised better infrastructure and improved services under the Smart City project, but the reality on the ground tells a different story. The authorities need to prioritize the safety and well-being of the residents,” added Wahid.

“The Smart City initiative was launched with the aim of transforming Srinagar into a modern, sustainable city with improved infrastructure and services. However, delays in completing essential infrastructure work have left many questioning the effectiveness and efficiency of the project,” said Jibran, another local.

Moreover, due to the potholed conditions of roads, many accidents have occurred in the last couple of days.

Earlier, KNO reported that at least three individuals, including a woman, were injured after an auto-rickshaw met with an accident in Ganderpora locality of Srinagar’s Sakidafar.

The accident was the outcome of the potholed road condition outside Shaheen Public School at Sakidafar here as according to the locals several accidents have taken place from last two days at the spot—(KNO)

Plea in SC seeks review of verdict scrapping electoral bonds scheme

New Delhi, Apr 15: A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking review of its February 15 verdict, which had scrapped the Modi government’s electoral bonds scheme of anonymous political funding.

The review plea filed by advocate Mathews J. Nedumpara submitted that this Court entertained the petition (against the scheme) and struck down the law and the scheme without noticing that in doing so it is acting as an appellate authority over Parliament, substituting its wisdom on a matter which falls in the exclusive province of legislative and executive policy.

“The court failed to notice that even assuming the issue is justiciable, the petitioners therein having not claimed any specific legal injury exclusive to them, their petition could not have been decided as if a private litigation for the enforcement of rights which are specific and exclusive to them,” Nedumpara submitted in his plea.

He said the Court failed to notice that the public opinion could be sharply divided and the majority of the people of this country could probably be in support of the scheme, brought into existence by their elected representatives and that they too have a right to be heard, as much as the PIL/writ petitioners.

“The court failed to notice that, if at all it is venturing into the forbidden domain of adjudicating upon a matter of legislative policy, they have a duty to hear the public at large and that the proceedings ought to be converted into representative proceedings…,” the plea said.

Holding that the 2018 electoral bond scheme was “violative” of the constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression and right to information, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud had scrapped the scheme.

The top court had also directed the State Bank of India, the authorised financial institution under the scheme, to submit by March 6 the details of electoral bonds purchased since April 12, 2019 till date to the Election Commission, which will publish the information on its official website by March 13.

Under the electoral bonds scheme, ruling parties can coerce people and entities to contribute, the apex court had said and rejected as “erroneous” the Centre’s argument that it protects confidentiality of the contributor which is akin to the system of secret ballot.

The electoral bonds scheme, which was notified by the government on January 2, 2018, was pitched as an alternative to cash donations made to political parties as part of efforts to bring transparency in political funding.(PTI)