Author: snskashmir

Big recruitment scam in Handicrafts Deptt Kashmir

IG Crime directs SSP to register FIR, probe ordered

JAMMU JANUARY 12:

A big recruitment scam in the Handicrafts Department Kashmir on the fake recruitment letter from the J&K Services Selection Board (JKSSB), has raised question mark on the state of affairs in the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir State as three Assistant Training Officers appointed on the fake letter with ‘forged signatures’ of Secretary, SSRB continued to draw salaries for the last about three years besides enjoying other service benefits.

Official sources said that this big recruitment fraud was believed to be committed with the active connivance of some insiders in the J&K Services Selection Board and the Handicrafts Department Kashmir, just to accommodate three blue eyed persons including two relatives of influential bureaucrats and another, a family member of a leader from ruling party, about three years ago. Had this case been not exposed, the blue eyed persons appointed on forged documents, were sure to be inducted in KAS cadre after next promotion as Gazetted officer in some years and retire as HoDs, Additional or Special Secretaries in the J&K Government, the sources added.

The documents in possession of Excelsior revealed that three persons, namely Mir Sajjad Hussain, son of Gulam Mohideen Mir, resident of Pandrarthan in Srinagar; Ruby Jan, daughter of Gulam Nabi Bhat from Nowbugh in Anantnag and Arif Ahmed Bhat, son of Gh Rasool Bhat, resident of Pinglana in Pulwama were appointed as Assistant Handicrafts Training Officers in Kashmir Division vide Recruitment Board’s letter No. SSB/ Secy/ Sel/ AA/ 2017/2745-47 dated 15-03-2018, issued by the then Secretary JKSSB, Tassaduq Hussain Mir, now Additional Commissioner in the Office of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir.

Thereafter, the then Director Handicrafts, J&K, Mushtaq Ahmed vide order No 380-HD of 2018 dated 26-04-2018, with reference to the Administrative approval vide leter No. Ind/DOH-92/97-IV dated 19-4-2018 , appointed these three persons as Assistant Handicrafts Training Officers in Kashmir in the pay scale of 9300-34800 +4200 GP plus other allowances. While Ruby Jan, a close relative of an officer in the Directorate of Handicrafts Kashmir was posted in district Kulgam, the two other blue eyed persons- Sajjad Hussain and Arif Ahmed were placed in Baramulla district.

Sources further revealed that these people were drawing an average salary of nearly Rs 70,000 per month with other benefits and during last three years, they have exerted burden of nearly Rs 75 lakhs on the Government exchequer.

Moreover, they deprived the other competent and deserving youth of their right by playing a big fraud in connivance with some people possibly from JKSSB and Handicrafts department are sure to face the consequences under Lt Governor, Manoj Sinha’s Administration.

This big fraud came to the lime light after the then Secretary JKSSB, Tassaduq Hussain Mir (Now Additional Commissioner, Kashmir), wrote a letter to the Inspector General of Police, Crime J&K, MK Sinha on 04-12-2020, stating that he has come to know that on the fake and forged letter of JKSSB bearing No. SSB/ Secy/Sel/2017/2745-47 dated 15-03-2018, forwarded to Commissioner/ Secretary to Govt Industries and Commerce Department, appointments of three persons as Assistant Handicrafts Training Officers have been made. Mir further claimed that he has never recommended such appointments and moreover, letter carries his forged signatures. He also pleaded to register an FIR in this connection and investigate the whole case.

IG Crime, M K Sinha when contacted said that he has received a letter from Additional Commissioner Kashmir (the then Secy JKSSB) on December 4, 2020 regarding registration of an FIR in connection with appointment of Assistant Training Officers in Handicrafts Department in Kashmir on fake letter forging his signatures. The IG said he has directed concerned SSP to lodge an FIR and initiate indepth investigation into the case . “ Whosoever has done wrong, will have to face consequences,” Sinha said.

Chairman, JKSSB, Khalid Jahangir on being contacted disclosed that he has received a letter from Tassaduq Hussain Mir (the then Secy JKSSB) with reference to a letter of IG Crime in this conection. He said after scrutiny of the record, it has been found that this office has not made any such recommendation regarding appointment of Assistant Training Officers in Handicrafts department vide letter under reference. He said under this reference 13 appointments of Accounts Assistants in Finance Department were made by the Board. The same reference has been made in this forged and fake letter.

He said that they have conveyed to the Commissioner/ Secretary Industries and Commerce Department and also recommended registration of an FIR. Khalid said Secretary JKSSB, Sachin Jamwal has forwarded the letter on January 7, 2021 to the Administrative Department of Industries and Commerce Department for necessary and approriate action in this regard.

Shafqat Islam, Director Handicrafts/Handloom, Kashmir when contacted said he came to know about the issue only after receiving a letter from Crime Branch, forwarded by the Additional Commissioner Kashmir, Tassaduq Hussain Mir. As per the communication from the Administrative Department, these appointments are being cancelled. Moreover, an inquiry has been initiated in this regard.

Replying to a question, the Director said, it happened during April 2018 and the Government would make recovery from these people besides taking action against them and other people involved as per the law.

.(By Daily Excelsior)

‘Delhi deeply rattled by alliance, I expect false campaign to intensify in day ahead’

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 11 :

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti Monday said that the purpose of grand alliance (PAGD) was not for petty electoral gains and that it exists for much larger cause and purpose—“to restore the J&K’s special status.”

“Amidst all the unnecessary speculation about PAGD, I’d like make a few things absolutely clear. The purpose of this grand alliance is not for petty electoral gains. It exists for a much larger cause & purpose i.e to restore J&Ks special status,” Mehbooba wrote on her twitter handle, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO).

She further wrote that a lot of baseless theories are being deliberately floated to discredit PAGD amongst the masses since they overwhelmingly voted for us in the DDC elections. “Regardless of who fought how many seats, our purpose to deny BJP & its proxies democratic space has been achieved,” the PDP chief’s tweet read.

In yet another tweet, she said: “Delhi is deeply rattled by PAGD so I expect this false campaign to intensify in the coming days. Many PDP leaders are already arrested & I expect the situation to worsen. But this will not break our resolve to stand united & fight for what’s rightfully ours.”—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR,

LEH JANUARY 11 :

Chief of Defence Staff, General Bipin Rawat is on a visit to Ladakh to review the operational readiness and situation in eastern areas amid the long haul of the Indian Army to protect the territory.

The situation in eastern Ladakh is tense for over six months now and 20 Army personnel were killed while protecting the Chinese PLA from ingressing into Indian territory and the army also foiled a probative move of China to change the status quo.

Defence sources told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat is on a visit to Ladakh where he would be briefed on the current situation on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) by the top commanders.

They said that the CDS will be briefed by the top commanders of Fire and Fury crops based in Leh.

“CDS will be briefed about the situation along LAC and on the operational readiness of the forces deployed there”, they said.

The visit of CDS comes just days after the Indian Army Chief, General MM Naravane visited Ladakh and met the commanders and personnel deployed there amid the India-China standoff.

Meanwhile, officials also informed that Chief Of Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Monday also visited Ladakh where he interacted with personnel deployed in forward areas and paid tributes to fallen soldiers.

“CAS visited bases and ALGs in Ladakh sector including Thoise and Nyoma. He reviewed the status of deployments and interacted with personnel deployed in forward areas. During his visit to DBO, CAS laid a wreath at the war memorial and paid tributes to the fallen braves”, the Indian Air Force said in a tweet.

Indian Air Force, ever since the situation in eastern Ladakh worsened has earned praise and remained deployed there.

It may be recalled that ever since the situation escalated in eastern Ladakh post the June 15 Clash last year a series of talks were held at a different level between the two counties have not yielded any concrete outcome—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

Jehangir Sofi/KNO

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 11 :

Srinagar-Jammu National Highway Monday remained closed for traffic movement in view of the damage to a bridge near Kela Morh in Ramban district of Jammu division while as authorities stated that the crucial-surface link connecting Kashmir with rest of the world, will remain shut for the next five days.  

ADGP Traffic T. Namgyal while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that a bridge at Kela Morh in Ramban was damaged and it will take at least five days to restore the highway for traffic movement.

“There was no traffic movement on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway today in view of the damage caused to the bridge at Kela Morh in Ramban,” said a traffic control room official.

In a fresh communiqué by Traffic Police headquarters J&K which reads; “Jammu-Srinagar NHW is closed due to sudden damage of bridge at Kela Morh, Ramban. It will take at least 05 days to repair the damaged bridge as stated by NHAI. However, Jammu-Doda-Kishtwar, Jammu-Ramban, Magerkot-Banihal and Banihal-Qazigund stretches are through for traffic.”

Meanwhile, Mughal road continues to remain closed due to snow accumulation, however, flight operations remained smooth today at the Srinagar Airport.

Santosh Dhoke, Director Srinagar Airport while speaking to KNO said that the flight operations at Srinagar Airport were smooth and no flight was cancelled today. “There were total 28 flight movements,” he said—(KNO)

Media reports about Amshipora encounter was driven by Rs 20 lakh reward malafide, not based on facts: Defence Spokesman

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 11 :

The army Monday termed the media reports that one of its captain involved in Amshipora, Shopian fake encounter case was rewarded Rs 20 lakh for “killing of militants ” as totally baseless stating that army has no system of cash rewards for its personnel for any acts in combat situations.

The army’s statement comes close on the heels of media reports that suggested that as per the police charge-sheet into Amshipora fake encounter case, an army captain, who was part of the operation, was rewarded Rs 20 lakh.

Defence spokesman in Srinagar, Colonel Rajesh Kalia told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that there are media reports quoting that Amshipora (Shopian) encounter actions were driven by “Rs 20 lakh reward for killing of militants.”

“It is clarified that army has no system of cash awards for its personnel for any acts of combat situations or otherwise in the line of duty. The report is malafide (misleading) and not based on facts of the processes internal to army,” Colonel Kalia said.

On January 11, media reports suggested that an army captain, who was involved in the fake encounter in Shopian in July last year in which three youths were killed, had hatched a conspiracy along with two civilians with the motive for “grabbing” reward money of Rs 20 lakh and also fired at the victims even before his men could lay a cordon of the area. The media reports had quoted police charge-sheet.

Captain Bhoopinder Singh is currently in the custody of the Army, with informed sources saying he may face Court Martial proceeding in the weeks ahead.

The case relates to the July 18, 2020 encounter at Amshipura, Shopian in which three youths of Rajouri district — Imtiyaz Ahmed, Abrar Ahmed and Mohammed Ibrar — were killed and branded as militants.

The charge sheet submitted before the chief judicial magistrate of Shopian district also talked the role of the two civilians — Tabish Nazir and Bilal Ahmed Lone — in the case. Lone has since turned an approver and recorded his confession statement before a magistrate.

After reports emerged on social media that the three youths were not associated with militancy, the Army had ordered a Court of Inquiry which completed its probe earlier in September. It had found “prima facie” evidence that the troops had “exceeded” the powers granted under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). It is pertinent to mention that the bodies of slain youth were exhumed after their DNA samples matched with three families from Rajouri. The bodies of the slain were later taken to Rajouri for burial—(KNO)

3-point roster system to guide allocation of seats for women; SC, ST seats to be reserved on parameters of population

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 11 :

Setting the stage for election for chairpersons of district development councils in Jammu & Kashmir, the administration of J&K Union Territory on Monday unveiled rules for reservation of these seats.

According to a notification issued by the department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj-1989, a copy of which is in possession of news agency- Kashmir News Observer, one third of the total number of seats for the offices of chairperson of district development council shall be reserved for women.

The allocation of seats of chairperson to be reserved for women shall be made on a three -point roster system after arranging them alphabetically.

As per the roster, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the first and second seat shall be open while the third seat shall be reserved for women.

According to the rules, the offices of chairpersons of the district development councils shall be reserved for the scheduled castes and scheduled Tribes and shall bear, as nearly as may be, the same proportion to the total number of such offices in the district development councils as the population of scheduled caste in the Union Territory or of the scheduled tribes in the Union Territory bears to the total population of the Union Territory by applying the principles of mathematic round off with the part fraction of 0.5 and above be rounded off to 1 and part fraction below 0.5 being ignored for the each district Development council separately.

“The number of seats of chairpersons to be reserved for scheduled castes and scheduled Tribes shall be allotted to different district development councils on the basis of population of scheduled castes and scheduled Tribes in such district development councils in the descending order, i.e. from amongst all the district development councils in the Union Territory, the district development council having the largest population of scheduled tribe shall be allotted to the scheduled tribes category and the district development council having the largest population of the scheduled castes population shall be allowed to scheduled castes category,” reads the rules.

Going by the rules, the State Election Commission will soon issue an order for reservation of offices of chairpersons of DCCs in accordance with these rules—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

RAJOURI, JANUARY 11 :

A driver was killed while two others were injured after the vehicle they were travelling in met with an accident in Rajouri district, officials said.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that an accident took place near the main bus stand of Rajouri town when a bus plunged from a roadside gorge and fell into a deep river.

In the accident, officials said that the driver identified as Khushal Ahmed, son of Nazir Hussain of Chingus was killed while two other persons were injured.

“The injured have been hospitalized and the body have also been shifted to Rajouri hospital for treatment,” the officials informed—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

Sheikh Danish/KNO

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 11 :

A man was killed while another was injured in a scuffle near Dastgeer Sahib Shrine in Khanyar area of Srinagar on Monday late evening.

Reports reaching the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that some unknown persons attacked the duo at Dastgeer Sahib shrine Khanyar in Srinagar.

“One among the duo identified as Ziyaan Chisti son of Mohammed Ashraf Chisti, resident of Rainawari area of Srinagar was stabbed to death while another person accompanying him identified as Faizan Fida Bhat son of Fida Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Ellahi Bagh area of Srinagar was injured,” reports said.

They said that both the persons were taken to SMHS Hospital Srinagar.

Medical Superintendent of SMHS, Dr. Nazir Choudhary told KNO that one among the duo was brought dead to the hospital, while another is being treated upon and his condition is stable—(KNO)

More details are awaited

SNS KASHMIR

BARAMULA, JANUARY 11:

Chief Animal Husbandry Officer Baramulla, Dr. S. M. Anwar Andrabi held a meeting today in his office chambers to discuss the preparedness of the district for thwarting any possible outbreak of Bird Flu.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Shakil Ah Dar (Nodal Officer Bird Flu), Superintendent DVH, Block Veterinary Officers and other Doctors.

Dr. Andrabi heaved a sigh of relief that so far no case of Bird Flu has been reported in the Valley. However, he exorted on all the officers to be prepared to meet any eventuality.

Dr. Andrabi was informed in the meeting that Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) under the supervision of Nodal Officer stand constituted in the district to meet any eventuality.

Dr. Andrabi directed the participating officers to conduct training programs for field staff in the light of guidelines envisaged in Revised Action Plan of 2021.

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR JANUARY 11 :

Based upon the results of a Preliminary Enquiry conducted by the Anti Corruption Bureau on the allegations that one Javed Ahmed (Patwari) S/O Bashir Ahmed R/o Village Kanger Tehsil Bhalwal District Jammu posted as Patwari in Revenue Department at Kote has amassed huge immovable properties worth Crore of rupees in his own name and in the names of his family members which were highly disproportionate to his known sources of income, an FIR No. 02/2021 (PS ACB Central) was registered on 11.01.2021 u/s 5(1) (e) r/w section 5(2) PC Act and Sections 109, 120-B/RPC against accused persons namely Javed Ahmed, Bashir Ahmed, Ghulam Fatima, Nazia Kouser and others.

2.     The Preliminary Enquiry has revealed that the accused Javed Ahmed (Patwari) and his family members had accumulated immovable assets which included land more than 200 kanals at village Kanger Tehsil Bhalwal, Jammu. In order to avoid scrutiny before the eyes of law the assets were disguised in the names of the accused’s father, mother and wife.

3.     After registration of the FIR against Javed Ahmed (Patwari) and his family members for abetting the public servant in creation of this much amount of immoveable assets warrants were obtained and searches were conducted at their residential house and incriminating documents and articles have been recovered which are under scrutiny. The Bank accounts of the accused and his family members are also being scrutinized for further flow of amounts in them and also for presence of lockers maintained by the accused Javed Ahmed (Patwari) and his family members.

4.     Further, investigation of the case is in progress.