Shaharbeen News Service Kashmir is a news service which covers, gathers, writes, and distributes news to newspapers, periodicals, radio and television broadcasters, government agencies, and other users. We at SNS Kashmir believe in fair and independent journalism to inform our masses or subscribers and readers about the happenings around the world. The prime focus of the news gathering and reporting is focused on Jammu and Kashmir state.
Protestors demand clearance of in-situ promotion files, regularization of pending ReTs, release of arrears and pending salary
Mohammad Harris
Baramulla: Teachers under banner of Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Forum (JKRTTF) district Baramulla on Thursday staged strong protest demonstration in the premises of mini- secretariat Baramulla demanding immediate regularization order and release of pending salary in favour of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teacher Mohammad Muneer of Zone Boniyar who died while battling cancer.
Protestors assembled in Kriyap Park and later marched towards office Chief Education Officer Baramulla carrying banners and placards.
The protestors raised slogans against Director School Education Kashmir and concern authorities for not issuing the regularization in favour of slain teacher whose family suffered a lot as the sole bread earner was battling cancer.
“ The of file of the deceased teacher Mohammad Muneer has been lying on the table of OSD DSEK but those at the helm of affairs hardly bother about the plight of teachers and their families. We want justice to the victim family, “said protesting District President Jammu and Kashmir Rehbar-e-Taleem Teachers Fourm (JKRTTF)Mohammad Yaqoob Bhat.
He added that Muneer joined the department as Educational Volunteer (EV) in 2005. He gave his precious years of life to education department and remained punctual to his duties with meager salary of Rs 1000. Later, government converted all EVs as ReTs and Muneer got converted in 2013. Now his regularization was due in 2018 as RRT but the file is facing red-tapsim and eats dust in DSEK and his salary is withheld from last one year.
Another protestor Zonal President Boniyar Shahnawaz Ahmad, ‘We want his salary and other arrears our slain teacher to be released immediately as family as suffered lot financially .Now the family is shattered.”
The protesting teachers also demand immediate clearance of ins-tu promotion ‘Time Bond’ files, regularization of RETs, transaction of pending RRTs into Grade II, Grade-III and pending salary of the teachers.
The JKRTTF has demanded immediate intervention of the concern officers to speed up the process of regularization and issue the regularization order in favour the slain teacher so that his family gets benefitted under SRO 43.
The Enforcement Directorate on Wednesday seized over Rs 28 lakh cash after it raided the premises of Anjum Fazili, a close aide of PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, in a money laundering case linked to alleged financial fraud at the J&K Bank, official sources said.
The searches were conducted at the premises of the former party MLC in Srinagar and Delhi.
Mufti, in her reaction, described the central probe agency’s action as a “witch hunt” against her.
Cash amounting to Rs 21,38,200 was seized from her residence in Srinagar while another Rs 6,62,500 was recovered from her residence in the national capital, they said.
The total cash seizure stands at just over Rs 28 lakh, the officials said.
The central probe agency also recovered a dozen fixed deposit receipts worth Rs 67,29,490 during the searches at her Srinagar premise.
The raids were conducted to gather more evidence in connection with an investigation linked to alleged fraud at the J& K Bank, they said.
Fazili’s role is under the scanner in the case that is being investigated under criminal provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the officials said.
Reacting to the raids, Mufti told PTI: “This is a witch hunt that has been going on for some time. They have been doing this with anyone and everyone who is close to me”.(PTI)
Webinar on “Media for Disaster Risk Reduction” was jointly organised by National Institute of Disaster Management and Institution of Engineers (India) J&K State Centre, Srinagar, today, in collaboration with J&K Information and Public Relations Department, Kashmir Editors Guild, Kashmir Press Club and J&K State Emergency Operation Centre, Srinagar. The webinar was inaugurated by Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar, Director Information and Public Relations Department.
Speaking on the occasion Dr Sehrish said media is the most effective link between the Public and the Administration, and Information Department is the link between Government and Media. She said that coordination mechanism with media needs to be further strengthened, in order to ensure that media has timely access to disaster related data, otherwise it can lead to publishing of unverified and speculative reports. She implored the concerned officers that they should share relevant information about each incident promptly, otherwise reporters have to rely on information which may not be accurate.
She said that the Information Department has always been forthcoming to ensure that media is provided timely updates and mentioned about COVID-19 bulletin. She appreciated that the media has brought about a positive change in the mindset of the general public from post‐disaster relief, towards pre‐disaster and mitigation initiatives and provided access to informative and specialised training programmes to enhance coping capacities. She said that communication has to be ensured not only with the public broadcasters but also with the private media channels.
She said that a mechanism of self-regulation can be evolved by the media-houses to ensure a balance of reality and credibility particularly in issues of sensational, sensitive and strategic news items, in order to curb rumor mongering, which could otherwise have negative effects. She said that print, electronic and social media add value and credence when they carry the public awareness messages that too alongwith entertainment and public is more receptive towards the messages. She spoke about the tele-classes and covid awareness programme, Sukoon, started by the Information department. She urged the media to project stories of positivity and hope.
Speaking on the occasion, Er. Aamir Ali, Chairman IEI JKSC and Nodal Officer SEOC said that media plays a very important role in every stage of disaster i.e. Pre, During and Post-Disaster. He said that the media has created tremendous public awareness and disseminated early warnings, especially for floods, windstorms, avalanche and adverse weather warnings. Media has not only made the public aware of the hazards and risks that they are vulnerable to, but has also enhanced their capacities to deal with any disaster situation so that they act promptly on early warnings.
He appreciated that the media has brought about a positive change in the mindset of the general public from post‐disaster relief, towards pre‐disaster and mitigation initiatives and provided access to informative and specialised training programmes to enhance coping capacities. He said that there are numerous instances when early warning information provided by print and electronic media has helped save precious lives and there are a few examples where either the warnings were not carried by the media or were ignored by the public, which resulted in heavy losses.
He appreciated Radio Kashmir Srinagar for playing a vital role in connecting people, who had got separated from each other, during the floods of 2014, when there was no other means of communication. He said that the media has on many occasions helped increase the visibility of a disaster situation, which has helped trigger National and sometimes even International support in terms of aid and donations for response, as was the case during the Earthquake of 2005.
He appreciated that print and electronic media have the most pivotal role, but said that social media too has emerged as a new information sharing platform which has potential to create an impact on the society and suppress a panic situation and rumors. He urged that journalism ethics should be strictly followed, especially during disaster reporting, as sometimes, in the desire for TRPs and sensationalizing, basic ethics of journalism are overlooked and in the event of any disaster, the survivors and the grief stricken people deserve privacy and media is expected to give humanity precedence, over professional urgency.
He suggested that since media personnel are amongst the first responders in any disaster or emergency situation, therefore there is a dire need to train them in disaster response and basic life-saving skills, for which the training will start soon. He urged that coordination mechanisms of Disaster Management Authorities with the print, electronic and even social media should be strengthened, in order to ensure that media has timely access to disaster related data, otherwise it can lead to publishing of unverified and speculative reports. He hoped that the deliberations and experience sharing by the panelists, would open up a new chapter of ensuring effective coordination mechanism, and would also pave way to set-up a Disaster Risk Reduction Platform at State, Divisional and District Level, which would not only have experts and professions as Members, but should necessarily include representatives from the media fraternity.
Dr Amir Ali Khan, Faculty NIDM said that the media has always been proactive even in the most difficult and trying situations like disaster events or even extreme cold situations and has always helped in creating awareness about Disaster Risk Reduction. He said that Media has been propagating best practices and lessons learnt from across the Globe and helped in highlighting and identifying core needs of the community. He said that its equally essential for the media to highlight the positive stories like post disaster reconstruction work by the administration as well as by non-governmental organisations as well as the public, so that achievements are also given due credit.
Qazi Salman, Deputy Director (News) Doordarshan said that capacity to communicate has increased tremendously but effectiveness has decreased. He suggested that ineffectiveness of communication needs to be redressed and the impediment need to be addressed on an urgent basis. He stated credibility of news is essential to ensure legitimacy in communication. He highlighted the role of Doordarshan as a public broadcaster and how early warnings are being disseminated by them.
Satish Vimal from All India Radio Srinagar said that Radio has a very important role as its outreach is far greater than any other form of media and that they have always fulfilled their duties as the link between people and administration at time of disasters or for early warnings. He urged that coordination of agencies is essential in the pre-disaster stage so that they will be effective at the time of any disaster or emergency situation. He suggested that the Government should continue to word hand-in-hand with the Radio for proper dissemination of information to the masses and to ensure effective communication.
Er M. Aaquib Sultana Waheed Deva, Honorary Secretary IEI JKSC moderated the webinar. Masood Hussain, Secretary General, Kashmir Editors Guild said that the media helps in identifying the core needs of the community before, during and after any disaster, because its reporters are available at the grass root level for coverage of the events. He spoke about various disasters where the media played a positive role in ensuring that basic needs of the people are highlighted. He stressed on the need that community participation is essential and that media can help ensure last mile connectivity. He stressed on the need to ensure that media is strengthened and stressed on evolving media credibility. He said that positive criticism by the media helps the administration improve its services.
Shuja-ul-Haq, President Kashmir Press Club Srinagar stressed on strengthening the coordination mechanism between the media and Government, particularly the Disaster Management Authorities. He said that the key element is the right information at the right time. He suggested that it is important to partner with Media for ensuring effective dissemination of information. He appreciated the organisers for initiating a thought provoking process by organising this webinar which would be most effective in a post disaster situation if the coordination mechanism is established in advance.
Sardar Nasir Ali Khan, from FM Radio Channels said that since communication gets disrupted during disasters, emphasis should be given on ensuring ways and means for catering to the needs of people in the urban and rural areas, where there is least connectivity. He suggested that mobile van stations should be inducted, so that communication and information disseminations can be ensured even if disaster strikes. He suggested that there is a dire need of establishing Community Radio Stations.
Majid Hyderi, Freelance Journalist and Analyst, spoke about the benefits of utilizing social media as a medium of dissemination of immediate information to the public and gave examples of how it has been used across the Globe. He however suggested that there is need to ensure a regulation mechanism for social media to curb chaos and rumor mongering.
Miss Yogita Garbyal, Young Professional from NIDM, Bilquees Dar Consultant Disaster Management and Ishfaq Ahmed Dar from IEI JKSC facilitated the webinar. The participants included media fraternity, experts, professionals, Council and Corporate Members of IEI and general public. The webinar was launched on CISCO Webex Platform and was also live on YouTube and Facebook
National Conference leader Omar Abdullah on Wednesday alleged that the Jammu and Kashmir administration was trying to woo the Independent candidates who won the District Development Council polls in supporting the BJP and “its recently formed subsidiary”.
The People”s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD), which include the National Conference and PDP, have accused the BJP of “forming” the Apni Party led by Altaf Bukhari by luring leaders from other parties.
The People”s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) swept the maiden District Development Council (DDC) polls by winning 110 seats, while the BJP emerged as the single largest party by getting 75 seats after securing the largest vote share in Jammu and Kashmir.
Independent candidates have won 50 seats, Congress 26, Apni Party 12, PDF and the National Panthers Party two each and the BSP one.
“The administration has now taken on the responsibility of trying to collect independent candidates for the BJP and its recently formed subsidiary. It seems the government doesn”t have enough to do and has branched out in to this line of work as well,” Omar Abdullah tweeted.
The former chief minister claimed that an ex-legislator of his party has been taken away by the police to “stop him from contacting the Independent DDC members”.
“An ex-MLC of JKNC from South Kashmir has been taken away by the police to stop him contacting the independent DDC members elected in his district. At the same time the authorities are taking the trouble to transport some of these independents to Srinagar for ”discussions”,” he alleged.
Independents will hold the key in election of District Development Council presidents in many of the 20 districts where no party or grouping have been able to win eight seats. Each district has 14 DDC seats.(PTI)
Sh. Jaan Nissar Lone, founder of AR Music Studio Mumbai, Music Director and Producer today met the Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha here at Raj Bhavan.
The Lt Governor and Sh. Nissar discussed about the promotion of talent of J&K in the music industry.
J&K has a vast pool of talent. The Youth of J&K are second to none. All they need are the opportunities to showcase their capabilities and the UT Government is taking several measures to provide handholding and paving a platform for them for the promotion and display of their talent at national and international level, observed the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor assured all support to the Music director for bringing out young talent in the field of music.
Female worker of DDC candidate, winning from Baramulla block constituency, ‘sustained injuries’ after her cavalcade came under stone-pelting in Hudpora locality of this north-Kashmir’s district on Wednesday.
Reports reaching GNS said that winning the PAGD candidate Qurat-ul-Ain Bashir from PDP was approaching towards her native village along her workers when the cavalcade was pelted with stones near Hudpora area in the district.
In the incident, some vehicles got damaged even as a female worker (name withheld) also sustained injuries.
The injured worker was removed to a nearby health facility, where her condition is said to be stable.
Meanwhile a police official confirmed the incident to GNS and said that an FIR number 217/2020 under sections 147, 323, 336, 354-B, 506 of IPC in this matter and further investigations set in motion. (GNS)
Three elderly people succumbed to the covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir in the last 24 hours, taking the fatality count to 1853, officials said on Wednesday.
Among those who succumbed include two residents of Kashmir valley— a 76-year-old man from Gulgam Kupwara, a 55-year-old man from Sumbal Bandipora besides one from Jammu division—a 70-year-old woman from Akhnoor.
With these deaths, the total fatality count in J&K reached 1853—1171 in the Valley and 682 in the Jammu region.
Srinagar district with 443 deaths tops the list followed by Jammu (347), Baramulla (170), Budgam (106), Kupwara (90), Pulwama (88), Anantnag (82), Doda (61), Bandipora (59), Udhampur (57), Kulgam (53), Rajouri (54), Kathua (48), Ganderbal (43), Shopian (37), Samba (37), Poonch (22), Ramban (21), Kishtwar(21), and Reasi (14). (GNS)
Missing MCA student Saqib Ashraf and shattered family in Fathegarh Baramulla: Pic Inayat Qayoom
Police registers missing report, family urges authorities to trace him
Reyaz Rashid
Fathegarh, Baramulla: A student form Fathegarh Baramulla, pursuing Master’s in Computer Application (MCA) in Kashmir University, went missing under mysterious circumstances while returning from varsity three days ago, family appealed their missing son to return home and urges authorities to trace him.
Family members of the missing youth said that Saqib Ashraf Lone son of Mohmmad Ashraf Lone left home for Kashmir University three days ago for some study related matter. While returning home, he called family that had reached Batmaloo and will return by evening but he didn’t.
“My son is pursuing MCA 2nd year in Kashmir University. I talked to him in the after but his phone went switched off in the evening and he went missing under mysterious circumstances while returning home,” said mother of the missing youth.
The family members assembled appeal their son to return home while appealing the administration to help them in tracing their kin.
The family members said they have also lodged a missing complaint with police station concerned. “We searched him in every nook and corner but couldn’t trace him,” said Naseema Begum, mother of the missing youth.
His parents and relatives issued video messages on the social media asking him to return. They urged that he be “allowed to go if he is with anybody”.
Police has registered a missing report and investigation is going on, an official said.
Continuing its efforts to disseminate necessary awareness with respect to various aspects associated with COVID-19 pandemic, District Administration Baramulla in collaboration with NGOs, Help Foundation J&K and Human Aid Society today organized a day long awareness cum sensitization programme on ‘Prevention of COVID-19 and Vaccination Process’ at Alhuda College Pattan in which religious and community leaders, civil society members among other concerned prominent citizens participated.
Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Dr G N Itoo presided over the programme whereas SDM Pattan Syed Faheem participated in the programme as the guest of honor.
On the occasion, various speakers spoke at the event and threw light on various aspects and necessary measures that needed to be followed in order to control the further spread of COVID-19. They also presented their valuable suggestions and feedback in this regard.
Deputy Commissioner, in his address, complimented the participants and underlined the role of different stakeholders that can be played to combat the challenge. He informed that by the end of this month, a vaccination drive may be launched and in the first phase, about ten thousand persons including frontline workers, may get vaccinated. DC said that the programme also aims to eliminate several misconceptions that have been spread about COVID-19 vaccine. He also urged to strictly follow all the requisite SOPs and guidelines for averting further exigencies.
Dr Itoo also said that the challenge of COVID-19 has not faded away and there is a need to adopt preventive measures in letter and spirit. He deliberated for using face masks and maintaining social distancing especially at public places so as to mitigate the risk of infection.
www.snskashmir.com 
You must be logged in to post a comment.