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Syed Fayaz Andrabi nominated as patron, Forum announces organized struggle against drug addiction, alcoholism and social evils, demands severe punishment against Wasim Rizvi.

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR MARCH 19 :

A high level meeting of the Working Committee of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Society Forum was held in Srinagar under the chairmanship Abdul Qayoom Wani. The meeting unanimously nominated Syed Fayaz Ahmed Andrabi, a prominent social activist and former employee leader, as the patron of the Civil Society Forum. All the participants discussed in detail the current precarious situation and expressed concern over the fact that intoxicants, drugs and other social evils have taken an ugly turn in Jammu and Kashmir in general and in the Kashmir Valley in particular. The government is now weighing in on a new alcohol policy, which is a moment of reflection for all of us.

The meeting unanimously passed a resolution in which it was decided that JKCSF will conduct joint seminars with religious scholars, intellectuals, lawyers and representatives of students to eradicate drug-addiction and other social evils. The Forum Will work at the grassroots level to eradicate social evils and at the same time pledged that if the government makes ways to open liquor shops under the new liquor policy, the Civil Society Forum will strongly oppose it.

It also demanded the execution of Wasim Rizvi, who has carried out baseless propaganda against the Holy Quran. The meeting demanded revocation of the license of Wasim Rizvi’s lawyer and severe punishment for him.

At the end of the meeting, Chairman Civil Society Forum Abdul Qayoom Wani thanked the distinguished delegates from South Kashmir and hoped that all those associated with civil society would work together to ensure the common good of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. And they will raise their voice against oppression and injustice . At the end of the meeting, all the participants greeted Syed Fayaz Andrabi and hoped that with the leadership qualities of Syed Fayaz Andrabi, the Civil Society Forum would be able to achieve its ambitious goal. The Top brass leaders who attended the meeting were Farooq Ahmad trali ,Nusrat Ahmad Beigh,Haji Farooq Ahmad lone ,Gh Qadir Dar,Hameed Nasir,Gh Ahmad Shah ,Ab Gani Mir ,Ab Qayoom rafiabadi,Mansoor Ahmad Mir,Kamran Andrabi, Iqbal Shaheed, Dr Ab Majeed malik,Ab Hameed Peer, Dr Wasif Noor, Mohd Shafi kambay,Gh Ahmad kandi,Mohd Haq Nawaz,Mohd Afzal Dar,Gh Rasool Dar,Gh Mohd Qazi ,Mohd Zubair Andrabi,Gh Nabi Baba (jammu).Ab Majeed Wani ,Hilal Ahmad Paray,Shahid Riyaz ,Manzoor Ahmad mir, Mohd Iqbal,Tariq Ahmad Bhat ,Mohd Abbas mir,Mudasir Ahmad Khandy .

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, MARCH 19:

The first night flight was operated from Srinagar Airport tonight by Go Air to New Delhi at 1915 hrs.
Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce, Ranjan Prakash Thakur who was present on the occasion greeted the crew of the flight and other ground personnel.

Speaking on the occasion, the Principal Secretary said that the start of the night operations from Srinagar is the dawn of a new era as it will improve air connectivity to Jammu and Kashmir.

He added that this significant development will boost the toursim sector of J&K as it will increase the tourist footfall in the region.

The Principal Secretary further said that after this development, the long pending demand of tour and travel operators has been fulfilled and this will substantially help in economic growth of UT as tourism sector forms the core of economy here.

With start of night operations of flights, the summer schedule will see a substantial increase in flights to the UT of J&K.(GNS)

SNS KASHMIRI

SRINAGAR MARCH 19 :

Jammu and Kashmir’s coronavirus caseload rose to 128249 as 152 more people tested positive for the infection while one more person succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Friday.

Of the fresh cases including 50 travelers, 31 were from Jammu Division and 121 from Kashmir Division, the officials told GNS.

Giving district-wise details, they said, Srinagar reported 69 cases, Baramulla 15, Budgam 15, Pulwama 5, Kupwara 6, Anantnag 2, Bandipora 1, Ganderbal 3, Kulgam 1, Shopian 4, Jammu 20, Udhampur 0, Rajouri 4, Doda 2, Kathua 2, Samba 0, Kishtwar 0, Poonch 0, Ramban 3 and Reasi 0.

A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of CD hospital and GMC Anantnag.

The CD cases include male (30) from Alamgiri Bazar, male (53) from Botakadal Lal Bazar, male (22) from Shalimar, male (67) from Brane, male (75) from Samboora, two males (NA, NA) from Baghat Barzulla, male (55) from Kupwara, male (77) from Karan Nagar, male (60) from Budgam, female (65) and two males (60, 75) from CDH, male (75) from SMHS, male (40) from Baghat, male (90) from Puna Maharshtra, male (36) from Pattan, female (27) from Mallabagh, male (27) from Bemina, male (64) from Srinagar, male (60) from Kargil, male (55) from Hazratbal, male (66) from Mallabagh, female (35) from Habak, male (59) from N.I.T, male (55) from Rainawari, male (14) and two females (50, 40) from Khaniyar.

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (23) from Batapora and female (65) from Zirpora.

Regarding the fatality, they said, the victim belonged to the Jammu and took the toll to 1979—732in Jammu and 1247 in Kashmir.

Moreover, they said, 72 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals—06 from Jammu Division and 66 from Kashmir Valley.

So far, they said, 125118 have recovered—52323 in Kashmir and 75926 in Jammu. There are 1152 active cases—268 in Jammu and 884 in Kashmir. (GNS)

SNS KASHMIR

JAMMU, MARCH 18 :

The Chief Secretary, B V R Subrahmanyam today chaired the 3rd meeting of the UT Steering Committee to review the progress of COVID-19 vaccination drives that were rolled out in January 2021.
Administrative Secretaries of the departments of Health & Medical Education, Home, Housing & Urban Development, Information, Youth Services & Sports, School Education, Tribal Affairs, besides Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Mission Director, National Health Mission (NHM), Director, SKIMS, and Principal GMC Jammu participated in the meeting.
It was informed that so far 77% of healthcare workers, 78% of front line workers, and 12.28% of elderlies and co-morbid patients, totalling 4,39,910 people have been vaccinated in Jammu and Kashmir with no reported case of extreme adversity. And arrangements have also been put in place for on-spot registration and administration of vaccination to the remaining health care workers and frontline workers, yet to be vaccinated.
Moreover, COVID Vaccination Centres (CVCs) in Jammu and Kashmir are also being gradually enhanced to 3034 including 34 private centres. All the CVCs will be connected through 873 cold chain points with a total vaccine storage capacity of more than 50 lakh doses and vaccination capacity of 3 lakh doses per day. The vaccines are being administered free of cost at all government CVCs and at private centres against the payment of Rs. 250 per dose.
At the vaccination centres, vaccination slots are being proportioned to accommodate reserved appointments of COWIN registered beneficiaries, 2nd dose beneficiaries and open/walk-in beneficiaries on a day-to-day basis.
To effectively deliver the vaccines at the grass-root level, Chief Secretary impressed upon greater coordination between the frontline workers of various departments including health, social welfare, school education, rural development, and housing and urban development.
The Chief Secretary also emphasized the need of evolving a multi-sectoral response to the roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine by involving NGOs, NCC, and other volunteers, besides maintaining open and transparent communication through a proactive IEC strategy to curb misinformation and rumors.
He also urged people to participate in the vaccination drives and get vaccinated on priority to keep themselves and their families safe from the infection—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR MARCH 18 :

Anti Corruption Bureau produced chargesheet against the accused persons namely Bashir Ahmad Wani S/o Ghulam Mohammad Wani R/o Kalashpora Babdamb Srinagar then posted as MPW (Halqa Konibal Pampore) Rural Development Department Block Pampore (now retired) and Abdul Rashid Dar S/o Ghulam Mohamad Dar R/O Lalpora Chatlam Pampore (Civilian Job Card Holder) u/s 173 Cr. PC for the commission of offences U/s 5 (1) (d), 5(1)c r/w 5 (2), J&K PC Act. Svt, 2006, and section 120–B, 420, 468, 471, RPC in case FIR NO. 45/2015 of PS ACB Srinagar in Anti Corruption Court Pulwama.

2. The case pertains to department of RDD, which, for upliftment of Rural Areas under MGNREGA, was constructing/executing different developmental works. During the investigation it surfaced that an amount of Rs. 8,39,027/- has been fraudulently drawn from official account of Panchayat Secretary bearing A/C No.: 18177 of J&K Bank Pampore on forged labour advices & same was credited into the bank accounts of non-genuine Job Card Holders who are either relatives or neighbours of accused facilitator namely Abdul Rashid Dar. The amount has been later withdrawn by the accused Abdul Rashid Dar from the accounts of these job card holders.
3. The accused person namely Bashir Ahmad Wani S/o Ghulam Mohammad Wani R/o Kalashpora Babdamb Srinagar under a well knit conspiracy hatched with Abdul Rashid Dar S/o Ghulam Mohammad Dar R/o Lalpora Chatlam Pampore (Civilian Job Card Holder), prepared forged labour advice amounting to Rs. 30,000/- dated 24.04.2013, Rs. 5,45,000/- dated 12.05.2013, Rs. 1,57,000/- dated 09.04.2013, Rs. 29,737/- dated 02.01.2013 and Rs. 77,290/- dated 02.01.2013. On the basis of these labour advices, he managed to draw an amount of Rs. 8,39,027/- from bank accounts of job card holders who are either relatives or neighbours of accused facilitator namely Abdul Rashid Dar.
4. Both the accused were lodged in sub jail Pulwama for judicial custody till next date of hearing.
5. Next date of hearing has been fixed on 01-04-2021.

SNS KASHMIR

ISLAMABAD, MARCH 18:

Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Thursday that it was time for India and Pakistan to “bury the past and move forward” as he asserted that the peace between the two neighbours would help to “unlock” the potential of South and Central Asia.

Addressing a session of the first-ever Islamabad Security Dialogue here, Gen Bajwa also said that the potential for regional peace and development always remained hostage to the disputes and issues between Pakistan and India – the two “nuclear-armed neighbours”.

“We feel it is time to bury the past and move forward,” he said, adding that the responsibility for a meaningful dialogue rested with India.

India last month said that it desires normal neighbourly relations with Pakistan in an environment free of terror, hostility and violence. India has said the onus is on Pakistan to create an environment free of terror and hostility.

India has also told Pakistan that “talks and terror” cannot go together and has asked Islamabad to take demonstrable steps against terror groups responsible for launching various attacks on India.

“Our neighbour will have to create a conducive environment, particularly in Kashmir, Gen Bajwa said, adding that any effort to improve ties without addressing the core issue would be vulnerable to external political factors.

“The Kashmir issue is at the heart of this. It is important to understand that without the resolution of the Kashmir dispute through peaceful means, the process will always remain susceptible to derailment to politically motivated bellicosity, he said.

The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of security and foreign policy.

Gen Bajwa’s remarks came a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan made a similar statement at the same venue.

Prime Minister Khan said on Wednesday said India will be benefitted economically by having peace with Pakistan as it will enable New Delhi to directly access the resource-rich Central Asia region through Pakistani territory.

“India will have to take the first step. Unless they do so, we cannot do much,” Khan said while delivering the inaugural address at the launch of the two-day Dialogue.

Khan said that having a direct route to the Central Asian region will economically benefit India. Central Asia is rich in oil and gas.

Central Asia, in the modern context, generally includes five resource-rich countries — Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

Gen Bajwa also that peace between Pakistan and India would help to “unlock the potential of South and Central Asia” by ensuring connectivity between East and West Asia.

Though, both Prime Minister Khan and Gen Bajwa didn’t specify the minimum steps that India should take but many experts in Pakistan believe that some positive measures in Kashmir could ease pressure on the Pakistan government before entering into talks or restoring the normal diplomatic ties.

Gen Bajwa also talked about poverty which he said was linked with the regional tension that had hindered the regional connectivity and integration.

“Despite being impoverished, we end up spending a lot of our money on defence, which naturally comes at the expense of human development,” he said.

However, he added that Pakistan was resisting the temptation to become part of the arms race or increase defence budget despite rising security challenges.

“This has not been easy, especially when you live in a hostile and unstable neighbourhood. But having said that, let me say that we are ready to improve our environment by resolving all our outstanding issues with our neighbours through dialogue in a dignified and peaceful manner,” he said.

India and Pakistan had announced on February 25 that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir and other sectors.

Ties between India and Pakistan nose-dived after a terror attack on the Pathankot Air Force base in 2016 by terror groups based in the neighbouring country.

Subsequent attacks, including one on Indian Army camp in Uri, further deteriorated the relationship.

The relationship dipped further after India’s war planes pounded a Jaish-e-Mohammed militant training camp deep inside Pakistan on February 26, 2019 in response to the Pulwama militant attack in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

The relations deteriorated after India announced withdrawing special powers of Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcation of the state into two union territories in August, 2019.

Talking about the concept of national security, Gen Bajwa said that it was not just about protecting countries from an external and internal threat.

“Today, the leading drivers of change in the world are demography, economy and technology However, one issue that remains central to this concept is economic security and cooperation, he said.

He said that since national security involved ensuring human security, national progress and development, it was not solely the function of the armed forces and required a national effort to safeguard a nation.(PTI)

SNS KASHMIR

BARAMULLA, MARCH 18:

Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Bhupinder Kumar today chaired District Level Review Committee (DLRC) meeting to review the overall performance of banks and other financial institutions for the quarter ended December 2020 of the financial year 2020-21.

Meeting was attended by Lead District Manager Baramulla Javid Rashid, DDM NABARD, cluster head J&K Bank, officers of various concerned departments, representatives of various banks and other financial institutions.

On the occasion, the DC took a comprehensive review of various aspects wherein he stressed on the need for 100 per cent achievement of Annual Credit Plan targets adding that Baramulla is an Aspirational district in which financial inclusion is one of the identified indicators. He emphasized upon the heads of various financial institutions to disseminate awareness with regard to the welfare schemes sponsored by them among masses so that people can avail benefits for their overall socio economic development. He further directed to cover different stakeholders viz asha workers, ICDS workers, NHM employees, labours and other beneficiaries under the sponsored social security schemes.

Bhupinder Kumar directed the bank representatives to conduct outreach programmes/camps so that people at the grass root level are educated about various welfare programmes sponsored by them.

Deliberating upon various departments to work in coordination, the DC directed the sponsoring departments/agencies to establish help desks for the candidates wishing to get financial assistance from these institutions.

While enumerating the list of achievements recorded in the quarter, the Lead District Manager said that the achievements under ACP 2021-21 stood at Rs 1764.49 crore against the target of Rs 3826.54 Crores as laid down in ACP. He further informed the meeting thoroughly about the performances recorded in priority and non priority sectors. Moreover, the LDM informed the meeting that 75838 beneficiaries have been benefited in 2020-21 under various welfare schemes. He added that CD ratio of the district stood at 82.20%.

Owners Selling At 30,000-33,000 per 3000 Bricks, Govt. Rate Fixed At 21,000

SNS KASHMIR

BUDGAM MARCH 18 :

Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the brick kiln owners have resorted to price hike in Kashmir Valley as one Tipper load of bricks costs around Rs 30,000 as against the original price of 18,000 per 3,000 bricks.

Locals said that the brick kiln owners have been selling bricks at exorbitant rates and they are selling “B Grade” bricks as “A Grade” at a price of around Rs 30,000 per 3000 bricks.

They said that the normal price which was fixed by the government was Rs 18,000 per 3000 bricks i.e. one Tipper load but the brick kiln owners are selling the same now at Rs 30,000 to Rs 33,000.

Although the District Magistrate of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district, after issuing government orders during the last year, after a long consultation with the Brick Kiln Owners Association in the Valley, it was agreed to fix Rs. 21000 per 3000 bricks. The total amount per 3,000 bricks was fixed at Rs 21,000.

However, this order has been reduced to dust within a few months and the price of 3,000 bricks has been increased to Rs 30,000 to Rs 33,000 by Mid-March 2020.

In the midst of this situation, the silence of the government officials and the concerned department seems to be a nexus between the law implementing agencies and brick owners as the brick owners are selling bricks at their choicest prices.

In areas like Barrow and Chadoora, most of the brick kilns are deliberately locked, especially under the pretext of the Airport Authority’s objection, so that with the increase in demand, the owner can increase the prices on their own will.

Despite increase in the price of bricks like petrol with the passage of winter season does not seem to be less than a big challenge to concerned officials as they are in deep slumber.

Meanwhile, District administration Budgam is still unable to take formal steps in this regard. (CNS)

Says no development taking place anywhere in J&K; DDC members shouldn’t be used as photo-opportunity, diplomatic tools; Hope commitment to ceasefire pact will bring two nations closer

SNS KASHMIR

KULGAM, MARCH 18 :

National Conference vice-president and the former chief minister of erstwhile state of J&K Omar Abdullah Thursday said that he doesn’t see Assembly elections taking place in 2021 as Delimitation Commission has been given one year extension and who knows whether the commission would get more extension in future. He, however, said that his priority was not elections but to strengthen the party at the grassroots level.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a party function organsied to pay tributes to senior NC leader Wali Muhammad Yatoo at Damhaal Hanjpora in South Kashmir’s Kulgam district today, Omar said that he doesn’t see Assembly elections taking place in 2021. “The Delimitation Commission has been given one year’s extension and who knows it may be given more extension.

Let me clarify that my priority is not elections, it may be for the others. My top priority is to strengthen NC at grassroots level, which I am doing,” he said, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), adding that “Today he had come to Kulgam to extend solidarity with NC leader Sakina Itoo on the 27th martyrdom anniversary of her father Wali Muhammad Itoo.”

Omar while replying to a query said that whether he is happy with the decentralization of District Development Councils (DDCs), he said as of now he doesn’t see any development taking place. “There was 90 per cent voting during NC’s tenure when Panchayat polls were held.

DDC members shouldn’t be used as photo-opportunity and as a diplomatic tool. These elections were held to strengthen the grassroots level. Government must distribute powers and responsibilities to DDC members so that democracy flourishes,” the NC vice-president said. On how sees the recent commitment of Indo-Pak DGDMOs towards following the ceasefire pact of 2003, Omar said that he and his party has always welcomed such steps. “We hope this step will bring the two countries closer so that they talk freely in a peaceful atmosphere,” he said.

About recent remarks of Waseem Razvi about holy Quran, Omar said that Indian constitution doesn’t allow any assault on any religion. “Waseem Razvi is not a foreigner but one amongst us. People indulging in hurting the religious sentiments of people of any faith, should be brought to book as per the law of the land,” Omar said—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, MARCH 18 :

Jammu and Kashmir reported a surge in the cases of novel coronavirus with 140 of them reported in the last 24 hours while one person died during the time, officials said on Thursday.

Of the fresh cases including 36 travelers and a minor, 25 were from Jammu Division and 115 from Kashmir Division, taking the overall tally to 128097.

Giving district-wise details, Srinagar reported 75 cases, Baramulla 17, Budgam 6, Pulwama 2, Kupwara 1,
Anantnag 6, Bandipora 1, Ganderbal 0, Kulgam 2, Shopian 5, Jammu 20, Udhampur 2, Rajouri 0, Doda 1, Kathua 2, Samba 0, Kishtwar 0, Poonch 0, Ramban 0 and Reasi 0.

Regarding the fatality, they said, the victim belonged to the Valley and took the toll to 1978 including 731 in Jammu and 1247 in Kashmir.

A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of SKIMS Soura, CD hospital and GMC Anantnag.

The SKIMS cases include female (30) from Latina Beerwah Budgam, male (24) from Soura, male (46) from Upper Soura, four females (68, 14, 48, 18) and two males (50, 52) from Buchpora, male (65) from Fatah, male (80) from Shalimar, male (32) from Batmaloo Srinagar and female (24) from Behama Ganderbal besides male (81) from Bongam Shopian and male (75) from Janbazpora Baramulla.

The CD cases include female (28) from Zakura, male (35) from HMT Srinagar, female (18) from Mitrigam, female (04) from Aditrag, male (27) from Zewan, female (27) from Zoonimar, female (43) from Nishat, female (12) from Naibugh, male (74) from Gogjibagh Srg, female (NA) from Rainawari Srg, male (27) from Eidgah Srg, female (38) from Awantipora, male (52) from NA, female (60) from Khag, male (60) from Lal Bazar.

The GMC Anantnag cases include female (12) from Janglat Mandi and male (40) from Yaripora.

Moreover, they said, 74 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals—16 from Jammu Division and 58 from Kashmir Valley.

So far, they said, 125046 have recovered—51317 in Kashmir and 73729 in Jammu. There are 1073 active cases—244 in Jammu and 829 in Kashmir. (GNS)