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SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 25 :

Jammu and Kashmir High Court on Thursday quashed detention order under Public Safety Act against the spokesman of Jama’at-e-Islami, the socio-religious organisation which was banned by the government in 2019.

The spokesman, advocate Ali Mohammad Lone (Zahid), through his counsel Salih Pirzada, had challenged before the high court the detention order (11/DMP/PSA/20) dated 29 June 2020 passed by the District Magistrate Pulwama, whereby he was placed under preventive detention with a view to prevent him from acting in any manner prejudicial to the security of the State.

After hearing the counsel for the petitioner as well as the government, a bench of Justice Sanjeev Kumar said: “As is rightly contended on behalf of the (detainee), (advocate Zahid) was in the custody of the State when the organization, Jamat-e-Islami, was banned and continues to be so as on date. That being so, the banning of the organization cannot be said to be a ground for detaining the (detainee).”

The court observed that advocate Zahid has placed on record the bail order dated 11 April 2020 passed by the competent Court of law, whereby he has been bailed out in FIR No. 339/2008.

“The Detaining Authority is not aware of the aforesaid bail granted to the (advocate Zahid). That apart, this Court is of the view that the grounds of detention, on the basis of which (advocate Zahid) has been placed under preventive detention in terms of the impugned order, are stale on the basis of which (he) has been detained twice and both the orders of detention issued earlier have been quashed by this Court.”

There was thus no fresh material available against advocate Zahid which would justify his further detention in the preventive custody, the court said as per GNS.

“The factual averments made by the (detainee) in his petition have not been denied by the respondents (officials),” the court said and quashed the detention order. “The respondents are directed to release the (detainee) from the preventive detention forthwith, if not required in any other case.”(GNS)

Samples sent for testing, reports will come within three days: Nodal Officer

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 25 :

After crows, pigeons have been found dead in parts on Srinagar on Thursday.

Nodal officer for Avian influenza in J&K Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Shah told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that some pigeons have been found dead in Chattabal and Pandreathan area of Srinagar on Thursday.

He said that crows were also found dead in Shopian, Budgam and other parts of valley on Thursday as well. He added that samples of both crows and pigeons have been taken and sent for testing, the reports of which will come in next two to three days.

He said that wherever birds are being found dead, SOPs are being followed and area is being fumigated. He said that no case of bird flu has been reported among poultry birds and people must follow precautions like wear masks, wash hands frequently.

The nodal officer said that as per government directions, the rapid response teams are on the ground and surveillance is being done within one km radius from the spot where cases were reported and samples from nearby poultry farms are also being taken.

He said that from the spot from where cases have been reported, a radius of 10 kms has been declared an alert zone besides said that close vigil is being kept to check any unusual mortality.

“People can use poultry products if it is cooked well, however, there is need to follow precautions in letter and spirit,” the nodal officer told KNO.

Pertinently, cases of avian influenza have been confirmed among wild birds in eight districts of J&K and cases of the flu have been found in Udhampur and Bandipora among domestic birds—(KNO)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 25:

The Jammu and Kashmir Police will soon take into custody suspended Deputy Superintendent of Police Davinder Singh and Hizbul Mujahideen militant Naveed Babu for their custodial interrogation in a case in which PDP youth wing president Waheed-ur-Rehman Parra has been arrested, officials said on Thursday.

According to documents submitted in a court, the Central Investigation Kashmir (CIK), a branch of CID mandated to probe cases under the Unlawful Activities and Prevention Act (UAPA) and the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), has informed the judge that it would be soon taking over their custody to tie up loose ends in the case.

The CIK filed the case under various sections of the UAPA last year based on “reliable and confidential sources” who said some political functionaries were misusing their power and aiding and abetting militant activities in Kashmir Valley.

The police were replying to a petition in the special court moved by Parra seeking bail, which was subsequently rejected on February 23.

“The investigations conducted reveal that the accused had been in touch with ANEs (Anti-National Elements) and OGWs (Over Ground Workers), which includes some accused persons who are presently lodged in jail in NIA case.

“These accused are also to be questioned in the instant case after seeking permission from NIA court Jammu,” the counsel for the police had said in the court.

The National Investigation Agency had arrested and later charge-sheeted Singh, Syed Naveed Mushtaq alias Naveed Babu as well as the group”s alleged overground worker Irfan Shafi Mir and its member Rafi Ahmad Rather. The other two named are Tanveer Ahmad Wani, a trader, and Naveed Babu”s brother Syed Irfan Ahmad.

Singh along with Mir were arrested by the Jammu and Kashmir Police in January last year when they were ferrying Naveed Babu and Rather out of Kashmir to escape the harsh winter. Later, the case was taken over by the NIA and the agency filed charge sheet in July last year.

The CIK had registered the case in which it alleged that some “unscrupulous politicians, as part of a criminal conspiracy, had established clandestine connections and relations with different Pakistan-supported militant and secessionist organisations operating in Jammu and Kashmir for a number of reasons”.

The conspiracy was hatched for furthering their political clout among local populace, countering the influence of rival political parties and their members, protecting their own financial and business interests and with medium term motives of winning the trust of “the Pakistani establishment, dealing with subversion in Kashmir, including those in the United Jihad Council”.

These politicians have supported the militants and secessionists, directly and sometimes through middle-men, by way of paying money, organising select physical attacks through militant elements.

These politicians also facilitated movements of terrorists and transporting their arms and ammunition.

In furtherance of the criminal conspiracy, these “unprincipled political parties functionaries” assisted and aided the militants and secessionists in intensifying the war against the Union of India with the main objective of ultimately making Jammu and Kashmir cede from the Union,” it alleged. (PTI)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR:25 FEBRUARY :

JKNC Vice president north Kashmir Dr Sajad Shafi Uri  on Thursday welcomed the ceasefire decision reached between India and Pakistan along the Line of Control that came into effect from midnight of February 24/25.

In a statement issued to by Dr Sajad Shafi expressed that the decision to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC has provided a sigh of relief for the inhabitants of districts of J&K.

“Until now much of the life and property have been lost to the ceasefire violations in border areas, be it in Uri, Karnah,  Gurez or any other frontier areas of J&K.

The continuous threat of shelling and firing has always created a perpetual atmosphere of fear and uncertainty,” Dr sajad said.

He said that such an agreement was much anticipated: “The peace in border areas shall usher in a new era of stability and progress across J&K. In the meantime. It can be now expected that the inhabitants of border areas will return to their live a normal life.”

He thanked the India and Pakistan authorities for this momentous and much needed step that assures the safety and prosperity of border inhabitants both side.

SNS KASHMIR

SYEED IMTIYAZ

HANDWARA. FEBRUARY 25

DGP J&K Dilbagh Singh-IPS accompanied by DIG NKR Baramulla Shri Sulieman Choudhry-IPS visited Handwara to review security scenario in the PD who were received by SP Handwara
Dr G V Sundeep Chakravarthy IPS. The DGP and other officers at first paid a floral tributes to the Martyrs of Police and other security forces who sacrificed their precious lives in safeguarding National integrity. He was also presented with Guard of Honour.

The DGP inaugrated newly constructed indoor Badminton Court, Gym Centre, Recreation Hall and VIP Lounge Tiger Hill in DPL for welfare of Jawans to keep them fit physically as well as mentally and also inaugrated Plantation drive by planting some green saplings at DPL Handwara.

He also held a Darbar with the jawans of the PD with an aim to enquire about well being and redress the personal as well as professional grievances confronting the jawans and officials at DPL Handwara.

DGP J&K in his address to the Jawans asked them to effectively focus on their duties, So that the nefarious designs of anti social elements could be well checked in before. He asked them to be both physically and mentally prepared to deal with any type of eventuality professionally.

With regard to the welfare measures of the officials, they were heard passionately and were assured that due care will be taken for their welfare.

The DGP then visited DPO Handwara where he inaugrated Conference Hall and held a Joint Security Review Meeting with the officers of jurisdictional Police including SP Handwara Dr. G.V Sundeep Chakravarthy-IPS and officers of Army & CAPF. He stressed upon all officers to gain public confidence, good will and always be compassionate and helpful to the needy people. He advised them to attend the genuine grievences of the people. He also said that the people’s cooperation is necessary in making environment peaceful.

He exhorted upon Police officers to keep doing good work jointly with Army and other CAPF forces so that positive results come out. He also appreciated the role of Handwara police and other security forces in dealing with any kind of situation in the region.

The interactive proceedings concluded with best wishes for all officers and officials of District Police Handwara and other forces.

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 25 :

Anti Corruption Bureau on Thursday produced charge Sheet against Fayaz Ahmad, the then Naib Tehsildar, Sopore, in a “successful trap” case registered almost seven years ago.

The ACB had lodged the case (FIR No. 01/2019) under section 5(1) (d) r/w 5(2) JK PC Act, Svt. 2006, 4 (A) Amendment Act 2014 following a written complaint.

The chargesheet was filed before the Court of Special Judge Anti-Corruption Baramulla, ACB said in a statement issued to GNS.

The complainant had stated that he purchased 14 marlas of land at Noorbagh Sopore in 2009 and got the sale-deed registered by Sub-Registrar Sopore but the land was not transferred to his name. He approached the concerned Naib Tehsildar namely Fayaz Ahmad and requested several times to get the land transferred to his name.
The concerned officer allegedly demanded a bribe of Rs 12,000 for transfer of land.

Subsequently, the complainant approached ACB for legal action. “A successful trap was laid and the accused was caught red handed while accepting the bribe money of Rs 12,000 as illegal gratification from the complainant.”

The accused was arrested on spot and a case U/S 5(1) (d) r/w 5(2) JK PC Act, Svt. 2006, 4 (A) Amendment Act 2014 was registered.
“The next date of hearing has been fixed on 27.03.2021.

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 25, :

Police registered a formal case against unknown ‘militants’ after they allegedly threatened a Sarpanch telephonically asking him to resign from his post.

Police sources told KNT that a Sarpanch from Chewa Beerwa area of Central Kashmir’s Budgam district namely Ghulam Hasan Rasray registered a complaint at police station Beerwa claiming that unknown militant threatened him telephonically warning him of dire consequences in case he didn’t resign from Sarpanch post.

The Sarpanch in his complaint has claimed that unknown militants sought his resignation within two to three days.

Taking cognizance of the complaint, a formal case vide FIR number 21/2021 under section 507 IPC, 67 Information Technology Act has been registered at police station Beerwa.

Pertinently, 7 Panchs including two women from Batapora Halqa of Magam area of Budgam yesterday resigned at BDO office Narbal. They were all residents of Roshan Abad Batapora area of Magam.

Police sources said that they are ascertaining the reason behind their resignation. (KNT)

Deserving Employees Denied Promotions, Demands Investigation by CB

SRINAGAR FEBRUARY 25:

The shocking investigative report by CNS has revealed that hundreds of employees have been illegally promoted in the Consumer Affairs Department as the corrupt officials have violated the Service Employment Rules.

While Class IV employees who have been posted for 30 years in the same department have been denied time bound promotions. The deserving employees have demanded the government to launch an investigation into “Fraud Promotion Scam” in the consumer affairs department.

One of the employees namely Rafiq Ah demanded that the Specail Investigation Team should be formed and action must be taken against the officers and employees involved in the irregularities.

“Helpers have been posted in the department on vital posts by constantly promoting them” he added. On the other hand, an order in this regard clarified that only the state cabinet has special powers regarding the promotions of the posted helpers while the department has openly promoted them by flaunting the Service Norms.

Contrary to government orders, TSO promotions have been provided to about one thousand helpers. According to news agency Current News Service (CNS) crores of rupees were received from the employees for promotions.

“In this scam, the officers of the department are hand in glove with the junior employees and through them; the officers got crores of rupees from helpers and filled their pockets” said Mohammad Subhan a TSO in consumer affairs department.

He added that hundreds of such Class IV employees had been posted in the Consumer Affairs Department thirty years ago but they were forced to make rounds of the Directorate office for years for their time bound promotions and got nothing in return.

After this shocking revelation and brazenly grabbing the rights of deserving employees and providing promotions to undeserving employees, when an attempt was made to contact a senior official of the department, he did not bother to pick up the phone.

The employees appealed LG Manoj Sinha to take personal cognisance of this matter. They also demanded that Crime Branch (CB) and other agencies should investigate the matter.

It is pertinent to mention that massive frauds and irregularities have been witnessed in the consumer affairs department during some last couple of years. (CNS)

SNS KASHMIR

SRINAGAR FEBRUARY 25 :

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president on Thursday welcomed the agreement of ceasefire between India and Pakistan along the border.

Taking to her Twitter handle the former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir said that dialogue is the only way forward if “both countries want to stop the unending cycle of violence and bloodshed across the borders and J-K”

Earlier in the day, India and Pakistan agreed to “strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control (LoC) and all other sectors” with effect from midnight of 24 /25 February.

A joint statement said, “This was agreed between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMO) of both countries during discussions over the established hotline,”

It further said that in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders, the two DGsMO agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb peace and lead to violence.

SNS KASHMIR

NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 25:

After discussions between the Director Generals of Military Operations of India and Pakistan, the two sides have to cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight of February 24 to 25.

The discussion between the two armies took place at a time when a large number of ceasefire violations were taking place along the LoC and violence levels were going up especially for the villagers living along the LoC on both sides.

“Both sides agreed for strict observance of all agreements, understandings and cease firing along the Line of Control and all other sectors with effect from midnight of February 24 to 25,” a joint statement issued by the Defence Ministry said.

In the talks, the two armies reviewed the situation along the Line of Control and all other sectors “in a free, frank and cordial atmosphere”.

Both sides held discussions over the established mechanism of hotline contact.

According to the statement, the two DGsMO agreed to address each other’s core issues and concerns which have the propensity to disturb the peace and lead to violence in the interest of achieving mutually beneficial and sustainable peace along the borders.

During the discussions, both sides reiterated that existing mechanisms of hotline contact and border flag meetings will be utilised to resolve any unforeseen situation or misunderstanding.

The Indian Army has also made it clear that there will be no let-up in its counter-terrorist or counter-infiltration operations against militant backed by the Pakistan Army along the LoC and the hinterland in Jammu and Kashmir. (ANI)