NOK Desk

News

Missing Girl Found in Srinagar FIR Regestered

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A frantic search in Srinagar ended with the safe rescue of a minor girl who had gone missing after she had been to see her ailing grandfather.

An official told  that the girl’s mother had approached the police on September 5, 2024, when her daughter failed to return home since she had left her grandfather’s house on September 1.

Srinagar police were right on their toes, getting an FIR No. 101/2024 registered under sections 137 BNS and 3/4 of the POCSO Act, the official said.

Due to this timely intervention on their part, the girl was rescued safely, and one suspect was arrested in this connection, he said.

‘’The suspect has been retained in custody as the investigation proceeds further. She will be handed over to her family soon after a medical check-up’’, he added.

The recovery in this case underlines the importance of timely police intervention and, simultaneously, the importance of community vigilance as far as the safety of minors is concerned.— (KB)

Kashmir Education

Government School Teacher from Kangroosa Rafiabad selected for Fulbright Teaching Excellence Programme 2024-25

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In a significant development, a government school teacher from Kangroosa Rafiabad has been selected for Fulbright Teaching Excellence Program 2024-25 in the United States.

Tajamul Naseem Lone, a government school teacher presently posted at Dangiwacha higher secondary school is among 187 ‘outstanding’ teachers who have been selected for the program.

As per the official communication received from the United States Department of State Bureau of educational and cultural affairs, Washington DC, around 3200 applications were received from international educators from over 65 countries across the world.

“And you are among the 187 outstanding teacher leaders to be selected as finalists,” reads the official communication signed by Branch Chief Teacher Exchange branch, Jennifer Gibson.

“The mission of the Fulbright Program is to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries,” it reads

The Fulbright Program awards more than 5,000 competitive, merit-based grants annually to teachers, university students, scholars, artists, scientists, and professionals from across the United States and in 160 countries who exchange ideas and contribute to finding solutions to shared international concerns.

“The U.S. Congress provides funding to the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs for the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program,” it reads.

As per the official communication, the Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program brings international secondary-level educators to the United States for a six-week professional learning opportunity at a host university. “Participants attend academic seminars at a host university that focus on topics such as new teaching methodologies, student-centered learning, instructional technology, and content-based instruction,” it reads

Under the program, the participants complete a minimum of 40 hours in a field experience with a U.S. partner educator of their same or a similar discipline in a local secondary school.

The 2024 — 2025 Fulbright Teaching Excellence and Achievement Program will also include specialized programming in gender in education, media literacy, and environmental education.

Meanwhile, as per the official communication issued by Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, the presidentially appointed 12-member Board is responsible for supervising the Fulbright Program worldwide and approving the selection of all Fulbright recipients. “Your grant is a reflection of your leadership and contributions to society and is made possible through funds appropriated annually by the U.S. Congress and, in many cases, by contributions from partner countries and private parties,” reads an official communication addressed to Tajamul Naseem Lone.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Tajamul credited his achievement to the support of the staff at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Dangiwacha and the mentorship of Rameez Sudan, a Fulbright alumnus, who guided him.“This year, only seven teachers from across India were selected for the prestigious programme,” he said.

Lone completed his primary and secondary education in his local area before pursuing a Bachelor of Science from the University of Kashmir.In 2008, he relocated to Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, to pursue a Master’s degree in Zoology at Barkatullah University.

According to Lone, his experiences include teaching in the Department of School Education in Kashmir since 2015. He has also worked as an ALOHA administrator and course instructor for five years, during which he conducted evaluations to measure student performance and progress.

“I have guided areas requiring improvement and worked collaboratively with teachers, administrators, and parents to help students achieve their learning objectives,” he said.

Politics

Engineer Rashid’s success in parliament elections was New Delhi’s agenda: Omar Abdullah

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National Conference (NC) vice president and former chief minister of J&K, Omar Abdullah Friday alleged that New Delhi was trying to silence him by fielding candidates from jails. He said the centre is hatching a deep conspiracy against the NC to keep it away from peoples’ representation.

Omar, who was addressing a public meeting in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal, accused New Delhi of fielding candidates from jails against him. “Earlier I had a feeling that New Delhi is constantly trying to keep me silent, but I didn’t think they will resort to such level of fielding candidates lodged in jails. In Baramulla they fielded a person (Er Rashid) against me who filed nomination from jail. He recorded his voice statement from jail, and got votes on emotional grounds, which led to my defeat in polls. But I didn’t take it so seriously then. I thought it was his luck and my weakness. I didn’t see it as New Delhi’s agenda,” Omar said.

He said, “When I decided to contest elections from Ganderbal seat, I heard one more person (Sarjan Barkati) who is currently lodged in jail, has pronounced his wish to contest polls from Ganderbal seat. This struck my mind. A person who hails from Zainapora Shopian is wishing to contest polls where I’m contesting was surprised me. I smelled rat in it. When I discussed the matter with my party colleagues, we decided that I will contest from another seat (Beerwah, Budgam) but maintained to keep it hidden till nomination is filled. We made an announcement about this fact at the eleventh hour. We silently reached the office of Returning Officer where we completed formalities. Soon after I came to know another man lodged in jail has decided to contest polls from there. This is not a normal affair that people lodged in jails are being fielded against me in elections. It clearly shows that New Delhi doesn’t want me to represent my people. They want to silence me, come what may,” he said.

Addressing people, the NC vice president that he always talks about your emotions, snatched rights, respect, honour, dignity and feelings. “When I put my cap before you, I’m not talking of my cap because I consider your respect as my respect and dignity. If I am fighting with New Delhi, I’m not fighting it for myself, or my family, it is a fight for your rights which have been snatched in last five years. The conspiracies made by New Delhi will fail. I have full confidence on people of Ganderbal that you will use your votes wisely on polling day,” Omar Abdullah said.

News

Two Lumberdars Fida Hussain and Habib Ullah Dar Suspended for violation of MCC in Kulgam

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The District Election Officer Kulgam placed two Lumberdars under suspension for violating Model Code of Conduct.

According to the order issued, Fida Hussain, Lumberdar Nowpora Devsar and Habib Ullah Dar, Lumberdar Berigam Devsar were suspended for violating the Model Code of Conduct.

Both the Lumbardars were placed under suspension vide order No: 40-DCK of 2024 and 39-DCK of 2024, Dated, 06-09-2024.Meanwhile, Tehsildar Devsar has been appointed as inquiry Officer in both the cases.

Politics

Rouf Bhat Former State Secretary, Spokesperson Resignes from PDP

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Former State Secretary and spokesperson of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Rouf Bhat on Friday resigned from the party.

In his resignation letter, Bhat expressed deep disappointment over the party’s treatment of sincere and dedicated workers who stood by during challenging times.

He criticized the party’s preference for new entrants with vested interests, describing it as a repeat of past mistakes that have hindered the region’s progress.

Rouf Bhat stated that he felt disrespected and found it necessary to step aside from his role within the PDP.

Reflecting on his journey with the party, he expressed gratitude for the opportunities and growth he experienced but emphasized that it was in his best interest to resign.

He extended his thanks to the leadership, colleagues, and supporters who were part of his journey.(KNS)

Politics

Pramod Tiwari Promises that Congress will Bring Back State Hood of J&K

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Ahead of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Pramod Tiwari asserted on Thursday that Congress will bring back Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood after coming into power in the state.

“Our leader has promised as soon as we get the opportunity, we will bring back the statehood of Jammu and Kashmir and National Conference is with us in this,” said the Congress Rajya sabha member.

‘It is shocking that the status of a sensitive state on the border of the country, has been reduced to a Union Territory from the status of the state, the senior Congress leader added.

Criticising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government’s decision of changing Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood status, he said that the decision shows the shortsightedness of the BJP.

“It was a very unjust step of the BJP towards the people of the state. This injustice by the BJP shows their short-sightedness, ” the congress leader said.

In August 2019, the government of India abrogated Article 370, effectively ending Jammu and Kashmir J&K’s special status and reorganising into two Union Territories (UTs)–Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

On Wednesday, ahead of the assembly polls in the Union Territory, the Congress released “Kya khoya, kya paya Jammu and Kashmir charge sheet sab kuch khoya, kuch nahi paya,” alleging the BJP’s betrayal over issues like unemployment, agriculture, education, health, and statehood.

The document released by the Congress targeted Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, alleging that the voice of the people in J-K is being suppressed.

“An unelected Lieutenant Governor (LG), appointed from Delhi, holds all power and, despite promises, the restoration of statehood has been denied to the proud people of J-K, treating them as second-class citizens. Outsiders are being allocated land, resources, and jobs, while the locals grapple with rising prices, high taxes, water shortages, poor electricity supply, and excessive billing through smart metres,” it said.

The document also highlighted that Jammu and Kashmir has the second-highest unemployment rate in the country, double the national average, with 65 per cent of government posts remaining vacant since 2019.

“Corruption is reportedly being encouraged from the top, starting in the LG’s own office, with mining, liquor, and construction contracts awarded to cronies. Moreover, those who attempt to expose corruption face ruthless prosecution,” the Congress’ document added.

Earlier, BJP National General Secretary and Jammu and Kashmir in-charge Tarun Chugh said that Congress has played havoc within the region for the past more than 70 years.

Chugh also mentioned that the Congress, NCP, and PDP have been depriving people of Jammu and Kashmir of development and progress.

“The Congress has played havoc within the region for the past more than 70 years by playing in the hands of across-the-border forces. The Congress, in league with the NC and PDP, has been waging a proxy war in J&K to spread violence and disturbance to deprive the youth of employment opportunities. It has been a calculated design of the Congress to support divisive forces and to let down the Kashmiri pandits. There have been signals that the Congress is mostly speaking the language of the cross-border forces led by ISI,” Chugh said on Wednesday.

The first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections will see 219 candidates in the fray, with voting scheduled for September 18. This will be the first assembly election in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370.

Polling in Jammu and Kashmir will be conducted in three phases on September 18, September 25, and October 1. The counting of votes will take place on October 8. (ANI)

Politics

Election Manifesto of Sajad Lone, Promises Judicial Commission in 1987 election Rigging

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sajad lone

Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Conference on Thursday promised a judicial commission to probe electoral rigging of 1987.

In its election manifesto, which was released by the party president Sajad Gani Lone and senior leaders today, the party said that it is committed to fight for the pre- 2019 constitutional position for J&K.“ It will support all efforts within and outside the legislative forums to restore the pre-2019 constitutional position of J&K,” reads the party’s manifesto.

The PC, which had challenged abrogation of Article 370 in the Supreme Court, said that “it stands by its commitment to undertake all exhaustive measures to pursue the cause of the restoration of Article 370 and the return of Statehood”.

The party promised setting up a judicial commission to probe rigging of 1987 assembly elections.

“We will set-up a judicial commission to probe the murder of democracy in 1987 and hold its perpetrators accountable. It is our firm belief, that the source of major socio-political instability that continues to mar Kashmir even today, is a derivative of that one cataclysmic event. The Great Robbery of 1987 – that of our rights, our young, our lives and our collective destiny needs to be brought to account,” reads the manifesto.

The PC also committed that it would strive to end arbitrary attachment of properties, destructive demolition drives and unwarranted terminations.

In its manifesto, the party said it “will strive to repeal the Public Safety Act (PSA) and other draconian laws which have been indiscriminately used to punish Kashmiris in the past three decades”.

The party said that it will revive July 13 Martyrs day holiday to safeguard the ethos associated with Kashmiris.

In its manifesto, the party also talked about free electricity to BPL families, land ownership rights to poor dwellers, waiving off KCC loans, fast-track recruitments, revival of old pension scheme, transfer policy for female ReT teachers—(KNO)