CMO Anantnag Seals Four Unregistered Medical Establishments in Routine Inspection

In a routine inspection aimed at strict adherence to medical regulations in the region, a team from the CMO office Anantnag today identified four unregistered clinical establishments and sealed them.

This significant action was taken during an inspection conducted under the guidance of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Anantnag.

The sealed medical establishments include two dental clinics and two diagnostic centres that were operating without the necessary licenses and approvals.

The CMO’s office remains committed to upholding the highest standards of medical practice and ensuring that all healthcare providers comply with established regulations. This action is part of ongoing efforts to safeguard public health and maintain the quality of medical services in Anantnag District.

DIPR Launches J&K Film Series with Premiere of”Bed Number 17”

In alignment with the launch of the J&K Film Series, the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) proudly hosted the premiere of the film “Bed Number 17” at its Srinagar auditorium today.

This new initiative is set to spotlight local cinematic talent through biweekly film screenings at DIPR’s Srinagar and Jammu venues. Directed by the acclaimed Kashmiri actor Mir Sarwar and produced by Hussain Khan, “Bed Number 17” explores the poignant story of a family’s struggles.

During the event, Director Information Jatin Kishore commended the creative team behind “Bed Number 17” for their exceptional contribution to Kashmiri cinema. The Director also took the opportunity to honor the film’s team.

The screening was attended by Deputy Director Information Deepak Dubey, Deputy Director Information Central Sunil Kumar, Nodal Officer for J&K Film Policy Maheer Thakur, Accounts Officer Hitesh Choudhary, and other notable figures.

Mir Sarwar, speaking at the event, lauded the DIPR’s initiative, underscoring the importance of platforms that promote regional films. He described the initiative as a vital step in tapping into the region’s filmmaking potential.

The diverse audience, including film enthusiasts and artists, responded positively to the film’s compelling narrative. Looking ahead, DIPR is committed to continuing these screenings, fostering local filmmakers, and celebrating Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage through cinema.

Kupwara Man Considers Kidney Sale After Losing ₹28 Lakh to Online Gaming Addiction

In a troubling development from Kupwara district, a local man has reportedly lost around ₹28 lakh through online gaming, leaving him in such severe financial difficulty that he is now contemplating selling his kidney to cover his debts.

Speaking to Rising Kashmir on condition of anonymity, the man shared that he previously managed a prosperous shop and was able to provide comfortably for his family. However, his situation took a tragic turn when he became involved in online gaming. Despite an initial period of success, his addiction ultimately led to the loss of ₹28 lakh.

This incident underscores a growing concern as increasing numbers of individuals fall victim to the allure of online gaming. A cyber police official cautioned that these games often promise easy money but instead result in significant financial losses. He stressed that there are no shortcuts to success and advised parents to closely monitor their children’s mobile phone usage.

When questioned about the number of similar cases reported to the cyber police, the office noted that while other types of cybercrime are commonly reported, losses from gaming are often not disclosed as victims are typically reluctant to admit their mistakes.

Noor Shahbaz, a social and political activist from Kupwara, condemned the situation as deeply unfortunate and called for extensive education on the dangers of online gaming. He likened its impact to that of drug addiction, urging schools, law enforcement, and the local administration to implement awareness programmes to address this escalating issue.

Shahbaz stressed the need for immediate community and institutional action to safeguard future generations in the Kashmir Valley, highlighting the devastating consequences of the online gaming trend.

Danish Fayaz, a student, observed that online gaming is widespread in the Kashmir Valley. He recounted how a friend recently fell victim to this trend, losing substantial sums of money in a short span. Fayaz highlighted the importance of parental vigilance regarding their children’s mobile phone activities.

IED found in Balsoo Parigam Kulgam village, Bomb Squad Reached to the Spot

An improvised explosive device (IED) was found on a road in Balsoo area of south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday morning, officials said.

An official told that the IED, fitted in a pressure cooker, was detected by security forces today morning.

He said that bomb disposal squad has reached to the spot, and traffic movement on the Balsoo-Parigam road has been stopped—(KNO)

Historic Award Ceremony Held at Palhalan for KPDCL Employees

According to Kashmir News Service (KNS), the Sub Division Pattan of STD Sopore, led by AEE Sub Transmission Department Er Fayaz Ahmad Wani, made history today with its first-ever annual award ceremony at the Receiving Station Palhalan.

This landmark event marks a significant milestone for the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL). The ceremony honoured employees for their exceptional contributions in various areas, including adherence to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), minimising interruptions, technical excellence, maintaining cleanliness at receiving stations, and the emergence of new technicians.

Employees were presented with trophies recognising their dedication and hard work over the past year. Chief Guest Er Dalbir Singh, SE O & M North Circle, along with notable attendees such as Er Mateen Sheerwani, Executive Engineer STD Sopore, Er Manzoor Ahmad Wani, TO to SE North, Er Asif Beigh, TO to Xen STD Sopore, and Er Abdul Qayoom Bhat, among others, participated in the event.

Er Dalbir Singh highlighted the importance of recognising and motivating employees, stating, “The purpose of this award ceremony is to boost the morale of our dedicated staff who have worked diligently throughout the year 2023-24.”

Er Fayaz Ahmad Wani, who organised the ceremony, assured that such initiatives would continue in the future, reinforcing KPDCL’s commitment to employee recognition and motivation. The event concluded on a note of pride and encouragement, setting a positive precedent for the years ahead.

Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra Begins with 700 Pilgrims, Ensured by Tight Security Measures

On Wednesday night, the first group of 700 pilgrims for the Baba Budha Amarnath Yatra reached Poonch. This significant pilgrimage, dedicated to Lord Shiva at the Budha Amarnath Temple in Rajpura village, Loran valley, commenced on Wednesday and will conclude on Sawan Purnima, which coincides with Raksha Bandhan this month.

Budha Amarnath is one of the oldest shrines in the Jammu region, attracting numerous devotees during this annual Yatra. The pilgrimage was officially flagged off by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, and Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jammu, Anand Jain, from Yatra Niwas in Jammu.

Balwan Singh Thakur, a pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh, expressed his satisfaction, saying, “We are happy and there is no tension among us. The people and the army are with us, providing all kinds of help.”

Nearly 700 pilgrims, primarily from Karnataka, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, are participating in the pilgrimage, which started on August 7 and will conclude on August 20. The Budha Amarnath temple, situated in the Poonch district of Jammu, remains a focal point for devotees.

Due to recent terrorist activities in the Poonch and Rajouri areas, security measures have been intensified. Despite the heightened security, pilgrims expressed excitement and confidence, noting that the forces have made excellent arrangements for their safety.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, stated, “The Budha Amarnath Yatra starts from Jammu every year. All arrangements have been made for the pilgrims. The Jammu & Kashmir police and Indian army are ensuring everything runs smoothly. Almost 700 pilgrims are participating in the Yatra.”

ADGP Jammu and Kashmir, Anand Jain, confirmed the extensive security arrangements, adding, “Tight security has been ensured for the Yatra, along with food and stay arrangements throughout the journey.”

The Yatra, a blend of spirituality and tradition, continues to draw devotees under the vigilant watch of the security forces, ensuring a safe and fulfilling experience for all participants. (ANI)

CBI Arrested Patwari for Accepting Rs 40,000 Bribe in Halqa Soal Reasi Jammu

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested three accused including Patwari, Halqa Soal, Tehsil Katra, Distt. Reasi and two private persons (a Property Dealer and a middleman) while demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 40,000 from the complainant.

“A case was registered by CBI on a complaint against a Property Dealer, R/o Village Jib, Tehsil & Distt. Udhampur on allegations that accused Property Dealer was demanding a bribe of Rs 40,000 on behalf of a Patwari, from the complainant for issuance of Fard (revenue extract) of property, being purchased by complainant’s father (from the Property Dealer),” a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reads.

It added that CBI laid a trap and said Property Dealer, a middleman, said Patwari were caught in a relayed-triple-trap. “The accused Property Dealer was caught red-handed first while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 40,000 from the complainant. During further trap proceedings, a middleman was apprehended while accepting bribe from the accused Property Dealer. Thereafter, accused Patwari was also apprehended while accepting bribe from the said middleman,” the statement reads.

CBI conducted searches at the residential premises of accused, it said, adding that all three accused will be produced before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption (CBI Cases), Jammu, today while investigation is going on—(KNO)

60 year woman Dies After Her House Collapses In Rajouri

60 Year-Old woman died after her house collapsed due to heavy rain in Rajouri district, officials said.

Officials told that last night, due to heavy rains, a woman identified as Kako Devi aged 60 died after her Kutcha house collapsed. Her body was recovered by the locals from the debris. Also, many cattle were dead in this incident.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case in this regard.(GNS)

After Fire Exchange with Militants in Khaneed Udhampur Security Forces Launches Operation

indian army

After an exchange of fire with terrorists yesterday evening, a search operation was launched by security forces in the Khaneed Area of Basantgarh in the Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir.

After receiving input regarding suspicious movement in the area, a SADO (search and destroy operation) was launched on Tuesday.

Contact has been established with a group of terrorists in the Khaned area of Police Station Basantgarh in Udhampur District. The operation is currently underway.

DIG Udhampur Reasi Range Rayees Mohammad Bhat said, “For the last three to four days, we have been tracking the movement of terrorists in the Khaneed area of Basantgarh of Udhampur district.

Yesterday, after specific input was gleaned regarding the movement of terrorists in the area, a SADO was launched in the wee hours by our parties.”

“After around 4:30 pm, our contact was established with a group of terrorists yesterday and within two hours, the contact was established twice.

A group of terrorists is present under our cordon and that is the reason we are conducting the second day of the search operation today.

Our CRPF, police and Army are consistently present here. The group consists of three to four terrorists whom we are trying to neutralise as soon as possible,” the DIG Udhampur Reasi Range stated further.

Elaborating on the geographical conditions of the area, he said, “This area has hilly terrain and dense coniferous forests. The weather these days is also cloudy and rainy. The conditions are foggy, which is why our visibility is limited.”

Meanwhile, on August 6, Minister of State (MoS) for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai said that there have been two terrorist attacks on pilgrims and 14 casualties were reported during the past five years in the country.

In a reply to the question raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee in Lok Sabha, MoS Rai said that the central government framed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and also implemented them, in particular, for the safety/security of pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir.

He added that adequate security arrangements in coordination with all security agencies have been put in place for the safety of pilgrims. (ANI)

Amarnath Yatra to Continue Exclusively via Baltal Route Due to Repairs on Pahalgam Track

Due to essential repair work on the south Kashmir Pahalgam route, authorities have announced that the Amarnath Yatra will exclusively proceed via the Baltal route until it concludes on August 19.

Officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) reported that recent rains have damaged the Pahalgam-Cave shrine path. As repair work is underway, pilgrims will need to use the central Kashmir Baltal-Cave shrine route for the remainder of this year’s Yatra. Since the pilgrimage commenced on June 29, around 5 lakh devotees have had ‘Darshan’ at the holy cave shrine as of Tuesday. This number surpasses last year’s total of 4.45 lakh Yatris.

Security forces, including police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), are on duty around the clock along the over 350 km route from Jammu to the two base camps, ensuring the safety of pilgrims. Additionally, security personnel are stationed in sufficient numbers at transit camps, base camps, and the cave shrine itself.

Local residents play a significant role in assisting pilgrims, providing ponies and working as porters to help devotees, especially the weak and infirm, complete the mountainous journey. The SASB, led by Lt Governor Manoj Sinha, manages the Yatra with professional efficiency, contributing to a safe, smooth, and hassle-free pilgrimage through the rugged Himalayan terrain.

The cave shrine, situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Kashmir Himalayas, houses an ice stalagmite that devotees believe symbolizes the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims typically approach the shrine via either the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route or the north Kashmir Baltal route. The Pahalgam-Cave shrine route is 48 km long and takes 4-5 days to traverse, whereas the Baltal-Cave shrine route is 14 km long, allowing for a one-day round trip.

Helicopter services are available for pilgrims on both routes, from Baltal and Chandanwari on the south Kashmir route. This year’s Yatra, which will conclude after 52 days on August 19, coincides with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.