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Er. Rashid, finally took oath as Member of Parliament from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency

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Abdul Rashid Sheikh, also known as Er. Rashid, finally took his oath as Member of Parliament from the Baramulla Lok Sabha constituency on Friday. The 56-year-old politician has been incarcerated in Delhi’s Tihar Jail for over five years under accusations of militant funding, charged under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).

On 2nd July, the Delhi Patiala House Court granted him a two-hour custody parole, following the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) consent, to permit the oath-taking, albeit after numerous delays.

The ceremony was attended by several of Er. Rashid’s family members, including his sons Asrar Rashid and Abrar Rashid, his daughter, his wife, his brother Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, and at least two other party officials.

Attendees were allowed entry upon presenting identity cards and were prohibited from using phones and the internet during the event.

After the ceremony, Er. Rashid was allowed to briefly interact with his family before being escorted back to jail. He was not permitted to speak to the media or any unrelated individuals, as per the court’s directives.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Another Group of Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims Sets Off from Panthachowk Srinagar Base Camp

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Another batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims started their journey from the Panthachowk Srinagar base camp on Thursday under heightened security measures.
The pilgrims are heading along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes.

The annual yatra, which lasts for 45 days, is a major concern for the government amid the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The annual pilgrimage (Amarnath Yatra) is conducted by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.

The devotees of Lord Shiva undertake the arduous annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine located in Kashmir Himalayas in July-August.

Meanwhile, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directed the Punjab Police to ensure smooth and safe passage for devotees going for the Amarnath Yatra, Special Director General of Police (Special DGP) Law and Order Arpit Shukla on Wednesday chaired a high-level meeting of Police, Army, Civil Administration, and other security agencies to take stock of the security arrangements in this regard.

The meeting, which was held in Pathankot, focused on strategic preparations for the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, encompassing diverse aspects such as police deployment, security measures, traffic management, and disaster management, Information and Public Relations Department, Punjab stated.

Special DGP Arpit Shukla, while chairing the meeting, deliberated on securing the International Border and ensuring the safety of the devotees going for the Amarnath Yatra.

He said that Punjab Police has further escalated the level of security with the deployment of 550 Punjab Police personnel, SOG, sniper detachments, bomb disposal, and other commando units, and a high alert has been sounded, with an eight-second line of defense nakas established by Punjab Police. (ANI)

Kashmir Education

Decline in School Enrolment: Analysis and Response in Jammu and Kashmir

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students

The analysis of enrolment data for the academic years 2023-24 and 2022-23, based on UDISE+ data from government schools, indicates a decline of 61,451 students over one year.

This decrease in enrolment is evident when comparing UDISE data for 2022-23 with that of 2023-24. According to official documents, this decline has been identified across 554 schools in J&K within the year.In light of this troubling revelation, the Directorate of Samagra Shiksha J&K has instructed all Chief Education Officers (CEOs) to validate the data and investigate the reasons behind the decline in school enrolment.

“Several schools are showing a significant decline. 554 schools have been identified which are showing a decrease of 61,451 in enrolment,” states an official communication addressed to all CEOs.

The Directorate of Samagra Shiksha has attached a list of these schools with the official communication, highlighting those where enrolments have dropped by more than 50 students compared to the previous year.

“You are requested to review and validate the provided details and communicate any insights or reasons elucidating the observed decline in enrolment,” the official document reads.CEOs have been asked to submit their reports by July 3, 2024.

“The report should be authenticated by the concerned Chief Education Officer so that the J&K-level report can be finalised at an early date. Your immediate attention to this matter within the given timeframe is of paramount importance,” the document reads.

This decline in enrolment has been noted despite the annual enrolment drives conducted by the School Education Department (SED) over the past few years.The department claimed to have registered over one lakh new admissions in schools across various classes.

Despite these claims of increased student enrolment in previous years, the analysis of UDISE data has shown a decline of over 61,000 students in just one year.

News

Thousands of Pilgrims Visit Amarnath Cave Shrine Amid Tight Security

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Over 74,000 pilgrims from across the country have paid obeisance at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath Ji as of July 2nd, marking the fourth day of the annual yatra, which began on June 29th from the Baltal and Nunwan-Pahalgam routes.

Officials reported that by Tuesday evening, 22,715 pilgrims had darshan of the ice lingam at the Amarnath cave. This brings the total number of visitors to the 3,888-metre-high cave shrine in the Himalayas to 74,696 since the pilgrimage commenced.

“Stringent security arrangements have been put in place for the smooth conduct of the Yatra,” an official said. Thousands of security personnel from the police, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo-Tibetan Border Police, and other paramilitary forces have been deployed along the route. Additionally, aerial surveillance is being conducted.

Meanwhile, the 6th batch of 5,725 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu for the Kashmir Valley to perform the pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave Shrine.

Chanting ‘Bam Bam Bhole’, the pilgrims left the base camp in a convoy of 238 vehicles early this morning. This group included 4,481 men, 1,034 women, 25 children, 173 sadhus, and 12 sadhvis (female sadhus). Of these, 2,514 pilgrims departed for Baltal at 3:25 AM and 3,211 for the Pahalgam base camp at 3:45 AM.

These pilgrims are expected to reach their respective base camps by this evening, from where they will proceed towards the holy cave early tomorrow morning under tight security measures.

More than 125 free langars (community kitchens) have been established by philanthropic organisations at the base camps and along the yatra route up to the holy cave to serve the pilgrims.

The 52-day-long Amarnath Ji Yatra will conclude on 19th August this year, coinciding with the auspicious occasion of Shravan Poornima and the festival of Raksha Bandhan.Last year, over 4.5 lakh pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine.(KNO)

News

Earthquake Hits Leh in Ladakh magnitude 4.4

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An earthquake of magnitude 4.4 on the richer scale hit Leh in Ladakh on Wednesday, said the National Center for Seismology (NCS).

According to the NCS, the epicentre of the earthquake was located at Latitude 36.10 North, Longitude 74.81 East, at a depth of 150 kilometres.The earthquake hit Leh on Wednesday at 8:12 a.m.

Taking to ‘X’, the NCS said, “EQ of M: 4.4, On: 03/07/2024 08:12:59 IST, Lat: 36.10 N, Long: 74.81 E, Depth: 150 Km, Location: Leh, Ladakh.”No casualties have been reported yet.More details are awaited.

Earlier last month, an earthquake of magnitude 3.2 on the Richter Scale struck Assam.

The epicentre of the earthquake was located in the Karbi Anglong district at a depth of 25 kilometres, according to the NCS. (ANI)

News

Sayed Aamina Khataie Selected for 2024 Global Korea Scholarship at Pusan National University

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Sayed Aamina Khataie from Sopore has been chosen as a scholar for the 2024 Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Programme at Pusan National University in the Republic of Korea.

This programme is sponsored by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Ministry of Education of the Republic of Korea. Aamina completed her schooling at MET Higher Secondary School Sopore, graduating in 2024

Currently, she is in South Korea, completing her language year as a GKS Scholar at Pusan National University. Next year, she will commence her undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences as part of the GKS programme.

In a conversation with Greater Kashmir, Aamina described her selection as a GKS Scholar as a significant achievement and a major milestone in her academic journey and personal growth.

“I am incredibly honoured and excited to have been selected for the GKS undergraduate scholarship programme by NIIED and to attend Pusan National University. Being part of such a renowned institution will provide me with access to world-class education and resources, which I believe will greatly enhance my skills and knowledge,” she said.

Aamina emphasised that this scholarship not only acknowledges her past achievements but also motivates her to strive for excellence in her future endeavours.

“I am looking forward to immersing myself in South Korean culture, building international networks, and contributing to the academic community at Pusan National University,” she added.

Aamina believes that this opportunity is a transformative step towards achieving her long-term career goals and making a positive impact in her field.

“This scholarship will be instrumental in my academic and professional growth. Studying at Pusan National University will expose me to cutting-edge research, advanced coursework, and a diverse range of perspectives,” she said.

“As I will major in Biological Sciences, I believe PNU offers numerous opportunities in my field,” she added.

Aamina also highlighted the professional benefits of the international experience and network she will build during her time in South Korea.

“Engaging with professors, industry experts, and fellow students from around the world will broaden my horizons and open up numerous opportunities for collaboration and career advancement,” she said.

Aamina concluded by noting that the cultural immersion and language skills she will gain will enhance her ability to work in a global environment, making her a more well-rounded and competitive candidate in the job market.

News

Fire Destroys Ten Houses and Eight Shops in Anantnag

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As many as ten residential houses and eight shops were destroyed in a fire incident in South Kashmir’s Anantnag on Tuesday night, sources said.

Sources reported that the fire broke out in one of the residential houses in the area last night and quickly spread to nearby properties, causing extensive damage to ten houses.

“Eight shops were also gutted in the fire incident,” they said.The cause of the fire is currently being ascertained.

Officials have reached the scene to assess the damage—(KNO)

News

Engineer Rashid Allowed by NIA to Take Oath

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Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has agreed to allow Kashmiri leader Engineer Abdul Rashid Sheikh to take his oath as a Member of Parliament while he remains in jail. The final decision now awaits a Delhi court’s ruling, expected tomorrow, on the conditions for his oath-taking.

Engineer Rashid, who won the Baramulla seat as an Independent candidate in the recent Lok Sabha elections, has been held in Tihar Jail since 2019. Facing charges in a terror-funding case by the NIA, his detention had prevented him from swearing in with other MPs in the 18th Lok Sabha. Despite his incarceration, Rashid achieved a significant victory, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah by more than 200,000 votes.

On Saturday, Additional Sessions Judge Kiran Gupta instructed the NIA to respond to Mr Rashid’s application for interim bail to facilitate his oath-taking. The court set a deadline for the anti-terror agency to submit its reply by 1 July. Advocate Vikhyat Oberoi, representing Mr Rashid, argued that his client’s electoral triumph demonstrates a robust democratic mandate from the people of Baramulla. “He secured a resounding majority. The people support him and want him to represent their interests in Parliament democratically,” Mr Oberoi asserted.

Mr Rashid’s legal team drew comparisons with a case involving AAP MP Sanjay Singh, suggesting that Mr Rashid, under judicial custody, should be permitted to take his oath. They contended that the NIA’s role should be minimal in facilitating this process, citing the procedural approach taken in Mr Singh’s case where judicial custody did not hinder parliamentary participation.

Kashmir Tourism

Tourism Department Invites Indian Cricket Team to Celebrate T20 World Cup Victory in Kashmir

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The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Department has warmly invited the Indian cricket team to continue their celebrations in the scenic region, often referred to as the Crown of Incredible India.

The department expressed its pride and enthusiasm in hosting the champions, emphasising the distinctive cultural and natural splendour of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a post on X, the J&K Tourism Department said, “Congratulations to Team India on winning the T20 World Cup 2024!! We welcome our champions to visit Jammu and Kashmir to continue the celebrations! It would be an honour to host you in the Crown of Incredible India.”

India has ended its 11-year-long ICC trophy drought, securing their first ICC title since the Champions Trophy in 2013. Notably, India is the first team to have captured the title undefeated.

Amarnath Yatra 2024

Van Meets with Accident near Chandanwari Two Amarnath pilgrims injured

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accident

A van carrying Amarnath pilgrims met with an accident near Chandanwari in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, leaving at least two persons injured, officials said on Sunday.

“Today, a van carrying Shri Amarnath Ji Yatris met with an accident near Chandanwari. The pilgrims sustained serious head injuries & were promptly evacuated by the BSF QRT (Quick Response Team) to a nearby hospital,” the Border Security Force (BSF) said in a post on X.“The quick response of BSF saved the precious lives of the pilgrims,” the BSF added.

Though BSF did not mentioned the number of people injured in the accident, visuals showed two of the pilgrims, including a woman could be seen admitted in the hospital. Their identities were not confirmed.

Earlier in the day, another batch of pilgrims left from the Pantha Chowk base camp for the Amarnath yatra amid tightened security.Visuals showed queues of cars crossing the Pantha Chowk base camp’s police checkpoints.

Rajesh Gupta, a pilgrim from Delhi, said, “This is my second yatra to worship Baba Bholenath. I am very happy and excited about this. All the facilities, including the security provided by the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the camps made for the pilgrims, are very good.”

Krishna Kumar, who made his 25th journey to Amarnath today, said, “I am very happy. During COVID-19, I traveled via the helicopter route. The transportation and camp facilities are very good. Everyone from the military has cooperated with us properly. It is only because of their cooperation that we can complete our journey properly.”

Another pilgrim from Jammu, Ajay Khajuria, said, “We are going to Baltal right now. The security is very good. We are very happy for the journey ahead.”The annual yatra, which lasts for 45 days, is a major concern for the government amid the recent terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.

The administration has left no stone unturned to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims amidst the heightening concerns and the challenging terrain of the route. (ANI)