Er Rashid Leads in Baramulla Lok Sabha Constituency

Baramulla MP Engineer Rashid

As vote counting for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls continues, early results show the National Conference (NC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) each leading in two seats in Jammu and Kashmir.

According to data from the Chief Election Officer J&K, the NC is ahead in the Srinagar and Anantnag-Rajouri seats, while the BJP leads in Jammu and Udhampur.

Independent candidate Er Rashid is leading in the Baramulla constituency against NC vice-president Omar Abdullah, with People’s Conference chairman Sajad Lone in third place.

In the Anantnag-Rajouri constituency, NC’s Main Altaf is leading against People’s Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti, while NC’s Aga Ruhullah is leading against PDP’s Waheed Para.

Union minister Dr. Jitendra Singh is leading against Congress’ Choudhary Lal Singh in Jammu, and BJP’s Jugal Kishore is ahead of Congress’ Raman Bhalla in the Jammu constituency.

Jammu and Kashmir Weather Forecast: Cloudy Skies and Intermittent Rain with Rising Night Temperatures

Weatherman forecast

The weather forecast for the next few days in Jammu and Kashmir predicts partly to generally cloudy conditions with intermittent light to moderate rain at a few locations. Night temperatures have risen in most areas as of Tuesday.

A meteorological department official informed GNS that until June 7, the region is expected to experience partly to generally cloudy weather with occasional light to moderate rain or thunderstorms in several places. There is also a possibility of gusty winds in some areas. Moderate intensity showers may occur briefly in a few spots, he added.

Farmers are advised to suspend their agricultural activities on June 5 and 6 due to these weather conditions.From June 8-9, partly to generally cloudy weather is expected, followed by “generally dry” conditions from June 10-13.Regarding temperatures, Srinagar recorded a low of 14.8°C, slightly up from 14.4°C the previous night, which is 2.3°C above the normal for this time of year in the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir.

Qazigund experienced a minimum of 12.2°C, up from 10.4°C the previous night, which is 1.1°C above normal for this gateway town of Kashmir.Pahalgam recorded a low of 8.1°C, compared to 7.1°C the previous night, 1.5°C above the normal for this renowned resort in south Kashmir.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, had a minimum of 12.8°C, slightly down from 13.2°C, but still 1.7°C above the normal.Kupwara recorded a minimum of 11.7°C, up from 10.8°C the previous night, which is 0.7°C above normal for the town.Gulmarg, a famous skiing resort in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, saw a minimum temperature of 10.6°C, up from 9.5°C, which is 3.0°C above the normal.

In Jammu, the minimum temperature was 23.7°C, down from 25.6°C the previous night, which is 1.8°C below normal for the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. Other temperatures recorded include Banihal at 12.2°C, Batote at 15.8°C, and Bhaderwah at 14.4°C.

Preparations Underway for Annual Amarnath Yatra Starting : Inspector General Police VK Birdi

Kashmir Zone Inspector General of Police VK Birdi announced on Monday that initial preparations are underway for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra, set to commence on June 29.The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has confirmed that the 2024 Amarnath Yatra will begin on June 29, 2024, and conclude on August 19, 2024.

“Preparations are currently in the initial phase. Details will be shared once the preparations are fully developed,” IGP Birdi informed ANI.The Amarnath Yatra, which takes place during the ‘Shravani Mela’ in July-August (Shravan month in the Hindu calendar), draws hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year. This period is the only time when the Amarnath Cave is accessible.

The annual pilgrimage is marked by the ‘Pratham Pujan’ ceremony.Among all Hindu deities, Lord Shiva is especially revered. Devotees undertake the challenging pilgrimage to pay homage to the Holy Ice Lingam at the Amarnath Cave Shrine, situated in the Kashmir Himalayas, between June and August.

The SASB, established by an Act of the Jammu & Kashmir State Legislature in 2000, manages the Holy Shrine. The Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir serves as the Chairman of the Shrine Board.

The Shrine Board is tasked with enhancing the management of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, improving facilities for pilgrims, and addressing related matters. Supported by a Chief Executive Officer, an Additional Chief Executive Officer, and distinguished Board Members, the Board is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities.

Firing Stops in Pulwama Encounter, Search Operations Continue

The exchange of fire between militants and security forces has ceased at the encounter site in Nehama, located in south Kashmir’s Pulwama district.

According to reports, the house where the militants were hiding caught fire during the gunfight. Despite the cessation of firing, the search operation at the scene is ongoing. Earlier, the encounter began after security forces received information about the presence of militants in the area. As the search party approached the suspected location, the militants opened fire, leading to the encounter.

It is believed that Riyaz Dar, the longest-surviving militant commander of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), along with his associates, is trapped at the site.

Cherry Harvest Begins in Ganderbal, Farmers Struggle with Low Market Prices

Cherries are vital to Kashmir’s horticulture, especially after the strawberry harvest. The peak harvesting season is in the next two weeks and will continue until mid-June.The Makhmali and Double varieties are harvested from the second week of May, while the highly sought-after Mishri variety will be ready in the first week of June.Villages like Lar, Waliwar, Chuntwaliwar, Gutlibagh, and Zazna in Ganderbal district produce diverse cherry varieties.

Despite the harvesting momentum, low market prices disappoint farmers. “Currently, 1 kg of Italy variety sells for Rs 80 to 100 at the Fruit Mandi,” said Ghulam Hassan from Lar. Farmers had hoped for better market rates after suffering losses due to COVID-19 lockdowns and bad weather in recent years. This year, they expect better returns.

“Despite a bumper cherry crop this year, growers are distressed due to low demand and falling prices,” said grower Jahanzeb Alam. Kashmir produces four types of cherries: Awwal Number, Double, Mishri, and Makhmali, with Mishri and Makhmali being exported to other states.

Cherries are highly perishable with a short shelf-life and are the first domestic fruit to enter the market. Ganderbal district, with around 1,200 hectares dedicated to cherry cultivation, produces about 60% of Kashmir’s cherries. Around 5,000 growers in areas like Chunt Waliwar, Gulabpora, Lar, Gutlibagh, Wakura, Dab, Batwina, and parts of Kangan are involved in cherry cultivation.

J&K Bank Facilitates Swift Settlement of Insurance Claims for Deceased Borrowers

In a significant relief initiative, J&K Bank has facilitated the swift settlement of Met Loan & Life Suraksha (MLLS) insurance claims for its deceased borrowers.

The claims, amounting to Rs 7.52 crore, have been disbursed to 168 families belonging to the Jammu zone, alleviating their financial burden during a time of grief.

A symbolic cheque for Rs 7.52 crore, representing the total amount handed over to the nominees and legal heirs of the deceased customers, was displayed by the Bank’s Cluster Heads (Jammu), Suresh Chowdhury and Aneeta Nehru alongside Zonal Head (Credit Life – PNB Met Life) Irfan Ali Zargar. The event was also attended by senior officials of the Bank and its Insurance partner.

Expressing their gratitude, the claimants thanked J&K Bank and its insurance partner, PNB Met Life, for their prompt action and support. One of the claimants stated, “We are thankful to the Bank for covering these loans under insurance and appreciate their support in timely settlement of the claims. We are also grateful to PNB Met Life for coming to our rescue and relieving us from the difficult burden of growing liabilities.”

Reiterating the Bank’s commitment to providing comprehensive financial solutions that ensure the security and well-being of its customers and their families, both the cluster heads emphasized the importance of loan insurance.

Cluster Head -1 (Jammu) Suresh Chowdhury said, “With a single-premium option along with the bank funding available for the customers, we are able to safeguard the families of borrowers and the interests of our institution in case of such unforeseen eventualities,” while Cluster Head-2 (Jammu) Aneeta Nehru added, “We have always been counseling our borrowers to get their loans insured for the future well-being of their own families.”

While reminding the customers of the goodwill of J&K Bank, Zonal Head (Credit Life – PNB Met Life) Irfan Ali Zargar said, “We can never compensate for the emotional loss of life, but by promoting good insurance products, we can always support the bereaved families and relieve them of the huge financial burden in case of such eventualities.”

J&K Police Crack Down on Exploitative Practices in Sonamarg

Under the direction of SSP Ganderbal Sandeep Gupta-IPS, the J&K Police District Ganderbal, along with Traffic Police, MVD, and Tourism Police, has initiated a series of measures to protect public safety and prevent exploitation. This initiative targets brokers, pony porters, and drivers who cheat and overcharge tourists in Sonamarg.

As part of these preventive actions, police have taken stringent measures against brokers, drivers, and pony porters. Around 32 individuals were detained under preventive penal sections, and 31 vehicles were seized for violations.

To further ensure road safety, the Traffic Police unit in Ganderbal has collected Rs. 445,100 in fines from traffic violators. They issued 2,126 traffic challans and seized six vehicles on the spot. Additionally, the ARTO Ganderbal suspended 71 licenses and 46 permits for overcharging tourists. The Tourism Police, with the assistance of District Police, recovered fines totaling 2 lakh rupees from violators in Sonamarg.

The J&K Police District Ganderbal is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the public and will continue to conduct stringent operations against brokers, traffic violators, and reckless drivers. Violators and brokers are strictly warned to cease their unscrupulous practices, or they will face legal consequences.

Tragic Drowning: 11-Year-Old Boy Dies in Irrigation Canal in Ganderbal, Kashmir

In a heart-wrenching incident, an 11-year-old boy drowned in an irrigation canal in the Thune area of Kangan in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district on Sunday, officials reported.

An official informed Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the boy, identified as Asif Ahmad Thekray, son of Mumtaz Ahmad Thekray from Thune Kangan, accidentally slipped into the canal. Following the accident, a rescue operation was immediately launched.

Despite the prompt efforts to save him, Asif was retrieved from the canal and rushed to Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Kangan. Tragically, he was pronounced dead on arrival.

The community has been deeply shaken by this incident, and local authorities are urging residents to exercise caution around irrigation canals to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Ganderbal Police Cyber Cell Cracks Down on Online Scams and Recovers Stolen Property

Ganderbal Police Cyber Cell Cracks Down on Online Scams and Recovers Stolen Property

In a significant breakthrough, the Cyber Cell of Ganderbal Police has successfully resolved multiple online money scam cases, recovering substantial amounts of money and tracing missing smartphones.

Under the direction of SSP Ganderbal Sandeep Gupta-IPS, the unit has put on hold Rs. 6,20,000 in fraudulent transactions and refunded Rs. 39,900 to the victims’ accounts. Additionally, the Cyber Cell has traced and recovered 16 missing or lost smartphones worth lakhs of rupees, and restored six hacked social media accounts on Facebook and WhatsApp.

Addressing the media in Ganderbal, SSP Sandeep Gupta noted that since its establishment on February 21, 2024, the Cyber Cell Ganderbal has been actively addressing grievances reported by the public both online through the Cyber Crime Portal and offline. The unit’s prompt and effective response to financial and social media frauds has earned widespread appreciation.

The Cyber Cell comprises trained officials from both the Executive Police and Telecom sectors. They specialize in tackling various financial frauds, including KYC update scams, OLX frauds, pending electricity bill frauds, investment-related scams, and fraudulent loan applications, as well as social media blackmailing.

The J&K Police District Ganderbal has urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid sharing sensitive personal information such as bank details, account numbers, and OTPs. The swift and efficient actions of the Cyber Cell Ganderbal highlight the importance of community awareness and proactive policing in combating cybercrime.

Elderly Man Killed in Vehicle Accident in Srinagar’s Barbar Shah Area

dead

An elderly man tragically lost his life after being struck by a vehicle in the Barbar Shah area of central Kashmir’s district, Srinagar, officials confirmed on Saturday.According to an official statement, the incident occurred when the elderly man was hit by a vehicle in Barbar Shah, resulting in fatal injuries.

The victim was later identified as Imtiyaz Ahmad Shah, son of Gulam Ahmad Shah, and a resident of Barbar Shah, Srinagar.Police have initiated an investigation into the matter to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.