Trainee Policeman dies of Bullet wound at PTS Manigam,Investigation Underway

5-Year-Old Girl

A policeman undergoing training in Manigam died of a bullet wound in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, officials said.

A police officer told GNS that the trainee was hit by the bullet purportedly from sentry’s riffle at Police Training School Manigam.The official said that investigation are underway as to how this incident happened.

The deceased was undergoing BRTC training at Manigam Police training School. (GNS)

National Investigation Agency Files Charge-Sheets Against Waheed Ul Zahoor and Mubashir Maqbool Mir in Connection with Hizb-ul-Mujahideeen Arms, Explosive Seizure Case 

NIA Raids

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has charge-sheeted 2 accused in a J&K arms and explosives seizure case linked with the banned terrorist organization Hizb-ul-Mujahideeen (HM).

The investigation agency in a statement said that the charge-sheet has been filed before the NIA Special Court, Jammu, against Waheed Ul Zahoor, the driver of the vehicle from which explosives, arms and ammunition etc were recovered, and another accused Mubashir Maqbool Mir.

“Both the charge-sheeted accused were in contact with their Pakistan-based HM handlers. The seizure of the explosives, arms and other incriminating material took place on June-30-2024 at a ‘Naka’ set up by security forces at Machipora, Rashidabad in district Baramulla,” it reads.

It also said that the security personnel signaled the vehicle, driven by Waheed, to stop, but the driver tried to flee the spot and was nabbed. A search of his car and his person had then led to the seizure.

“During investigation, the driver disclosed his links with HM, for whom he was working as an over ground worker (OGW). Further searches at Waheed’s house in Mujgung, Sringagar, led to the recovery of some more incriminating materials,” reads the statement.

The NIA further said that the probe also led to the identification of Mubashir Maqbool Mir as a conspirator in the case. “He was also subsequently arrested.”

The investigation agency further said, “It was further revealed during investigation that Mubashir was also providing financial assistance to the accused. Investigations in the case RC-6/2024/NIA/JMU are continuing as part of NIA’s attempts to unveil the entire conspiracy and ascertain the intended destination of the arms and other materials.”— (KNO)

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Reviews Arrangements for Smooth Republic Day 2024 Celebrations

Kashmir Divisional Commissioner

With an aim to ensure smooth and hassle free celebration of ensuing Republic Day-2024 in Kashmir, the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri Friday chaired a high level meeting of concerned Officers to review the civil and security arrangements to be put in place.

The meeting was attended by, CEO SSCL/ Commissioner SMC, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Health Services Kashmir Director Floriculture, Chief Engineers of PWD (R&B), KPDCL, PHE, UEED, MED Kashmir; Joint Director Information Kashmir, HoDs and representatives of Hospitality & Protocol, Fire & Emergency Services, Academy of Art Culture & Languages Kashmir, Regional Transport, J&K Sports Council, Youth Services & Sports, State Motors Garages, SMC and officers of other departments besides, senior officers of security agencies including BSF, CRPF and Police also attended the meeting in person.

Deputy Commissioners of other districts and other officers attended the meeting through video conferencing.

The meeting was informed that the main event for the celebration of Republic Day shall be held at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar.

Addressing the meeting, Div Com emphasized on all concerned Officers to ensure meticulous arrangements for smooth and successful conduct of the event. He also stressed on close synergy between line departments to avoid any glitch.

Bidhuri issued slew of instructions for selection of contingents, display of cultural programmes, transportation & accommodation facilities for student participants, traffic management, security arrangements, refreshment, illumination of government buildings and other important arrangements for smooth conduct of the event.

KPDCL authorities were directed for proper illumination of main Government buildings, besides un-interrupted power supply to the main function venue on the said date.

The Div Com directed the PW(R&B) department to make comprehensive seating and heating arrangements for participants at the event.

For the live commentary, Div Com directed concerned departments including police, Information and Radio Kashmir to depute expert commentators.

Div Com also directed Director Floriculture to make more decorative and creative floral arrangements for the event in consonance with the past practice.

Moreover, he asked all departments to conduct special cleanliness and sanitation drives within the office premises in view of celebrations.

Also, he directed the Director Health to deploy doctors, paramedical team and ambulance besides first aid team at the venue of Republic Day Celebration in case of any exigency.

He also directed SMC and MED for making arrangements of snow clearance at the main function venue including parking places, roads leading to the selected venues in case of snowfall.

Further, he exhorted upon all concerned officers to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place well in time for smooth and successful celebration of the Republic Day.

Anti-Terror Operation at Diver Ander Bough Lolab People Asked to Record Statement

army

In connection with the anti-terror operation conducted at Diver Ander Bough Lolab on 5th and 6th of November, the government has ordered a Magisterial enquiry under section 196 BNSS.Sub Divisional Magistrate Lolab Sogam has been entrusted with the job.

Meanwhile, general public are informed that if any person has any kind of information regarding the incident, he/ she may submit or record his/ her statement before the concerned Magistrate within 7 day from the date of publication of this release so that the requisite enquiry may be concluded.

Sajad Lone Opposes GST Hike on Kashmiri Shawls, Warns of Devastating Impact on Artisans

Sajad Lone

JKPC President and MLA Handwara, Sajad Lone opposed the recent increase in GST on handmade Kashmiri shawls, terming it an “oversight” with potentially devastating consequences for artisans and the centuries-old shawl industry.

Lone underscored the cultural and historical significance of the Kashmiri shawl, describing it as more than a mere product.

“The Kashmiri shawl embodies our history and serves as an ambassador of our artistry. It provides livelihood to thousands of skilled artisans,” he said.

Highlighting the broader economic realities, Lone emphasized that handmade shawls represent a rare human skill at a time when machines and artificial intelligence dominate industries.

“In an era where machines drive production and AI threatens human jobs, these skilled hands are a rare relic and still economically competitive. Why are we eroding their competitiveness by subjecting them to higher GST tax brackets?” he questioned.

Lone warned that the increased taxation would inevitably reduce demand, shrink supply and push many skilled artisans into unemployment.

“Higher taxes would mean lower demand and, consequently, lower production. Thousands of skilled artisans will face unemployment. Such policies will deal a severe blow to the entire industry,” he asserted.

Appealing to policymakers, Lone urged the government to reconsider and restore the lowest GST tax bracket for handmade Kashmiri shawls..

“This fragile cottage industry needs encouragement and support, not economic burdens. Our artisans are the guardians of an art form that defines Kashmir’s identity. We must protect them and ensure their craft remains economically viable,” Lone stated.

Congress Holds Strong Protest in Jammu for 3rd Day, FIR Against LoP Rahul Gandhi is Absolutely False and Frivolous: Tariq Karra

FIR Against LoP Rahul Gandhi

JKPCC President Tariq Hameed Karra along with Working Presidents Shri Tara Chand and Raman Bhalla, led a protest today at Satwari Chowk in Jammu against the Union Home Minister, Amit Shah, for his offensive and disrespectful remarks about Bharat Ratna Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Speaking to the media persons PCC Chief Tariq Hameed Karra said that these remarks insult the unparalleled legacy of the architect of our Constitution and have deeply hurt the sentiments of millions who view Dr. Ambedkar as a symbol of equality, justice, and social transformation.

Furthermore, BJP MPs have sunk to new lows by attempting to misbehave with the Honorable Congress President, the Leader of the Opposition, and other MPs.

In a further act of desperation, they registered a false FIR against the Leader of the Opposition, Shri Rahul Gandhi. These disgraceful actions are blatant attempts to divert attention from Amit Shah’s deeply disrespectful remarks about Dr. Ambedkar and to suppress voices of dissent.

Prominent leaders who participated in the protest include Th Balwan Singh, Ravinder Sharma, Ved Mahajan, Th Balbir Singh, Indu Pawar, Rajnish Sharma (Mian) Surinder Singh Channi, Th Manmohan Singh, Iftikhar Ahmed(MLA), Shashi Sharma, Narinder Sharma, Namrata Sharma, Amrit Bali, Satish Sharma, Vijay Sharma, Akash Bharat, Ajay Lakhotra, Jatin Raina , Rajinder Singh Nathu, Sajad Tariq, Madan Lal Dogra, Sanjeev Panda, Neeraj Gupta, Sahil Sharma, Jatinder Singh Chib, Deepika Thusoo, Sandeep Dogra, Ricky Dalotra, Annirudh Sawhney, Manpreet Singh, Dr. R.K Khajuria, Sat Paul Sapolia, Atul Sharma, Rakesh Sharma, Gurmeet Singh, Ajay Kumar, Sunny Parihar and others.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq Expresses Anguish Over Being Barred from Delivering Friday Sermon at Jama Masjid

Mirwaiz-Umar-Farooq

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today  expressed deep anguish after being barred from delivering the Friday sermon at Srinagar’s historic Jama Masjid for the third consecutive week.

In a social media post on X, Mirwaiz highlighted the emotional impact on the worshippers, stating:”Again prevented from going to #JamaMasjid for third consecutive Friday. Despite the bone chilling cold thousands of faithful-the elderly, women, physically challenged, children, people from all over the valley gather, waiting expectantly with a lot of affection and devotion to listen to the word of God at the Grand Mosque.

“What hurt and disappointment it brings to them all when those in power assert brute force and detain me, totally impervious and heartless to the grief they cause to them, to me and to the Muslims of the valley,” it added. (KNS)

Altaf Bukhari Urges Authorities Not to Shift the Already Approved Site Gund Chogal for Government Medical College Handwara

altaf

Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday expressed deep concern over the government’s plan to shift the site for Government Medical College Handwara from its originally approved location at Gund Chogal.

Questioning the official claims that the earlier approved site is not feasible due to its vulnerability to floods, the Apni Party President asked why the site had been approved earlier without a risk assessment.

He urged the authorities to explore options to mitigate the flood risk and take measures to ensure the same site remains viable for the construction of GMC.

In his statement, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari said that the relocation of the GMC site would lead to huge losses of taxpayers’ money.

He said, “There is no plausible justification for relocating GMC Handwara from its originally approved site at Gund Chogal. Media reports indicate that nearly Rs 170 crore have already been spent on this 325 crore Central government project. Shifting the site now would mean wasting the money already invested.”

Apni Party President further said, “It is strange that the same officials who initially approved the site for GMC construction are now deeming it unfeasible due to its vulnerability to seasonal flooding.

Was the site approved without a thorough risk assessment?”

“It is important to recognise that farmers willingly gave up their fertile land, hoping the GMC project would bring progress and business opportunities to the area. Now, they feel betrayed as the government announces plans to relocate the project,” he said.

Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari urged the administration to make corrective measures.

He said, “The administration must take the following steps: First, take action against the officials who approved the site without conducting a proper risk assessment. Second, explore options to protect the approved site, which spans 251 kanals, using modern techniques such as river dredging, building a flood channel nearby, constructing perimeter walls around the site, raising the foundations of the buildings, erecting flood barriers, and other measures. These measures will help ensure the site remains viable.”

“The GMC project, inaugurated in October 2021, was supposed to be completed by March 2025. Changing the plan at this stage will result in a sheer waste of resources, money, and time,” Mr. Bukhari added.(KNS)

Motorcyclist Shahid Ahmad killed in Khanater Poonch road accident

Truck Accident

A 20 Year-old Motorcyclist was killed after collision with bus in Khanater area of Poonch district on Friday.

Officials told GNS that a motorcyclist had a collision with a bus near Khanater. Soon locals from the area shifted him to hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.The deceased has been identified as Shahid Ahmad(20) son of Mohd Rashid resident of Kalai.

Meanwhile, police have registered a case in this regard and investigation has been takenup.(GNS)

Yousf Tarigami Urges Authorities for Uninterrupted Electricity Supply Amid Power Outages Affecting COPD Patients in Kulgam

Yousf Tarigami

CPI(M) senior leader and MLA Kulgam, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami said on Friday said that in the absence of a seamless electricity, COPD patients inany areas of the Valley have to press generators into service.

In a post on X , Tarigami wrote, “In the absence of a seamless electricity, COPD patients in many areas of the Valley have to press generators into service,significantly enhancing their treatment costs.”

“Additionally, amidst sub-zero temperatures, the protracted power outages cause immense hardships to people.Urging the authorities to ensure an uninterrupted supply of electricity”, he said.